Downright Sexy GRAND BANKS PIONEERED THE DOWN EAST CATEGORY WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE 38 EASTBAY. TWENTY YEARS LATER, THE EASTBAY SERIES TAKES ANOTHER LEAP FORWARD WITH A STATEOF-THE-ART NEW MODEL AND A DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS DESIGN. STORY \ DAVID HENSEL PHOTOGRAPHY \ JONATHAN COOPER

rand Banks Yachts has been associated with a number of notable firsts. The first production trawler-style motoryacht, for instance, or—more recently—the first trawler with pod-drive propulsion. Many would say Grand Banks was the first to enter the contemporary Down East segment with the launch of the 38 Eastbay two decades ago. Here and now, dear reader, comes another first for you to witness with all the world: the first time a Grand Banks will be described as “downright seriously sexy.” While Heritage, Eastbay and Aleutian models have long held a certain aesthetic appeal, the term “sexy” has...

that speed we could cover around 365 nautical miles before fueling up again. With smooth seas all around us we decide to run circles for a while, chasing through our own wake to see how she handles the rougher stuff. The 50 Eastbay is the first Grand Banks equipped with Volvo Penta IPS (traditional shaft drives are also available), and as we turn the wheel hard over at 25 knots the boat carves a tight arc and cuts right through the chop; the hull shape also allows for a nice, easy bank into the turns, without the outward roll we’ve encountered on Down East boats from other brands. Indeed, one...

ALL-NEW 50 EASTBAY SX Clockwise from left: Large salon windows above the gracefully curved portside dinette. This layout features a down galley and two staterooms and will be on display at the Annapolis boat show. (The Newport and Norwalk show boat will feature the galley up, three-stateroom layout); This model also features the optional midship master stateroom with private, en-suite head; Generous second stateroom forward features queen berth, plenty of hanging locker and drawer storage, and a Jack and Jill head with stall shower. S P R AY GRAND BANKS YACHTS • SPRAY MAGAZINE • 2013 ANNUAL

1. View of the interior from the salon entrance, featuring double-sliding doors. 2. Aft view of the cockpit table, folded in half to show stainless support and cupholders. With table folded back, engine room hatch can be opened without interference. 3. Incredible foredeck with generous chain locker, hatches, and optional sunpad 4. Beautiful en-suite head for the midship master. 5. Down galley features cleverly designed pull-out glassware storage, Sub-Zero® drawer fridge/freezer, and Meile® cooktop. Stairs to salon open easily with gas-assist lift to reveal optional washer/dryer. 6. Wide-angle...

Volvo Penta IPS is a complete and integrated propulsion system—the engine, pod and propellers have been developed in parallel to match each other perfectly. This greatly increases quality and reliability. Volvo Penta IPS also has a series of built-in features to reduce the risk of leakage in the event of an impact. Excellent maneuverability with one engine increases safety even more. When it comes to fuel economy, Volvo Penta IPS offers significantly reduced fuel consumption at cruising speed compared to inboard shafts. That translates into a considerably longer cruising range, and of course...

Feature-Rich Fifty The new 50 Eastbay offers a long list of innovative features and useful amenities. While the equipment list gives the full story, here are a few that stood out for us during our time on board: DECKPLANS / SPECIFICATIONS / VOLUMES MAIN DECK LOWER DECK Foredeck Sunpad Grand Banks has a legendary obsession with safety electric sunroof that can be opened and closed at sea, and the 50 Eastbay is no exception. Wide side neatly within an inset atop the forward cabin. The POWER OPTIONS* Wide Side Decks & Safety Rails The 50SX comes standard-equipped with a large option of a large and...