Saxdor 340 GTWA: Is the walkaround concept with closed wheelhouse convincing?
Anyone who has followed European boatbuilding in recent years will recognise the name Saxdor. The young Finnish brand, founded by former Axopar designer Sakari Mattila, has developed from an insider tip to a permanent fixture in the mid-range segment in an astonishingly short space of time. With the new 340 GTWA, Saxdor is now taking the next step - and presenting a walkaround concept with an enclosed wheelhouse for the first time. We took a closer look at the boat at the Finnboat Show and were able to get an accurate picture.
Even the first glance at the jetty is striking: The 340 appears significantly larger than its number would suggest. The lines are typical Saxdor: angular, clear and with a forward-sloping windscreen that gives the boat a determined expression. The overall design looks as if it has been cast from a single mould. The walkaround concept is particularly interesting and has never been seen before at Saxdor. The side decks are wide enough and the layout is well thought out. The superstructure is high, which has a positive effect on visibility when travelling. However, it is questionable whether the boat deserves the name "walkaround". This is because there are obstacles in the foredeck area that you would have to overcome to "walk round". But more on that later.
The layout of the Saxdor 340 GTWA
At the rear, we are greeted by a spacious open area with folding balcony terraces on both sides, a solution that Saxdor has already successfully utilised in smaller models. The electrically lowerable side sections significantly increase the usable area and create an almost catamaran-like feeling of space. The mechanism is double-secured, runs quietly and is controlled at the touch of a button, which makes handling pleasantly easy. A glass rear partition in front of the outboards prevents anything from spilling overboard. A useful detail that is also visually appealing. The entire stern section looks functional and modern.
A large rear sofa with integrated folding table is installed in the saloon. The area offers plenty of space for guests, even if the people on the very outside no longer have the cockpit table completely in front of them. It is too small for that. Access to the rear cabin is concealed under the bench seat, the entrance to which is reminiscent of the familiar Axopar solution. The electrically adjustable driver's bench seat (optional), which can be folded down if you want to transform the lounge area into a dining area around the table, is particularly pleasant. The armrests can also be folded away on both sides.
The wheelhouse itself is bright, airy and surprisingly spacious. The large sliding glass doors can be moved on both sides and fixed in several positions. The electric panoramic roof opens overhead. The roof tilts slightly downwards at the front, which supports the sporty look and does not impair the view to the front, but rather improves it (no reflections when driving). The driving position is clearly laid out, offers space for two large multifunctional displays and the panel for switching the electrical functions is easily accessible. Another clever detail is the electrically opening rear window, which connects the interior with the rear section of the Saxdor. When the glass is open, a flowing transition is created that makes the boat appear larger.
Saxdor has a surprise in store below deck
Below deck, a surprisingly bright forward cabin with a double bed and separate wet room awaits us. The lighting concept with indirect lighting has a modern feel, the materials are bright and simple. The feeling of space is very pleasant. There are two large windows above the berth and a skylight that can be opened. The side window provides additional daylight. The electric toilet is located in a separate room. The locking mechanism consists of two large wooden modules. This may seem unusual at first, but once you understand it, it works reliably and is a cool solution.
The rear cabin offers sleeping space for two people and an amazing amount of light thanks to the window areas. A special extra is the camper top or pop-up roof, which is reminiscent of a VW bus and creates additional space in the cabin. An original idea that suits the boat well, but also surprises.
Sophisticated concept
The 340 GTWA also features many small but practical elements. A large number of large and drained cup holders, a decent sound system for inside and outside (optional), an all-round rubbing strip and a well-integrated roof drainage system.
Technically, the boat is well thought out. The hull is light but stable, manufactured using the vacuum infusion process. The double airstep design provides ventilation under the hull and contributes to efficiency. The 480-litre aluminium tank is neatly installed and all service points for water, electricity and technology are easily accessible. The water tank is located amidships on the port side and is easy to reach, the fuse panel is neatly labelled and cleanly installed. The anchor locker itself offers plenty of space. Mooring lines can also be stowed in hatches at the stern. The electric table on the foredeck can be lowered to create a spacious sun lounger, and there is plenty of storage space under the benches. However, the cushions for this are an extra from the options list.
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Let's move on to our walkaround problem: the large lounge is built in such a way that you can't simply walk around it. You would have to climb over the cushions to get back to the starboard side. So there's no real walkaround like on the Sargo 28, for example. Does that bother you? To be honest: it didn't bother us in the test and you could simply leave the cushions off.
Saxdor's workmanship is one of the reasons why the brand has established itself in such a short space of time. The flaps close tightly, the hinges look high quality and the choice of materials is functional. We find the lighting concept particularly successful: lots of indirect light that makes the interior cosy. Overall, the Saxdor 340 GTWA has a solid, tidy and minimalist Scandinavian look.
The test drive with the Saxdor 340 GTWA
But a boat also needs to be driven: We cast off and leave the harbour. She behaves calmly when travelling slowly. She drives straight ahead and doesn't lurch or yaw. That's exactly how it should be. The two V8 outboards from Mercury purr at 1,000 revolutions per minute and the log shows a speed of around five knots. If you want, you can use the joystick system when casting off.
If you accelerate the boat further, the zipwake trim tabs move and keep the bow down. Even with the trim system deactivated, visibility remains unimpaired. If you enter a bend, the boat leans slightly to one side and then makes the desired turns. The trim of the motors is at the bottom. If you go faster and trim the motors upwards, you can reach a top speed of 48.1 knots in our case. The Saxdor handles bends, slaloms and all other manoeuvres safely. Even at over 40 knots. In short, she simply does it well.
Of course, there are also minor points of criticism: The table in the saloon is not perfectly sized to provide storage for all guests at the same time, and the different step heights to starboard and port might bother some people. But these are details that hardly detract from the positive overall impression. The 340 GTWA conveys the feeling that practical people were at work here - people who not only design boats, but also use them themselves.
Technical data
- CE category: B/6
- Length over everything: 10,78 m
- Width: 3,10 m
- Displacement: 5,500 kg
- Draught (bottom drive): 1,10 m
- Fresh water tank: 100 l
- Fuel tank: 480 l
- Max. motorisation: 2 x 224 kW (300 hp)
- Test motorisation: 2 x Mercury V8 300 with 224 kW (300 hp)
- Price: from € 208,250
- Sales test boat: bootepfister.com
Measurement results
| Speed rpm | speed kn | Consumption l/sm | Range sm |
| 1.000 | 5,0 | 2,10 | 194 |
| 3.500 | 24,5 | 2,86 | 143 |
| 5.800 | 48,1 | 3,95 | 103 |
Conclusion
All in all, the Saxdor 340 GTWA leaves a mature, modern impression. The concept is coherent, the design is unique and the quality is impressive. It shows that the shipyard is not only young and innovative, but also on course in terms of craftsmanship. Anyone who appreciates the modern, functional and stylish concept of the brand will find what they are looking for here.
Advantages
Good connection between inside and outside
Solid technology
Disadvantage
Limited walkaround concept
