Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 Review (2016 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

Nick begins the tour on the fixed bathing platform, which, while not a hi-lo platform, can still accommodate a tender. The cockpit has a very sociable layout with seating on three sides, and is an ideal space for relaxing with friends. He also finds the detailing on the boat, such as the wrapped rails, particularly appealing.

The helm, which has a clever design, is centrally located unlike in many boats. Normally, a centrally located helm can cause inconvenience as people on one side would need to shuffle over the helm to get to the other side. However, the designers of the Beneteau GT40 have smartly added a separate seat and a walkway, allowing easy access to all three seats at the helm without having to step over anyone.

Inside there is a spacious dinette and high quality woodwork with a satin finish. He also likes the large skylights and portholes that allow plenty of natural light into the cabin. The galley is equipped with electric cooking facilities, a TV, a fridge, storage drawers, and a microwave.

The master cabin is at the front of the boat, with a generous window size and ample storage space. He then proceeds to the heads, which features a sink, storage, and a toilet with a door that can be closed off to create a separate shower area.

The layout of the back cabin is found to be particularly innovative. Instead of a single bed running across the back of the boat, Beneteau has opted for two beds, one on each side, with the walkway in the middle. This layout cleverly utilises the V shape of the hull, making the cabin feel more spacious.

Inside the engine room, there are a pair of Volvo D4-300 engines. The performance of the D4 is praised, and can push the boat to speeds over 30 knots. 

In summary, Nick is impressed with the Beneteau GT40's innovative design solutions, its detailing, and the quality of its interior finish.