One of our clients has asked us to bring a classic gentleman’s cruiser, a Grand Banks 36ft sedan, called Grand Cru, back to its former glory. Built by Riviera in Queensland in 1988 under license from Grand Banks, she has had one previous owner, and has been in under current ownership since 2001.
A fibreglass, trawler-style hull with teak trim (capping rails and transom), this vessel has recently been repowered with twin Volvo 170hp diesels. In addition, a new Kohler generator was installed, and two trailer loads of redundant wiring removed.
A1 Marine was engaged to restore the teak decks, clean and polish the exterior, restore the feature timber to a high gloss, and get to work on the interior woodwork.
Interior wood before sanding and coat of wood varnish
Interior wood after sanding and coat of wood varnish
Kim, our shipwright, got to work replacing some wood panels affected by damp, while others required sanding and revarnishing. Kim also crafted a timber glove box above the stairwell, in keeping with surrounding trim.
New custom glove box
He also fabricated a stainless steel insert to level the oven / hotplate, a legacy of the sloping deck common to the few Grand Banks built by Riviera.
Penned at Royal Perth Yacht Club, we are pleased to report that the comments received from other club members are very complimentary of the work being done.
Grand Cru sign and woodwork