Neanderthal than we are, and if we want them to cruise with
us, we must accommodate them. As we panicked over the
rising budget, I cut back on electronic toys and insisted on the
Silestone counter, washer, dryer, water heater and dishwasher
Susan asked for.
I am by no means husband of the year; I am merely
pragmatic and ultimately self-serving. If Susan is happy
aboard, generally, I am too. Bottom line: Ask the wife what is
important to her on the boat, and get it.
Step 5: Customizing The Interior
Susan is a naturally great interior decorator and a gourmet
cook. I am skilled at eating and cleaning up (with her
supervision), so we make a terrific team. Therefore,
transforming the galley and saloon from an antique to a 21st-
century masterpiece was her forte. I had been on many of
the new Grand Banks yachts, so we borrowed some of their
design ideas.
Stretched and torn headliners became padded panels.
Worn Formica countertops became Silestone, which is lower
maintenance than granite. The old stove and oven became
a glass cooktop paired with a microwave/convection oven.
Double stainless steel sinks became a large, single under-mount
with a Fisher & Paykel single-drawer dishwasher below.
In the saloon, the table was replaced with a high-low from
Glastop in Pompano Beach, Florida, so we could have a
saloon feel along with a beautiful dining area. A behemoth
box measuring 3 by 3 by 4 feet and topped with a fixed TV
was replaced with a custom teak cabinet by Steve Shuler in
St. Petersburg, Florida.
The new cabinet was key, as it contains three large, deep
drawers facing the galley, a combination ice maker and small
refrigerator, a utensil drawer and a pop-up TV. Therefore,
A queen-size island berth gives this boat a feeling of home. Note
the parquet floor, a signature feature of old Grand Banks.
Grand Banks Refit continued from page 71
