The Grand G980 is built around three entirely configurable zones: the stern entertaining area, the bow and the cabin. Each area easily transforms between multiple configurations, allowing social areas onboard to adapt, depending on how the day unfolds.
TL;DR
- The stern area configures between being a full dining setting for 8 or more, a full-width sun pad for 4 adults, a reading nook, or an open walk-through to the swim platform
- The bow sun pad extends via a built-in board system to accommodate the whole family lying flat
- The cabin’s twin beds convert to a double berth with extension boards; an enclosed toilet is also fitted
- All three zones reconfigure quickly and seamlessly on the water without tools
- The G980’s modular layout means the boat can serve an entire day on the water across completely different activities without asking anyone on board to compromise
What does modular mean on a 10 metre RIB?
Most RIBs make their layout choices at the factory, with fixed seating arrangements and pre-determined configurations throughout the boat. Grand Boats took a different approach with the Grand G980.
Grand has designed three distinct social zones across the boat, each of which is entirely modular and can be configured on the water to serve a family’s varying activities and lifestyles on the day.
The result is a 10 metre RIB that offers unmatched versatility; equally capable of functioning as a dining venue at anchor, a sun deck in the afternoon, a swim, fishing and dive platform and overnight accommodation, all within the same boat and the same day, using components that are already part of the design.
How does the stern area configure?
The stern of the G980 is where the boat’s modular philosophy is most clearly expressed.
A wide bench runs across the full width of the stern – perfect for seating 4+ adults while the boat is underway. Two additional side seats on the port and starboard sides flip upward to create extra seating, and a further seat behind the helm station folds upward to face aft. With two tables slot in the centre, together the configuration switches between a transport-focused layout, to a circular dining setting with comfortable seating for 8 or more adults. With the electric anchor down, drinks in the fridge, and food cooking on the in-built cooker, you’ve got everything you need for entertaining friends and family.
When the day moves from lunch towards the afternoon, the table drops to its lower position and an infill cushion slots into place. The entire stern becomes one continuous sun pad, large enough for four adults to stretch out flat. The transformation takes less than a minute. But you can even keep one of the adjustable backrests up, creating a reading nook in the corner, while the rest of the family stretch out in the sun.
And of course, the sun shade extensions provide sun coverage across the entire stern cockpit area.
When it’s time for a swim, both side seats on the bench lower down flat, creating an unobstructed path from the cockpit directly to the rear swim platform.
It’s an area that offers limitless ways to relax and unwind, and has surely earned its name as a ‘Swiss Army knife of an entertaining area’ (Powerboat Magazine). Every day on the water is different, and the Grand G980’s modular stern area is designed to meet you there.
How does the bow sun pad configure?
The bow of the Grand G980 is built around a sun pad that, in its standard configuration, is large enough for two or three adults to lie out flat. For a 10 metre RIB, that is an already generous allocation of space at the front of the boat, without the need for an infill.
But if you want the whole family to lie out together up at the bow, an in-built extension system gives you just that.
Built into the sun bed is an extension system. Simply remove the cushion, flip the extension board over until it meets the front console seat, place the cushion back and place the extra cushion on top of the extension board. The bow sun pad becomes one continuous surface large enough for the whole family to stretch out together.
And if you’re wondering about where that extension cushion is stored? There is more than enough room for it in the bow locker, which has been built deep into the hull to seamlessly store all bow cushions.
The bow area can also be covered completely in shade, with the sun shade extensions that come out over the bow from the fibreglass t-top.
What about the cabin on the Grand G980?
Modularity continues within the Grand G980’s spacious overnight cabin, where twin single beds convert to a full double berth seamlessly, quickly and comfortably with purposefully designed extension boards.
Whether you’re using the Grand G980 for overnighting, or just want to provide a space for the kids to nap in the afternoon, the cabin offers you two sleeping configurations to suit your individual needs and comfort.
Other features of the cabin include a toilet, ample storage, plenty of natural light and mood lighting; but more to come on this in our next article on the Grand G980’s Cabin.
The cabin is what allows the Grand G980 to function as genuine overnight accommodation, and it is designed with the same attention to how the space is used as every other zone on the boat.
Why does modularity matter on a boat like this?
We know that every family enjoys boating differently, and that a family day on the water never follows a single script.
The beauty of rigid inflatable boats is the versatility that they offer, and the Grand G980 takes that versatility even further with its internal modularity. Grand’s designers set out to build a boat that could deliver real performance and offshore capability while also functioning as a genuine home and destination for families on board – no matter if that looks different day to day.
The three configurable zones are how that goal is realised above the waterline, making it a boat worth staying aboard for years to come.
To enquire about the Grand G980, explore in-stock Grand G980 for sale, or book a sea trial, contact the Grand Boats Australia team.
Grand G980 Modularity
Zone
Configuration
Stern Area
Dining For 8+ / Full-Width Sun Pad / Reading Nook / Walk-Throughs To Swim Platform
Bow Area
Standard (2-3 Adults) / Extended (Whole Family)
Cabin
Twin Single Beds / Double Berth Via In Built Extension