Beneteau 38 Flyer Gran Turismo

LIKES

- A lot of boat for your buck and good local backing
- More complete in the inventory than some competitors, with gen and air-con included in the bundle
- Stylish lines and a handy turn of speed from modest twin 300hp diesel engines
- Excellent protected indoor/outdoor above-deck living space
- Big interior with plenty of head and shoulder room in the cabins
- Easy drive and docking thanks to joystick

"The Gran Turismo concept is an Italian-inspired lifestyle statement that has resulted in thoroughbred style, sporting spirit and a fantastic amount of internal space," Andreani says in the brochure. He then goes on to say the boat draws on the world of high-performance cars. Yet it’s twin 300hp Volvo Penta diesel engines with sterndrives are really quite modest power for a boat of this ilk. We’ll get to the drive soon enough.

True to form, the Flyer GT 38 is a true sportscruiser in the modern mould, with a hardtop with sunroof (fast actuator), a foredeck sunpad, and a cockpit largely encased by big side windows. This is in keeping with Euro-designed sportscruisers that offer protection above decks for year-round boating. American interpretations tend to have soft tops or open decks instead. These days we mostly covet sun protection and a comfortable seat in the shade in Australia. So it’s a fit even going nowhere much at all.

Landed here with upgraded twin Volvo Penta 300hp D4 diesel engines with sterndrives -- and an upgrade pack including joystick docking device (Volvo Penta’s equivalent to Axius), spare 110-amp battery, upgraded 40-amp instead of 25-amp battery charger, foredeck sun mattress, 42-litre cockpit fridge, quiet-flush electric head, multifunction Simrad eight-inch nav screen, with sensor sonic hub for iPad and iPod connectivity, plus woven beige outside upholstery -- the Flyer GT 38 was selling for the keen price of $399,500 (remember, that includes the generator and air-con missing from many competitors in this class).

In fact, the value quotient of this pleasure-boating package -- aided by factory efficiencies that, I’ve been told, allow Beneteau to build boats 30 per cent cheaper than some competitors -- is a big part of the Flyer 38 GT’s appeal. Shop around and about the only thing similar competitor hails from Jeanneau, which is owned by the same French yard.

The impressive one-piece safety glass windscreen enhances the GT’s racy go-fast lines. We didn’t drive the boat at night, but entrust Beneteau to make certain the vision from the central helm remains clear with no reflection from gauges. Our English colleagues consider the lightly tinted windscreen a negative but during the day, at least, vision was reassuring as we raced down Sydney Harbour with camera boat on our heels.

Without mullions on the monobloc windscreen, there’s nothing to hinder the views. Mind you, you still need to duck to look out the side windows before making a banking turn, but they’re deep windows all the same. The two-person helm seat means couples can cruise together, while a nearby (tight) aft-facing bucket seat with bolster offers somewhere for the kid.

The spread of stainless-steel Volvo Penta gauges. Simrad multifunction screen and twin Volvo electronic engine screens add to the intent of the purpose-built big matt taupe dash. Electronic throttles include single-lever mode, cruise control and (auto) trim assist, while the joystick falls to hand. The 12V outlet let’s you recharge your phone/iPad.

Although the boat hasn’t an iPod/iPhone dock, the Simrad NSS nav screen features sonic hub for Apple/USB connectivity. Strangely, I failed to find the VHF radio.

Akin to a covered balcony, the cockpit seats eight around its U-shaped teak table that converts to a daybed -- perfect for kids to overnight in summer (with aftermarket rear insect covers). Or kick back on the Cleopatra lounge opposite that doubles as a second daybed. The obligatory amenities centre, with hotplate, sink and fridge, is akin to a second galley. With the sunroof and pushdown side windows you are assured ventilation. Or add a clear curtain rear and turn-up the heat in winter.

Down four steps, the Flyer 38 interior exceeds her 40ft LOA suggestion, with two cabins, headroom of 1.90 metres or more, and sleeping for four via a forward stateroom with 1.7 metre x 2.0 metre island double bed, plus private full-beam rear cabin with singles that can be pushed together for another double to suit a couple. Both cabins have panoramic portholes, hanging space, reading lights and mounting areas for flat-screen televisions. A nest of drawers lives under the stateroom bed.

If you’re a sucker for punishment, it’s possible to convert the lower dinette into a berth using the supplied infill. As it is, it’s a cosy space for four opposite a starboard galley where opening portlights direct fresh air inside (no extractor fan fitted) and overhead lockers offer storage areas in addition to what’s beneath the lounge. I’m not so keen on the down-opening locker doors, however, as one could inadvertently put their weight on them. And if you fail to close the locker properly, the lid might drop down and dump the contents below.

A Pioneer sound system kept company with the main electrical control panel and gen-starter switch. Galley goodies include solid counters, deep sink and drain, two-burner electric hob, microwave oven/grill, 80 litre fridge and nearby TV. The adjoining head is handy to the companionway, with an upmarket Euro fitout thanks to a Porcelain sink, trick fittings and electric loo. There’s a shower curtain and sump pump switch to send the water back overboard.

Yes, there are lots of moulded surfaces, plastic ceiling liners, and CNC cut joinery. But Beneteau has pulled it off in respect of the price point and the overall effect is liveable. However, the sense of space is the big achievement due to that Italian designer influence. Bravo!

The Flyer 38 GT’s patented Air Step hull was jointly designed by the in-house Beneteau team. This style of hull is used right down the line to modest 5m long sportsboats, but only now has the concept been taken back up the line to boats as big as the new 44 and 49 Flyer, the latter with or without flying bridge.

The Air Step concept works by piping air from amidships deck fittings to the underside of the hull to break the suction and, thus, reduce drag. Beneteau also claims the technology improves stability because the air is directed aft, leaving the hull sides in contact with the water.

Interestingly, the boat runs quietest at 3000rpm where the official data has it purring at 81 dba, about the same noise level as inside a common car travelling at 100 kilometres per hour. This returns a speed of 27.4 knots, says Beneteau, for 83.2 litres per hour and a range of 192 nautical miles. So if conditions allow, fast cruising is most certainly on the cards for not much extra cost. Top speed was 32.7 knots, snappy considering the modest twin 300hp engines.

A tweak of joystick and we were away. Advance the throttles and the boat pops out of the hole. Admittedly, I couldn’t discern any of the hydrodynamic traits from the Air Step hull. Suffice to say my notes clearly state “smooth cruise” and my time at the helm seemed relaxed. Indeed, the boat is a breeze to command and will suit newcomers to the market as much as those looking for a well-priced weekender.