1986 Grand Banks 36 Classic “Go Whistle” Available now

1986 Grand Banks 36 Classic — Go Whistle

Listing Summary

Go Whistle is a 1986 Grand Banks 36 Classic trawler offering traditional styling, comfortable cruising accommodations, and the timeless appeal of one of the most respected names in recreational trawlers. Located in Rochester, New York, she has spent the current family's ownership cruising the freshwater waters of Lake Ontario and has been stored indoors during the winter months.

Since purchasing the vessel in 2017, the owners report investing more than $40,000 in improvements and restoration work, including refinished exterior woodwork, updated interior finishes, a new teak swim platform, and a bow thruster. With her economical single-diesel configuration, flybridge, generator, air conditioning, and included dinghy, Go Whistle offers an appealing opportunity for comfortable Great Lakes cruising or extended adventures including the Great Loop.

Why You'll Like This Boat

• Freshwater cruising history: Based in Rochester, New York, during the current family's ownership, with indoor winter storage at Shumway Marine.
• Over $40,000 invested: The owners report significant expenditures on restoration and improvements since purchasing the boat in 2017.
• Classic Grand Banks design: Traditional trawler appearance, teak side decks, flybridge, and practical cruising layout.
• Bow thruster: Installed in 2018, providing additional maneuverability when docking and operating in confined spaces.
• Comfortable cruising accommodations: Forward and aft cabins, salon, galley, heating, and air conditioning.
• Single Ford diesel: Naturally aspirated six-cylinder diesel, with approximately 135 horsepower reported by the owner.
• Generator and shore power: Electrical systems to support extended cruising and time aboard.
• Numerous recent improvements: Interior headliners, LED lighting, exterior varnish, swim platform, cabin painting, and updated VHF radio.

Detailed DescriptionExterior and Deck

The Grand Banks 36 Classic is widely recognized for its traditional trawler styling, practical deck arrangement, and comfortable cruising characteristics.

Go Whistle features teak side decks, exterior handrails, a flybridge, and an aft cockpit area with cushions and a table. The covered flybridge provides an elevated operating position and additional outdoor space for enjoying time on the water.

The exterior railings and aft companionway woodwork were stripped and revarnished in 2022. The name boards on both sides of the flybridge and the transom were also refinished that year.

A new teak swim platform and boarding ladder were installed in 2024, enhancing access to the water and the included dinghy.

Additional exterior equipment includes an electric anchor windlass, swim ladder, and flybridge canvas cover.

Helm and Navigation

Go Whistle offers the convenience of upper and lower helm stations, allowing the captain to operate from the flybridge or the protection of the salon.

Navigation equipment includes a compass, depth sounder, GPS, speed log, and a new VHF radio installed in 2024.

The vessel also has a bow thruster installed in 2018, with controls at the lower helm and flybridge. The flybridge control requires the salon joystick to be powered on.

Radar equipment is also included.

Engine and Mechanical Systems

Power is provided by a single Ford six-cylinder diesel engine from the BSD666 family, with a displacement of approximately 6.6 liters.

The owner reports a horsepower rating of approximately 135 HP, although the precise marine rating has not yet been independently verified.

According to the owner, the boat cruises comfortably at approximately 9 mph at 2,000 RPM, with a maximum speed of approximately 10 mph.

The engine drives a four-blade bronze-alloy fixed propeller.

Fuel capacity is approximately 320 gallons, providing substantial range for extended cruising.

Salon and Interior

The Grand Banks 36 Classic features the traditional arrangement of a central salon positioned between the forward and aft accommodations.

The salon serves as the primary gathering area, with convenient access to the galley and helm.

The current owners undertook substantial interior refurbishment work, including replacement of the interior headliners and installation of new ceiling-mounted LED lighting in 2023.

These improvements provide updated interior finishes while preserving the traditional character of the vessel.

Galley

The galley is equipped for extended cruising and comfortable weekends aboard.

Equipment includes a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and stove/oven.

With a freshwater capacity of approximately 150 gallons, Go Whistle provides generous water storage for a vessel of this size.

