With 33 models - from the 5-metre sports boat for outboards to the almost 19-metre yacht - Beneteau is one of the European motorboat manufacturers with the largest and most diverse range. This also includes the Gran Turismo series, including our test boat GT 40. We presented the last GT, a 44, in issue 8 in 2013 with the attributes "as comfortable and elegant as a GT sports car" - and nothing has changed since then.
The overall finish as well as the technical and electrical installations of our test boat leave a classy impression both inside and out and fulfil GT quality.
While cars with the abbreviation are usually heavily motorised vehicles, the GT 40 is more conventional and offers a choice between two 300 hp diesel engines or two 370 hp diesel engines with Z-drives.
To achieve this, it is equipped with the latest "Air Step 2" hull from the shipyard; here, air is deliberately channelled under the bottom of the boat during planing, which, according to the manufacturer, should ensure more speed, more economical sailing and, all in all, optimum handling.
One thing we can say: our test boat did not let itself be disturbed in any way, no matter what we did with it, and recommends itself with the best and safest sailing characteristics on any body of water.
We drive the GT 40 with two Volvo Penta D4-300s, which, in conjunction with the joystick (extra), means that the boat can be manoeuvred anywhere at slow speed. During the slow passages, the engines rotate at a maximum of 1200 rpm so that the waves generated by the boat do not interfere at 7 knots. The test boat switches from displacement to planing speed from 12 knots onwards without having to trim much and noticeably restrict its foresight.
We measured a maximum speed of 34 knots. After analysing our measurement results, our test boat cruises economically at 2800 rpm or a speed of 24 knots at a fast planing speed. One tank of petrol is enough for a theoretical range of 202 nm plus 15% reserve - not enough for us, it should be about 70 nm more.
In the curves with a minimum diameter of around 80 m, the boat leans moderately towards the centre of the curve and follows its course unperturbed. Top marks for the extreme manoeuvres performed at full throttle: everything in the green zone. All in all, absolutely good-natured and safe handling behaviour. The test boat shows GT qualities in waves and rough water, which we comfortably negotiate in any direction.
The skipper and co. sit on a bench seat that can be adjusted lengthways and a bucket seat to starboard. The engine instruments can be switched to the large touchscreen on the fully equipped and easy-to-use helm station. The fact that the helm position is almost in the centre looks good, but has the disadvantage that the skipper cannot see much to the side when cornering - even when the sunroof is open; then the side rails are in the field of vision. This problem can only be solved by bending down low or making wide turns. On the other hand, you can see all the way to the horizon from the rear.
Two large cockpit floor hatches cover the engine compartment in exemplary fashion. The front hatch can be opened freely, while the rear hatch requires the rear bench seat box to be removed, which can be done in a few simple steps. Underneath, everything to do with technology is easily accessible, especially as an access aid makes it easier to get down. Although the fuel pre-filters are easily accessible, they are pointless without water alarm sensors. Otherwise, there is little to criticise down here, except that there is no manual drain pump.
The living area is classically divided into three sections: The separate bow cabin with a neat double berth is followed by a saloon with dinette and galley, separate bathroom with WC and separate underfloor cabin, whose two single berths can be enlarged to form a berth with inserts. Apart from the headroom at the rear, which is due to the design, we can describe the available space and the stowage options on and below deck as sufficient.
Steps lead from the cockpit to the side decks and forwards to the bow sunbed. The sliding roof guide provides good support. The cockpit itself is dominated by the L-shaped bench seat with table. The cockpit galley on the test boat is located aft behind the bench seat, above the bathing platform. It also has a lowerable bathing platform with an integrated telescopic bathing ladder and grab handles.
Conclusion
The GT 40 is suitable for sporty deceleration and is ideal for families and all water sports enthusiasts. While GT cars are highly motorised vehicles, Beneteau attaches particular importance to the corresponding design. The boat is convincing and can be driven by anyone.
