Stabilisation technologies have transformed the comfort and safety of mid-size power boats. If...
The Grand Banks 47 Heritage EU
The Grand Banks 47 Heritage EU is a classically styled, luxurious, and highly capable long-range cruising yacht. Its extended upper deck and spacious flybridge offer exceptional comfort and protection while underway, while the expertly crafted teak interior provides a peaceful, self-contained sanctuary. Robust, refined, and elegantly timeless, it is a boat built to voyage far in comfort, confidence, and style.
This particular example arrived at Proyacht's work sheds at the Boat Works on Queensland's Gold Coast for a Humphree Electric Fin Stabilisers and interceptors retrofit, along with an extensive refit for its new owner. The owner had recently purchased the Grand Banks via Alexander Marine brokers, who recommended Proyacht for the work.
The owner, an experienced open-water sailor, chose the Grand Banks 47 Heritage for its long-range cruising ability, exceptional passenger comfort, and elegant design. Before taking delivery, he outlined a series of projects to meet his high standards for the vessel. A major refit was needed, including achieving a high-quality, pristine finish throughout and installing state-of-the-art Humphree stabilisation technology.
Completed install by Proyacht: Humphree Interceptors automatic trim and stabilisation technology on the Grand Banks 47 Heritage EU
The Brief: Humphree Electric Fin Stabilisers
Humphree Electric Fin Stabilisers and Interceptors were specified for several reasons. First and foremost, the owner needed a highly effective stabilisation system to minimise vessel movement at anchor and underway. Equally important is their use of 24 Volt DC power. Their efficiency, coupled with a suitable battery setup, allows the stabilisers to run overnight without an auxiliary generator, ensuring near-silent operation.
The owner had done his research. The dual advantages of highly effective stabilisation with near-silent operation at rest completely transforms the boating experience for everyone on board. Sea trials on a wide range of vessels between 40 and 70 feet show that rolling motion is reduced by 70-80% while underway and 60-70% when at anchor. Additionally, a quiet boat overnight ensures all luxuries and practical features are available in a nearly silent environment.
The transformation level that Humphree Electric Fin Stabilisers offer cannot be understated for boating enthusiasts and their passengers. In terms of comfort, this system can reduce roll by at least 50% in open water, making the boating experience more enjoyable, especially for those less familiar with boating or sensitive to motion sickness. It can encourage more frequent, longer-lasting outings for husbands, wives, and families to enjoy together.
Humphree Electric Fins Stabilisers also work in harmony with Humphree Interceptors, automatically adjusting trim and supplementing stabilisation when underway. Humphree calls this 'total stabilisation'. The result is improved stabilisation during navigation, especially in pitch control. The interceptors alter the hydrodynamic performance of any hull shape to match current conditions, thereby boosting the vessel's cruising efficiency and fuel economy.
“Humphree's reputation in Australia is unmatched, with the widespread use of Humphree technology across commercial fleets, highlighting its effectiveness and dependability in all conditions. Value for money is also an area where the Humphree system truly excels,” said Steve Dittmar, Director, Proyacht.
Installation by Proyacht
Retrofitting stabilisers, whether fins or gyros, is a significant project that demands careful planning and design. Bespoke, high-quality work at this stage is crucial to the final outcome in terms of performance, reliability, and safety.
At 47 feet, the Grand Banks 47 Heritage is on the smaller end of the spectrum for a fins retrofit. The engine room is relatively compact, with limited space for extra hardware. A key advantage of the Humphree Electric Fin Stabiliser system is that it requires minimal inboard space, making a Humphree Fins retrofit easier to perform than many alternative systems. However, careful engineering planning is necessary to reinforce the hull to handle the additional loads from the fins.
Proyacht collaborated with Grand Banks during the planning phase to gather all necessary drawings and specifications. After initial design work, a 3D replica of the Humphree Fins servo actuators was created to help refine the design approach practically. The vessel's fuel tanks and engine were temporarily removed, and the exhaust was temporarily relocated to gain access for the systems’ installation.
Hull strengthening involved increasing the hull thickness in the specified areas using solid fibreglass.
The Humphree system retrofit was also paired with a 24V lithium battery system upgrade to run the fins overnight and provide a greater window for generator-free operation of powered systems on board.
Finally, quality depends on every small detail that ensures structural integrity, optimal performance, and the level of fit and finish that owners of Grand Banks and other luxury motor boats demand.
The Result
The Grand Banks 47 Heritage looks stunning and has recently been relaunched.
“The boat’s owner is ecstatic,” said Proyacht’s Steve Dittmar. “He’s been astounded by the level of stabilisation at rest and underway, achieved with the fin and interceptor combination. Plus, the overnight experience has been luxurious, well beyond his expectations, with highly effective stabilisation in near silence. After years of open-water sailing, the change is dramatic.”
The appearance, both inside and out, is just as Grand Banks would have delivered as new, with the Humphree Fins and Interceptors seamlessly and meticulously in place, ready to work their magic.
Contact us to learn more about Humphree automatic trim and stabilisation, including Humphree Electric Stabilising Fins and Humphree Lightning Interceptors.
Completed install by Proyacht: Humphree Interceptors automatic trim and stabilisation technology on the Grand Banks 47 Heritage EU
Completed install by Proyacht: Humphree Electric Fin Stabiliser servo actuator.
