New member with recent interest for Trawlers after 50 years of sailing

[Tjome]

I'm a Swede operating out of Stockholm and switched to motorboating last summer. I have a Targa 27.1 that I enjoy spending some time on. Sadly the Targa is a bit too small for longer time at sea, therefore I'm looking for a bigger boat. I really like the Grand Banks 42 and 46 Classic versions. Hope to find good information and perhaps tips on the Trawler forum. Cheers!

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

 

[Blissboat]

I'm a Swede operating out of Stockholm and switched to motorboating last summer. I have a Targa 27.1 that I enjoy spending some time on. Sadly the Targa is a bit too small for longer time at sea, therefore I'm looking for a bigger boat. I really like the Grand Banks 42 and 46 Classic versions. Hope to find good information and perhaps tips on the Trawler forum. Cheers!

Welcome aboard the TF, Tjome!

You have good taste in boats, as the GB classics are beautiful and well-built. Unfortunately, they tend to age poorly unless scrupulously maintained. The common pain points are decks, windows, fuel tanks and electrical systems. Keeping up with the brightwork is a separate conversation entirely, having nothing to do with how well the rest of the boat has been cared for (although a GB with gleaming brightwork could be the dictionary illustration of a yacht in "Bristol" condition).

If you must have a GB, find one whose previous owners have maintained it with an open checkbook. Then be prepared to do the same.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Welcome aboard. What type of boating do you intend doing? Where would you like to travel? How many people? How long will you stay out?

I don't wish to dissuade you from GB but Europe has a much larger variety of boat styles than North America. Perhaps a canal boat or a cabin cruiser would suit your needs.

 

[Tjome]

Thanks for your opinions on being careful with GBs. I thought the GBs were well built and aged well!!! I now need to think a bit about my positive thoughts about GB, again thank you.
My wife and I are planning to visit Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark and travel a bit along the Norwegian south and west coast. We will be visited by friends and children and in the long run grandchildren.
I've also looked at Hardy 42 and Beneteau 42. Anyone have experience or knowledge of these boats?

 

[Osprey69]

Many sailors, including me, tend to kneejerk to a GB. Baby steps to a stink-pot as it were. We found a very different boat which satisfied all of needs...mainly lots more room everywhere. Look around as mentioned and be open-minded and you might be surprised at what tickles your fancy.

 

[socalrider]

I think the consensus is that GBs were indeed built well and do age well if meticulously maintained. But that's a big "if". Lots and lots of exterior teak to keep up with. Also, as with most boats that age, make sure to check the steel fuel tanks for corrosion/leaks. Twin engined GB's aren't particularly fuel efficient if that's a concern.

Our boat (a CHB 41) is like a poor man's GB, unfortunately also with lots of exterior teak. We've painted most of it, which is great for us but somewhat heretical on a GB. Teak decks are a PITA. Our next boat will not have any exterior brightwork to maintain if possible.