1978 Grand Banks 36 Classic Boat in San Rafael, CA 94901 US

1978 Grand Banks 36 Classic

Single Ford Lehman 120 • Approx. 1,733 Hours • Replacement Aluminum Fuel Tanks • Low-Hour Onan Generator • Extensive Recent Maintenance

The Grand Banks 36 Classic has earned its reputation as one of the most enduring and respected cruising trawlers ever built. Her timeless profile, warm teak interior, practical two-stateroom layout and exceptional cruising economy continue to make the GB36 an outstanding choice for coastal cruising, extended trips and comfortable weekends aboard.

This particular 36 Classic offers the desirable simplicity and economy of a single naturally aspirated Ford Lehman 120 HP diesel with approximately 1,733 total hours, combined with substantial recent investment in the mechanical systems and equipment that matter most on a cruising yacht.

Major improvements include two replacement aluminum fuel tanks with 270 gallons total capacity, recent bottom and running-gear work, updated navigation electronics, solar charging, diesel heat, a low-hour Onan generator, and new canvas and cushions in 2026.

POWER & ECONOMICAL CRUISING

The legendary Ford Lehman 120 HP six-cylinder diesel is one of this Grand Banks' greatest assets. Simple, naturally aspirated and known for economical operation, the single-engine configuration provides excellent engine-room accessibility while avoiding the maintenance and fuel consumption associated with twin engines.

The original functioning hour meter showed approximately 1,400 hours when replaced in March 2023. The replacement meter now shows approximately 333 hours, for approximately 1,733 total engine hours.

Both fuel tanks were replaced with two new aluminum tanks providing 270 gallons total fuel capacity. The extensive 2021 San Francisco Boatworks project included removal of the original tanks, installation of the replacements and new stainless-steel tank hold-downs and straps. The documented yard project totaled more than $21,000.

With 270 gallons of fuel and the economical single Lehman 120, she is particularly well suited to owners who value range, simplicity and economical cruising.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Grand Banks 36 Classic provides an impressive amount of living space for a 36-foot yacht.

Her traditional two-stateroom arrangement includes a private aft owner's cabin with two berths, comfortable forward guest accommodations, two heads, a spacious salon, galley and both lower and flybridge helm stations.

Beautiful traditional teak joinery gives the interior the warm character for which Grand Banks is famous.

New salon cushions, new flybridge cushions and new canvas were added in 2026, providing a fresh appearance while preserving the classic Grand Banks character.

COMFORT AT ANCHOR

This Grand Banks is nicely equipped for spending extended time away from the dock.

Solar panels help maintain the batteries while at anchor, reducing the need to operate the generator simply to keep the battery bank charged.

When AC power is wanted for morning coffee, toast and other household conveniences, the Onan generator is ready with only approximately 624 hours. A new generator circuit board was installed in 2023.

A new diesel furnace installed in 2025 adds another major cruising comfort, particularly for Bay Area, Delta and Pacific Northwest cruising.

NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS

Recent electronics upgrades include:

• New autopilot - 2022
• New flybridge chartplotter - 2022
• Solar battery charging system
• Updated fuel gauges
• Updated battery gauges
• Xantrex battery charger

DOCUMENTED MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES

This Grand Banks has benefited from consistent maintenance and significant investment in recent years.

2020-2021

• New exhaust elbow
• New steering cables
• New Xantrex battery charger
• Both fuel tanks replaced with two new aluminum tanks - 270 gallons total capacity
• New stainless-steel fuel-tank hold-downs and straps
• Bottom prepared and painted with two coats of Trinidad HD
• Extensive San Francisco Boatworks yard project

2022

• New fuel gauges
• New battery gauges
• New main batteries
• New autopilot
• New flybridge chartplotter

2023

• New engine hour meter installed
• Rear transmission seal replaced
• Onan generator circuit board replaced
• Shaft seals replaced within approximately the past five years

2024

• Engine oil and filter service
• Injection-pump service
• Engine oil analysis performed
• Raw-water pump replaced

2025

• Engine oil and filter service
• Injection-pump service
• Racor fuel-filter service
• New diesel furnace
• Bottom painted with two coats
• Three shaft/cutlass bearings replaced
• Propeller refurbished
• Shaft, rudder and related running gear serviced
• San Francisco Boatworks yard work totaling approximately $8,440

2026

• New domestic freshwater pump
• New canvas
• New salon cushions
• New flybridge cushions
• August 2026 engine service including oil, filter, injection-pump service and raw-water impeller

A CLASSIC GRAND BANKS READY FOR HER NEXT OWNER

What separates this Grand Banks 36 from many boats of her vintage is not simply her classic teak interior or unmistakable Grand Banks profile. It is the investment that has already been made in the expensive systems an experienced buyer looks at first.

Replacement aluminum fuel tanks, recent bottom and running-gear work, a low-hour Ford Lehman diesel, low-hour Onan generator, solar charging, updated electronics, diesel heat and extensive maintenance history combine to make her a particularly attractive example of this legendary design.

For someone seeking a manageable cruising trawler with traditional Grand Banks craftsmanship, excellent fuel economy, comfortable accommodations and genuine long-range cruising capability, this Grand Banks 36 Classicdeserves serious consideration.