The Saxdor 320 GTO from the young shipyard in Helsinki, which has only been active since 2019 and is manufactured in Poland, is a top-class day cruiser. The boat was developed in Finland, and the production location ensures relatively favourable prices. The test model has a base price of 166,481 euros with the test motorisation. With a few optional extras, the 200,000 euro threshold is of course quickly exceeded. The Finns produce a very sporty range of sleek boats with a centre console, deep V-hulls and correspondingly good handling characteristics in rough water. The concept looks familiar, as it is reminiscent of Axopar and other Finnish brands. The reason is simple. In addition to these two shipyards, company founder Sakari Mattila also founded Aquador, Paragon and XO boats, but left them after their sale to start his latest project with Saxdor.
The current range of his new brand comprises four models with a total of nine variants, starting at 20 feet and ending with a 40-footer as the current flagship. The additional designations describe the type of construction, with GT standing for the open versions, GTO for models with a T-top and GTC for a closed deckhouse. The 320 line is the only boat from the shipyard to be available in all three versions. As a result, and thanks to the option of fitting both single and twin engines, the boat can be optimally adapted to the desired sailing area. The 320 GTO is designed for spending time in the fresh air, with the standard T-top offering extensive sun protection and the cabin and wet room also allowing overnight stays for trips lasting several days. This makes the sporty runabout very versatile.
Lowering drop sides is the highlight of the Saxdor 320 GTO
A highlight is immediately noticeable when entering via the small bathing platform on both sides, as the folding side walls, which can be lowered electrically at the touch of a button, follow immediately afterwards as standard. This creates a large terrace in the rear cockpit area. A very unusual but pleasing detail in this boat class. On request, highly variable furniture with a sliding rear bench can be ordered. This creates a 2.00 x 1.70 metre sun lounger from the rear seat and the seating group with lowerable table in front of it if required. The package also includes the teak table top and the cushions for the front deck, which creates another sun lounger, although it only measures 1.30 metres in both directions.
The central element on deck is the console, which provides access to the foredeck on both sides. The windscreen is held in a solid frame, which also serves as a handrail and is made of glass together with the side panels. A windscreen wiper ensures a clear view in the rain, but the weather protection for the three crew members in their bucket seats behind is limited. The T-top is provided with supports to the centre console and the row of seats and is therefore anchored without wobbling. A wet bar is also fitted behind the front row of seats, although this is not equipped as standard. The washbasin, two refrigerators, an electric cooker or a diesel cooker can also be ordered as an option, but only one refrigerator can then be fitted.
No wish remains unfulfilled
There is an extensive range of accessories for the helm station. In addition to Active Trim, which is part of the standard equipment, manual or automatic trim tabs are also available. A bow thruster is also available, as is a joystick. Two Simrad 12-inch displays with various accessories are also on the options list, as are a radar or autopilot. All in all, no wish remains unfulfilled for the skipper in terms of comfort. The sliding door to the companionway is located on the port side of the instrumentation. Everything needed for overnight accommodation is available below deck. In the bow there is a V-shaped double berth measuring 1.95 metres in length and between 1.63 and 0.70 metres in width. There is additional storage space underneath, but there is no slatted frame. An upholstered seat is fitted in front of the berths. The sanitary area can be closed off with an ingenious door construction. The standard equipment includes a toilet with a seawater flush. An optional fresh water package is available, which includes a washbasin, electric toilet, grey and black water tanks and other details. There are several ventilation options, an emergency exit is possible via a hatch above the berths, and a place for a fire extinguisher has also been included. Only the extinguisher itself is missing. Three electric bilge pumps are supplemented by a manual version. The workmanship of the furnishings is good overall, but in some corners you can see that the last few percentage points of perfection are missing.
