Beneteau GT32
This multipurpose 10m European cruiser has enough power to thrill and comfortable accommodation for quiet nights on the water
It’s no news that Australians are spending like crazy on anything that will fill the downtime days we used to devote to overseas travel. Our island isolation and some good management have so far limited (some of) the effects of the pandemic cursing much of the world, and we are hell-bent on making the most of that.
Here at home, Australians cling to the coast with grim determination and most of us live within an hour of a salty swim. As much as we think of ourselves as dusty bush adventurers, we are most at ease by the sea and all around us we are blessed with magnificent waterways.
So, it’s no wonder that buyers across all age groups are discovering what we corroded-on boaties have always known — mucking around in boats is ace. As a result of this new and widespread interest in boating, Mark Chapman from Chapman Marine reports there are unprecedented numbers of first time buyers in the middle section of the market.
High on the list for the debutants is a boat with everything. If the new toy is meant to replace the offshore grand tour then it better deliver on amenities, with overnight comfort and ease of use.
Chapman has established a sound reputation in Sydney for versatile harbour boats, and he is perfectly suited to ride the wave of their popularity. His range of outboard powered Beneteau models hit a sweet spot of usability and fun.
BENETEAU BACKGROUND
As one of the world’s largest boat builders, Beneteau has the capital and skills to undertake continual research and development, and this has seen the range improve at a steady pace over the last 20 years. The latest models boast an improved version of the Air Step Hull that the company pioneered several years ago to enhance performance ride and economy. Both this GT and the Flyer 10 share a hull shape and have also been designed for a better weight distribution of the outboard engines.
The GT differs from the Flyer 10 with a hardtop that manages to bring an open-air, summertime lifestyle while still offering shade or weather protection when needed. It’s a layout perfectly suited to local conditions and year round usability from Melbourne to Freo, and all places north.
Outwardly complicated lines are kept in control with complimentary blocks of conservative colour. Grey sides below a swooping rub rail are broken up with a pair of black window panels, and the white fibreglass up top shares space with the large areas of glass and black accents at the hardtop arches. Like many modern European cruisers, the Beneteau carries its beam well forward and there’s a convex shape high in the bow, but more hydrodynamic lines down low where it counts.
When underway, the hull leans back on its stern to take on a sporty look that exposes the sharp entry at the waterline as well as a matrix of chines and running strakes. Twin Mercury 350hp L6 engines on the review boat are the maximum specified power and their bright white livery adds to the muscular impression.
ON BOARD
Platforms extend either side of the twin engines to facilitate easy boarding and once on board there’s safe access forward of the engines to the starboard side entry to the cockpit. Teak decks throughout are a sensible option for easy maintenance, an earthy feel underfoot and the nautical ambience.
Once on board, you realise the benefits of a boat around the 10m mark. The size allows useful amenities and breathing space for occupants, yet can be easily handled by a couple. This is especially so with the up-to-date options on the review boat, as we shall see.
The GT’s hardtop extends to the transom for great weather protection but for warmer conditions an electric sunroof, sliding side windows and the opening to the bow all combine to generate a flow of fresh air. Windows all round the sides and the wrap-around windscreen keep things nice and bright, with unfettered views of the scenery.
Every skerrick of the GT’s 10 metres of length is optimised for entertaining and relaxing. Versatile seating and an open plan cockpit flowing through to the bow give a feeling of space that should happily handle up to 11 daytime guests.
The transom lounge can be forward or rear facing, and combined with a side bench seat, there’s room for eight around a good size timber table. Drop the table and insert some padding and in only a few minutes you have a large sunlounge. An external wetbar to starboard includes a sink, a Kenyon electric barbeque and a 49L fridge. It’s handy to the dining space and there’s enough room for a cooking and serving without disrupting traffic too much.
Twin bolster seating and a portside twin lounge will give the skipper some company at the helm, while leaving easy access to the accommodation below. There’s also handy access forward and a useful safety rail to the bow where a second pad has individual spaces with arm and headrests for three sun lovers.
OVERNIGHTING
A sliding Perspex door and a companionway alongside the helm takes you down five steps to the saloon and again to a savvy, versatile layout. The joinery is walnut, and it feels warm and lush against the limestone upholstery and overhead trim.
