Beneteau GT35 Features Walkthrough Video

Join us as BoatTest.com takes a look at the features on the 2014 Beneteau Gran Turismo:

The following opinions are solely those of BoatTest.com and its test captain.

Hi Capt. Steve for BoatTest.com and I’m going to be going through a new boat by Beneteau, the Gran Turismo 35. The design team at Beneteau have taken the GT34, taken the roof off, given us a full- beam cockpit, allowing 10 people to be accommodated easily in this wide open boat. Let’s see how they’ve done, as I take a look at the design and styling of the GT35.

We’ve tested several boats in the Gran Turismo lineup, and the goal of this one quickly became clear as we stepped to board: create an open boat that would give some stiff competition to other day boats on the market. Two things stand out about this cockpit. First, it’s full beam, so it easily accommodates 10 people. Secondly, it’s a single level going all the way from this forward bulkhead back to the swim platform.

Now because of the open layout in this boat, Beneteau is adding a Bimini aft and forward of this radar arch, and some people may be inclined to go ahead and put Eisinglass on the front. I’m not a big fan of that. I have found that most people that have Eisinglass don’t take the boats out in inclement weather.

Now, as far as protecting the cockpit against weather, this is the company demonstrator, boat and it has been outdoors all summer long, and it still looks like it’s just came out of the factory, thanks to the quality of materials that Beneteau uses.

Among the highlights of the quality materials, teak decking from the swim platform all the way to this forward bulkhead. The port side built-in consists of a sink, very deep cooler, this goes way down to the bottom. Some might argue that they’d rather have a refrigerator here, but this will hold a lot more beverages. Below, bottle and glass storage, trash, plus additional storage.

Of course, we still have to have the ability to cook on deck, on the GT35 it happens right here at the swim platform with an electric grill, there’s a sink right next door. I’d like to see a micro switch so that the grill automatically shuts off when the lid is in the closed position.

Now I like how the swim platform not only has a four-step re-boarding ladder but deep storage. The teak table can fold to take up less space, and notice the support also doubles as a grab handle. The lounger that we typically see opposite of the helm, here has been moved to the starboard side across from the table. In this manner it adds to the main gathering area and doubles as an aft-facing chaise. It’d be easy for Beneteau to make this a bit more comfortable by making the chaise seat back adjustable.

At the bow 29-and-a-half-inch rails which I find impressive. Most boats in this class, they are much shorter and they seem to me as they’re always put on as an afterthought. The sunpad at the bow either side can be moved up into a chaise lounge position.

Let’s take a look down below. Easily accessed, we have a grab handle to starboard and another one to the port hand side, this one wrapped in leather. Well down below we have a roomy cabin. Let’s take a look at some of the details. A recurring theme: natural light in this cabin and more of it right at the entryway from this curved hatch plus a skylight overhead.

The galley over to starboard includes a solid surface counter with a double burner electric stove, single-basin sink, microwave; just above and to the side of that is storage and dowels can be placed to hold all of the cookware. We’ve got a refrigerator and additional storage.

Now while this boat can easily accommodate 4 down below for sleeping, here’s something that we don’t usually see on a boat in this class – a private aft cabin. I’m impressed that it’s a single level going from the main salon into the aft cabin.

Headroom as we come into the cabin goes from 6 feet 3 inches, to the foot of the berth where it’s 2 feet 6 inches and at the head of the berth 1 foot 11 inches. We have a queen-size berth lying athwartships with fresh air and natural light coming from two separate sources. Naturally we have the full-length hanging closet over to the starboard side.

To the port hand side, plenty of storage around an opening portlight. The ship’s electrical panel just behind. Beneath we have storage and the battery isolation transformer. Just behind that, we have a walk-in head – 9-inch step to get into the head; we have an opening portlight plus a hatch up above to give us ventilation. There’s a vessel sink giving us plenty of room for storage underneath.

So at the end of the day it seems the Beneteau met us goal in making a competitive open day boat. If there’s still a strong desire for having the deck fully enclosed for inclement weather, it’s easy to move up to the GT38 with its full hardtop. Otherwise, let the fresh air and sunshine in on the GT35.

So that’s my look at the design and styling of the all-new Gran Turismo 35 from Beneteau. For BoatTest.com, I’m Captain Steve. We’ll see you on the water.