World first Grand Banks Motor Yacht arrives in Melbourne

WORLD FIRST GRAND BANKS HERITAGE ARRIVES IN MELBOURNE

The first of the revolutionary new Grand Banks Heritage 41EU models has arrived in Melbourne. This model was designed from the keel up to include the state-of-the-art Cummins MerCruiser Zeus pod propulsion system.

The boat, purchased by Rod and Connie Eakins through R Marine Jacksons VIC Dealer Stuart Jackson, is the first sold anywhere in the world.

Rod Eakins said he bought the boat specifically because of the Zeus drive system.

“I am delighted with the way she handles,” he said. “The first sea trial on Port Phillip Bay was a great test with heavy winds and seas. But the boat worked superbly.”

The Eakins’ have christened their boat  “Poseidon” – with the name upside down.

The traditional layout and look of the Heritage series is comfortably counter-balanced by new and innovative features, starting with the Zeus pod drive system linked to a pair of Cummins QSB 5.9 turbo diesel engines rated at 425hp each. The Zeus drives offer high efficiency, low noise and extraordinary low-speed manoeuvrability through a joystick control.

As well, her hull is optimised by being laid up using the vacuum infusion process.

As a result, the 41EU cruises smoothly and efficiently at 10 and 24 knots alike. She handles a tight berth with ease while retaining the renowned seaworthiness,travelling long distances quickly and quietly due to the underwater exhausts in the pod drives.

Above the waterline, the 41EU maintains the classic lines of the series.  Teak joinery features throughout, with granite benchtops and cedar-lined lockers.

This two cabin/one bathroom cruiser impresses with her luxury as much as her practicality. The main saloon includes a lounge dinette to port with separate chairs or lounge along the starboard side. An impressive U-shape galley forward on the port side is opposite the lower helm.

Below decks, the master stateroom forward has a walk-around double bed while the second cabin has twin berths. The bathroom is fully equipped, with a separate shower stall.

The impact of the Zeus pod drives is clear below, with a large space aft of the companionway suitable for a laundry, workbench or storage for scuba gear.

A hatch in the floor of the covered aft deck can be lifted for easy access to the engines and pod drives.

The traditional flying bridge, accessed by stairs from the aft deck, is designed for cruising in comfort, with an L-shape lounge around a teak table on the starboard side with a lounge to port. Owners can opt for a single helm chair or the addition of companion chairs port and starboard.

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
Length (max):     14.15 m     46’ 5”
LOA:     12.62 m     41’ 5”
LWL:     11.56 m     37’ 11”
Beam:     4.65 m     15’ 3”
Draft:     1.17 m     3’ 10”
Displacement (half load):     16,783 Kg     37,000 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:     1,893 Litres     500 US gal
Water Tank Capacity:     757 Litres     200 US gal
Black Tank Capacity:     193 Litres     51 US gal
Height (DWL to Top of Mast):     6.55 m     21’ 6”