On Board Review

Saxdor 400 GTC Review (2023 Edition)

Saxdor is one of the smartest builders in this sector and its flagship cabin boat the 400 GTC promises big things. Does it deliver? 

Saxdor’s new flagship, the 400 GTO, made its debut at Cannes 2023, and now we have a cabin variant, the 400 GTC. Designed to take on boats like the Axopar 37, Quarken 35, and Nimbus C11, but as we’ll see, it takes a different approach.

Powered by twin Mercury 400s, it pushes nearly 50 knots, with a base price around €300,000. It’s also got clever accommodation, with a main forward cabin and a hidden aft cabin, giving it space to sleep up to four adults.

Saxdor 400 GTC Key Facts

Saxdor 400 GTC  illustration
  • LOA 40.682ft
  • Model Year 2023
  • Cabins 2
  • Max Speed 48 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Wheelhouse
  • Use Type Weekending

Review Video

Design & Build

The Saxdor 400 GTC is built around a twin-stepped V21° hull, based on the T-top GTO launched last year, but this one’s got a fully enclosed wheelhouse. Saxdor’s done things differently here. Unlike its rivals, this boat wheelhouse is full-width and has drop-down balconies, so even without side decks, there’s loads of deck space. When those balconies are down, the effect on space is huge - inside and out.

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The 400 GTC's top speed is 45 knots

Yes, these are mass-produced boats, but there’s plenty of choice when it comes to finish. Handy little sample boxes let you pick from different upholsteries, decking, and interior woodwork. Hull colours include Pure White, Florida Blue, and Storm Grey, while the helm console can be finished in Dark Grey to match the C-pillars, roof wings, and kitchen drawers. The upholstery is as standard white, but there are options like Light Grey fabric, Florida Blue, Nougat, Cognac Shot, Honey, and Cream & Bronze. You can upgrade the wheelhouse fabrics to a faux leather, and even customise the engine cowling with black or white twin engines to complete the look.

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White hull as standard
Saxdor-400-GTC-storm-grey-hull
Storm Grey Hull with optional shades
Saxdor-400-GTC-Florida-blue-hull
Florida Blue hull

If you want to upgrade the deck, there’s Flexiteek across the bow, platform, aft deck, terraces, and wheelhouse, adding a high-end finish with extra durability. Sun protection is sorted too, with front and aft sunshades available for extra comfort at anchor.

Below deck, there’s a double cabin forward with a separate bathroom, plus a surprisingly roomy aft cabin neatly tucked under the aft sun pad. Lift the dinette seat, and a hatch gives access to shallow steps leading down - you wouldn’t even know it’s there. It looks compact at first, but with four windows and a hatch, it feels bright and airy, and a 6ft adult can lie completely flat without feeling boxed in.

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The balcony design is unique in the sector

Interior Accommodation

The aft window is huge and it completely transforms the space. Next to it, the full-height door acts as a regular door when shut, but when open, it connects the inside and outside very well. There’s also a lower section that opens for easy access, plus sliding doors on both sides, so you can open up this area in loads of different ways. Drop-down balconies on either side, with glass insets, mean you still get natural light and a clear view of the water, even when they're up.

The main dining area is situated in the wheelhouse, and while it’s technically inside, it doesn’t feel too enclosed. There’s no outdoor dinette in the cockpit, but with the sliding doors open and the sunroof above, it feels connected to the environment - not like you’re shut inside a wheelhouse. The table flips out for dining and drops down to create another berth if needed but this is a cost option.

Forward there's a flexible seat which when you press a button, the whole thing lifts, and the backrest swings around, turning it into a forward-facing bench behind the helm. It means two more people can sit raised up, enjoying the ride with a clear view ahead. A clever bit of design, but it's another cost option.

Saxdor-400-GTC-dining-area
The clever wheelhouse furniture can be arranged in a variety of different ways

Forward on th, there’s a big, wide double bed. Standing headroom is okay at 1.8m (5.9ft) - not quite enough to stand fully upright, but there’s still room to move around comfortably. The glass panels up on the foredeck really make a difference down here, letting in natural light, and there’s also a large side window, so it feels open and airy rather than boxed in.

