Beneteau Gran Turismo 40: GT for families

The sporty attitude of Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 matches a livability normally seen on proper family cruisers.

Maybe it’s that GT in the name of Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 which can be confusing. Because at the end of the day this cruiser from the French boatyard is made for comfortable navigation. And despite there’s no flybridge, plenty of open space and a sliding roof grant the possibility o enjoy life open-air.

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Beneteau Gran Turismo 40: the deck

You can’t really say that Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 has a peculiar look. But that’s not what owners would want. What they will enjoy is the cosy living on the main deck and the two cabins below. Everything is well sized and usable, so much so that the only flaw I can find is that lack of personality I just mentioned.

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The swim platform can be lifted and lowered (option for 8500 euros), then a large gate to starboard leads to the cockpit and the dinette, the latter being partially covered by the hardtop overhang. Still on starboard side the passageway is quite narrow and not protected enough by a short guardrail, luckily the superstructure is a safe handhold. On the foredeck, before the solarium the anchor locker and winch are conveniently  placed under the floor.
On the swim platform there’s also space for an open-air kitchenette, far from the salon but close to the dinette and harmless in terms of smoke and fumes from thee stove. In the cockpit an L-shaped couch and a extending table create the perfect area for a meal close to the sea, rather then using the dinette belowdecks. To complete the features, the hardtop which partially protects from the sun, and a (frankly redundant) second grill in the cockpit.
In the salon the sliding roof opens above two sofas which turn into chaise longues, while the helm station sports a double seat and a third, rotating one, whose benefit I barely find.
On the dashboard, the main space is for the Simrad instruments, with some of the info doubled in the Volvo Penta screens.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 40: inside

The companion door is elegant and functional: the two elements grant a comfy access belowdecks and let  plenty of light to flood in. In particular, to the dinette in the mess, which then will be used in case of bad weather, without feeling cramped in a basement. A third kitchenette is surely useful here, much more than the one in the cockpit while the only bathroom is large enough to feature a separate shower box.

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The two cabins are properly sized (I didn’t say large), with the fore one featuring a double bed and a typical layout, and the one amidships offering two single berths in a full-beam space.
The materials are an excellent match between luxury and affordability: not too much joinery around, but enough to warm up the ambiance, with a moderate and wise use of laminated wood.

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Beneteau Gran Turismo 40: the test

In Palma di Maiorca the sea is calm during the Beneteau press meeting. I need to find my own wake in order to test the hull of this Beneteau Gran Turismo. The behavior is sincere and easy, with no screeches or thuds, testifying of a hull well designed and built. The propulsion is on two Volvo Penta turbodiesel D4, 300 HP each (the alternative being a couple of Volvo D6 delivering 370 HP). The power is definitely enough, as the top speed reaches 34 knots: is there any need for a faster pace on such a boat?
The slowest planing speed can be found at 2000 revs, which mean 10 knots and 37 liters per hour: not bad at all. The fuel consumption doubles when at cruising speed, but it means already 25 knots.

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Transmissions consist of the reliable Volvo sterndrives, perfect in terms of maneuverability on this Beneteau Gran Turismo 40: the turning radius can be so narrow that no boater will ever need it, still knowing that it can be a plus when in dangerous situations. The only critic comes from the swim platform which collects some water when slowing down. But if you go for the lifting one, raise it a bit and there you are!
Read on BoatMag international our test of Beneteau Swift Trawler 30.

The numbers of Beneteau Gran Turismo 40

Length overall 12.55 m (41ft 2in)
Length hull LH 11.50 m (37ft 9in)
Beam 3.87 m (12ft 8in)
Displacement  7.650 Kg
Draft 1.10 m (43 in)
Engines Volvo D4-300 2×300 HP
Fuel reserve  650 l (171 US gal)
Fresh water reserve 200 l (52 US gal)
Cabins 2
Berths 4-6
Passengers 10
CE design category B/C
Designer Nuvolari & Lenard/Adreani Design

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Performance

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Test conditions
Calm sea, temperature 20° C (68° F), clean hull, fuel 480 l (126 US gal), fresh water 0, five passengers.

Indicative price
Beneteau Gran Turismo 40, Volvo Penta D4 2×300 HP € 249.000 + VAT
Beneteau Gran Turismo 40, Volvo Penta D6 2×370 HP with joystick € 275.900 + VAT

 

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