1978 Grand Banks 42

Brunswick, Georgia $89,900

DESCRIPTION

A Great Loop veteran, La Principessa (“The Princess”) is a classic 1978 Grand Banks 42 Classic that has been extensively upgraded and shows like a much newer vessel. Known for her timeless lines, efficient twin Ford Lehman diesels, and warm teak interior, she combines traditional craftsmanship with modern cruising systems—making her a perfect choice for extended cruising or full-time liveaboard life. Aluminum Fuel Tanks!


Lovingly maintained by experienced owners, La Principessa has recently completed the Great Loop, performing flawlessly throughout her journey while averaging under 3,000 gallons of diesel for the entire trip. Major recent updates include new teak decks, aluminum fuel tanks, poly water tanks, a lithium battery bank with Xantrex inverter, and a 2010 Onan 6kW generator. With her proven reliability, thoughtful upgrades, and extensive service records (including ship’s log and oil samples), she’s truly turnkey and ready for her next adventure.


Highlights:

Aluminum fuel tanks and new poly water tanks

Both Salon Doors re-constructed from solid teak in 2022

2010 Onan 6kW generator (approx. 2,500 hours)

400AH lithium house battery bank with 3000W Xantrex inverter

$30,000 teak deck replacement (main & side decks)

2 new ACs 2024

Bottom paint, compound, buff & wax – March 2024

Starboard transmission rebuilt (2019)

Staysail included

9’ Dyer Dhow tender with Sailing rig and Honda outboard included

History of oil samples and ship’s log available


Great Loop Veteran – completed entire Loop efficiently and trouble-free


Located in Savannah, Georgia, La Principessa presents in good condition and represents an outstanding opportunity for anyone looking for a proven, well-equipped trawler capable of coastal cruising, the Great Loop, or comfortable liveaboard life.


Crusader Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Great Loop Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel

SPECIFICATIONS

Basic Boat Info

  • Builder Grand Banks

  • Model 42

  • Category Trawlers

  • Type Power

  • Year 1978

  • HIN/IMO GNDD06001178
  • Condition Used
  • Fuel Type Diesel
  • Hull Material Fiberglass
  • Number of Engines 2

Dimensions

  • LOA 42'
  • Beam 13' 7"
  • Max Draft 4' 6"
  • Dry Weight 0 LBS

Engines

  • Make Ford Lehman
  • Drive Type Direct
  • Engine Power 89.48 KW
  • Year 1978
  • Model 2715E
  • Fuel Diesel
  • Type Inboard
  • Engines 2

Tanks

  • Fuel Tank 600 GAL
  • Fresh Water 196 GAL
  • Holding Tank 40 GAL

Other

  • Cabins 2

ADDITIONAL INFO

A Great Loop veteran, La Principessa is a 1978 Grand Banks 42 Classic that’s beautifully maintained and extensively upgraded. With twin Ford Lehmans, lithium power, new teak decks, and a Dyer tender, she’s turnkey and ready to cruise anywhere. Great Loop Ready!

FULL DETAILS

1978 grand banks 42 trawler - walkthrough

Boarding La Principessa from the aft deck, you’ll immediately appreciate her traditional Grand Banks design and craftsmanship. Wide, newly replaced teak side decks provide secure movement around the vessel, while the aft deck offers a perfect space for line handling or enjoying morning coffee.

Entering through either of the two salon side doors, the main salon is bright and inviting, featuring a warm teak interior with custom blinds, new headliner, and LED lighting on dimmers. To port, the galley includes a Force10 cooktop, Norcold refrigerator, U-Line wine cooler, Origo microwave, and stainless sink with ample storage. To starboard, the lower helm provides excellent visibility and access to both side decks, with a classic Grand Banks teak wheel. Aft of the helm is a bar cabinet and small writing desk, while the L-shaped settee to starboard surrounds the original leaf table—perfect for dining or entertaining.

Below, the guest stateroom forward features twin V-berths, storage lockers, and an en suite head with electric toilet, sink, and shower. The owner’s stateroom aft includes a double berth to starboard, single to port, generous drawer and hanging storage, an en suite head with separate shower, and direct access to the aft deck.

Topside, the flybridge offers excellent visibility with comfortable seating, updated cushions, and full controls for easy handling. A hinged mast allows reduced clearance (12’ Bimini down / 16’ Bimini up / 23’ with mast up) for Loop-friendly cruising.

La Principessa is equipped with all the right upgrades for safe, efficient, and enjoyable cruising—truly one of the nicest examples of this iconic model on the market today.

1978 grand banks 42 trawler - accommodations

La Principessa offers the timeless Grand Banks layout that made these yachts famous for liveaboard comfort and efficient cruising. The warm, handcrafted teak interior, abundant natural light, and thoughtful storage make this vessel both functional and inviting.

  • Two-stateroom, two-head layout — perfect for extended cruising or liveaboard
  • Aft master stateroom: full berth to starboard, single berth to port, built-in desk and drawers, ample hanging and drawer storage
  • Forward guest cabin: V-berth layout with under-berth storage and adjacent head with electric toilet, sink, and shower
  • Two full heads with electric toilets, basins, and enclosed showers
  • Bright main salon with large windows, two entry doors, and teak joinery throughout
  • Headliner updated and LED lighting on dimmers in the salon
  • Custom blinds throughout for privacy and temperature control
  • Recessed lighting upgrades and tasteful upholstery updates for a modern yet classic feel

La Principessa’s layout is highly livable, offering excellent separation between staterooms, a social main salon, and an upper flybridge for open-air cruising.

1978 Grand Banks 42

Asking Price: $89,900

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