There’s no galley down here, as all the cooking is done on deck, but there’s a neatly tucked-away child’s berth past the steps - so you could comfortably sleep two adults and a child if needed. The separate bathroom is a decent size, and while headroom isn’t fantastic, there’s just enough space for a proper shower.

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The forward cabin with private bathroom

The aft cabin is hidden under the seats in the dining area but you just lift a cushion, pop the catch, and up she goes. There’s another hatch with shallow steps leading down, and once inside, it’s quite spacious.

Maybe at first glance, it looks compact, but two adults can lie completely flat, and even with the hatch closed, it doesn’t feel cramped. Four windows and a hatch keep it feeling bright and well-ventilated. There’s good lighting, reading lights, sockets, and three large storage bins along the side. For a hidden cabin in this type of boat, it’s very usable.

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The aft cabin is easy to access and bright and the double berth is comfortable

Helm Station

The helm station has a nice flexible setup, giving plenty of protection while still feeling open and airy thanks to the sunroof overhead, which adds natural ventilation. As standard, you get one screen, but the boat we saw had the upgraded package with three - and they work brilliantly. You can run a mix of instrumentation, Saxdor’s software, and charting, and you can customise the display.

The driving position is great. It’s comfortable whether you’re standing or leaning, and the separate bolsters for the navigator and helm are very nice. The three-stage footrest means you can sit back with your feet up and still be close to the controls.

There are also some thoughtful additions - induction phone charging, a solid handhold for the navigator, and a few cup holders. It could do with a bit more storage, but on the whole, it’s a decent, driver-focused helm.

Saxdor-400-GTC-helm-dash
Storage is lacking but the layout is excellent
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It's comfortable to sit and stand at the helm
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The separate navigator's bench with with bolster is a good addition

On Deck

The nature of the design means that true outdoor living space is a little limited, hence the score above. But that's only half the story because the 400 GTC combines indoor and outdoor areas really well. 

Aft, the bathing platform is split on either side of the twin outboards to make boarding and using this space around the engines easy and practical. The storage lockers are solid, and straight away, you get a sense of decent build quality. The moulding is smooth, the structure feels strong, and it’s all properly drained. A gas ram holds the hatch open - small details like that make all the difference.

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No walkaround decks but the balconies act like them when deployed

To get through to the cockpit, there's a boarding gate - which is a cost option, but it’s a good safety feature, especially if you’ve got kids running around. Into the cockpit itself and one of the big things that sets the 400 GTC apart from its rivals is the full-width wheelhouse and drop-down balconies.

No side decks mean they’ve been able to maximise interior space, but with the balconies down, you still get that extra deck area. Stepping on and off from the pontoon level is easy, and the impact on this cockpit space is huge. It’s not just about the outside either - the way it all connects to the interior makes the whole boat feel bigger and more open.

There’s also the option for a wet bar, and it’s in the perfect spot. With a grill and sink at the stern, any cooking smells stay out of the cabin. It’s all neatly packaged and very usable - exactly where you’d want it. And then there’s the central sun pad setup, which is a clever bit of design. The backrest slides forward, so you can drop it down completely flat - which is ideal if you want to stretch out properly.

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The aft cabin is underneath the sun pad. Clever

Foredeck

To get forward, you will have to walk straight through the windscreen as since there are no side decks, this is the only way up front. It actually works well for the layout. The forward area can actually be fully enclosed, with a closing door and a lower panel to seal it off. The large glass section above is designed to flood the cabin with natural light.

Whether enclosed or open, on the foredeck there’s another great seating area, with an adjustable table that can drop down to form a sun pad.  

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The table makes the bow into a great spot for snacks and drinks

Value For Money

The Saxdor 400 GTC comes with two engine options: twin Mercury V10 350 hp (€315,000*) or twin Mercury V10 400 hp (€329,000), both with JPO steering. Other performance options include the Seakeeper 3 stabiliser (€59,500), advanced navigation packages (€11,700–€17,600), and bow windlass with an SS Ultra Anchor (€8,500). Power options include a standard battery package (€2,980), two or four lithium battery packs (€26,000/€39,900) for extended off-grid capability.

