FINNISH FLYER
Text by Barry Thompson
  Founded in 2019, Saxdor Yachts are one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe. Their latest 320 GTC is an outstanding example of this Finnish boatbuilder’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and providing boats to owners who want to drive.Â
Saxdor produced six models from the Saxdor 200, which I reviewed in 2022, through to the all new and soon to be released Saxdor 400. They all follow that traditional Scandinavian style that differs from any boats built in New Zealand or Australia.
The three models in the 320 range are very distinctive, and while sharing the same hull, plus a near identical forward lounger and rear cockpit seating, that’s where the similarities end. The C on the 320 GTC stands for cabin, the R on the 320 GTR designates a full open runabout with a mid-cabin and the O on the 320 GTO for open, but it does include a hardtop. While the GTO & GTR are full mid-cabin walkarounds, the GTC has a full beam wheelhouse with narrow side decks and recessed rooftop handholds. The internal beam of the wheelhouse is certainly maximised.
All have open bows in different variants, but while the GTO & GTR offers easy access on either side of the console via wide bulwarks, the GTC has only slim side decks. However, GTC has that covered with a port side forward wheelhouse door. The Saxdor 320 GTC changes the game of movement on board with its unique concept of a full beam wheelhouse, yet still incorporates easy access to the open bow.
Following the massive successes of the 320 GTO and GTR, in 2022, Saxdor released the 320 GTC, which has expanded their market considerably. Hardtop or wheelhouse boats are hugely popular in New Zealand and other places where hot sunny, cloudless days are not always guaranteed.
Kiwis like a bit of protection, and while the 320 GTO isn’t totally open to the elements due to a large T-top, it’s the fully enclosed cabin model GTC that I feel will find more appeal with local buyers.
The GTO, GTR and GTC are very different to what you would ever find being offered by a Kiwi or Australian manufacturer and follow that distinctive Scandinavian design. A blend of practicality, grandeur and form sets boats like the Saxdor apart.
It’s something different with elegance and character that makes you want to take a second look.
The Saxdor 320 is well finished and appointed but is also built to a price. However, even when you add many options, it still comes in at under $500,000, which is very good value. You get a lot of boat for the money, and it is less expensive than similar boats of this size and style. Our review boat was on the market for $499,596. The GTR powered by a single Mercury 300 is approximately $295,000, and the GTO with the same power is $301,000. Prices vary on the options and power you choose.
COCKPIT
The cockpit in the 320 GTC is not overly large, with the space taken up with a triple aft bench seat, complete with a reversible backrest and teak table. The forward facing edge of the table folds out of the way when not being used and adds another third more table surface when opened. Add some loose chairs, and you have a dining area for 4-6 people. The split table can be lowered to transform the space into a sun lounger. While it may seem tight in the cockpit, that’s easily fixed. With the push of a button, decks drop down either side to transform the usable cockpit space by over 30%. Still not something we see from Kiwi builders but a feature that is becoming increasingly common on boats from Europe.
WHEELHOUSE
The 320 GTC features an all-weather wheelhouse with a sliding aft door separating the internal and external spaces. The internal beam provides enough room for a trio of forward bucket seats while allowing wide access between the twin helm and the passenger seats.
To port, hidden below a countertop, is a wet bar and sink with a diesel or electric hob option. A compact galley but certainly adequate for a boat this size. You have the option of a couple of fridge/freezers, plus there is plenty of storage throughout the wheelhouse.
Opposite is the fold-out teak dinette table and rear lounge. The forward helm seats swivel, so you have a generous dining area inside with seating for four. Another feature is the table drops down to form the base for a second double berth. Another first for Saxdor is the optional floating floor which brings another level of silence to the wheelhouse.
HELM
The twin helm seats have bolsters, so you can be seated or standing to drive. The large dash allows twin glass screens and plenty of space for all the system controls. The 320 GTC comes with Mercury DTS controls and Smartcraft. At easy reach beside the engine throttles are the toggles for the auto trim tabs and the bow thruster.
You have a couple of drink holders with LED lighting so that you can find them at night, and a Fusion sound system keeps the party going.
The standard package comes with massive side windows, but if you prefer more ventilation, there is the option of sliding side windows. The boat comes standard with an extra-large soft sliding sunroof, so you are spoiled for choice regarding fresh air. Close it all off, and you have a Webasto diesel heater to keep you warm.
To port is the door that gives access to the foredeck area via a wide bulwark finished with Flexiteak flooring. This is another very inviting area on the 320 GTC with a huge sunpad taking pride of place. While the anchor locker is easily accessible, with the auto system, all that hard work can be done from the helm. The tackle hawsepipe is below the deckline, where a specially designed anchor launching and retrieval system ensures the tackle doesn’t knock against the inverted bow.
CABIN
The forward cabin is surprisingly large, with a forward berth, an ergonomic mattress base, a head compartment, a raised bowl and ample storage. The head can be closed off with a folding door for total privacy. If you need to use a shower, then one is provided in the cockpit. Two big Lewmar hatches and a pair of fixed roof panels supply plenty of natural light. The hatches can be equipped with a sunshade and a mosquito net, and you can still open the deck hatches when the foredeck squabs are in place.
PERFORMANCE
The Saxdor 320 GTC is based on a performance-oriented hull design, featuring a sharp vertical entry and a twin-stepped hull. The Saxdor 320 GTC has three Mercury engine options from 300 hp to 600 hp. You can choose either the one-engine option or the twin-engine option, 2 x 225 hp or 2 x 300 hp.
Our test rig was powered by a pair of Mercury Verado 225s, which recorded a top speed of 40-42 knots, Upgrade to a pair of Mercury 300s, and the speed increases to 47 knots.
COOL AS
Having been exposed to several of these Scandinavian style boats, I am warming to them. In the previous issue of PPM, I reviewed a Paragon 31, another brand from Saxdor. That already had a Kiwi owner before it arrived in the country and followed a smaller Paragon 25, which I also reviewed. This type of boat is not for everyone and will always be on the fringe for Kiwi buyers. But it shouldn’t be. The 320 GTC is practical and efficient, offering all you need for a relaxing weekend. Saxdor is one company prepared to be different, and the 320 GTC is undoubtedly that. Will Kiwis warm to it? Only time will tell.
Specifications
- Boat Design Name: Saxdor 320 GTC
- Year Launched: 2023
- Style: Hardtop Cabin
- Price as Tested: $NZ499,596
- Builder: Saxdor Yachts
- LOA: 10.28m
- Beam: 3.19m
- Construction: GRP
- Fuel Capacity: 428 litres
- Water Capacity: 117 litres
- Engine: 2 x Mercury Verado 225
- Max Power: 700 hp
- MFD: 2 x Simrad 12
- Bow Thruster: Sleipner SE50
- Winch: Quick BL2
- Trim Tabs: U Flex
- Flooring: Flexiteak
- Heating: Webasto
- Hob: Wallas
- Stereo: Fusion
- Class: Cat.C
- Contact: www.sportsmarine.co.nz
