PASSION (name reserved) - GRAND BANKS MARINE FOR SALE

PASSION (name reserved) is an exquisitely cared-for Grand Banks 49 Eastbay HX downeast express cruiser, driven by upgraded 705 hp Caterpillar C-12 diesels. Presented to the market for the first time, this captain-kept luxury motor yacht has enjoyed thoughtful refinements over the years and will turn heads in every harbor she enters. Her generous cockpit balances comfort and utility with aft-facing seating, three capacious lazarettes, and a transom door that opens onto a teak-sheathed swim platform, while a large lift-up hatch grants outstanding engine room access that makes inspections and routine service refreshingly straightforward. The hardtop express helm deck offers superb sightlines, abundant natural light, and classic teak accents that elevate her timeless Downeast style, and her confident ride and effortless high-20-knot performance make her an ideal performance cruiser for weekends or extended coastal passages. Donated to Maine Maritime Academy, PASSION is available at $325,000 via a three-year lease with an option to purchase; in essence, step aboard one of American yachting’s most coveted names now, spread the cost across three seasons with no interest, and exercise the option at term’s end—effectively three years of interest-free financing on a blue-chip pedigree, while supporting the Academy’s mission. Recent highlights include new teak decking across the side decks and foredeck in 2020, fresh Awlgrip on the hull and pilothouse in 2020, dedicated professional care by a full-time captain, and the most sought-after 49 Eastbay layout below, making this refined luxury yacht an exceptional opportunity for the discerning cruiser.

Exterior equipment

PASSION (name reserved) welcomes you with a very large cockpit featuring aft-facing seating, three generous lazarettes, and a hinged transom door that opens to the teak-clad swim platform. Easy serviceability is built in with engine room access through a large, lift-up opening hatch, complemented by dedicated engine room vents. At the transom, a hot and cold shower with a retractable hose adds convenience, while trim tabs, courtesy lights, and four A/C water outlets underscore the yacht’s practical refinement. Freshwater logistics are simplified with a dock connection inlet and a separate freshwater outlet, and overall access is effortless thanks to hatches that are hinged with gas cylinder lift-ups and skylight hatches fitted with screens.

Moving forward, full-width teak side decks and stainless steel handrails on both port and starboard lead to the teak foredeck with confidence-inspiring ease and safety. Teak decking extends throughout the aft cockpit, side decks, and forward areas, complemented by a teak toe rail and teak Dorade boxes, while durable Moondust non-skid paint finishes the deck, side, and forward house top. The layout is richly detailed with stainless steel grab rails and safety rails, stainless steel scuppers, chocks and mooring cleats, and a heavy-duty vinyl rub rail with a stainless steel insert. Practical storage and service features include a foredeck locker, an anchor chain locker, inspection deck plates for the port and starboard fuel tanks, and vents for both fuel and water tanks. A molded seat/storage box with cushions—featuring a replacement completed in 2024—sits alongside an additional molded seat/storage box with cushions to enhance seating and stowage flexibility. The yacht’s profile is accented by an aluminum mast, teak flagstaffs at bow and stern with matching flagstaff holders, a stainless steel windshield frame with an electric center windshield actuator, and Buell dual trumpet air horns.

Ground tackle is robust and finely engineered, with a Maxwell VWC-2200 low-profile 12V windlass that can be operated by foot switches on the foredeck or from the helm. A stainless steel anchor roller platform supports a large stainless steel anchor roller, paired with a stainless steel plow anchor and chain rode for secure holding. Additional underbody and service considerations include bronze ball valves on the through-hull above the waterline, zinc anodes, and comprehensive deck fittings for diesel fuel, water, and waste pump-out.

The hull is finished in Flag Blue Awlgrip applied in 2020, with the pilothouse, cabin top, and cockpit refinished the same year, presenting a timeless, gleaming profile. Final exterior touches include a hinged transom door, stainless steel windshield frame details, and the teak-clad swim platform that elevates both form and function.

Helm/main deck

Step aboard from the cockpit and enter a helm deck conceived for comfort, control, and easy entertaining. To port, a generous L‑settee with storage beneath invites relaxed passage-making, while a straight settee to starboard mirrors the convenience with its own under‑seat stowage. Forward of these lounges, two custom bench seats gleam in high‑gloss varnish, each backed by thoughtfully crafted storage, and flanked outboard by bespoke teak lockers designed for binoculars and small essentials. Just ahead of the starboard bench sits the helm, anchored by Caterpillar electronic and analog gauges, a compass, a rudder angle indicator, and an instrumentation panel overhead. The helmsman enjoys an FRP helmseat with cushions and a teak‑rimmed stainless‑steel custom steering wheel, its beautifully executed rimmed teak finish protected by a dedicated console and wheel cover. Seamless operation is assured by an AC/DC control panel, an alarm panel for engine temperature and oil pressure, indicator lights for bilge pumps and reverse polarity, and a handy 12V helm outlet, while visibility and ventilation are enhanced by three 12V windshield wipers and side‑opening sliding windows. The aft area of the helm deck is enclosed in EZ2CY, with the aft section designed to unzip at the bottom and lift to the overhead, creating welcome airflow on warmer days. A solid teak deck underfoot, two hardtop hatches above, dedicated gas cylinder storage, and a handsome teak chart locker—set prominently on the cabin top forward of the bar—complete the seamanlike detailing.

