Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 (11 m) on test

If you want to go on a summer family cruise, you need a boat that is comfortable, practical and exciting. The new Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 meets all these requirements. We tested her, in outboard version, in Port Ginesta, Spain. The following is the report of this 11-metre boat test.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 36

A compact and powerful boat, but with all the space you need for cruising. The new Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 is 11.54 meters long and, when seen from the outside, is characterized by a large hard-top that covers the wheelhouse and the cockpit almost all the way to the stern. The fact that this boat is part of the Gran Turismo family is immediately clear. As soon as we arrive at the dock, we notice the large spaces that characterize this Beneteau motorboat.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 – Deck

Starting from the stern, despite the outboards, the two small side platforms allow instant and easy access to the water. Immediately behind this area is a sundeck with movable backrest on the starboard side. The sundeck also offers ample storage space underneath. To the port side is a wet bar. Further towards the bow on the left is a C-shaped sofa with a central table and on the right an L-shaped sofa. This lounge can comfortably accommodate seven people.

Walking through this section adds to the freedom of movement with the good arrangement of the various stations. This allows those on board to get to what they need without disturbing the other guests on board. At the same time, at aperitif time, for example, it is easy to serve the table where guests are seated from the wet bar. Thanks to the electric sunroof, this whole area can be illuminated with natural light or made more airy.

Whether cruising with friends or family, everyone on board wants their own space. That’s why another ‘relaxation’ section has been created forward of the wheelhouse, consisting of a sundeck where up to four people can lie down.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 – Interior

Volume and luminosity allow for good liveability on board this 11.54 meter motor yacht. Below deck this is possible thanks to the large hull windows that bring natural light on board. The forward master cabin has an island bed with storage space.

The aft guest cabin offers a double berth that can be converted into two single berths. Below deck, there is a saloon in the centre of the boat and to the right a galley equipped with appliances to enjoy cruising to the full. Aft of the galley is a head with a separate shower cubicle.

Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 – Sea Trial

Powered by two Suzuki outboards, 350 HP each, the most powerful to date from the Japanese company, this boat is designed to also have good performance. With a full tank of water and fuel, the boat reached 35 knots with a consumption of 199 l/h. Also helping the hull of this Beneteau are the ZipWake interceptors. The test showed that these not only help the boat find stability when cruising, but also improve performance and fuel consumption. With a pair of 350-horsepower Suzuki twin counter-rotating propellers, the boat has good grip on the water and performs well in waves. The ideal cruising speed according to the data collected during our test is around 24 and a half knots with an average consumption of just over 120 l/h.

In manoeuvres the boat proved to be smooth and balanced, without extreme performance, but still able to entertain. In general, it is suitable as a cruiser for travelling longer distances in comfort.

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 is also available in a less powerful version with two 300 hp outboards. Depending on your choice of engine, she will reach a top speed of 30-35 knots, allowing you to progress quickly to your next destination. The dashboard can accommodate up to two 12″ Garmin MFD screens.

Please click here for further information or a quote 

Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 – Performance

Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 – Technical Specs