Motorisation of the Saxdor 320 GTO
The basic engine is a Mercury F 300 V8. The test boat is equipped with two Mercury F225 V6 engines. A twin engine configuration with two Mercury F 300 V8s is also possible. With maximum engine power, speeds of up to 50 knots should be achievable. We measured 40.4 knots at the maximum speed of 6050 rpm with the two 225s after an acceleration phase of 22 seconds. When accelerating from a standstill, we reach a stable planing speed of 17.1 knots after seven seconds at 3200 rpm. The narrow stepped hull, which was laminated using the vacuum process and in the development of which J&J Design was also involved, barely lifts its nose. However, the hull struggles somewhat with efficiency at slow speeds. As soon as the glide speed is reached, however, this changes completely. The most economical cruising speed is 24.7 knots at 4000 rpm. The two six-cylinder engines consume 56 litres per hour from the 428-litre tank. After deducting the 15 per cent reserve, a range of 165 nautical miles is possible. Incidentally, those who like to travel faster are well served by the engine even at slightly higher engine speeds. At 5000 rpm, you can travel at almost 34 knots and only lose four nautical miles of range.
Manoeuvring is excellent thanks to the double system. If both control levers are in the same position, full circles with a diameter of two boat lengths can be manoeuvred forwards, and only 1.5 boat lengths can be manoeuvred backwards. The reaction time of three seconds when reversing is pleasantly short. Full circles with a diameter of three boat lengths are possible when travelling at speed. Due to the air cushions created by the stepped hull, the stern drifts a little when cornering very quickly, but this is easy to control. Overall, the motorisation leaves a very good impression. The sporty handling characteristics are good and should satisfy most owners. Especially as fuel consumption is also kept within limits. If you are looking for top performance, you have the option of having the top-of-the-range engine fitted. However, this is not absolutely necessary. Thanks to the 20-degree upturn of the hull, the boat crosses waves without batting an eyelid. The crew feels very safe in the Saxdor 320 GTO during all manoeuvres. This is due to the relatively high side walls. The cockpit side height varies between 0.78 and 0.94 metres. A large number of holding options also contribute to the safety of movement. The overall workmanship is good, as is the installation of the technology.
Conclusion
The Saxdor 320 GTO is a boat that offers plenty of space on deck thanks to its folding sides. Excellent handling characteristics and good suitability for rough water. The option of fitting twin engines means it can also be used outside coastal zones.
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Saxdor/FI
- Type: 320 GTO
- CE category: B/6 persons
- Hull and deck: Plastic
- Length over everything: 10,28 m
- Width: 3,10 m
- Displacement (empty without engine): 2650 kg
- Depth: 0,86 m
- Clearance height: n. A.
- Fuel tank: 428 l
- Water tank: 117 litres (opt.)
- Black water tank: 55 l
- Cabins: 1
- Berths: 2
- Bunk dimension: Bow 1.95 x 1.63 - 0.70 m
- Standing height: Cabin up to 1.62 m; wet room 1.62 m; under hardtop 1.94 m
- Cockpit size: 3.93 m x 2.58 m
- Sunbeds: Foredeck 1.30 m x 1.30 m; stern 2.00 x 1.70 m
- Freeboard: 0,27 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,78 - 0,94 m
- Turning circles (boat lengths): forwards tr. 2 bb. 2; backwards tr. 1.5, bb. 1.5
- Change course: from Stb. to Bb 3 s; from Bb. to Stb 3 s
- Motorisation: Outboard engines, single or twin units from 221 kW (300 hp) to 442 kW (600 hp)
- Test motorisation: 2 x Mercury F225 V6 DS 165 kW (225 hp) each
- Price (standard boat with testm.): 166 481 €
- Test partner: www.bootepfister.de
The motor
- Manufacturer: Mercury
- Type: F225 V6 DS
- Performance: 165 kW/200 hp
- Full load speed: 5200 - 6000 rpm
- Cylinder: V6
- cubic capacity: 3400 cc
- Fuel: Benzwin
- Cooling: Water/single circle
- Generator: 12 V/85 A
- Gear ratio: 1,85:1
- Test propeller: Evolution 4 14.6" x 18"
