1978 Grand Banks 42
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.
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, 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.
Basic Boat Info
Boat Name: La Principessa
Make: Grand Banks
Model: 42
Year: 1978
Condition: Used
Category: Power
Construction: Fiberglass
Boat Hull ID: GNDD06001178
Has Hull ID: Yes
Keel Type: Other Keel
Dimensions
Length: 41 ft
Length Overall: 42 ft
Beam: 13'7 ft
Max Draft: 4'6 ft
Bridge Clearance: 12 ft
Dry Weight: 37400 lb
Cabins Count: 2
Engines / Speed
Engines: 2
Engine #1 Specs:
-Make: Lehman
-Model: 2715E
-Fuel: Diesel
-Engine Power: 120hp
-Type: Inboard
-Drive Type: Direct
-Year: 1978
-Engine Hours: 6,478
Engine #2 Specs:
-Make: Lehman
-Model: 2715E
-Fuel: Diesel
-Engine Power: 120hp
-Type: Inboard
-Year: 1978
-Engine Hours: 6,478
Total Engine Power: 240 hp
Tanks
Fuel Tank Capacity: 600 gal
Water Tank Capacity: 196 gal
Holding Tank Capacity: 40 gal
Other
Heads Count: 2
Drive Type: Direct
Boat Class: Trawlers, Aft Cabin, Antique and Classics
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- Additional information
- Additional Units Included
-2022 Dyer Dhow Row
***1978 Grand Banks 42 - 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 - 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- Salon***
The main salon aboard La Principessa blends Grand Banks tradition with modern comfort. Teak cabinetry, large windows, and updated features create a warm and relaxing living space ideal for entertaining or long-range passage making.
-Port side galley and starboard lower helm for easy communication between cook and captain
-L-shaped settee aft to starboard with original Grand Banks teak leaf table
-Bar cabinet and writing desk aft of the lower helm (Ice maker - Cools but doesnt make ice- Inoperable)
-New headliner with recessed dimmable LED lighting
-New blinds and updated upholstery throughout
-Stereo system with four speakers in salon
-Ample storage for cruising gear and provisions
-Easy access to both side decks via teak doors port and starboard
-Classic Grand Banks details: solid teak joinery, teak parquet sole, and traditional hardware
The salon is open, airy, and beautifully maintained—reflecting the care and pride of ownership La Principessa has received.
***1978 Grand Banks 42- Galley***
The galley to port is practical, efficient, and well-equipped for preparing meals underway or at anchor. Thoughtful upgrades blend classic style with modern convenience.
-Force10 two-burner cooktop
-Norcold refrigerator
-U-Line wine cooler
-Origo microwave oven
-Stainless-steel sink with pressurized hot/cold water
-Ample teak cabinetry and drawers for storage
-Bright overhead lighting and opening windows for natural ventilation
-Close proximity to dinette and salon for easy meal service
With its appliances and smart layout, this galley ensures meal preparation is comfortable and enjoyable whether cruising the coast or living aboard full-time.
***1978 Grand Banks 42- Mechanical***
The engine room aboard La Principessa is clean, well-organized, and easily accessible—reflecting the vessel’s history of conscientious ownership and detailed maintenance. Powered by reliable Ford Lehman diesels, she delivers legendary efficiency and long-range cruising capability.
-Twin Ford Lehman 2715E 120HP diesel engines (approx. 6,478 hours)
-Cruisair reverse-cycle air conditioning systems (2 compressors)
-Starboard transmission rebuilt (2019) with new couplings and dampers on both sides
-Exhaust systems updated on both engines
-Aluminum fuel tanks (twin 300-gallon capacity)
-New poly freshwater tanks (2) replace original steel
-Halon fire suppression system
-(2) manual and automatic bilge pumps
-Fuel shutoff valves and bilge blowers
-Holding tank system with electrical and manual discharge options
-History of oil samples and detailed ship’s log with service records available
-Bottom paint, compound, buff, and wax completed March 2024
With her proven performance and updated systems, La Principessa remains true to the Grand Banks reputation for reliability and safety at sea—ready to cruise anywhere her next owner desires.
