Review: BENETEAU GT36 & GT41 Twin Test

Review: BENETEAU GT36 & GT41 Twin Test

I had to pat the dust off my Stormy, so long had it been since I set off to do the grunt work for Trade-a-Boat but a testament to how capable and easy to use the boats on test, I felt at home immediately aboard the two Gran Turismo's from BENETEAU. 

Invited to head down to Mount Martha, one of Victoria’s most picturesque marinas for a look at the siblings from the GT range so let's start there.

The GT Range

The Gran Turismo range starts at an outboard-powered 32 rising to a 45 that is solely inboard powered. The 36 on review had been optioned with a pair of inboard diesel engines, outboard configuration option available. The 41, like the 45, is available inboard only with the entry engines the same VolvoPenta D4-300’s as optioned in the 36. 

All GTs are classified as Sports Cruisers. All features raised helm positions with large sunroofs to bring light and air to the open saloon to the cockpit. All have twin accommodations with a bow VIP and second cabin under the cockpit sole but as the size increases, the usefulness of the space increases dramatically, as seen in the GT41’s split single bed arrangement with option to make a double over the fixed double in the 36. 

The design and shape of the boats speak to their designation as sports cruisers with sleek lines and swept-back wheelhouses. This shape lends itself well to a forward sun pad, standard on the GT41 and optional on the 36. To the tip of each bow is a good-sized anchor locker with stylised bow rails adding to the sporty looks and as I found out, the ride backs up their good looks. 

Riding on a cloud

I’m not going to suggest the GT’s ride was on par with what I think are the most sporting hulls on the market, those by Axopar, but they share a similar design philosophy in moulded steps in their hulls to promote aeration and reduce drag (increasing efficiency and speed to plane). Stepped hulls came to fame in offshore racing back in the pioneer days of the sport and really hit their stride around the 60s when legends like the Formula hulls were being tinkered with. The idea there was to detach the water as much as possible from the undersides to reduce drag (and increase speed). Nowadays it's partly for speed but also to aid in getting onto the plane and maintaining planing speeds with less power; most call it efficiency 

The GT’s are a different beast to the Formula and Axopar hulls with significantly more weight to lift and more topsides to push through the air but they still do a remarkable job of making the Sports Cruisers feel sporty. BENETEAU has trademarked their application of the idea Air Step. It is their latest generation of hull design that took some 18 months to develop.

Underway the 36 felt quite lively which is to be expected with it sharing the same powertrain but having less to move than the 41. We saw a GPS verified 33kts, a little down on the claimed 35 which I’d attribute to the added ZipWake auto trim tabs that create a little drag when set to auto. Turn them off and I think you’ll find the missing few knots, however they do help in settling the hull into a quartering breeze which novice drivers will appreciate. The response of the electronic throttle is excellent as is the assisted hydraulic steering. Vision through the large windscreen is excellent and the seating position is spot-on for a cruise. All in all, the 36 was a pleasure to drive. I found myself at or close to wide open throttle (WOT) a lot of the time thanks to how predictable the hull was in turns and coming on and off the plane. 

The GT41 also gave me the same confidence to give the Volvo’s their all but with the hull being a metre longer, 300mm wide and with around 600kg more to move, it was inevitable that it would be a little less sporty. We saw a respectable WOT speed of 31kts and a smooth, best cruise at a lazy 1500 rpm which will give you a range of 261 miles thanks to the miserly 18L/h fuel burn. 

The helm in the GT41 is more central and semi-fly, like in the 36, with a small step up from the cockpit sole. Popping my head out of the sunroof was exhilarating. Everyone will enjoy how easy the GTs are to drive and the fresh air breeze with the roof open. 

