Grand Banks 54: New Mid‑Size Model Combines Efficiency, Strength and Comfort

Grand Banks Yachts is progressing with construction of the Grand Banks 54 at its Malaysian factory, the third new model from the builder in as many years. The 54 joins the recently introduced Grand Banks 60 and the 60 Skylounge as part of the company’s revitalized line. Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks Yachts, explains that the new design follows the same priorities set for the earlier models: weight reduction, structural strength and a low vertical center of gravity. Those elements are being combined to produce a hull and outfitting package that aims to deliver both efficiency and seakeeping without sacrificing liveability.

Two Interior Configurations

The Grand Banks 54 will be offered with two belowdecks arrangements to suit different cruising needs. One option is a two‑stateroom layout with the galley located down below, providing a dedicated galley area and a more open salon above. The alternative is a three‑stateroom, galley‑up layout that increases sleeping capacity while keeping the galley integrated into the main social area. Both versions preserve a well‑appointed main salon designed for extended time aboard, featuring ample seating including a four‑person dinette and an L‑shaped lounge arranged around a teak table for comfortable socializing and dining.

Exterior Living and Deck Layout

Exterior spaces are designed with the same attention to comfort and practical use. The aft cockpit hosts a transom lounge positioned aft of a varnished teak table, making it a comfortable area for dining, relaxing or entertaining. The cockpit sole is laid in teak from gunwale to gunwale, and a teak‑covered stair to starboard provides access up to the flybridge. The flybridge deck offers storage and handling space for a dinghy and a davit, while the upper helm forward includes two swiveling captain’s chairs for helm comfort and visibility. Immediately aft of the helm on the bridge is a small galley and an L‑shaped lounge with a teak table, all sheltered beneath an elongated hardtop that provides protection and shade while underway or at anchor.

Engineering and Performance

At 53’10” overall with a 17’6” beam, the Grand Banks 54 is being equipped with twin Volvo Penta D11 diesel engines, each rated at 725 horsepower and driving conventional shaft and propeller systems. Although the propulsion uses traditional running gear, the design emphasis on weight reduction and low vertical center of gravity is expected to yield efficient performance and confident handling. Preliminary estimates from Grand Banks indicate a cruising profile that includes a 1,000‑nautical‑mile range at 10 knots, a comfortable fast cruise around 27 knots and a top speed near 31 knots. These numbers suggest the 54 is intended for owners who want capable long‑distance cruising ability while retaining the responsiveness and speed to cover ground when desired.

Design Philosophy and Intended Use

The Grand Banks 54 follows a design philosophy that balances seakeeping and onboard comfort: reducing weight where possible to improve efficiency, strengthening structure where needed for durability and lowering the vertical center of gravity to enhance stability underway. The result aims to be a yacht that is surefooted across a wide range of sea states and comfortable for extended time onboard, whether for coastal cruising, passage making or liveaboard use. Interior and exterior teak accents, thoughtful lounge and dining arrangements, and practical deck layouts reflect traditional craftsmanship combined with modern naval architecture choices.

Show Debut and Availability

Grand Banks plans to introduce the 54 to U.S. audiences at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in November. The model’s introduction continues Grand Banks’ recent momentum in refreshing its model lineup and offering new options for owners seeking a mid‑size flybridge motor yacht with classic styling and contemporary performance.

This article originally appeared in the May 2019 issue.