Grand Banks launches its second boat powered by CMD Zeus propulsion system

It’s not that Grand Banks doesn’t have laurels. It just wouldn’t dare rest on them.

Enter the new Grand Banks 46 Eastbay SX.

Grand Banks earned huge accolades last year with its first boat equipped with CMD Zeus® pods, the 41 Heritage EU, including a coveted Best of the Year award from Motor Boating Magazine. The venerable boat builder follows up that triumph with an even bolder introduction, the 46 Eastbay SX. The boat made its international debut at the Eurasia Boat Show, February 12 in Istanbul.

Like many of Grand Banks’ new models, the 46SX combines timeless nautical styling with new and innovative technologies, a combination that has won strong acclaim for the company in markets around the world.

Chief among those new technologies is the Zeus propulsion system from Cummins MerCruiser Diesel. With joystick docking control, reduced noise and emissions, superior maneuverability and excellent fuel efficiency, the twin Zeus pod drives deftly complement the stylish Eastbay Series. Standard power is a pair of QSC8.3-liter 550-mhp CMD engines. In factory sea trials with optional QSC8.3-liter 600-mhp diesels, the 46SX has reached top speeds of well over 30 knots. The Zeus pods, each with their twin, counter-rotating aft-facing propellers, are installed in tunnels molded into the hull to provide maximum protection to the gearcase and props, and give the owner enhanced peace of mind.

CMD Zeus also features integrated advanced electronic features. Skyhook®, for instance, will hold vessel position and heading indefinitely – even in wind and current – with just the touch of a button, perfect for waiting for a bridge opening or a spot at the fuel dock. The Zeus system also includes an integrated autopilot that provides autoheading functionality and, when linked to one of many compatible chartplotters, waypoint sequencing and tracking.

The 46SX is the second Grand Banks to offer Zeus pod drives, after the trawler-styled 41 Heritage. Like the 41EU, the new Eastbay was designed to take full advantage of the Zeus system’s compact footprint to open up more room for accommodations.

As a result, owners can opt for a two- or even three-cabin layout in the 46SX, a noteworthy feature for a vessel of this size. “All three are honest-to-goodness cabins, not glorified lockers with a berth laid on,” said Neil McCurdy, Vice President of Sales and Service for Grand Banks. “There’s even a utility room down below for added storage, plus the option to add a washer-dryer unit or a refrigerator-freezer. I think owners will be delighted with every single aspect of this new Eastbay.”

The 46SX continues the stylish evolution that other recent models have brought to the Eastbay Series. Owners can choose from a standard galley-down layout, or a unique galley-up version that maintains plenty of seating in the salon. Class-leading amenities include standard Stidd helm seats, granite countertops, and handcrafted teak throughout. With an optional power sunroof, and a standard aft salon window that disappears at the touch of a button, the bright and airy salon opens gracefully to the aft cockpit where built-in seating and hand-laid teak add to the comfort and luxury.

One feature that has not changed on the new 46SX is her hull design. Like all previous models in the series, this newest Eastbay uses the same C.R. Hunt Associates-designed hull that has won broad acclaim for its solid, seaworthy handling. As with all Zeus-powered vessels, CMD’s staff naval architect and applications engineers worked closely with the boat builder to ensure a smooth integration and a finished product that meets or exceeds performance expectations.

“We have devoted considerable time and research to making the new 46SX a top performer in all respects, from handling and speed to reliability and seaworthiness, style and comfort,” said McCurdy. “We’ve been very impressed by the Zeus drive performance in our 41EU, and are excited to bring it now to the Eastbay Series. It opened up all kinds of opportunities to make this an ideal boat for both new and current GB owners.”