There are some comfort and style options, including a flexiteek decking package (€16,400), air conditioning (€18,900), an aft-cabin upgrade which replaces the standard aft toy storage (€7,900) and a second-row of electrically operated seating (€5,200). 

Customisation options include Florida Blue (€5,500) or Storm Grey (€4,600) hull colours, white twin engines (€3,800), and upgraded upholstery in shades like Cream Bronze (€4,100), Cognac Shot (€3,500) or Honey faux leather (€3,500). Practical extras such as a BBQ package (€2,200), an electric stove in the galley (€2,200), an additional refrigerator (€1,900), and sunshades (€1,650–€2,250).

Technical upgrades include a night vision thermal camera (€12,500), underwater lights (€1,200), and Mercury 1st Mate safety system (€850).  Additionally, there are many, many options to add additional drawer storage and sunpads throughout the exterior of the boat. 

*Prices all correct at time of writing.

Our Verdict

When top boat designers compete in the same sector, it pushes innovation forward and you can see that in the Saxdor 400 GTC. This boat has stiff competition from the likes of Axopar, Quarken and Nimbus but it stands out with its innovative deck arrangement and genuinely usable sleeping accommodation. It also offers excellent value for money and is a strong contender in one of the most competitive sectors of the market. 

Reasons to Buy

  • Drop down balconies
  • Adjustable sun pads
  • Additional aft cabin
  • Large glass panels
  • Value for money

Things to Consider

  • Lots of cost options
  • Some sharp edges
  • Limited headroom below

Looking to own a Saxdor 400 GTC ? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Saxdor 400 GTC Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Saxdor 400 GTC , customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!

Rivals to Consider

Starting with the Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin, this boat has a maximum speed of 48 knots. It might not match the Saxdor 400 GTC's cruising speed of 35 knots, but it wins the race when it comes to outright speed. The Axopar 37 XC is perfect for those who want that burst of power, but the Saxdor’s more balanced approach offers a healthier top-speed for those who enjoy a more relaxed, yet still thrilling ride. Another standout feature of the Axopar 37 XC is its fully enclosed cabin, providing excellent protection from the elements, which is a real plus for all-weather cruising.

Then there's the Quarken Boats 35 Cabin Tourer with its simpler one-cabin layout, it caters to day boaters. The Saxdor 400 GTC, however, offers a more versatile accommodation layout. It's a great-looking boat for those who want the option to switch from day mode into night mode, accommodating up to five guests for those occasional overnight or weekend getaways. The Quarken 35 Cabin Tourer also features a smart, customisable cockpit, allowing owners to tailor the space to their needs, whether for sunbathing, dining, or relaxing.

Moving on to the Nimbus C11, it's fair to say it takes a different approach. With a clear eye on stability and comfort, it doesn’t match the Saxdor 400 GTC's performance. However, for those not fussed about speed, the Nimbus C11 offers a slow-speed driving experience that prioritises enjoying the journey. Its leisurely pace might not raise a smile in terms of speed, but you can take the weight off and soak up the surroundings. A nice aspect of the Nimbus C11 is its walk-around design, which provides easy and safe access to all areas of the boat, making it incredibly practical for families.

Finally, the Saxdor 400 GTO. GT Open or GT Closed? The GTO is more open to the elements but obviously, if you need more protection then the GT Closed would be the better choice - it would be down to personal preference. Otherwise, the GTO shares the GTC’s focus on performance and finish.  

Considering a new boat? Explore Saxdor's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Length Overall 40.682ft
  • Beam 11.647ft
  • Draft(full load) 3.445ft
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 2
  • Berths 5
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 264 Gallons
  • Fresh Water Capacity 56 Gallons
  • Engine Model 2x Mercury Verado V10 5.7L 400hp
  • Engine HP 6400
New Model Specs & Options

Saxdor 400 GTC Layout

  • Main Deck Saxdor 400 GTC

    With no side decks, you access the bow via a door in the windscreen 

  • Main Deck Saxdor 400 GTC

    It's clear how much extra space those big balconies provide on deck 

  • Lower Deck Saxdor 400 GTC

    The optional aft cabin is accessed via the dinette bench inside the wheelhouse 

View All Layout Options

Saxdor 400 GTC Competitor Reviews