The epitome of performance, handling, and cutting-edge technology.
An expanded range and new flagship model are highlights of a decade since Grand Banks bought Palm Beach Motor Yachts. Palm Beach Motor Yachts CEO Mark Richards, who took up boatbuilding at 15 years old, is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the purchase of his company by Grand Banks Yachts in 2014. Richards now leads both companies as CEO and Chief Designer, and the brands have gone from strength to strength, building on average 25 boats a year.
Now, Richards and his team, based at the Grand Banks’ manufacturing hub in Malaysia, are working on several new models, including the flagship Palm Beach 107, which came about when an existing Palm Beach 70 customer approached the company with his concept. The newly designed and sold Palm Beach 107 epitomises performance, handling, and cutting-edge technology. As the company’s newest flagship, the PB107 sets the benchmark in performance and luxury and embodies the core values that have defined this legendary brand since its inception in 1995.
Designed for those who seek excellence, the new PB107 reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and precision. From its sculpted lines to world-renowned craftsmanship throughout, the new Palm Beach 107 offers an unprecedented level of luxury and scale in the Down East class. Owners will experience superior handling, efficient performance, and advanced technology that delivers a smooth, intuitive command at any speed. A select few will realise that the PB107 isn’t just a yacht, it’s a statement.
“Like most new product development, an individual customer’s vision and desire for adventure are at the heart of our new models,” says Richards. “This is what I love to do, and this is how our manufacturing process and structure are set up—to build next-level, highly innovative customised yachts within a state-of-the art facility that allows us to exceed our client’s standards. It’s that simple.”
Palm Beach Motor Yacht models are not only focused on delivering a luxurious, best-in-class experience, but Mark Richards and the team at Palm Beach Motor Yachts are hyper-focused on performance, fuel efficiency, and a superior ride.
The new Palm Beach 107, Palm Beach 50 Jet Drive, and Palm Beach GT50 RS outboard model are no exception. Richards’ experience as an ocean-racing champion and shipwright led him to develop the V-Warp® Technology, the proprietary hull design and construction technique that has been employed to incredible success on all Palm Beach Motor Yachts.
This game-changing technology is a combination of hull form, exotic construction materials, and the build process itself. Trademarks of a V-Warp® Technology hull includes a fine entry, a graceful curvature amidships, and minimal deadrise at the transom. The Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ V-Warp® Technology hull is built and infused with a perfect resin to E-Glas unidirectional and multi-axial fibre ratio, resulting in a strong, fast, and efficient hull form.
The hull is then fused directly to the carbon fibre structure, bulkheads, deck, and superstructure of the vessel. This all contributes to significantly superior fuel efficiency and class-leading performance. This proprietary technology helps deliver unrivalled performance and efficiencies throughout the speed curve. Twin Volvo Penta IPS 40s, powered by two sets of twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta D13 diesel engines coupled to each pod drive; totalling 4,000hp available horsepower through the two drives. This solution delivers an incredibly efficient and innovative propulsion solution for a large yacht.
The integrated IPS system allows for precise handling and effortless manoeuvrability, even in tight spaces, making it ideal for larger vessels. With optimised thrust and reduced drag, the twin Volvo IPS 40s will ensure maximum power with minimal fuel consumption, offering a more sustainable cruising experience on the PB107. It’s a cutting-edge solution that combines power, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
The first Palm Beach GT60 Jet Drive is sold to a long-time client of the company who had specific requirements for his new yacht, used primarily in Down East Maine where navigating through a sea of lobster traps is an everyday occurrence. For propulsion, the company specified twin 1,000-horsepower Volvo Penta D13 diesels driving Hamilton HJ403 waterjets.
This package offers a high-performance propulsion system that is ideally suited for the GT60 to deliver exceptional power and manoeuvrability with Hamilton’s AVX controls. Clients will appreciate the HJ403’s smooth, rapid acceleration and top-end speed, all while reducing drag and fuel consumption, key to the company’s overall design philosophy. The jet package’s minimal draft also allows for safe navigation in shallow waters, expanding cruising options and enhancing versatility. In fact, the need for shallow-water navigation was the key driver for the introduction of jets on the Palm Beach 50 Sedan.
“We had an Australian client based in Noosa, Queensland, which is a stunning cruising area, but the entrance can shoal up,” says Mark Richards. “The jets reduce the draft to less than a metre and deliver this customer the ideal solution for how they boat.” And while one owner was focused on reducing their draft, the other was fuelled by a desire for speed, speed, and more speed.
Palm Beach Motor Yachts is building the first Palm Beach GT 50RS outboard-powered model for a highly knowledgeable yachtsman who is a current Palm Beach Motor Yacht owner. With offices in both Connecticut and New York City, he was fuelled by a desire to commute in style and make the often-arduous slog to the office a lot more fun.
Quad outboards are projected to propel the GT 50RS to a lightning-fast top speed. Owners also have a choice of triples from several outboard engine companies. With the introduction of jet and outboard propulsion, Palm Beach Motor Yachts is uniquely positioned to now offer straight shafts, IPS pods, jet drives, and outboard propulsion, designed to be built using Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ proprietary V-Warp® Technology.
“This is an area where we refuse to compromise,” says Mark Richards. “There is a trend to pump as much interior volume into boats today at the expense of seaworthiness and performance. With the GT60 Jet Drive, we’ve kept the engines amidships, where they belong to maximise the ride, and they are coupled to the Jets with carbon fibre shafts. The weight distribution is precise.”
As a testament to the superiority of the V-Warp® Technology hull design, no running surface modification is necessary to accommodate one propulsion package over another. The design principles remain fully intact no matter what option is selected. Working closely with the builder ensures every detail of their yacht reflects their vision, from bespoke design features to custom finishes. This collaboration between the builder and the client represented by new models such as the PB107, GT60 Jet Drive, PB50 Jet Drive, and GT50 RS, reminds the company’s clients they are not just buying a model off a production line, they’re creating a one-of-a-kind motor yacht tailored to their lifestyle.
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