Beneath the hardtop, on the port side, there is a wet bar with a fridge, a sink and generous worktop and storage areas. However, there is no grill or hob, so hot meals cannot be prepared as standard. The hardtop opens asymmetrically towards the stern. It spans the entire width of the boat, is enclosed at the front and sides, and extends as far as the aft bench seat. Essentially, this is more of a deckhouse open at the stern sitting on the hull than a classic hardtop. Centrally located between the bow passage and the helm, the companionway leads down into the cabin. The three-step staircase is pleasantly wide; only the top step slopes slightly forwards.
A surprisingly large amount of space below deck on the Galeon
The first thing that catches the eye is a surprisingly spacious saloon with full headroom. A U-shaped sofa with a table and a folding top dominates the room. On the port side, a cupboard borders the seating area. This is where the fuses and switches for the on-board electrical system are located, amongst other things. There is also space for a microwave, though this is not part of the standard specification. In just a few simple steps, the sofa can be converted into a generous sleeping area by folding down the height-adjustable table. However, this option also comes at an extra cost. Light floods into the saloon from all four sides, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Two comfortable double berths
Beneath the cockpit floor, directly behind the steps, there is a second full-size double berth. Although the headroom here is limited to around one metre, the sleeping area offers no restrictions whatsoever in terms of length or width. Indirect LED lighting also adds to the cosy atmosphere.
Comfortable toilet facilities
On the starboard side, below deck, there is a fully-fledged toilet compartment. An electric toilet, a high-quality washbasin and a blind in front of the hull window lend this compact layout a surprisingly luxurious feel. The only thing missing is a separate shower cubicle. Overall, the living area benefits from the clever hull shape: below the waterline, a deep, multi-stepped V-shape dominates, whilst above the waterline the hull quickly widens and remains very spacious, even in the foredeck. This creates plenty of space for a comfortable weekend on board.
Modern helm station featuring Mercury technology
Despite all the comforts, the helm remains the heart of this powerboat. The skipper sits on one of the two longitudinally adjustable seats with a folding seat cushion, or steers whilst standing. Sliding windows on the left and right provide fresh air. A large multifunction display is within the field of vision. Beneath it sits a set of high-quality stainless-steel switches, clearly labelled, for all systems relevant to navigation. To the right of the steering wheel, everything revolves around the engine control. The Verados are operated via the digital throttle and shift system, complete with display. Active Trim, the clutch and savable driving profiles can be activated at the touch of a button. In front of this is the Mercury Premier joystick, complete with Skyhook and Dockhook functions. Directly next to it are the buttons for the standard trim tabs.
Sporty driving performance
As soon as you leave the shipyard harbour, it becomes clear: this boat wants to move forward. With the spirited performance of a powerfully motorised RIB, the Galeon 335 GTO accelerates with vigour. The two 400-PS outboard motors grip the water with determination. From 14 knots onwards, the boat glides smoothly. The revs are a good 4,000 rpm. At 5,000 rpm, the 335 GTO feels most at home. Its cruising speed is then around 32 knots, with fuel consumption of about 160 litres per hour. With the throttles wide open, the boat reaches 42 knots. At 6,300 rpm, the Verados consume around 270 litres per hour.
Safe handling on the water
The handling is flawless under all the conditions tested. The boat feels light, sits cleanly on the water and cuts through the waves with confidence. The hull really shows its qualities, particularly in fast turns. The 335 GTO handles even tight turns with ease. No understeer, no skidding. Cavitation doesn’t seem to be an issue – provided the driver uses the Active Trim with a bit of finesse.
At the same time, the stepped underwater hull and the wide, sweeping hull surfaces above the water ensure a dry ride. The driver practically has a permanent grin etched on his face, whilst the passengers in the cockpit remain relaxed even during more abrupt manoeuvres. Anyone standing up will find handholds exactly where they’re needed. The seats and benches provide a secure grip at all times.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time on the test day for an in-depth test run on the Baltic Sea. Its behaviour in waves could therefore only be simulated using the wake of a larger sister vessel on the river. The 335 GTO handles this with ease, staying dry and comfortable – an impression that certainly bodes well for rougher conditions.
Precise harbour manoeuvres using a joystick
The test boat also makes an excellent impression in the harbour. The optional Mercury joystick, with its positioning functions, plays a major part in this. Whilst the two outboard motors at the stern operate on the spot with short bursts of throttle, the boat holds its position perfectly parallel to the jetty – without any mooring lines at all. Prior to that, it could be manoeuvred precisely into its berth with just a few movements of the joystick. Although this is also an optional extra, it fits in perfectly with the overall versatile design of the Galeon 335 GTO.
You can read Part 1 of the BOOTE test here:
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
