Saxdor 320 GTC Review (2022 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

This is a Saxdor 320. Saxdor burst onto the scene in 2019 and has done very well. They are a budget boat, but they don't feel like it, thanks to the detailing, the backlitness, the stainless steel, and the way the anchor is fitted. The anchor is mounted in a cradle that launches out - a proper bit of design.

The sides of the cockpit drop down flat on both sides to create a huge area, brilliant for swimming. Swim platforms sit next to the engines, with a boarding ladder that folds out.

The back seating is clever. The backrest can tilt the other way to face backwards and look over the water. The table can drop down and link with the seat to make a two-person sunbed.

You can access the bow by steps along the side, but the easier way is through the wheelhouse. From there, a side door leads out to the deck. The door closes and locks for security. There are grab rails all the way along the side, and it feels very deep and secure underfoot.

On the bow, there’s an optional sun pad, and underneath it are big hatches that open into the cabin for ventilation and light. The anchor mechanism folds out in two stages - folding the anchor out and then lowering it.

The boat design makes boarding easy. You can step out of the cabin, walk around the front, and step onto the dock. A large gutter rail above the windows stops water running over them and gives something to grab onto when moving along the side. Speakers and pin lighting are built into the exterior, adding a touch of atmosphere, especially at night.

The massive opening roof section over the wheelhouse is another highlight. Skylights and illuminated speakers give loads of natural light and ambience to the whole space.

This is the GTC version with a full wheelhouse. A big sliding door fully encloses and locks the area for climate control and security. Big windows surround the space, and you can choose drop windows if you want, though with the side doors and opening roof, ventilation is already excellent.

The table in the wheelhouse drops down and opens out. Seats spin around to create a proper dining area. You can also fill it in to make a sleeping area, but there’s another sleeping area below.

The galley sits to port. It has a two-burner diesel-powered hob, so you don’t need a generator. Diesel heating is also fitted. Auxiliary batteries separate from the engine start batteries ensure that even if you drain the domestic system, the engines will still fire up. The galley has a sink, storage for propellers, a decent-sized fridge, and an option for a second fridge if needed.

The wheelhouse seats three across the front and more behind. Five people can sit facing forward inside in comfort. The driving position is finished in a dark non-glare material to avoid reflections on the screen. Heating demisters keep the screens clear in bad weather.

Details include illuminated cup holders, well-finished switchgear, and a grab handle for the passenger. There’s an inductive charging pad for phones, a glove box with USB charging and SD card slots for navigation.

Controls are get-at-able. 230V and 12V breakers are accessed behind a neat panel. The hob control, heating, stereo, and one-touch powered roof hatch are all close to hand.

Lower down, stainless strips on the steps to the lower deck add grip and a touch of quality. Despite being a competitively priced boat, it doesn’t feel cheap.

Owner Cabin

Down on the lower deck, the main sleeping area benefits from the two large hatches under the forward sunpad, which bring in plenty of natural light and ventilation when open. Extra concealed lighting and small reading lights add a cosy feel.

The owner’s toilet space is cleverly designed. A partition folds across to give privacy. It creates a sizeable bathroom with a toilet, a sink, and storage. It sacrifices a little floor space but gives much better usability.

Behind the helm, there’s an access panel for reaching the wiring and switchgear easily.

The Saxdor 320 can be fitted with either a single or twin Mercury outboard engines. Options include a single 300hp, twin 225hp, or twin 300hp engines. Even with a single 300hp, the boat can reach speeds up to 40 knots. Twin setups push towards 50 knots, making it a quick and slippery boat.

At the helm, there is one large Simrad display, split into two sections, rather than twin separate screens. The throttles are centrally placed so either the driver or a companion can reach them easily.

Inductive phone charging, USB ports, and modern nav systems are fitted as standard. Auxiliary batteries and engine start batteries are kept separate for reliability, and heating demisters ensure clear screens in poor weather.

The Saxdor 320 packs a lot of clever thinking into an accessible price point. Although aimed at the budget end of the market, the quality of detailing, design ideas, and solid construction lift it well above many rivals.

Big touches like the drop-down balconies, sliding and locking wheelhouse doors, massive roof hatch, and easy bow access make it feel far more expensive than it is.

Inside, the wheelhouse works as a dining area, a social hub, and even occasional extra sleeping space, and the lower deck is light, practical, and private enough for comfortable weekends aboard.

It’s a real all-weather boat and shows how a few smart choices can make a boat not just good to look at, but properly get-at-able too.