Grand Banks 54: Classic Styling Refreshed

No, it wasn't among your holiday gifts, and probably didn't even make the list, but January is a time for boaters to dream. And when you're dreaming about Grand Banks, you're dreaming big.

With a semi-displacement hull that owes its inspiration to ocean racing yachts, the re-engineered Grand Banks 54 has a lighter, more stable hull due to advanced composite construction techniques, including a fully infused fiberglass hull and infused carbon fiber decks and superstructure. Designers say the weight savings moves the yacht's vertical center of gravity lower, providing increased stability and comfort at sea.

"Driven in large part from my experience and involvement in high-end sail racing — from the America's Cup to the Sydney To Hobart — and the tacit knowledge and passion of our team at the factory yards, we've worked really hard to ensure our build techniques, designs, and material selection are cutting-edge," says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks.

The new GB 54 sports a low end of 10 knots running on a pair of 725-horsepower Volvo Penta D11s, burning an estimated 7 gallons per hour, with a range that tops 1,200 nautical miles (with a full beam 924-gallon FRP tank). At the upper end, the yacht burns 57 gallons per hour cruising at 25 knots.

Highlights of the standard equipment list include a 15-kW generator, reverse-cycle air conditioning, an entertainment center, a refrigerator and freezer, a 10-foot tender with 30-horsepower outboard, and a davit installed on the boat deck. All canvas is fitted to the owner's specifications prior to shipment. The most significant item left to owner's discretion is a choice of compatible navigation electronics.

Oh yeah. The price tag? Just over $3 million. Perchance to dream.