The growing demand for Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts in the United States has fueled a significant expansion, with the company opening a dedicated West Coast sales and service office in San Diego, California. This move marks a homecoming of sorts for Grand Banks Yachts, returning to its Southern California roots with a strategic location at the prestigious Kona Kai Marina.
Heading up the new operation is seasoned yacht sales specialist Michael Kusler. With over 20 years of experience in luxury yacht sales — including a long-standing relationship with Grand Banks Yachts — Kusler brings deep industry expertise and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Known for his extensive knowledge of Grand Banks’ storied lineage and a solid understanding of the Southern California boating community, Kusler is well-positioned to drive the company’s growth in the region.
“Michael’s in-depth familiarity with the Grand Banks brand and his vast experience in the yachting industry make him the perfect fit to represent our Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts brands on the West Coast,” said Mark Richards, CEO of GB Marine Group. “His dedication to superior customer service aligns with our company’s core values. With 13 new models currently under construction across both brands, the timing couldn’t be better for this expansion.”
San Diego, renowned for its vibrant boating culture and history as a host city for the America’s Cup, provides an ideal setting for the offerings of Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts. The product lineup includes long-distance cruising and high-performance motor yachts tailored for enthusiasts seeking luxury, efficiency, and adventure.
Kusler expressed his enthusiasm about leading the new office: “Today’s Grand Banks models are truly a cut above. After learning more about the brand’s vision for best-in-class performance and long-range cruising, I was hooked. I look forward to introducing our premium, custom-built yachts to current and prospective clients.”
The Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ direct-to-customer sales model enhances the company’s ability to deliver exceptional service and support in new markets. This expansion underscores Grand Banks’ commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction as the company continues to introduce new models and grow its global presence.
Since its inception in 1956, Grand Banks Yachts has set the standard for luxury long-distance cruising. The launch of the original Grand Banks 36 in 1965 pioneered the trawler yacht market, establishing the company as a trailblazer in recreational boating. The debut of the Eastbay series in 1993 further cemented Grand Banks’ reputation, offering stylish, high-performance cruising yachts inspired by Down East designs.
Today, Grand Banks continues to innovate with its proprietary V-Warp™ technology — a design and manufacturing process that draws from elite ocean racing. This advanced approach delivers unmatched fuel efficiency and performance, reinforcing the brand’s leadership in the industry. Grand Banks’ current lineup includes customizable long-range cruiser models like the GB54, GB60, GB62, and GB85, along with Downeast-inspired Eastbay models such as the Eastbay 44 and Eastbay 60.
Operating out of a state-of-the-art shipyard in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia, Grand Banks Yachts maintains a global network of sales and service offices across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is publicly traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GBY:SP.
Palm Beach Motor Yachts was founded in 1995 by Mark Richards, a former ocean racing champion and yacht builder, with a vision to create “A Yachtsman’s Power Boat.” Combining timeless aesthetics with modern engineering, the brand quickly gained acclaim with the launch of its first model, the PB38.
Today, Palm Beach Motor Yachts offers a diverse range of luxury motor yachts across its Classic, GT, and GT RS lines. The brand’s hallmark V-Warp™ technology — a semi-displacement hull design with extensive carbon fiber construction — provides an industry-leading power-to-weight ratio, resulting in superior speed, fuel economy, and performance.
In 2014, Palm Beach Motor Yachts became part of Grand Banks Yachts Limited, with Mark Richards serving as CEO, Head Designer, and a major shareholder. The company’s shipyard in Malaysia and its global network of sales and service offices — with locations in Florida, California, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Sydney, and Australia’s Gold Coast — ensure a world-class experience for yacht owners.
As Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts continue to build on their rich heritage, the opening of the San Diego office signals a new chapter in their shared story, bringing unparalleled craftsmanship and customer service to yacht enthusiasts on the West Coast.
