2013 Grand Banks 43 Heritage EU

When you consider how thoroughly modern many of the features onboard Grand Banks’s newest model are, it really is pretty ironic that she is part of the company’s “Heritage” series. After all, precision joystick controls and top speeds over 25 knots aren’t exactly old-timey and traditional on a trawler. Indeed those two attributes in particular are more often found on express cruisers meant for skipping around the bay on a sunny afternoon, not on a cruiser designed for long runs down the coast or around the Great Loop. But then again, the 43 EU is a boat packed with pleasant surprises.

One of the more enviable of these features is a cockpit that is 30 percent larger than the 43’s predecessor, the 41. What’s more, the saloon’s aft door opens wide to connect the interior and exterior spaces to make one large entertainment space, perfect for hosting guests when in port.

The boat’s other main entertainment area is of course the flying bridge, which extends far aft, increasing its square footage. An L-shaped dining settee to starboard and a bench seat to port complement a center-aligned helm chair. That helm is hooked up with the aforementioned joystick, as is the indoor helm down below. The after section of the bridgedeck has room for an optional 800-pound davit for hoisting a tender.

Down below, the 43’s accommodations level has everything a cruising couple could want in their living space. The vessel has two good-sized staterooms that enjoy loads of natural light thanks to enlarged portholes in the hull. The forepeak master has ample stowage space and also an en suite head for privacy. A queen-sized island berth ensures that the 43’s owners will sleep like babies. The portside guest cabin has twin berths that can conveniently be combined into one larger unit, and has access to a wet head, also to port.

Grand Banks expects big things out of this launch, and it’s easy to see why. She’s got a highly functional layout and amenities to spare, not to mention some undeniably sporty running numbers. When she’s shown at this year’s Miami show, expect to be wowed—but don’t expect anything too old-fashioned.