1983 Grand Banks 42 Classic for Sale – 43 ft – Port Clinton, OH, US

Recent Bow Thruster

Aluminum Fuel Tanks

Ford Lehman Diesels with 2993 hours

1983 Grand Banks 42 Classic — A True GB Icon Ready for a new Owner

Location:
Year: 1983
Make: Grand Banks
Model: 42 Classic
LOA: 42'7"
Beam: 13'7"
Draft: 4'2"
Hull Type: Semi-Displacement
Fuel: 600 gal
Water: 265 gal
Waste: 50 gal

The Grand Banks 42 Classic is one of the most legendary and successful trawler designs ever built, with over 1,500 hulls delivered. Known for exceptional seaworthiness, timeless lines, and warm teak interiors, the GB42 remains the gold standard in traditional cruising trawlers.

This 1983 Grand Banks 42 Classic represents an excellent opportunity for a knowledgeable buyer or hands-on cruiser looking for a solid restoration platform. She does need work, but features the hallmark GB craftsmanship and layout that have made the model an enduring favorite. 

Key Features & Layout

• Classic two-stateroom, two-head configuration
• Forward V-berth with private head and shower
• Spacious salon with L-shaped settee, teak table, and large windows offering 360° visibility
• Portside galley with generous storage
• Starboard lower helm with deck access door
• Aft owner’s stateroom with ia split bead both Port and Starboard.  The head/shower to the stb. side
• Small aft cockpit ideal for line handling
• Long keel, hard chines, and deep forefoot—widely regarded as one of the most comfortable cruising hulls in her class

Power & Performance

Originally available with a wide range of diesel options. Many GB42s with 210-hp power cruise efficiently at 9–10 knots, while higher-horsepower configurations reach 14–15 knots.

(Exact engine details for this hull can be added here if you have them.)

Why This Grand Banks?

If you're searching for a model with pedigree, this 42 Classic is worth a close look. Her fiberglass hull, warm teak interior, and proven design offer a solid foundation for a full- or partial-refit tailored to your vision.

Bring your imagination—and make this iconic cruising trawler shine again.

The reasons why the Grand Banks 42 is the most successful trawler design ever produced are numerous.  Since 1966, the GB 42's semi-displacement hull has offered the best-in-class stability and comfort through its proven engineering with a long keel and hard chines.  The 42 Classic's interior is equally impressive with a galley-up design, large cabin windows and deck doors to both port and starboard.  The forward berth's v-bunks and private head/shower can adequately accommodate those occasional guests or the extra gear you may bring along on extended trips.  The Grand Banks 42 Classic is a well received model for the Great Loop.  Schedule your private showing today!

The Grand Banks 42 Classic has been decades in the making. The original Ken Smith design has been amended and updated with the practical input of her owners. The experience gained since the laying of the first GB 42 keel in 1966 is reflected in each one commissioned today. Her practical layout, sturdy fiberglass construction, deep water design, and long range capability all add up to a complete cruising boat. The Grand Banks semidisplacement hull design, with a fine entry forward, hard chines aft, and a full keel has been proven on waters around the world. Single or twin diesel power will deliver economy at hull speed and provide higher cruising speeds when larger than the standard engines are chosen. Many power options are available. The flybridge is easily accessible from the main deck and offers excellent 360-degree visibility when underway or maneuvering dockside. A pair of back-to-back double seats provide generous seating for eight with watertight storage beneath the seats. The bridge console has full instrumentation with handy storage for large items below. The steering wheel is handcrafted teak. The standard electric windlass, mounted on a dual roller anchor platform protected by a stainless rail, helps make the anchoring process as simple as possible. The location of the shore power inlets, at the bow and stern, makes power connections possible without boat position being a problem. The foredeck storage locker is great for lines and the large lazarette aft provides convenient storage for a variety of cruising gear. The focal point of the Grand Banks 42 Classic is the deckhouse. The spacious main saloon measures 14-feet, 8-inches by 10-feet, 4-inches and combines the activities hub, entertainment center, and main living area. Forward is the fully equipped galley to port and the complete helm station to starboard. The companion-way forward leads to the guest stateroom with V-berths and a roomy head with its own shower. The galley is complete with a range - oven, refrigerator, stainless steel sink, cutting boards, and excellent storage in several cabinets. The helm area features a full width overhead electronics locker and a flip up storage compartment for manuals and navigational tools. Just aft of the starboard door is the dry-bar cabinet. Looking aft in the saloon, you can see the long L-shaped settee with a teak yacht table. The aft stateroom displays beautiful teak joinery. Parquet soles, built-in furniture and cabinets and hand-crafted moldings are blended with modern fabrics to create the traditional yacht look. This stateroom features a double berth to starboard and a single berth to port being standard.  A large, flat chart drawer is standard in each layout. The private owners head has a separate stall shower and good storage for towels in several cabinets. The engine room in the 42 Classic is special. With working space outboard of and between both engines there is plenty of installation space for essential gear. The exterior of the hull and deckhouse on the GB 42 is smooth gelcoated fiberglass. Teak decking is laid over the fiberglass on the main deck and flybridge. The bulwarks surrounding the wide main deck are capped with a sturdy teak safety rail providing safe movement from bow to stern for those on board. The Grand Banks 42: In production since the 60s.  She cruises economically at 9 knots, yet 17 knots is typical with optional engines. The Classic offers two staterooms, separated by the main saloon and galley.