Sleeping Accommodations

The traditional Grand Banks 36 Classic arrangement provides separate forward and aft sleeping accommodations, offering privacy for owners and guests.

Both the forward and aft cabins were stripped and repainted in 2023 as part of the ongoing restoration work.

This two-cabin arrangement makes the boat particularly appealing to cruising couples who occasionally entertain overnight guests.

Comfort and Electrical Systems

Go Whistle is equipped with heating and air conditioning, adding comfort during early- and late-season cruising.

The owner also reports a generator, shore-power connection, battery charger, and electric bilge pump.

These systems support the vessel's suitability for extended periods aboard.

Recent Upgrades & Maintenance

The current owners purchased Go Whistle in 2017 and report investing more than $40,000 in restoration, maintenance, and improvements during their ownership.

Significant completed work includes:

2024

• New teak swim platform and boarding ladder.
• New VHF radio.
• Bottom painting reported during the 2024–2025 period.

2023

• Replacement of all interior headliners.
• Installation of new ceiling-mounted LED lighting.
• Forward and aft cabins stripped and repainted.
• Dinghy with sail and oars added.

2022

• Exterior railings and aft companionway stripped and revarnished.
• Flybridge and transom name boards refinished.

2018

• Bow thruster installed.

The vessel has reportedly been stored indoors at Shumway Marine during winter storage periods throughout the current family's ownership.

Included Equipment

Go Whistle is offered with a selection of equipment intended to support cruising and recreational use.

Navigation and Electronics

• GPS
• Depth sounder
• Compass
• Speed log
• VHF radio
• Stereo system and exterior speakers
• Radar equipment visible in photographs

Mechanical and Electrical

• Single Ford six-cylinder diesel
• Bow thruster
• Generator
• Shore-power connection
• Battery charger
• Electric bilge pump
• Heating and air conditioning

Interior

• Refrigerator
• Freezer
• Microwave
• Stove/oven

Exterior

• Flybridge with canvas cover
• Cockpit cushions
• Cockpit table
• Teak side decks
• Electric anchor windlass
• Teak swim platform
• Swimming ladder
• Dinghy with sail and oars
• Various dock lines, fenders, power cables, adapters, and galley accessories

Who Is This Boat Best For?

Go Whistle is particularly well suited to a couple looking for a traditional cruising trawler with comfortable accommodations and manageable single-engine operation.

Her two-cabin arrangement, generous fuel and water capacities, flybridge, and cruising equipment make her an appealing choice for exploring the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes region via connecting waterways, or undertaking portions of America's Great Loop where route clearances permit.

She could also be an excellent choice for someone seeking a comfortable summer cruising platform or a classic Grand Banks to continue improving and enjoying.

With significant restoration work already completed, Go Whistle presents an opportunity for a buyer who appreciates traditional yacht design and wants to build upon the investment made by her current owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Go Whistle a freshwater boat?

The vessel has been based in Rochester, New York, during the current family's ownership since 2017, operating on the freshwater waters of Lake Ontario. Her complete earlier cruising history has not been verified.

Has the boat been stored indoors?

Yes. The owners report indoor winter storage at Shumway Marine throughout their ownership.

What engine does the boat have?

A single Ford BSD666-family six-cylinder diesel. The owner reports approximately 135 horsepower, pending verification.

Does the boat have a bow thruster?

Yes. A bow thruster was installed in 2018, with upper and lower controls.

Does the boat have air conditioning and a generator?

Yes. Both are reported on the owner's equipment inventory.

Is a dinghy included?

Yes. A dinghy with sail and oars was added in 2023 and is included in the sale.

What improvements have been made?

The owners report investing more than $40,000 in restoration and improvements since purchasing the vessel in 2017. Work includes refinished exterior woodwork, new interior headliners and lighting, cabin painting, a new teak swim platform and ladder, an updated VHF radio, and a bow thruster.

Are there any known items requiring attention?

The owner reports that the teak decks will require attention in the coming years. The anchor windlass has a broken operating lever but is reported to remain functional. The operational condition of the autopilot has not been confirmed.