Grand Banks 36 for sale in Saint-Tropez France

American Marine Grand Banks 36

American Marine Ltd, along with Grand Banks, was the inventor of the pleasure trawler.

Sailing on a Grand Banks offers a different approach to cruising and life on board. Powered by Ford Lehman engines, a Grand Banks has a great range at speeds under 10 knots.

It also provides its crew with a spacious living area while offering a high level of equipment.

For over 60 years, Grand Banks has been cruising the world’s seas at a leisurely pace, carrying its unique silhouette. Here's a look back at the history and evolution of the pioneer of trawlers dedicated to cruising.

North American Design, Asian Manufacturing:

The legendary Grand Banks trawler story began on the shores of an island in Hong Kong. Two brothers, John and Whit Newton, encouraged by their father, started a boat building business in the parking lot of their family’s factory.

The first units produced were custom orders from wealthy local entrepreneurs, who wanted long-keel sailboats or wooden motoryachts.

In 1962, the shipyard moved to larger facilities to meet growing demand. The family business settled in Junk Bay, to the north of the archipelago.

In 1963, the two brothers decided to move away from custom orders and focus on mass production. They hired architect Kenneth Smith to design a 36-foot cruising boat, made of wood, with a displacement hull and diesel engine.

Upon its launch, the first of the series was named "Spray" and became a resounding success. Inspired by the design of North American trawlers, the Spray embodied the Grand Banks philosophy: an elevated wheelhouse, tall bulwarks, and a hull with soft curves. The result was an incredible living space, all while boasting a unique and distinctive line. Furthermore, the displacement hull had excellent performance in rough seas, although it sometimes suffered from pronounced rolling.

A total of 1,124 units of this 36-footer were produced, reflecting the market's growing interest in this type of vessel. In 1974, the shipyard expanded its expertise to fiberglass construction. Easier to implement than traditional wooden construction, the fiberglass boats allowed the yard to increase productivity.