Beneteau Gran Turismo 32

Beneteau’s Gran Turismo (GT) 32 sports the look and feel of a large open yacht with a welcome and surprisingly affordable price.

Aesthetically pleasing accent points include the wide full-beam hardtop, a French Riviera-inspired sunpad bow, a shear windshield, an exciting electronic helm and modern sides that reflect the light elegantly.

Light and ventilation are a priority onboard. You are unlikely to feel claustrophobic with good head clearance throughout the wide-open spaces. Even below decks, the two double berths are bathed in light from the long hull windows. These spaces are further enhanced by elegant walnut-colored materials that make nights onboard something to relish.

“The spacious cockpit incorporates the ‘galley up’ design and is great for entertaining or relaxing,” says Craig Duchow of CenterPointe Yachts Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “The passageway to the bow is sunken to port, enabling easy access from the cockpit.”

Indeed, many a boat outing would end right here in the bow. Big yacht-like decorator touches include highly polished wood-trimmed armrests and head cushions, sunken drink holders and European-crafted stitching.

Like so many helms today, the flat screen, glass cockpit design with touch points to control everything — from starting your engines to selecting the perfect music mix — erases the tension of monitoring a plethora of old gauges. Two side-by-side helm seats inspire a closeness and shared love of the water as you control the GT32. Beneteau’s Airstep hull provides excellent performance in all types of seas and can reach a top speed of 35 knots. The express cruiser can be equipped on option with a joystick, a Zipwake system, a bow thruster and two Garmin 12-inch screens, making her incredibly easy to drive.

Those looking for an entry-level cruiser will want to add the GT32 to the consideration list.

DEALERS