Powershouse 

Both GT’s were fitted with Volvo Penta’s D4-300 inboards feeding power through V-Drives. The D4 is a popular engine within the style of boats as the GT range and for good reason. Servicing is annual or up to 200hrs for essentials like oil and visual and belt tension inspections but from there, the intervals stretch out. They are frugal with a claimed maximum fuel consumption of around 57L/h which we validated in our Sea Trials (see breakout) but more than that, the user-friendliness and general ease-of-use really stand out and are what I think make the series so popular. When the D4 came out, it was a market leader for its electronic controls and integration into Garmin's excellent multifunction displays and the same is still true today. 

Access to the engine rooms is through hatches in the cockpit. Although confined, I got myself down to see the layout and access to critical items like strainers and servicing points. With the ladder down removable, it's reasonable and workable for the few times you’d ever head below decks. 

“The standout spot between both boats has to be the rear sun pad on the GT41”

Using what Volvo Penta dubs Electronic Vessel Control and Glass Cockpit (information fed into the Garmin MFDs), drivers control and monitor all aspects of the engines through an electronic binnacle and Garmin’s touchscreen displays. The binnacle is a peach to use. There is a noticeable but soft clunk to give you the confidence you’ve found gear and trim is by way of a thumb button. The action of opening the throttle wide open is smooth and short. 

Around the helm are a mix of rocker switches for key lights and wipers as well as UHF and engine gauges. It is laid out neatly in the moulded dash while the seating is good with lift-up support to help balance when standing to drive. Both boats were fitted with optional bow thrusters, an option I would recommend but not one that is needed for an experienced boatie; the engines are easy to control individually but knowing I'd invite my friends to the helm, I’d still option the thruster. Speaking of friends, they’ll appreciate the comforts. 

Living large

The standout spot between both boats has to be the rear sun pad on the GT41. The 36 has an excellent stern seat with a backrest that flips to allow for rear-facing lounging but the 41’s is bigger, more friendly in its layout and is my pick as the best seat between both boats. 

The rear lounges in both are U-shaped with the driver's seats able to flip to join the conversation. Both have tables with enough space for a casual dinner while the GT41 has an optional teppanyaki grill.  The essential wet bar is located at the rear in the GT36 and in the cockpit for the GT41.  Hop downstairs into the internal lounge and there is a complete, well laid-out galley kitchen.

Time aboard

The GTs are not just about the daytime hours or zooming about, they have real overnight ability with galley kitchens, heads with showers and each has two rooms. 

The galley in each has a cooker, gas in the 36 and induction in the 41, a microwave, standup mini-fridge and sink. A real standout in both is storage space which is surprisingly good for what are already feature-packed boats. 

The lounges opposite are comfortable with walnut finishes to the cabinetry around both and triangle tables that will allow for three or four to dine at, should the weather be that bad. 

The bathrooms are simple with showers over the toilets and a small sink and cabinet. Considering they’ll be used occasionally, at most, their small size is a fine compromise. 

The bow master in both have good wardrobes, light and ventilation from hatches above their centre beds. The beds are 2000mm x 1400mm - larger than a double, queen size by Australian standards however they seemed smaller than a double which may be an issue for the big people among us but these are sports cruisers so again, I’d suggest they are a fine compromise for the space. 

A bigger issue would be asking adults to sleep in the second room of the 36. It is cramped, with the sole of the cockpit encroaching on the space. For kids I think it will be fine or, as I'd expect it to be used more, it will work as a great storage area. 

The 41’s second room is bigger and more spacious, the extra 300mm of beam makes all the difference here allowing for split single beds or can be a full size bed (the 36 has a single double bed) which will be useful for storing things underway, like the dozen camera bags on our shoot. 

The wrap

Both GTs appeal to me. The 36 has a sporty feel and price point that I believe is up there in a competitive class of 11m Sports Cruisers but the 41 offers a lot more. The 41s rear sun pad was my favourite place to be during my day aboard but I can see the second cabin's extra headroom and storage capacity appealing long term.  

