After owning multiple boats, sailing more than 66,000 nautical miles, and evaluating power catamarans around the world, Steve and Shaina still hadn’t found the right fit—until they discovered GranOcean.
With delivery of their custom GranOcean W60 approaching this fall, the couple reflects on a journey that involved decades of boating, extensive research, and a highly collaborative design process that ultimately convinced them they had found the right builder.
A LIFETIME ON THE WATER
Steve’s boating journey spans more than four decades. What began with an 18-foot ski boat eventually evolved into larger cruising vessels, houseboats, and ultimately sailing catamarans.
Over the last ten years, Steve and Shaina embraced long-distance cruising aboard sailing cats, exploring the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, the U.S. East Coast, and beyond. Along the way, they accumulated more than 66,000 nautical miles and gained valuable insight into what works—and what doesn’t—when living aboard and cruising extensively.
As experienced owners, they knew exactly what they wanted from their next yacht.
Designing a Truly Custom Yacht
One of the most exciting parts of the process has been customizing the yacht to reflect the way they cruise.
Unlike many production builders that limit owners to cosmetic selections, GranOcean welcomed Steve and Shaina’s ideas and worked with them to bring those concepts to life.
To date, they have incorporated more than 60 custom modifications into their W60.
Among their favorite additions are a custom outdoor entertainment area inspired by larger GranOcean models, expanded seating and storage, upgraded fishing amenities, advanced camera systems, and numerous behind-the-scenes improvements designed to enhance comfort, safety, and functionality.
Some of their ideas proved so practical that GranOcean adopted them for future builds.
One example was an improved hatch drainage system developed from Steve’s years of real-world cruising experience. After reviewing the concept, the GranOcean team implemented the improvement on future yachts.
“They’re really open to ideas,” Steve said. “If they think something improves the boat, they implement it.”
"They don't cut corners," Shaina said. "The detail, the finishes, the engineering, and the willingness to improve things really impressed us."
Visiting the GranOcean Shipyard in China
Earlier this year, Steve and Shaina traveled to China to see their yacht under construction and meet directly with GranOcean owners Eric and Scott.
For both of them, it was their first trip to China—and one that left a lasting impression.
Using detailed 3D design software, the team reviewed modifications together in real time, exploring ideas, adjusting layouts, and visualizing solutions on the spot.
“They would rotate the model, zoom through walls, and immediately show us how changes could work,” Shaina recalled.
The technology was impressive, but so was the level of personal involvement.
From coordinating transportation and accommodations to spending full days reviewing the project together, the GranOcean team made the visit both productive and enjoyable. Steve and Shaina were able to walk through the shipyard, see the craftsmanship firsthand, and gain confidence in both the build quality and the people behind it.
“They’re there every day working with the boats,” Steve said. “They’re very involved.”
Looking Ahead to Delivery
With delivery scheduled for October, excitement continues to build as the project moves closer to completion.
For Steve and Shaina, the experience has been about far more than purchasing another boat. After decades of boating, thousands of miles under sail, and a worldwide search for the right power catamaran, they found a builder willing to listen, collaborate, and create a yacht tailored specifically to the way they live and cruise.
For experienced owners who know exactly what they want, that’s what made GranOcean stand out.
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