WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL?
Throughout my extensive experience in the recreational marine industry, I have rarely encountered a 12-metre (40-foot) vessel as distinctive and unique as the Saxdor 400 GTC
here does one begin? Well, for starters, how about the fact that this is a 12-metre craft with twin Mercury 400 V10 Outboards that can propel this 9050 kg, fully fueled vessel along at upwards of 45 knots with half a dozen people on board in complete comfort, while providing all the luxurious amenities that one would expect on a million-dollar boat?
Since I’ve alluded to performance, let’s kick off by discussing the performance of the Saxdor 400 GTC. I’ve already mentioned that this boat is unique, and so it is from stem to stern and from cabin top to hull.
The hull features a two-stepped design which enhances its performance and stability in various sea conditions. To appreciate how a boat will run, you have to consider its hull form. The Saxdor 400 GTC’s wetted surface and plumb bow cleave the seas with ease, and the boat quickly gets up on top of the water via its three lifting strakes. It runs smoothly and stable with its wide chines in both calm and rough waters and quickly breaks free of water surface tension, running on a flatter, semi air cushioned surface due to its distinctive two stepped, resin-infused hull. The 21-degree transom deadrise adds to the overall handling of this solidly built craft.
Although I can already hear my editor bemoaning the length of this article, I needs risk her ire to talk a bit more about two-stepped hull designs; about which many readers may not know that much. In brief, a two-stepped boat hull significantly improves performance by reducing wetted surface area, which decreases hydrodynamic drag. The benefits of less drag equal more speed with less horsepower or, if you want, more fuel efficiency with the same horsepower. The design increases speed by 5%-15% and improves fuel efficiency by up to 10%-15%, enabling a smoother ride, better acceleration, and superior handling in choppy conditions compared to conventional hulls. While two-stepped hulls provide these performance benefits, they can be more complex and costly to design and manufacture compared to traditional V-hulls. Perhaps cost is the most compelling reason why the majority of boat builders do not employ this design?
Suffice it to say, that after my day out on the Hauraki Gulf in this craft, I personally don’t need to be persuaded of the advantages of a twin stepped hull. During our time aboard, we put the vessel through its paces, throwing it into tight turns, quick manoeuvres and slammed it into the wake of a passing ferry. Let’s keep this simple. The boat’s handling is amazing! In addition, the plumb bow (of which I am a fan) not only adds to the performance capabilities but offers more internal space up forward.
There are old sayings about one’s personal appearance: “First impressions count”, and “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. These adages could not be more relevant when it comes to the Saxdor 400 GTC.
My initial reaction, and as it turned out, when I sneak previewed some of the pre-publication photos to a few friends, was: “Wow! I want this boat”. So, on that note, allow me to introduce you to this quite different and beautifully appointed craft.
There is something about Scandinavian/Nordic design; whether it be architecture, furniture, cars, cell phones, or in this case: boats. The concept of form follows function and clean aesthetics, sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle, but always different in the most positive sense. First viewing, then stepping aboard the Saxdor 400 GTC, one is struck by its sparse functionality, but highly compelling and inviting wellappointed look exteriorly and interiorly. But we’ll get back to these features a bit later when exploring the interior of the 400 GTC.
Having said that, when the boat is underway, it exhibits a somewhat conventional exterior and interior. However, when at anchor and the boat ‘opened up’, that’s a whole different matter!
We were fortunate to have ideal weather conditions on the day we motored out of Auckland Harbour towards Motuihe Island, a perfect location for photography, videography and a wide-open ocean to put the Saxdor through her paces. A brisk SE breeze greeted us as we exited the 12-knot harbour zone. In combination with a choppy sea surface, made more turbulent by other craft and passing ferries, Zach from Sports Marine (the importers and distributors for Saxdor in New Zealand) advised us – us being the crew for the day consisting of Carla and Holly from PowerBoat Magazine, Lissa our expert photographer/videographer/drone operator, and myself – to make ourselves comfortable while remaining alert as the throttles of the twin Mercury 400 V10 outboards were shoved fully forward and the twelve and a half metre (40.7’) vessel accelerated up to 40 knots in no time. Adding another touch to our collective glee, Zach hit the Mercury engines ‘Sports Mode” button on one of the MDF touch screens, allowing the motors to howl with a low frequency “petrol head” throbbing intensity. Fun, but as the novelty wore off, Zach reverted, with the press of the button, to the normal, hardly noticeable exhaust sound from the two massive four-stroke engines.
