- Beam: 12' 0''
- Hull Material: Fiberglass
- Max Draft: 4' 0''
- Cabins: 2
- Heads: 2
1985 Grand Banks 36 Classic “Sweet Life” — Classic Grand Banks Charm, Ready for Her Next Adventure
Step aboard “Sweet Life” and you immediately understand why the Grand Banks 36 has become a timeless classic. Her warm, traditional lines, comfortable accommodations, spacious flybridge, and easy-cruising character make her equally appealing for a weekend getaway or an extended cruise.
This 1985 Grand Banks 36 Classic, Hull Number 738, has been thoughtfully cared for and continually improved, with significant upgrades including overhauled Ford Lehman engines, new fuel tanks and systems, updated electrical equipment, modern Garmin navigation, new Dometic air conditioning, and extensive maintenance to her mechanical and running gear. The main decks have been resurfaced with fiberglass, while the flybridge features a teak deck, adding both durability and classic Grand Banks character. More recent improvements include fresh topside and deck paint, a new Bimini, rebuilt forward hatch, new batteries, and extensive transmission and generator service.
“Sweet Life” offers the rare combination of classic Grand Banks character, comfortable cruising accommodations, and a substantial history of care and investment—a yacht ready to be enjoyed rather than simply admired.
Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. A yacht buyer should instruct his yacht broker, or his boat surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. This boat may be listed with another yacht broker.
The inviting salon features a comfortable port-side settee, built-in convertible dinette, dry bar and entertainment center, creating an excellent space for relaxing or entertaining aboard. Forward to port, the well-appointed galley includes a Princess three-burner LPG stove, Dometic refrigerator and freezer, single-basin sink and convenient storage. The practical layout keeps the galley connected to the salon while maintaining excellent separation from the sleeping accommodations.
Forward Stateroom: The comfortable forward stateroom offers a practical cruising layout with a v-berth, ample storage, cedar-lined hanging locker, and convenient access to the forward head. An overhead hatch provides natural light and ventilation, making this a comfortable and functional guest or family cabin.
Aft Stateroom: The aft stateroom provides comfortable accommodations with a double berth to starboard and a single berth to port, complemented by built-in storage and a cedar-lined hanging locker. Added conveniences are the aft private head and the private aft exit door providing direct access to the aft deck.
Heads: Two well-appointed heads provide convenient accommodations for extended cruising, with each offering a marine electric toilet, vanity with sink and storage, and dedicated shower space. The two-head layout provides privacy and convenience for both the forward and aft staterooms
Dual-helm Garmin navigation package with Garmin GPSMAP 7212 and 6208 multifunction displays, Garmin radar and Garmin GHP 20 autopilot. Two Icom IC-M424 VHF radios at both helms with FCC ship-station licenses. 5" Danforth compass and integrated Garmin depth/fishfinder capability.
Twin 135 HP Ford Lehman SP135 diesels, overhauled in 2014/15, with approximately 3431 hours port and 3564 hours starboard. Borg Warner 2.47:1 transmissions with extensive recent service, including a complete starboard output-flange and seal repair in 2026 and port transmission seal work in 2023. Four aluminum diesel tanks replaced in 2014 provide approximately 400 gallons of fuel capacity. Northern Lights 6 kW generator with documented service, exhaust elbow replacement and cooling-system flush. Two new Dometic A/C systems installed in 2022. Recent maintenance also includes new main batteries, generator battery, Racor filters, engine oil services and generator service.
The spacious aft deck and classic Grand Banks flybridge provide excellent outdoor living and entertaining areas. Features include an upper helm station with Garmin electronics, Icom VHF, comfortable helm seating, stainless-steel bow and safety rails, electric windlass with bow plow anchor and ground tackle, forward deck hatch, aft cockpit seating, swim platform and boarding ladder. A new Bimini top was installed in 2025, topside seat cushions were replaced in 2026, and the windlass anchor mount was recently painted. The deck was painted in 2024 and topsides were painted in 2025.
I have worked with numerous Grand Banks of this vintage, and “Sweet Life” is one of the most beautiful and well-kept examples I have seen. What stands out is not simply her classic Grand Banks appearance, but the care that has gone into maintaining and improving her over the years. She retains the timeless character that makes these boats so desirable, while benefiting from significant mechanical, electrical, cosmetic and equipment upgrades.
She is the kind of boat that makes you want to go cruising. The original teak flybridge, spacious outdoor living areas, comfortable accommodations and traditional Grand Banks layout create the relaxed atmosphere that has made these yachts so enduringly popular. The fiberglass-resurfaced main decks add durability while preserving the classic look and feel of this Grand Banks.
In my opinion, “Sweet Life” represents an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a Grand Banks 36 that has been genuinely cared for and continually improved. She has the look, feel and proven cruising character of a classic Grand Banks, combined with a substantial history of investment and maintenance.
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