Entertaining is effortless thanks to a port‑side bar with tailored glass and bottle storage and a wine cooler to port, while the port bench seat conceals a U‑line icemaker and the starboard bench seat houses an Isotherm refrigerator. Climate control is robust and quiet, delivered by two 16,000 BTU MarineAir a/c units serving the helm deck so that every journey is as comfortable as it is stylish.

Navigation and entertainment are anchored by one Garmin 7612 XSV touchscreen plotter/GPS at the helm and one Garmin 7612 touchscreen radar/plotter, paired with a Garmin GMR HD2 open array radar, a Garmin autopilot, and two Garmin GM20 repeaters for comprehensive situational awareness. Communications are handled by an Icom M605 VHF with AIS, while onboard entertainment is supported by a Trac Vision TVS digital TV antenna from 2020 and a KVH TV5 dome for DirecTV.

Salon and dining

The salon presents a welcoming U-shaped dinette/settee with a berth, complemented by outboard storage cabinets above the settee and additional stowage below. Opposite, a dedicated TV locker houses an LG Smart TV for effortless viewing from the salon. A Teak Hi-Lo Table with double folding leaves and built-in stowage anchors the space, softened by warm reading lamps. Daylight and fresh air flow through the deck hatch and two opening stainless-steel portholes, while three MarineAir air-conditioning units below, replaced in 2023, deliver refined climate control. A teak and holly cabin sole runs throughout below.

Galley

U-shaped and set opposite the salon settee, the galley blends thoughtful ergonomics with premium finishes, featuring Corian countertops with a protective backsplash guard and extensive stowage in numerous lockers, cabinets, and drawers, including an overhead condiment locker and a dedicated dry-storage locker. Cold storage is exceptional, with an Isotherm refrigerator and freezer (2020) concealed behind opening teak doors and a Grunert freezer accessed through a lid set neatly into the countertop. Cooking is handled by an electric stove complemented by a Sharp microwave/convection oven positioned aft, while cleanup is made effortless at the forward double stainless-steel sink with a teak cover and a smooth single-lever faucet. Practical details include a 12V LPG control panel and a 12V exhaust blower, and ventilation is enhanced by two opening ports.

Owner stateroom

Positioned forward, the owner’s stateroom is anchored by a centerline island berth that allows easy access on both sides and is complemented by inviting reading lamps. Storage is abundant, with a large cedar-lined hanging locker, a bureau with drawers, additional drawers, and a custom-built locker to starboard that serves as extra stowage or can be configured to house a 22-inch LG Smart Flatscreen TV. A deck hatch above the berth and two stainless-steel opening portholes to port and starboard welcome natural light and fresh air. This private haven is completed by an ensuite head with stall shower, along with thoughtful appointments including a mirror and finely finished details throughout.

Owner head

Thoughtfully appointed for comfort and practicality, the owner head features a cultured marble countertop with an integrated sink paired with a refined faucet. A stainless steel porthole invites natural light and ventilation, while a stainless steel towel rack keeps linens neatly at hand. The separate shower stall, enclosed by a bi-fold door, incorporates a shower with a dedicated drain pump and a teak grating underfoot for secure footing and efficient drainage. Essential utilities are neatly managed by a holding tank indicator light for at-a-glance monitoring, and a dependable marine toilet completes this refined space.

Guest stateroom, port

Positioned to port, the guest stateroom features two single berths arranged athwartships, with a large cedar-lined hanging locker set between them, generous drawers below each berth, and individual reading lamps overhead. Natural light and fresh air flow through two opening ports, while a deck hatch enhances ventilation and invites a view of the sky.

Guest head

Positioned to starboard, forward of the salon and opposite the guest stateroom, the guest head blends refined finishes with smart functionality. Corian countertops and a matching sink sit above thoughtfully arranged storage both above and below, complemented by a sleek faucet. Natural light and ventilation flow through an opening stainless-steel porthole, while a dedicated shower area features a drain pump and teak grating underfoot. Convenience and reliability are assured by a VacuFlush freshwater head and an indicator light for the holding tank, and daily comforts are completed by a stainless-steel towel rack.

Interior

Inside, the ambiance is shaped by Formica bulkheads and a crisp headlining, framed by laminated safety glass windows that flood the space with natural light. Lined curtains and practical screens provide tailored control of privacy and shade, while teak grab rails offer reassuring security underway. Underfoot, the classic teak and holly sole brings timeless warmth, and steps are finished with clear non-skid to ensure confident movement between levels. Thoughtful amenities include twelve-volt halogen lighting for bright, efficient illumination and conveniently placed AC outlets to power onboard essentials.

