Beneteau gran turismo 32 OB boat test

First impression of the Gran Turismo 32 is that it looks anything but your typical Beneteau powerboat. That’s largely because the French manufacturing giant is better known in Australia for its traditional Antares and Swift Trawler ranges, however the designers are obviously multitaskers.

In the GT32’s case, Italian designer Pierangelo Andreani contributed to the styling, while Groupe Beneteau also happens to own Four Winns, Wellcraft and Scarab, which all have vast expertise and resources in this sector.

The 32 offers a level of space that few in its class can rival, especially at the price.

The GT32 hull has a patented air-induction system called AIRSTEP 2 that effectively aerates the aft running surfaces. It’s a subtle notch that works in concert with the strakes and chines to reduce water friction.

Deadrise varies from a sharp 39 degrees at the forefoot to 16 degrees at the transom. Midships, where the hull crests the chop at planing speeds, it’s 23 degrees. So, yes, the 32 is soft riding and it transitions to the plane efficiently.

The hull flares considerably above the fine entry into a square bow that naturally offers progressive buoyancy. The hull’s happy place was 22 knots (40.7km/h) at around 4300rpm, yet it also comfortably runs at a top speed of 30 knots (55.5 km/h).

Full boarding platforms are very popular on boats of this style but you don’t miss out on much here. The optional side swimplatforms extend out to protect the motors and there’s a walkway immediately in front.

Moving into the cockpit, the design is identical to Beneteau’s Flyer 10, a super-sized runabout, so you get that hybrid crossover between an open dayboat and an express sports cruiser.

Conspicuously absent are sidedecks, which allows the cockpit to fully capitalise on the 3.35m beam, and the area is well protected from the harsh sun by the hardtop overhang and a locally fitted canvas extension.

Bonus points go to Beneteau for providing a twin-seater lounge opposite the helm. Combined with the two pedestal seats at the dash, it means four people can sit facing forwards. There are opening windows both sides to provide cross ventilation, in addition to a huge electric sunroof.

The dashboard doesn’t go overboard but is just workable and functional, with a choice between a single 16in or 12in Garmin multifunction display, and clear space for the bow thruster and trim controls.

Another example of innovative thinking is the two-piece windscreen doorway that provides safe bow access.

Having moved from a runabout cockpit to an Express cabin, you now enter a deckboat bowrider zone. It is huge, thanks to the square forepeak that ensures less dead space, more deck space.

You’d be happy with the three-seater sunpad on a superyacht as there are padded headrests, arm rests and multiple cup holders. A small port lends some light to the cabin.

Speaking of which, cabins like this are an unexpected bonus on what is essentially a dayboat as designers inject so much volume into modern hulls.

It’s good to find a full enclosed shower and head compartment to starboard. That’s not all – beneath the cockpit sole is a private stateroom with a double bed.

Price correct as of 31 May 2023

• Priced from: $492,000
• Price as tested: $670,000