What was then immediately apparent was the fact that this is a very quiet boat, especially so when the central cabin is completely enclosed by the numerous doors and windows surrounding it, but it is still surprisingly quiet when the cabin is completely opened up as well. Throttling back to a comfortable cruising speed of about 30 knots, Zach handed me the helm as he proceeded to open cleverly designed folding and sliding doors and effortlessly opened the large aft window at the stern end of the cabin, flipping it up and locking it into place. Meanwhile, with the press of a button I deployed the electrically opening, large sunroof above the helm station and forward part of the central cabin. Well, if you thought this craft was airy and bright, with excellent all round visibility while fully enclosed, imagine our delight when everything was opened up giving you the feeling that you were aboard a fast, but much smaller open runabout, instead of a luxurious vessel with twin dual berth accommodation cabins, deluxe head (toilet/shower), numerous entertainment areas, great galley, impressive helm station, expansive stern swim platform and comfortable sun lounging areas. But wait, there’s more! Remember me mentioning those drop-down hull sides which converted to open ‘terraces’ on either side of the boat? Talk about a coup de grâce. By simply releasing a locking latch and pressing a button, located by either the port or starboard side hull dropdowns, a portion of the hull, magically transforms into an extended swim/ lounging terrace opening the whole central deck area into one huge entertainment zone.
The Saxdor 400 GTC is both a comfortable vessel when underway (the journey and the destination equally important) , while providing a wonderful ‘private island’ for relaxing and entertaining when anchored.
As a day boat, it is rated for up to twelve people and as an overnighter or extended holiday cruiser it is ideally suited for either two couples, or equally accommodating for mum, dad and three children. P.S. keep in the back of your mind, the smallest of those three children as I walk you through the boat, on and below deck.
Before your guided tour begins, however, I must mention that while this craft is open and airy in whatever configuration you employ while underway or at anchor, it is equally impressive as a ‘go anywhere in just about any weather and sea condition’ boat as well. This is a vessel designed and built in the upper latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, the region of the Vikings and hardy seafolk, who (crazy as it may seem) enjoy boating for much of the year, even as cold and miserable as it can get. So, for New Zealand, even if you are fortunate enough to live on Stewart Island, this boat is equally at home as a functionally comfortable vessel on any of our large lakes or coastline seas.
When writing previous boat reviews, it generally makes sense to discuss the vessel’s exterior features first and then focus on the interior. However, as the Saxdor 400 GTC melds indoors and outdoors in such a unique way, I’ll just start at the stern and make our way forward – you’ll soon see what I mean.
While the twin Mercs dominate the stern, interestingly, they don’t overwhelm, as the stern area of this craft is so open and expansive. Stepping aboard the large boarding platform (swim ladder concealed below the starboard extended portion of the duckboard), access to the cockpit is via large S/S framed glass gates (port and starboard) located at either end of the full width glass balustrade dividing the swim platform from the cockpit but maintaining a feeling of openness. You are going to see that word – ‘openness’ – a lot in this article!
Now, imagine yourself standing at the rear of the cockpit, looking forward. Directly in front of you is a huge sun lounger, with four cup holders at convenient-to-reach locations. Like to partially sit up while you are lounging and reading? Leave the forward end of the comfortable ‘mattress’ in the up position. Want to snooze while sunbathing and sipping your G&T? Activate a lever on the port side, and the lounger slides aft, dropping the forward back rest down and allowing you to stretch out, totally horizontally and comfortably. Even with this lounger fully extended, there is still ample deck space around it.
Located on the starboard aft quarter is a large, insulated storage bin that could also be used for a ‘fish bin’ if filled with ice, as the smoothly finished lid seals it very effectively. On the port aft quarter is a similar construction, but lift the lid on this side, and you will find space for a ‘wet bar’, where an optional grill and sink can be ordered and installed. Located further aft is a hot/ cold freshwater shower unit concealed by a tasteful S/S cover. This whole stern space is but one of several ‘entertainment’ areas aboard the Saxdor.
Proceeding forward on the port side, if not already open, there is a wide, lockable bi-fold glass door, which simply unlatches, pulls open and locks into position, allowing you ready access to the central cabin/wheelhouse. Should you wish to open up this area a bit more, before heading for the helm station, pop the levers on the large, central aft cabin window, simply lift it up and lock it into position and “voilà” – huge open area from the transom to the helm station, with additional entry/exit through a starboard glass gate if required.
Once ‘in’ the spacious central cabin, and I do say ‘in’, because with the port and starboard side doors slid open and the sunroof retracted, you certainly don’t feel ‘in’ anywhere; it’s all so indoorsy/ outdoorsy. This central cabin, and I use ‘cabin’ in the broadest sense of the word, as there is a sense of being unenclosed. Such is the open spacious feeling of this area of the boat, which houses a huge entertainment/dining area (for up to eight people), a very functional galley to port and an impressive helm station.
The centre twin bench seat back, usually facing astern at the forward end of the table, can be moved aft at the touch of a button and the backrest flipped into a reverse position, providing an ample bench seat, now forward facing for passengers to view the boat’s progress while underway. Beneath the port side twin seat there is a large storage drawer while the starboard seat has top access storage beneath.
