Stepping up in size is a familiar arc for many boat owners. For the couple who purchased this Grand Banks 60 Skylounge, moving from their previous Grand Banks 47 Europa in the Pacific Northwest was driven by a desire to live aboard more comfortably and to cruise farther afield. They wanted a yacht that functioned as a true long-distance cruiser and liveaboard—a boat that could handle trans-oceanic passages while offering the comforts and redundancies needed for extended cruising. The Grand Banks 60 Skylounge fit that brief.
The GB60 Skylounge delivers a capable, versatile platform for extended bluewater passages. Its design supports a wide range of speeds and efficiencies suited to both economical, long-range cruising and higher-speed passages when time is a factor. The enclosed skylounge provides protection from the elements and creates a comfortable, usable bridge space in colder or rougher conditions—an especially valuable feature for owners who plan to spend months at sea or cruise into higher latitudes.
Commissioned as Hull No. 18 at the Grand Banks Yacht Basin in Stuart, Florida, the owners took delivery on the East Coast. Their early voyages took them north into New England and along Downeast Maine, with long-term plans that include cruising through the Leeward and Windward islands of the Caribbean and eventually heading to the Mediterranean and other European destinations. The boat’s range, systems, and living spaces were selected and upgraded with those ambitions in mind.
Power comes from twin 900-hp Volvo-Penta D13 diesel engines paired to traditional shaft drives. Twin Disc MGX QuickShift transmissions and the Express Joystick System simplify close-quarters handling by coordinating engine control with hydraulic bow and stern thrusters. This integration makes sideways or diagonal maneuvering much easier, which is a notable advantage when docking in tight marinas or med-mooring stern-to in European ports. The system’s Dynamic Positioning mode has proven especially useful when holding station for bridge openings or canal gates.
Fuel-efficiency figures underline the GB60’s long-range capability. At a modest cruising speed of about 9 knots, the Volvos consume roughly 4.5 gallons per hour combined, providing an approximate range approaching 3,000 nautical miles. When operating at higher speeds—around 20 knots—fuel burn increases to about 45 gallons per hour and the range reduces to roughly 700 nautical miles. These figures allow owners to plan passages with a clear understanding of trade-offs between speed and range.
The owners invested in practical upgrades to enhance self-sufficiency and worldwide compatibility. Additional battery capacity expands their electrical reserves when offshore, and a multi-voltage transformer enables connection to shore power systems at 110, 220 or 240 volts anywhere the yacht visits. One standout convenience feature is a height-adjusting passarelle that stores neatly in the transom and deploys from a hatch—ideal for stern-to mooring in Mediterranean ports or stepping onto fixed docks wherever they cruise.
In the engine room two Fischer Panda 15000i PMS generators, each rated at 15 kVA, are set up to auto-synchronize and share loads for smoother power management and redundancy. The electrical power supports systems such as the Humphree electrically actuated trim and stabilization fins, which help reduce roll and enhance comfort underway. Together, these systems reflect a focus on safety, redundancy and on-board comfort for extended cruising.
The GB60 Skylounge proved to be a game changer for the owners’ concept of long-distance cruising—delivering a blend of range, redundancy, and comfortable liveaboard spaces that allow them to pursue seasons in different regions and to contemplate ocean crossings with confidence.
Walkthrough
Boarding is straightforward from the wide, deep swim platform, which leads through an opening transom door to the sheltered aft deck. The deck above provides protection from sun and rain for diners seated on a large bench and custom table. To port an aft-facing bench offers additional seating; to starboard a teak-tread stair leads up to the enclosed skylounge. Engine access is through the cockpit sole, and two symmetrical side decks run forward and up two steps to the foredeck.
Inside, the main salon affords expansive sightlines to both sides, creating a bright, airy living area. The galley sits aft to port, with storage and cabinetry to starboard. The standard interior layout places an L-shaped dining lounge and custom wood table to port and a pair of facing lounges with a low table to starboard—an arrangement that works well for socializing underway or at anchor. Down a companionway near centerline, the accommodations deck offers an owner’s stateroom with an ensuite head to port, and a guest cabin with a double berth to starboard. Forward, a generous guest stateroom features an island queen berth and ample storage; it shares the starboard head compartment with the other guest cabin.
The enclosed skylounge provides abundant natural light from overhead sliding ventilation hatches and power side windows, creating a comfortable and protected helm and social area that can be used in a wide variety of climates and sea conditions.
This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue.