What is happening in this world?

Now Grand Banks says that a POD drive is the only way to go for their newest trawler yacht.

My, my.

Its a revolution out there.

No pictures seabuddy......I am very dissapointed!

That is one sweet trawler though

I hope I don't step on any seabuddy toes here....


Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU

So the idea of the trawler being a slow, fuel sipper is on the way out?

This one is no speed demon............

...As a result, the 41EU cruises smoothly and efficiently at 10 and 24 knots alike. Handles a tight slip as confidently as a tall sea. Impresses with her luxury as much as her practicality. Goes faster and farther, yet still rides cleaner and quieter...

Some people say that $5 fuel will turn the trend right now, but new slow boats have tended to be hard to sell for awhile now in USA.

Some also say that the expected bump in sales for slow boats from high fuel prices is not showing up like they expected.

try...

http://www.grandbanks.com/yachts/heritag...at=zeus&sn=

...EVOLUTION OF AN ICON. In 1964, Grand Banks launched the first in a long succession of boats that would become the Heritage Series. Combining a genuine nautical spirit with the very best in materials and manufacturing, equipment and engineering, it brought a remarkable new cruising experience to owners around the world. An icon was born, and boating was changed forever.

In 2008, Grand Banks does it again. And once more, cruising will never be the same...

Grand Banks website

As far as trawlers are concerned, 24 kts is fairly speedy?

Yup.

This is a 41 model with a waterline lenght of about 38'. Take that times about 1.33 or so, and its displacement speed should be roughly 8 mph. Harden the chines, lighten the boat and shape the hull to a semi-displacement design and power it up and then think older boats of this size tend to go 14 mph at cruise. Re-shape the hull design again into a planning hull design with a pod system drive and they are thinking over 20 mph or even more for a cruising speed.

A 24 knot cruise speed is just under 28 mph.

Soooo would these fall under the same category as Back Cove, Saber, etc as far as boat type?

"Trim tabs are built in to the pods and deploy automated to improve performance and visibility during acceleration."

Very interesting....