Grampian 46 Information, Review, Specs

The lineage of the Grampian 46 can be traced directly to other designs by William H. Tripp Jr. It is understood to be nearly identical in design to the US 46, and both are believed to have originated from the same tooling used for the earlier US 41. The US 41 was a center cockpit yawl design, a characteristic that carried forward into the Grampian 46, defining much of its layout and offshore capabilities. Grampian Marine, established in 1962, quickly became a significant fiberglass boat manufacturer in North America, known for its commitment to durable construction and accessible designs, a philosophy clearly reflected in the substantial build of the 46-foot model. A unique feature offered as an option on the Grampian 46 was the inclusion of tandem centerboards, allowing for precise adjustment of the boat's lateral plane. Only 12 units of the Grampian 46 were built during its production run, making it a relatively rare vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Grampian 46 exhibits characteristics of a heavy, stable cruiser designed for comfort and reliability in varying conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.7, she is not a light-air flyer but possesses sufficient canvas to perform reasonably well across a range of wind conditions. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of 36% contributes significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. A displacement to length ratio of around 310.5 further categorizes her as a heavy displacement vessel, typical of traditional cruising yachts built for solidity and seakindliness rather than outright speed. The Grampian 46 is described as a "reasonably good performer," noted for its stability, stiffness, and excellent righting capability. The yawl rig, with its divided sail plan, is generally considered easier to handle, particularly in stronger winds, by allowing for more flexible sail adjustments and reducing the size of individual sails. This makes her particularly well-suited for offshore passages and long-distance cruising, where ease of handling and a comfortable motion are paramount.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Grampian 46, consistent with its design lineage, features a center cockpit layout. This configuration typically allows for distinct living zones, often including a comfortable aft cabin, separated from the main salon and forward accommodations. While specific detailed layouts can vary, one arrangement is noted to separate the main cabin from the galley with a partial bulkhead. Historical information suggests there might have been variations, possibly a "racing layout" versus a "cruising setup," with the latter potentially sacrificing a dedicated workbench or chart table for more open passageways. Given Grampian Marine's reputation for creating livable interiors in their cruising models, the Grampian 46 would have offered ample space for extended voyaging, focusing on practicality and comfort for its crew.

Owner's Perspectives

While the limited production run of the Grampian 46 means fewer specific owner reviews are readily available, the broader community of Grampian owners consistently praises the builder's commitment to robust construction and durability. Grampian vessels, including their larger models, are generally regarded as well-built boats that have stood the test of time. Owners appreciate their straightforward design and the reliability they offer for recreational sailing. Common observations for Grampian boats of this era, while not exclusive to the 46, sometimes include gelcoat crazing and potential issues with water intrusion into the deck core, often around original deck hardware that may require re-bedding over time. Despite the company's closure in 1977, a strong and active community of Grampian owners continues to thrive, particularly through online forums and dedicated websites like "The Grampian Owners Marina," providing a valuable resource for discussions, maintenance advice, and mutual support.