To port is the head and separate shower and there’s 160L of fresh water on hand to keep you fresh. To starboard, a 90L fridge and a microwave are secreted inside a walnut cupboard.
Up front is a wrap-around dinette with seating for half a dozen. Long side windows and 2m headroom at the entry support the roomy feeling. The dinette converts to a queen bed and a curtain offers some privacy. A second double berth under the cockpit makes the boat perfect for a small family.
THE DRIVE
The review model has an extensive options list to maximise performance and drivability. The standout of these is the combined 700hp of Mercury power, but there is also the Beneteau Comfort Trim Package which includes a bow thruster and an automatic Zipwake trim system. These additions combine for a boat that is lots of fun to drive but, with the addition of an Axius Joystick, also very user friendly.
The skipper takes the outside helm seat behind an optional sporty leather-trimmed wheel and a sporty dash full of impressive electronics. A 12in Simrad screen combines sounder, plotter and Mercury Vessel View and it’s big enough to clearly see all three.
The new Mercury engines have electronic power steering that’s both light and extremely responsive. The twin Verado’s had us up and planing at 13kt with hardly any bow rise but with the pleasant howl of induction and exhausts. I set a slow cruise of 20kt at 4000rpm for a fuel burn of 100L/h. A fast cruise of 32kt at 5000rpm used 158L/h. Range remained constant between 4000–5000rpm at 145NM with 10 per cent in reserve.
Wide-open throttle delivered 37.5kt or a tad slower than Beneteau’s factory performance figures with a 350hp Suzuki motors. Right though the speed range the hull was smooth and stable across Sydney Harbour’s low chop and swell.
Handling is smooth and safe with no wallowing or banging and no cavitation in hard turns if we let the Zipwakes do their thing. Vision is good in all but the sharpest full blooded manoeuvres, where the roof line meant I had to stoop down to check for traffic. I like to stand when driving hard and all controls are placed for comfort and accessibility, but everything falls into place and the seats are comfortable when cruising.
The joystick control allows skippers to place the boat exactly where they want it and keep it there. Docking is so simple, new owners will feel in control within a couple of lessons. Speaking of which, the Chapman group will take new owners through boat handling until they feel confident.
THE OWNER
Our test boat had recently been delivered to the owner, who Chapman suggested was a typical buyer, having previously owned a 28ft Regal sterndrive that was used as a harbour cruiser. But it was heavy on fuel and a bit of a pain to drive, especially when docking. It was also expensive to keep in the marina. The 32 now lives in a dry stack, is on call when he wants it and is a relative dream to manoeuvre at close quarters with the joystick control. For peace of mind with the outboards, they can be lifted clear of the water if the boat is on a dock, and Mercury offers a six-year warranty.
THE WRAP
We began by suggesting that Chapman Marine excels in targeting the Sydney market with spot on choices, and while that's true for the harbour, the GT32 will be a smart choice across the country.
As reviewed, our review boat hits the market at $493,220, but that's with nearly $100k of optional goodies including the engine upgrade, electronics, trim options and the $20,200 Axius Joystick. Starting price is around $392k with 300hp engines and a more basic trim package. But there’s still plenty of go and show with those engines and lots of opportunity for both overnighting and entertaining.
FACTS & FIGURES
PRICED FROM
$392,735 (with 300hp Mercury)
OPTIONS FITTED
Engine upgrade, Simrad electronics, bow thruster, Axius Joystick, hull colour, electric toilet, teak floors and decks, more.
OPTIONS FITTED
$493,220
GENERAL
MATERIAL GRP
TYPE Monohull Cruiser
LENGTH LOA 9.95m (32ft 8in)
BEAM 3.35m (10ft 2in)
WEIGHT 4881kg (hull)
CAPACITIES
PEOPLE 4 (NIGHT) Cat A, 8 Cat B 11 (DAY)
FUEL 2 x 400L
WATER 160L
ENGINE
MAKE/MODEL Mercury Verado 350
TYPE In line six-cylinder fuel injected four-stroke
RATED HP 300
DISPLACEMENT 2.6L
WEIGHT 303kg
GEAR RATIO 1.75:1
PROPELLER 14.75 x 17 Pitch Revolution 4
MANUFACTURED BY/
Beneteau Europe
SUPPLIED BY
Chapman Marine Group