Gracefully-aged sportscruiser has held its worth

In construct: 2010 – 2015
Worth vary: £199,950 (inc. VAT) – £228,311 (ex. VAT)

Beneteau’s roots hark all the way in which again to 1884 and its popularity for constructing sensible, progressive and good worth for cash craft has grown in step with its ever growing output.

Regardless of making its title in crusing yachts, it really started including engines to its product line-up in 1909, no matter what it known as the “price and penalties’’. That courageous first step has developed right into a profitable vary of motor boats protecting every part from small sportsboats and peche promenades as much as its lately launched flagship, the Beneteau Grand Trawler 62.

This 2012 Beneteau GT38 sits between the 2 extremes however nonetheless seems to be remarkably contemporary for a 10-year-old boat. And with an asking value a whisker beneath £200k, it seems to be like its resale worth is holding up virtually in addition to its seems to be.

Launched in 2010, the Beneteau GT38 was one of many first two Beneteau Gran Turismo fashions, the opposite being the Beneteau GT44. As we speak each are gone, having been outdated by the Beneteau GT36, GT41 and GT45.

The hallmarks of the vary – as one would possibly anticipate from the Gran Turismo moniker – are excessive ranges of efficiency and luxury courtesy of that fashionable open-backed laborious high.

Article continues beneath…

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 40 marks a brand new daybreak for the French yard’s good worth sportscruiser vary, as Nick Burnham

Taking efficiency first: a key component of each GT’s make-up is Beneteau’s patented Air Step hull. Developed by the yard again in 2003, it makes use of air vents on the foredeck to channel air to a pair of chevron-shaped steps within the hull.

Whereas hull steps themselves are nothing new, they often have to attract in air from the aspect and are handiest at speeds over 40 knots so having air fed all the way down to the centre of the step from above ought to guarantee they’re extra simply ventilated and simpler in any respect speeds.

The purpose of the steps is to enhance each the gasoline effectivity and the trip high quality of its craft by permitting the hull to run flatter on a cushion of air that additionally helps to scale back drag. Along with stability-enhancing chines on the rear of the hull, that is claimed to extend acceleration and pace whereas decreasing gasoline consumption.

It’s laborious to show how efficient that is however the Beneteau GT38 does obtain speeds of 32 knots with modest twin 260hp Volvo D4s, rising to the mid-30s with the bigger 300hp engine possibility.

Beneteau claims Air Step has a payoff when it comes to trip consolation, too, however the consolation we’re specializing in here’s what lies inside the GT38’s ample cockpit and decrease deck lodging. From the second you step aboard, it’s apparent it is a boat supposed to be loved as a social platform in addition to for its tempo and seakeeping talents.

Spectacular area

A single, shallow step and security gate to starboard offers entry from the deep bathing platform to the cockpit. As soon as within the cockpit, the instant impression is considered one of area.

The dual-seat helm is centrally mounted with an additional navigator’s seat to starboard

A chaise longue lies forward, whereas the substantial horseshoe-shaped seating space to port would, in our estimation, comfortably accommodate as much as six adults and a few kids. Centre stage is a big and impressively sturdy fold-out, picket desk. Beneath the desk a big hatch offers entry to the engine room.

Accessing the helm from the socialising space entails a little bit of a wiggle, both by turning to port and passing the moist bar/BBQ/fridge unit, or by squeezing between the centrally mounted double helm bench and the only buddy seat to starboard.

Whichever approach you go, a single step takes you as much as the helm space with a second, small, step as much as the buddy seat. Each the helm and buddy seats are adjustable, sturdy and cozy with bolsters to permit the boat to be pushed whereas standing. The buddy seat additionally rotates in direction of the helm and has a seize deal with in entrance of it ought to the trip develop into thrilling.

The sterndrive joystick was an possibility with the Volvo Penta engines on the GT38

The driving place – in widespread with many different hardtop boats – leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to ahead visibility. The problem right here is the roof moulding, which partially restricts the view from the helm seat by chopping into the field of regard from above.

Sadly for me, standing a mere 5ft 7in in my stockinged toes, the outlook was barely worsened by standing as much as look by the roof because the body was then immediately in my line of imaginative and prescient. Taller skippers could fare higher on this respect.

The view of the instrumentation from the helm, alternatively, couldn’t be clearer. Analogue dials are used for key controls similar to revs, temperature and battery voltage, and these are specified by pairs so any mismatched readings between the engines can be simply noticed.

The moist bar is compact however effectively specified, with grill, sink and a small fridge

There’s additionally loads of cupboard space on the helm, together with a number of cubby holes and a pair of cup holders. Along with this, there’s a huge expanse of plastic moulding and acrylic glazing forward of the helm earlier than you attain the closely raked windscreen, some 2m additional ahead.

Fortunately, Beneteau has used non-reflective supplies so far as attainable right here in an effort to minimise glare from these surfaces.

One different characteristic price mentioning, and the star of the present, is the GT38’s big sunroof. Operated electronically, the complete panel glides again on the press of a change, remodeling the hitherto closed cockpit right into a gloriously mild, brilliant and ethereal area.

A neat cover set encloses the cockpit to be used in poor climate

On the sunny day of our go to, the impact was dramatic. And when the Nice British summer season chooses to ship the inevitable downpour, having the ability to make the roof watertight in a matter of seconds will surely make the Beneteau GT38 the envy of any open-topped boat proprietor.

The foredeck is reached from both aspect by means of side-decks working the size of the boat. Accessed from the washing platform slightly than the cockpit through three pretty steep steps, they’re effectively protected by tall guardrails offering a protected passage ahead to the windlass and sunpads.

