Our unique, semi-displacement hull design is truly a game changer in the category of luxury motor yachts. As the name suggests, the V-Warp® Hull combines fine entry with a flared form that delivers the ultimate speed, stability and efficiency.
Ocean-racing champion Mark Richards and naval architect Andy Dovell collaborated in the early nineties to design ocean racing yachts together.
But it was their decision to build motor yachts in 1995 that led to a breakthrough in hull design that has given the V-Warp® Hull the unrivalled advantage that it enjoys to this day.
In Andy’s words, ‘We stood on the shoulders of giants!’ The concepts that shaped the underwater geometry of this breakthrough design were informed by the NASA and American Navy databases – the most sophisticated source material available in the world of nautical engineering.
The hull has been further refined by Mark over the years and its extraordinary efficiency is clearly evident in the towing tank tests that have become a crucial element in the Grand Banks design process.
While the sharpened ‘V’ of the bow slices cleanly through the water, the hull then flares to roll away the seas. (Imagine a racing sailboat that widens amidships.)
This warped, semi-displacement form reduces drag, while adding buoyancy, stability and additional lift.
As a result, any Grand Banks yacht can climb gently over its own bow wave and move from hull speed to plane speed with minimal energy and effort.
THE V-WARP® HULL DOESN’T
CLIMB OVER THE WAVES,
IT SLICES THROUGH THEM.
FLAT, CLEAN WAKE SHOWS
HOW LITTLE RESISTANCE THE
BOAT IS ENCOUNTERING
SUPERIOR SLOW-SPEED
MANEUVERABILITY AND EXCELLENT HIGH-SPEED HANDLING
OPTIMAL PLANE ANGLE
FOR EXTRAORDINARY EFFICIENCY
AND COMFORT
The numbers tell the story. If you look at the performance figures for any Grand Banks yacht, you’ll see an unsurpassed combination of high speed, low fuel burn and extended cruising range. You’ll find this holds true whether you opt for direct drive or an IPS power train.
Further evidence of this efficiency lies on the surface of the water. Look behind any of our models at speed and you’ll see a flat, clean wake that illustrates how little resistance the boat is encountering.
The ‘soft ride’ that is so characteristic of Grand Banks yachts is in large part due to the construction process. All bulkheads, and even fixed furniture, are fused to the hull and deck. This achieves a semi-monocoque torsion box that is stiff underway and free from any rattles or creaking.
All large-mass components are carefully balanced both vertically and longitudinally. Our engines and full-beam baffled fuel tank are mounted amidships which ensures a low center of gravity and creates stability and comfort in all conditions.
Tom Whidden, 8 times America’s Cup Pro sailor and GB60 owner
The best way to appreciate the true beauty of the V-Warp® Hull is to come sit at the helm station as we open up the throttles. With so little water resistance, the acceleration to cruise speed or even top speed is remarkably smooth and swift.
You’ll enjoy the ride and we’re confident you’ll come to this firm conclusion: Our V-Warp® Hull is V-Fast, V-Stable, V-Comfortable and VVV-Efficient!
