Beneteau’s GT Series Gains Momentum in Sport Cruiser Market

Yacht Review: Beneteau Gran Turismo Fleet [2012 — Current]

When Beneteau introduced the first Gran Turismo models — the GT 38 and 44 — in the fall of 2011, the news was greeted with little fanfare among yacht brokers and marine industry professionals. While it was well known that Beneteau had upset the trawler market a few years earlier with the introduction of the Swift Trawler 42 (selling over 400 boats), few expected this French sailboat builder to have an impact in the super-competitive U.S. sport cruiser market long dominated by industry heavyweights Sea Ray, Formula and Carver Yachts.

Fast forward eight years to 2019 and it’s now clear that the Gran Turismo series is here to stay. By any measure, these stylish yachts can go head-to-head with the best selling family cruisers in America. This article offers a brief review of the entire Gran Turismo fleet including early models that laid the groundwork for today’s success. A winning blend of sleek styling, innovative interiors and affordable pricing insure that these quality sport cruisers will be competitive players in the U.S. market for years to come.

Current Gran Turismo Models

Beneteau GT 50 [2018–Current]

• Choice of 2 or 3 staterooms with 2 heads.
• Full beam master with en suite head.
• Tiered salon windows offer panoramic views.
• Optional hydraulic swim platform.
• Exclusive touchscreen Ship Control system.
• Proprietary stepped hull bottom design
• Volvo IPS diesels cruise at 22–24 knots.

Beneteau GT 46 [2017–Current]

• Two stateroom interior with the galley down.
• Full beam owner’s suite with en suite head.
• Clever “scissors” berths in forward cabin.
• Swinging salon doors are completely unique.
• Centerline helm position.
• Optional hydraulic swim platform
• Volvo pod drive diesels cruise at 25 knots.

Beneteau GT 40 [2016–Current]

• Two stateroom interior with the galley down.
• Unique wraparound cockpit seating.
• Centerline helm position.
• Outdoor galley built into the transom.
• Fuel efficient stepped hull design.
• Hull windows in both staterooms.
• Volvo sterndrive diesels cruise at 30 knots.

Out of Production GT Models

Beneteau GT 44 [2012–2015]

• 2 stateroom 2 head interior w/galley down.
• Full beam owner suite with en suite head.
• Tender garage & winch for 8′ inflatable.
• Huge sunroof floods salon with natural light
• Standard joystick controls.
• Proprietary AirStep hull bottom design.
• Volvo sterndrive diesels cruise at 28 knots.

Beneteau GT 38 [2012–2015]

• Roomy 2 stateroom interior w/galley down.
• Elevated centerline helm position
• Sunroof floods salon with natural light.
• Largest midship guest cabin in this class
• Proprietary stepped hull bottom design
• Standard joystick controls.
• Volvo sterndrive diesels cruise at 28 knots