If you ask skippers about the epitome of the trawler, the answer is usually "Grand Banks". A brand that makes the heart of every adventurer beat faster. The name stands for robust, solid boats for sailing the seven seas.
It is therefore not surprising that our test boat, the Heritage 54 EU, is classified in CE category "A", i.e. high seas. - The founder of the shipyard, Robert J. Newton, comes from America, but the plastic trawlers come from Singapore. This long experience is also reflected in the workmanship of our test boat. Apart from an untrimmed cut-out in a storage opening on the fly, the entire plastic workmanship makes a solid, professional impression. The tarpaulin covers for the flybridge furniture fit perfectly and have plenty of press studs for windproof fastening.
Below deck, the timeless design of the interior is also clean and precise. The way into the saloon with driving position leads either via the stern entrance or via the doors to the two side decks at driver's height. In the saloon there is a cosy sofa seating area at the rear and a seating area in the front "compartment" with a galley opposite, which is suitably equipped with four induction hobs, oven/microwave combination, full-size sink, fridge-freezer combination and extractor hood. The dining area with L-shaped bench seat and two free-standing chairs provides ample space for five people.
A staircase with sturdy handrails leads to the lower floor. The bow cabin is intended for guests and the large centre cabin for the owner. The latter has direct access to the wet room via a double sliding door. The designer has generously designed the bathroom with two washbasins, separate shower (with glass door and bench) and toilet. The guest wet room, which also serves as a day toilet, is not quite as large, but is still spacious. The shipyard has arranged another cabin with a bunk bed opposite. If you look for similarities with the other two berths, you will realise that none of them have under-ventilation. Like the entire boat, the cabins offer suitable stowage options.
The shipyard has thought of three places for open-air living. A bow seat and a cockpit corner as well as the huge "open-air stage" on the flybridge. The latter is not only suitable for occasional sunbathing, but for cruising on nice days in general. From up there, the skipper has a good view forwards and to the sides, while the view to the stern is naturally restricted by the flybridge platform. From a comfortable pilot's seat, he can read all the instruments without restriction and operate the gears and controls with ease.
The main driving position is located below deck in the saloon. There, the driver also sits on a pilot's seat, which can be electrically adjusted in all directions. The skipper has to lean forward to operate the switches and the double single-lever control. The view of the instruments is first-class, but the fly-bridge and pan-top galley cabinet aft are a hindrance when looking round. As befits a seaworthy vessel, the Grand Banks also has robust twin-arm wipers with a washer system. There were no defroster nozzles.
You tell the engines from which driving position you want to drive by pressing the "Active button" on the gearstick. If you move the levers to "forward" and let both diesels chug along at idle speed (700 rpm), the Heritage 54 pushes through the water at around 3.5 knots. If you are looking for an economical cruise, you will find it at just under 8 kn (1600 rpm). You can then cover a considerable 1000 nm and still have a reserve of around 15%. If you need to reach a destination quickly, full throttle at a good 14.5 kn is recommended. However, the two engines then swallow almost 16 litres per second, and one tank of fuel is only enough for 305 nm. - For course stability, it doesn't matter whether you go slow or fast. The Heritage stays well on track and the rudder indicator always allows you to find the new centre in no time. At a brisk pace, the boat can be brought into an optimum position with trim tabs. However, the flaps are not absolutely necessary.
We cannot objectively assess how well the installed "Trac 250 Star" hydraulic stabilisation system works due to the lack of raw water. In fast bends, the hull swings easily into the self-generated wave with and without the stabiliser and does its laps without much splash water. The steering is super smooth. The steering is not required for manoeuvring, as the Grand Banks can be easily turned in all directions with differently coupled engines and the bow and stern thruster. A so-called "docking station" for mooring (only operation of thrusters and engines) is located in the cockpit.
The engine compartment is accessed either via a hatch in the cockpit floor or via a thick bulkhead door from the "utility room" (accessible from the owner's cabin) with washing machine/dryer and cupboards. The engine compartment is spacious and gives the service technician plenty of room to work. The clearly laid out and securely installed lines and hoses are also impressive. The pressed hose connections, double diesel filter system with electric water alarm and remote-controlled shut-off valves show that the fuelling system has been designed with safety in mind. The on-board electrical system with securely lashed AGM batteries, easily accessible main switch and automatic circuit breaker as well as 17.6 kW generator is practical.
An air system with air conditioning and heating on our test boat ensures pleasant indoor air in all regions of the world, while a television and entertainment centre provide entertainment. Other important accessories on the test Heritage include a navigation package, self-steering system, Zodiac inflatable boat, anchor gear, anchor winch and two electric winches in the cockpit.
Conclusion: The Heritage 54 EU is a rock-solid boat that can easily take four people on an adventure cruise.
Data sheet: Grand Banks Heritage 54 EU
Shipyard: Grand Banks
Type designation: Grand Banks Heritage 54 EU
CE category: A - High seas
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 16,55 m
Width: 5,41 m
Displacement: 33,00 t
Price: 2.040.771,00 €