The galley is basic and functional, consisting of a Wallas twin element diesel stove top and hot/cold water sink tap, beneath the lift up, hydraulically stayed top, behind which are more cup holders. How convenient – seems like throughout this boat, if you have a drink in hand, there is always a convenient place to secure it when you want to free up your hands. A large Vitrifrigo refrigerator and two voluminous, pull-out storage drawers are located beneath the cook/sink top unit. Not only is the cooktop diesel, but the onboard Eberspacher heater also utilises the same 25-litre diesel fuel supply tank. Leaving the galley and moving forward, you will find the very impressive, highly intuitive helm station.
Seating at the helm station consists of a single adjustable ‘Captain’s’ chair as well as an adjustable twin bench passenger seat. When seated, there is a full-width, 3-stage adjustable footrest and beneath the two-seater bench seat, an easily accessible, large freezer unit. An adjustable steering wheel, helmperson cup holders (surprisingly, there are no passenger cup holders at the helm station), a passenger storage shelf with wireless phone charger pad, and a convenient grab handle round out the helm features. Located at the port end of the bench seat there is a second pull out refrigerator drawer – got to keep those bottles of Moët cold!
Settled in the comfortable Captain’s chair, you could be forgiven for believing you were piloting an Airbus 380. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea. Having said that, you soon discover that this is a very intuitive, easy to learn and use helm station. Although there is room for a third Simrad NSO evo3 19-inch MFD (Multi-Function Display) unit, our test boat came with only two, which to my mind are more than adequate. Above the helm station there is the aforementioned, electrically activated ‘one-touch’, retractable sunroof, which when open provides even more light, and additional ventilation for the helm and main cabin. At night, several downlights, strategically installed in the ceiling above the dining, galley and helm station (along with four stereo speakers), provide ample lighting and full stereo sound.
Before examining the two large, double berth, cabins and toilet/shower ‘head’ below decks, let’s look at yet another entertainment/lounging area at the bow. This pleasant area is accessible via a contoured transparent door from the main cabin, easily opened by a simple latch arrangement, then through a lower, waist height and sea tight door. A full-length grab rail runs along the port side and a central flip top sectional, up/down adjustable table converts to a spacious sun lounger when optional squabs are inserted. Beneath the hatch covering the bow chain locker will be found the concealed and recessed S/S anchor and Quick anchor windlass.
But time to explore below decks. The forward, double ‘V’ berth cabin is entered to the left of the helm station behind a black translucent sliding door. Behind the stairs leading down to this cabin is a large storage cupboard which can also be used as a cosy children’s berth. Remember my earlier comment about this being a family boat?
The bed is wide and comfortable with storage shelves running the length of the berth on both port and starboard sides. In addition to the conveniently placed, modern looking reading lights there are pleasant, subdued downlights on the cabin ceiling. An escape hatch and additional twin (port/starboard) ceiling windows with blinds, are located above the bed providing additional light, with glazing on either side of the cabin, making the cabin feel open and airy. A pull-out seat below an ample hanging locker is situated to starboard forward of the toilet/shower closet while the JL Audio and lighting controls, main circuit breaker panels (behind tasteful black translucent panel doors) and storage drawers are situated to port.
Entry to the toilet/shower closet is via an attractive woodgrain, contoured hinged door. Nordic simplicity and aesthetics greet you, and despite this ‘head’ not being large, its design and layout do not make you feel cramped.
To access the aft double berth cabin, you first need to open the two ingenious access hatches. One located in the aftmost twin bench centre cabin seat and the other in the cabin floor just inside the port entry door. When both are lifted consecutively (seat then floor), they reveal two steps leading down into the roomy cabin. Once again, open and airy and although not high ceilinged, one never feels claustrophobic, due to the fact that there is a translucent ceiling escape hatch and that the cabin is surrounded by windows port, starboard and astern. At night, subtle ceiling lights in addition to two stylish reading lights provide more than adequate illumination.
Summary: Today, more than ever it seems, overseas designed and built recreational boats are not only more readily available in New Zealand, but also appear to be competitively priced – providing you are doing an ‘apples to apples’ comparison.
Saxdor is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. While the company is Finnish-owned and managed, the majority of their boat production (approx. 85%) takes place at their shipyards in Elk, Poland, with additional production facilities in Finland. So designed in Finland, built in Poland and enjoyed in New Zealand. It doesn’t get more international than that!
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 12.04m
Beam 3.55m
Passengers B: 12
Fuel 1000L
Max engine power 850hp
Max speed range 35-45 knots
Outboard engines 700hp – 850hp
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM KNOTS L/H RANGE
1000 4.91 12.5 2.55
2000 8.39 34.4 4.10
3000 11.73 65.5 5.58
4000 19.2 103.3 5.38
5000 34.98 168.4 4.81
6000 43.32 238.1 5.50
