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Old 08-17-2019, 02:05 AM   #1
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Grand Banks v Defever

Hi all,
I have been looking for a Grand Banks Europa 46 but am now looking at alternatives and have found a listing for a Defever 50 Pilothouse. I haven't as yet viewed the boat and have at this stage only seen photos. The interior looks remarkably similar to the GB interior.
What are your thoughts on comparisons between the two.
Cheers and thanks for your thoughts.
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Old 08-17-2019, 05:26 AM   #2
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Would you rather have a Buick or an Oldsmobile ?
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Old 08-17-2019, 06:04 AM   #3
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Don't know mate. I'm Australian.
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Old 08-17-2019, 06:06 AM   #4
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I'm assuming that you might be indicating ones standard and the other is luxury?
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Old 08-17-2019, 06:12 AM   #5
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I think he's inferring that they're both built by the same manufacturer (General Motors) with mostly a personal preference to the sub manufacturer.

Both boats were likely built in similar boatyards in Taiwan.

IMO, for boats of the same age, the quality will be similar. I would tend to focus more on layout and features.

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Old 08-17-2019, 06:14 AM   #6
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Thanks Ted. I'm going to have a look at a 2007 DeFever Ocean Force 50 "Europa Style Motor Yacht". $100.000 cheaper than a GB
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Old 08-17-2019, 06:26 AM   #7
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Thanks Ted. I'm going to have a look at a 2007 DeFever Ocean Force 50 "Europa Style Motor Yacht". $100.000 cheaper than a GB
IMO, at that age, the difference between 2 boats from these manufacturers will have more to do with how they were used (or abused), maintenance, and storage. Have seen both in Bristol condition and both that You couldn't pay me to take.

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Old 08-17-2019, 06:57 AM   #8
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Interestingly I was informed by a boat broker;
That its very much dependant on the model and age, when it comes to Defever. Arthur Defever was a great designer, his son-in law ‘Sharp’ wasn’t as good. Arthur’s designs were the ones built in the 70’s and 80’s. Sharp started in the late 80’s early 90’s. The Defever’s built now look similar to some of Arthur’s boats but certainly not the same builder (or build quality in my opinion). If you’re comparing a GB 46 to a Defever than I’d buy the GB any day of the week.
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Old 08-17-2019, 07:32 AM   #9
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What are your thoughts on comparisons between the two.
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If you’re comparing a GB 46 to a Defever than I’d buy the GB any day of the week.
Seems like you already had the answer to your own question.
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Old 08-17-2019, 07:36 AM   #10
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Had received it about 1 hour ago. Still only one opinion. Happy to hear others.
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Old 08-17-2019, 07:41 AM   #11
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Don't know mate. I'm Australian.

A Holden or a... hmm... I dunno what other GM brands you have there.



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Old 08-17-2019, 07:42 AM   #12
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In my mind, the boat with the little or no exterior teak to maintain.
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Old 08-17-2019, 07:49 AM   #13
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The concept is boats (like autos) come in a variety of quality grades.

Abeking & Rasmussen (SP) is my lottery (big lottery!) choice.

On the bottom of many lists is the small Bayliner style, high production boats.

Comparing boats of similar place on the quality build list is done by what suits your taste, not "which is better" as better is undefined.

Look at both ends of the quality lines , some lower quality built boats are just fine for most uses.


Seldom for big blue water passage making , as ocean worthy scantlings are expensive to build.
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Old 08-17-2019, 08:05 AM   #14
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IMO, at that age, the difference between 2 boats from these manufacturers will have more to do with how they were used (or abused), maintenance, and storage. Have seen both in Bristol condition and both that You couldn't pay me to take.

Ted
This.

You’ll hear endless kudos and some criticisms for these two brands—often from owners—but there’s no substitute for maintenance and no way to form an opinion without eyes on a particular vessel.

As for the alleged decline in Defever quality, I was on a 2014 Defever 50 last week and any decline was certainly well hidden. Arthur’s influence was everywhere apparent and the fit and finish were excellent.
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Old 08-17-2019, 03:17 PM   #15
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Only holden in Australia I believe. Quality of build and finish is something I guess I'm asking about. I'm a newbie to buying larger boats so always good to do some research. I had a look at a 2005 Clipped 50 and on the same day a GB 46 EUROPA, and the difference in build quality was amazing. GB being a so much better build. Not just from a maintenance perspective. I'm sure that the brokers hate me as i open every conceivable door / cupboard and crawl around into all the normally out of view places with my torch and inspection mirror. ��
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Old 08-17-2019, 03:26 PM   #16
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Either boats are nice. I tend not to like GB as much because they usually have built in furniture and we like to have recliners due to back issues. Having said that if I were you I would not be as concerned as to which boat is a better boat but rather which boat fits your needs best and which boat is in better condition.
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Old 08-17-2019, 03:55 PM   #17
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Old 08-17-2019, 04:01 PM   #18
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Trying to decide if we are going to make the 1200 mile trip. Need some more information
This particular Defever has been on the market for just over a year now.
Not sure if I mentioned that we're looking at living on board and renting out our house. My job allows me to work mostly mobile with an occasional office visit. So living out of a marina shouldn't be a problem.
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Old 08-17-2019, 04:13 PM   #19
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I could be wrong, but isn't a DeFever a design, built by many manufacturers/yards....and it depends which one to determine what the quality is? There was no distinctive builder?
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Old 08-17-2019, 05:53 PM   #20
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I could be wrong, but isn't a DeFever a design, built by many manufacturers/yards....and it depends which one to determine what the quality is? There was no distinctive builder?
Back in the day, way back, this was the case AFAIK. Just when it narrowed down to one or two builders I'm not sure.

Their is a De Fever dealer in Sydney https://www.q7marine.com.au/defever-yachts/ who has displayed boats at the Sanctuary Cove boat show. After one show there was a bit of discussion here on TF with some loving it but IIRC most not liking it. The concept is great, layout good etc but it was clearly built to a price point and it showed. I found it disappointing.

But boats are damned expensive so I can understand the need to keep build costs low if you want to sell them! It ought to be possible to get good quality at a good price, and it likely starts with very detailed planning and design by the NA. But POCTA missed the mark. In real estate you can see the same thing, sometimes a lot of money spent can still produce a poor result.
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