Ample storage

The journey beneath decks begins with sliding again the sizeable glazed cowl over the companionway. With simply the merest trace of schadenfreude, the dealer Derek knowledgeable us that is recognized within the commerce because the guillotine and after you have slid it again for your self, you possibly can see why – try the video beneath for a extra visible rationalization.

4 steps down and previous the boat’s foremost electrical management panel lies the saloon, which in widespread with the cockpit, is spacious and cozy for a 38ft boat. To port, there’s an L-shaped sofa with a desk that drops all the way down to assist an infill and create an additional double mattress.

Reverse, and sharing the area, is the galley, which is absolutely loaded with hob, sink and drainer, plus a microwave/grill above and a fridge beneath. There’s even a small TV mounted above the sink. An abundance of storage is offered, each within the galley and the lockers above the sofa.

Contrasting properly with the cream upholstery and worktop, the inside woodwork sports activities a wealthy cherry wooden end. The cream and cherry wooden theme continues all through the grasp and visitor cabins, each of that are accessed immediately from the saloon.

The neat galley is small however is effectively outfitted to knock up breakfast or a lightweight meal

With its mixture of glazing formed to echo the profile of the boat and conventional portholes, the ahead grasp is very interesting, with loads of mild reaching all areas.

Beneficiant cupboard space lies beneath the centre-mounted double mattress, and wardrobes are positioned on both aspect on the aft finish of the cabin. A strip of LED lights between the bottom of the raised mattress and the highest of the cupboards beneath it add a premium really feel to an already elegant cabin.

The mid cabin is located two steps down from the saloon. These lead right into a recess to permit quick access onto the floor-level beds which could be transformed right into a single mattress or transverse double with assistance from one other infill. Baggage of helpful cupboard space completes the image within the aft cabin.

The central swab could be eliminated within the visitor cabin to create two respectable single beds

Lastly, the heads. As soon as once more immediately off the saloon, the washroom is beneficiant in measurement with a bathroom, washbasin, bathe and enticing cherry wooden storage lockers, all housed in a single area, with loads of room to maneuver about in.

Beneteau GT38: Our verdict

In abstract, the Beneteau GT38 is effectively suited to the British boating scene. It’s 11.3m size and three.73m beam makes it greater than large enough for accommodating daytime events of as much as ten whereas being a comparatively compact vessel – helpful for locating a customer’s berth in our more and more crowded marinas.

For anybody untroubled by the compromises attributable to the laborious high roofline, this nimble sportscruiser will ship many hours of delight, enjoyable and satisfaction.

Beneteau GT38 surveyor’s report

The stand out options of this boat are the area and ease of motion across the vessel, cupboard space, plus the advantages of the Air Step hull.

In my expertise, this actually does work; the convenience with which it will get on the aircraft is spectacular and the sensation of driving on a cushion of air is discernible.

I’ve achieved speeds of greater than 34 knots on sea trial with a D4 300 engined craft and 28.7 knots at 3,000 rpm, making this a enjoyable and quick cruiser.

Factors to notice when contemplating shopping for:

• I’ve discovered that often the GRP air tubes start delaminate on the outlet finish beneath the hull – most likely as a result of forces exerted when in use. Not a giant drawback if discovered early, and simply solved when lifted.
• Colored gelcoats on these boats are likely to fade badly although UV impact. Ideally, purchase a white boat, in any other case appreciable time can be spent compounding and sharpening. A paint or vinyl wrap could also be required.
• Sliding roof’s gulleys, rollers and slides must be stored clear and lubricated with a dry Teflon spray.
• The swim platform is vulnerable to minor impacts and the teak can raise and de-bond as a result of localised crushing. Mild hammer testing will present if all is OK.
• When utilizing the joystick command bear in mind that the drive engagement could be harsh. If the clunking is extreme, ask for a Volvo engineer to verify the system.
• Some boats aren’t used commonly sufficient. Typically, I discover floor pitting on door handles, porthole trims, locker catches, and spores on smooth linings, all as a result of inadequate air flow when left unused for lengthy intervals.

-Chris Olsen, Olsen Marine Surveying

Beneteau GT38 specs

LOA: 11.73 m
Beam: 3.73 m
Draught: 1.07 m
Air draught: 4.15m
Displacement: 10,220 kg
Gasoline capability: 650L
Water capability: 200L
Prime pace: 33 knots @ 104lph
Cruising pace: 23 knots @ 51 lph
Cruising vary: 240nm
Design: Beneteau Energy (architect) / Pierangelo Andreani (inside design)
RCD class: B for 10 folks
Annual gasoline burn: Approx 2,500 litres (based mostly on 25 hours cruising @ 21 knots and 25 hours @ 6 knots)
Mooring: £7,624.50 (based mostly on £650/metre annual marina mooring on the Hamble River (UK) downstream of Bursledon bridge)

What’s available on the market?

Date: 2012
Engines: Twin 300hp Volvo Penta D4s
Location: Swanick
Worth: £199,950 (inc. VAT)
Contact: Solent Motor Yachts

Date: 2013
Engines: Twin 300hp Volvo Pen0ta D4s
Location: Istanbul
Worth: £228,311 (ex. VAT)
Contact: Karina Marine Group

First revealed within the July 2022 subject of MBY.

In affiliation with SETAG Yachts. Design and refit specialists SETAG Yachts convey luxurious to the pre-owned market – by creating the bespoke yacht of your goals, with no compromise. To fall in love together with your boat over again go to www.setagyachts.com or name +44 (0)1752 648618 for extra particulars.

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