Donald Tyson
Member
What year did they start making them in Fiberglass?
Grand Banks
- Thread starter Donald Tyson
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
SteveK
Guru
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2019
- Messages
- 5,958
- Location
- Gulf Islands, BC Canada
- Vessel Name
- Sea Sanctuary
- Vessel Make
- Bayliner 4588
1973 IIRC
Comodave
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2015
- Messages
- 22,513
- Location
- Au Gres, MI
- Vessel Name
- Black Dog
- Vessel Make
- Formula 41PC
I think it was part way through 1973. So some 73s may be wood.
darnold
Member
- Joined
- May 18, 2023
- Messages
- 19
- Vessel Name
- Malaika
- Vessel Make
- 1973 GB36 Sedan
I have one of the early wood 36 foot 73's. I believe that other models were wood for longer, but do not know this for sure.
Donald Tyson
Member
While I don't want a wooden hull I admire them for sure.
GB36_OuttaHere
Member
In 88 the 36 was widened and a port cabin door was added. Can be found with a single or twins. I have twin Lehman 135's, but can favorably argue either application...
Muriel 42LRC322
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2021
- Messages
- 55
1973 is the year of change ! 1974 they are fiberglass.
Captain DJ
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 18, 2016
- Messages
- 177
- Location
- United States
- Vessel Name
- m/v "Ramble On"
- Vessel Make
- Cheoy Lee 34
As far as the 42 classic I believe hull 353 was last woody and 354 was first FG in 1973 if I remember correctly. I was onboard both vessels in the late 90's or early 00's. I remember because I had GB 42-125 at the time and my home port then of Decatur, AL was a short side trip for Great Loop boaters. I went and greeted all Grand Banks that stopped in our marina and in under three years got to see the "last woody 42" and then the first 42 made in a mold.
I was highly biased to the woodies back then, but have been converted to the plastic boat tribe, largely because of wisdom imparted on this forum, plus plummeting resale values, insurance difficulties, rarity of railway lifts and wooden boat experts, expense of maintenance, marinas not wanting woodies, etc. I will still say nothing feels as good as a well built wooden boat; it just feels right.
I was highly biased to the woodies back then, but have been converted to the plastic boat tribe, largely because of wisdom imparted on this forum, plus plummeting resale values, insurance difficulties, rarity of railway lifts and wooden boat experts, expense of maintenance, marinas not wanting woodies, etc. I will still say nothing feels as good as a well built wooden boat; it just feels right.
ronobrien
Guru
I have a 1973 GB36 and I am told that is the first year for the 36 in glass. I also understand that different models made the transition in different years. I guess building plugs and all takes some time.
