GRAND has long been celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovative design in the leisure RIB market. The Grand 680 exemplifies this dedication, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and style. But how does it fare in real-world conditions? We took the G680 for a spin to find out.
The sweet spot
At 6.82 metres in length and 2.64 metres in beam, the Grand G680 sits at a sweet spot in the RIB market. In fact, Wills Marine, the UK representative for Grand, informed us that this was their bestselling model. For good reason it would seem, as the G680 is compact enough to be manageable for solo or family use, it’s easy to trailer launch yet large enough to accommodate 5 passengers comfortably when passage-making—perhaps more when undertaking short runs in good conditions. The carefully thought-out proportions ensure that it maintains an aggressive yet refined presence on the water.
What is the deck like?
Upon approaching the G680, its modern lines and arresting aesthetics immediately catch the eye. The Orca Hypalon tubes paired with Silvertex premium upholstery give it a luxurious yet rugged appearance. The SeaDek flooring not only enhances safety with its non-slip surface but also complements the overall design, adding a touch of elegance.
What is the seating and layout like?
One of the most notable aspects of the G680 is its seating arrangement. The bow section is spacious and can be converted into a sunbathing area, making it ideal for those who enjoy relaxed cruising. Though not large enough to house a toilet, the console locker, which also contains the boat’s electrics and essential wiring, is spacious enough to store a dry bag and/or wet weather clothing. Wherever you look, you’ll discover an abundance of dry stowage and the deeper you peer within any lockers or compartments, the more attention to detail and high standard of finish you’ll find. Indeed, the layout of the G680 is thoughtfully designed to maximize both space and functionality and this is seen in the wraparound rear seating unit which, being both comfortable and practical, offers plenty of space for passengers to relax securely thanks to its high sided design.
What materials are used?
A key highlight of this RIB is its integration of premium materials and components. For instance, the upholstery throughout is thoughtfully aligned to emulate the synthetic decking design and the finish on the console and seating areas gives the boat a sophisticated but non-fussy feel. Details such as the inset cup holders, the stainless-steel powder-coated grab handles, (of which there are a plethora throughout), plus, the integration of the Fusion speakers within the helm console and carbon-fibre T-Top, all add to the overall user experience. The thoughtful placement of LED deck lighting enhances low light use and adds a touch of luxury too. As for the self-draining deck, it features moderately sized deck scuppers which are sufficient to rid the deck of moderate amounts of shipped water. But being a dry running craft, any water on deck is likely to be limited anyway.
About the build quality and features
Additionally, such things as the reinforced transom, designed to handle the stresses of a high-powered motor, even the RIB’s UV resistant tubes… such attributes show much thought has gone into this model. The addition too of premium fittings, as in the case of the stainless-steel cleats and mooring points, further reinforces the boat’s high-end appeal. The boat’s quality construction also means you won’t hear any annoying rattles even when driving in the rough. Optional features like the stern shower and helm seat sink kit add a layer of convenience for those looking to spend extended periods on the water.
How practical is the helm?
The helm station is ergonomically designed, featuring a sport steering wheel and hydraulic steering for precise control. The console is equipped with a glove box and handrails, ensuring that essentials are within easy reach and that safety is prioritized. The electric package, including navigation lights, bilge pump, and horn, come as standard, underscoring Grand’s commitment to providing a comprehensive boating experience.
A pair of optional Garmin multi-function displays (MFDs) bring advanced navigation capabilities, while an Icom VHF radio ensures reliable, state of the art communication on the water. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with all controls and switches neatly arranged. Visibility from the helm is excellent, allowing for confident manoeuvring in the tight confines of a marina as well as when out in open water. As for the tinted windscreen, this offers a good degree of protection, particularly with the two-point seat in the lowered position. The latter are both comfortable and functional and are positioned to work in conjunction with the angled foot brace positioned at the base of the console.
It may be optional, but the carbon fibre T-Top is a must have in my view. Available also in Plexiglass, this feature really finishes the boat’s appearance in my view and from a practical standpoint, it likewise affords at least some weather protection as well as being a useful platform for the likes of the flagstaff, VHF aerial, anchor light and potentially, even a radar dome too. Its inbuilt down-lighters are a commendable addition and its attractively styled superstructure is designed in such a way as to provide even more grab points to aid safe movement on deck. Importantly, this structure, though offering generous head height, showed no evidence of adversely affecting the boat’s COG or destabilising its handling characteristics.
How does the boat handle in challenging conditions?
The conditions on the day entailed little wind, but a big swell was running and coinciding with an ebb tide, the seas over the Salcombe bar were lumping up to an impressive degree and required me to get to grips with the G680’s attributes pretty smartish. If anything, she was a little underpropped, which meant the use of the throttle required some delicacy to prevent her bow from flying as we crested the fast-approaching swells. The two-point bolster style helm seating worked well in these conditions, aiding helm control and forward visibility. Nevertheless, there was a moment on our initial run over the bar when we experienced a complete free fall. As if the ‘rug had been pulled out beneath her’, the boat descended from a height of 12ft or so to land in the trough with an almighty thud! But to her credit, her reconnection with the water was absolutely spot on, with zero sign of any awkwardness or imbalance.
How does the G680 perform?
Once beyond the harbour mouth, the G680’s Mercury 200hp delivered impressive, sporty performance. Topping out at a smidge over 45 knots, the Grand showcased her deep-V hull’s capabilities with true aplomb – slicing through the chop with ease and delivering a very stable, confidence inspiring ride in the process. Her agility was evident, with the Mercury hydraulic steering ensuring that hard lock turns were executed effortlessly and responsively.
In line with the foregoing, the Mercury’s acceleration was brisk ”out of the hole” and the hull remained composed even as we pushed on out into open water. A cruising speed then of around 25knots appeared to be the ‘sweet spot’ for most scenarios: providing a sensible balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
How stable is the ride?
At speed, the G680 remained exceptionally stable, thanks in part to its well-designed sports hull and the boat’s strategic weight distribution. The optional addition of trim tabs would allow for even greater fine-tuning of the ride, and whilst I acknowledge tabs would undoubtedly further enhance comfort and control, the G680’s organic qualities are such that I don’t think this addition is particularly necessary. The amidships positioning of her console and T-Top superstructure, as well as her generous, 200 litre underdeck fuel tank, all contribute toward the RIB’s stable, dynamic ride.
Powerboat & RIB Verdict | Grand G680
The Grand Golden Line 680 stands out as a well-crafted RIB, one that convincingly balances performance, comfort, and style. Its thoughtful design and quality construction make it a compelling choice for boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile vessel capable for both leisurely cruising and spirited adventures. Whether you’re navigating calm inland waters or heading offshore for an adrenaline-fueled ride, the G680 delivers with confidence. In fact, she’s a boat that feels just as at home ferrying family and friends around as she will carving her way through the chop and swells. For those who seek that cross-over between performance and luxury, this manageable-sized Grand certainly doesn’t disappoint. A very likeable sports RIB indeed in my book.
Review originally published on Powerboat & RIB Magazine