Upgrades

The yacht presents with a Flag Blue Awlgrip hull applied in 2020, complemented by a pilothouse and cabin top finished in Polar White. A bold double wide boot stripe in White Awlgrip, also completed in 2020, highlights the waterline, while the bottom is protected by red Interlux Micron CSC paint (10/25). At the helm, navigation is elevated by two Garmin 7215 touchscreen Plotter/GPS units, paired with one Garmin 7212 touchscreen Plotter/GPS at the companion position. Communication and control are enhanced by an Icom M605 VHF with AIS, a Sonar Depth GSD 24, and a Garmin autopilot, while entertainment underway is delivered by a KVH TV5 dome for DirecTV and a Trac Vision TVS system.

Electrical equipment

A robust and thoughtfully engineered electrical suite begins with reverse-cycle air-conditioning and a 12V alternator on each engine, all overseen by an alarm panel with engine oil pressure monitoring for added peace of mind. Heavy-duty batteries housed in fiberglass boxes, replaced in 2024, are supported by a battery charger with remote meter, a battery condition indicator, and a battery selector switch for precise control. Safety and redundancy are enhanced by three automatic 12V bilge pumps with indicator lights, an integrated bonding system, a carbon monoxide detector, comprehensive circuit breakers, and a ground fault circuit interrupter. Engine-room blowers and engine-room lights, both 12V, pair with a pressurized 12V fresh water system and a holding tank with 12V pump-out to streamline life aboard. Power autonomy is delivered by an Onan 9 kW generator with sound shield, showing 6101 hours as of 10/25, complemented by a Trace SW2152MC inverter and a Trojan J185HC inverter battery. Practical touches include an aft TV/phone inlet, dedicated wiring for the stereo system, a reliable water heater, and marine-grade, tin-plated copper wiring throughout to ensure enduring performance in the marine environment.

Engine and mechanical equipment

Specified at build for superior performance, the original Caterpillar 3196 660 hp engines were upgraded to CAT C‑12 705 hp powerplants, delivering quieter, smoother operation with higher cruise and top‑end speeds; the twin CAT C‑12s show 3,200 hours as of 10/25, and their sea‑water‑cooled exhausts with mufflers underscore how dramatically quieter they are than the base engines. The machinery spaces are thoughtfully detailed with engine raw‑water intake strainers, flexible couplings with matching engine mounts, drip pans beneath the engines, robust engine‑room sound insulation, and Delta T system blowers serving the engine room and the galley and heads, while a fresh‑water faucet and fresh‑water outlets in the engine room further ease maintenance.

Precision propulsion components include stainless‑steel propeller shafts, nickel‑aluminum‑bronze propellers that are dynamically balanced, stainless‑steel rudders, and bronze stern gland/struts with rubber bearings. Shaft logs are fitted both with dripless shaft seals and with stuffing boxes, and control is confident and effortless thanks to power‑assisted hydraulic steering and throttle and gear shift controls at a single station, complemented by Bennett trim tabs.

The fuel system is comprehensive and seamanlike, featuring fiberglass baffled main fuel tanks and an auxiliary fiberglass baffled fuel tank, a fuel manifold system, and fuel‑water separating filters supported by Racor fuel filters for the engines and the generator. The fuel tanks are equipped with upper and lower automatic self‑closing valves for the sight gauges, a Jabsco fuel transfer pump speeds polishing and transfers, and a Computank tank gauge display provides clear monitoring. For ship’s services, there is an aluminum water tank and a water/gas separator installed on the generator’s exhaust system, with secure seacocks on all thru‑hulls below the waterline and a FloJet saltwater pump for reliable washdowns. Bilge management is equally robust with a manual bilge pump, a Whale Gusher hand bilge pump, and Rule electric bilge pumps, while a Groco oil change kit streamlines service routines and a Glendinning cablemaster simplifies shore‑power handling.

Onboard comfort and sanitation are assured by a MarineAir A/C system with four units total. The Sealand suite includes vacuum flush toilets with hoses replaced 10/25, Sealand vacuum generators, a Sealand macerator pump, and a Sealand holding tank level indicator.

Overview

PASSION (name reserved) is a beautifully maintained Grand Banks 49 Eastbay HX, powered by upgraded 705hp Caterpillar C-12 engines. Offered for the first time, this captain-maintained yacht has received numerous upgrades over the years and is sure to turn heads in every harbor she visits. She features a spacious cockpit designed for both comfort and functionality, with aft-facing seating, three large lazarettes, and a transom door that opens to the teak-clad swim platform. Engine room access is exceptionally convenient through a large lift-up hatch, making inspections and maintenance effortless.

Three years aboard, interest-free—then she’s yours. Donated to Maine Maritime Academy, PASSION is offered at $325,000, structured as a three-year lease with an option to purchase. In practical terms, you step aboard one of the most coveted boats in American yachting now, spread the cost across three seasons with no interest, and exercise the purchase option at the end of the three-year term—delivering three years of interest-free financing on one of yachting’s blue-chip names. Your acquisition supports the Academy’s mission as well, and full lease and option terms are available on request.

Recent upgrades underscore her pedigree and care, including new teak decks encompassing the side decks and forward (2020), and recent hull and pilothouse Awlgrip paint (2020). Meticulously captain maintained and showcasing the most preferred 49 layout down below, PASSION blends timeless Grand Banks craftsmanship with purposeful enhancements that elevate every moment underway and at anchor.