One thing that I haven't really delved into that wannabee owners should consider is who makes the GTs and if long term, they are a worthwhile investment. I raise this as there is a lot to choose from and knowing you’ve spent wisely matters a lot. Both come from BENETEAU, sister to Jeanneau, the world's largest boatbuilder who is well supported locally by agents like Sundance Marine who supplied our test boats. Sundance has been selling Beneteau products for decades and stands by the quality and reliability which means a lot to me, as it should you. 

Prefer outboards?

If you prefer your motivation by way of outboards, you can option the GT36 with a pair of Suzuki’s from Sundance Marine. 

The rationale for either is debatable with some claiming that modern outboards are much cheaper to maintain and that their cost to run is almost on par with diesel inboards. The Volvo's in the GTs seen here consumed up to 118 litres of diesel per hour. In comparison, typically, 300hp outboards I’ve reviewed have consumed around 100L/hr for one motor. Considering the price similarities in fuels the servicing of the outboards would have to be significantly cheaper to come close. Fuel advantage, diesel. 

Both options require annual maintenance or hourly with the Volvo’s every 200hr and the Suzuki’s 100hrs. Both will require typical consumables and take around two to three hours of labour per engine. Parts and consumables are likely cheaper for the outboard but the longer intervals of the inboards will likely negate the difference. 

Long term, say four years or 400hrs, some differences start to come up. The Volvo will require engine belt changes where the Suzuki will not (the 300hp DF300A has chain-driven cams and is exceptionally low maintenance). The DF300A only requires fluids and inspections right up to a water pump and impeller at 200hr and valve lashes at 1000hr. Servicing advantage, Suzuki.. 

What of space? A large part of the appeal of outboards is the gained storage where the inboards would reside in the hull. This area, under the rear of the cockpit is great for water toys and wet-gear storage but the trade-off is a loss of open water access off the swim platform. Neither has an advantage. 

Sound and smell will play a part for some and it is here that the outboards get a clear win. The DF300As can be whisper quiet and produce very little smell or noticeable fumes. Advantage outboards for feel and servicing but with a heavy disadvantage on fuel use, it's a hard decision to make.. 

Who ever said all boats are a compromise was right. 

Sea Trails

Beneteau Gran Tourismo 36 with twin Volvo Penta D3 300hp inboards. 80% fuel and two on board. Fair conditions, 0.5-1m swell light breeze.

The range is estimated, leaving 10% fuel in reserve

Beneteau Gran Tourismo 41 with twin Volvo Penta D3 300hp inboards.
75% fuel and two on board. Fair conditions, 0.5-1m swell light breeze.

The range is estimated, leaving 10% fuel in reserve

FACTS & FIGURES

Beneteau GT36

OPTIONS FITTED

Bow thruster 

PRICED FROM

A$599,000

GENERAL

MATERIAL GRP

TYPE Monohull

LENGTH 11.56m (37ft 9in)

BEAM 3.48m (11ft 5in)

DRAFT ~1m

DISPLACEMENT 7304kg (lightships)

CAPACITIES 

PEOPLE 6 (day) 4 (night)

REC. HP RANGE 350 to 500 [not for sailboats]

FUEL 2 x 408L

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Volvo Penta D4-300 

TYPE Inline four-cylinder fuel-injected diesel inboards

RATED HP 300 each

DISPLACEMENT 3.7L

FACTS & FIGURES

Beneteau GT41

OPTIONS FITTED 

Hydraulic swim platform, bow thruster

PRICED FROM

A$800,000

GENERAL

MATERIAL GRP

TYPE Monohull

LENGTH 12.55m (41ft 2in)

BEAM 3.85m (12ft 8in)

DRAFT 0.9m (2ft 11in)

DISPLACEMENT 7959kg (lightships)

CAPACITIES 

PEOPLE 6 (day) 4 (night)

REC. HP RANGE 350 to 500

FUEL 2 x 325L

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Volvo Penta D4-300 

TYPE Inline four-cylinder fuel-injected diesel inboards

RATED HP 300 each

DISPLACEMENT 3.7L

Supplied by Sundance Marine

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