***1978 Grand Banks 42- Electrical***
Electrical system upgrades ensures dependable operation and modern energy efficiency, including a lithium battery bank and high-output inverter. The combination of shore power, generator, and inverter allows for quiet anchoring and energy independence.
-400 Amp-Hour Lithium House Battery Bank
-3000 Watt Xantrex Inverter
-2010 Onan 6kW generator (~2,516 hours)
-Parametric 3-50 battery charger
-Raritan 12-gallon hot water heater
-Twin 30-amp SmartPlug shore power receptacles and breaker box
-LED lighting upgrades throughout salon and cabins
-12V DC and 120V AC systems with updated breakers and wiring
-Reverse-cycle air conditioning systems (2 units) for comfort year-round
This electrical configuration provides exceptional flexibility—ideal for long-distance cruising, anchoring off-grid, or staying plugged in at the marina.
***1978 Grand Banks 42- Electronics***
The vessel’s electronics package includes both upper and lower helm controls for easy operation from either station. The systems are straightforward and reliable, designed for confident navigation and communication.
-Cetrek Pro Pilot 725 Autopilot
-Raymarine Pathfinder RL70C Radar/Chartplotter
-Raymarine VHF Radio
-Clarion stereo system with speakers in salon and bridge
-Compass and depth sounder
-Hailer and intercom
-TV and stereo system in main cabin
-Dual helm stations – upper and lower for complete redundancy
The upper helm features excellent visibility, comfortable seating, and full control of all major systems, while the lower helm provides sheltered navigation for all-weather cruising.
***1978 Grand Banks 42- Deck Equipment***
La Principessa’s deck layout blends safety, function, and classic style. With recently replaced teak decks and wide walk-around side decks, she provides secure footing and traditional charm.
Her upper and lower helm stations, generous seating, and hinged mast make her ideal for the Great Loop or comfortable coastal cruising.
-New teak decks on main and side decks (2016 – $35,000 upgrade)
-Wide walk-around side decks with sturdy teak caprails
-Electric windlass with controls at both upper and lower helms
-45 lb. plow anchor with 50’ chain / 300’ nylon rode
-Twin 30 amp SmartPlug receptacles with upgraded breaker box
-Custom bimini top (16’ bridge height up / 12’ down / 23’ with mast raised – hinged for Loop clearance)
-Aft deck boarding steps and stainless-steel rails for safe movement
-Updated bridge seating and upholstery
-Teak swim platform with folding swim ladder
-Cockpit cushions and teak cockpit sole
The upper helm offers a commanding view and easy access via built-in steps, perfect for handling lines or enjoying panoramic views underway.
***1978 Grand Banks 42- Safety Equipment***
La Principessa has been equipped and maintained with a focus on safety and reliability, with key systems upgraded and regularly inspected throughout her Great Loop voyage.
-Halon fire suppression system in the engine room
-(2) manual and automatic bilge pumps
-Bilge blower and fuel shut-off valves
-Dual helm stations for redundancy and safe operation in all conditions
-Searchlight and navigation lights
-Horn and hailer system
-Life jackets and throwable flotation devices
-Monthly diver inspections of hull and running gear
With regular bottom maintenance and documented service history, La Principessa is ready for safe, dependable cruising.
***1978 Grand Banks 42- Tender***
Included with La Principessa is a beautiful and highly functional 9’ Dyer Dhow tender with both sail and power options — a classic complement to the Grand Banks heritage.
-9’ Dyer Dhow tender with Honda 2.3 HP outboard
-Nick Jackson 700 lb. electric davit system for effortless launch and retrieval
-Three-seat layout with centerboard and two-piece spruce mast (for sailing)
-Lightweight (106 lbs) and easy to handle aboard
-Carries four people or 650 lbs as a tender; sails comfortably with one or two adults
-Beautifully balanced and efficient under oar, sail, or power
This classic Dyer Dhow is not just a tender — it’s a versatile companion for harbor cruising, exploring, or sailing off the stern at anchor.
***Disclaimer***
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
- Condition
- Extensive upgrades