The Tesoro T40 offers performance, accommodation and a versatile deck layout in a stylish package.
The Tesoro T40 is a luxury runabout that can survive a coastal bash or zip along at 35 knots with a bunch of carefree day trippers, so is a versatile craft. This is a popular market segment with several other brands already here, so keen to not miss out, the experienced crew at The Yacht Sales Co have added this Spanish built range to their portfolio. A relatively new yard, created in 2015 by experienced industry insiders Juan Carlos Olivares and Andr.s Mart.nez, they are located near the major yachting hub of Alicante in southern Spain. The name – Tesoro – means ‘treasure’ in Spanish and can also be a form of endearment, so well suited to this very desirable vessel. The company began with the T38 in 2019 then added the T40 and have also developed a high-performance range as well. This region – the wild and arid Murcia – is a place I often visited on yacht deliveries during my seven years of living in Spain. Along the Med coast I’d regularly see this style of boat ferrying visitors to nearby superyachts or nestled among the famous French Calanques with adventurous sub-aqua groups; because versatility is key attraction to this category.
Among the other attractions of the Tesoro is it’s tall hull which nicely protects the deck, 35 knot plus top speed at light ship (50+ knots the 450 V10 outboard engine option) and the centre console creates a walk-around deck. Yet another luxury feature is the high level of customisation offered to make each boat unique (or to match its superyacht mothership). Ours came with a cool metallic grey paint job which contrasted nicely with the cream topsides . The first hull to arrive in Australia comes with a T-Top, which protects the central console, so ideal for all conditions. This is an outboard powered model with twin 350 HP six cylinder Mercurys but an inboard version is also available that offers a vast aft deck. Our review boat – hull number 37 – came fully equipped with dinette and cooking facilities. Below decks, the tall topsides allow for a double bed with two singles with toilet in between and tall standing headroom. Catering is done at the wet bar grill with two x 105L fridge, beside the aft dinette on deck (that transforms to a double sunbed).
VERSATILE DECK
Open day boats are all about maximising the fun and sensation of alfresco boating. Feeling the wind in your hair as you blast along, with perhaps a skier behind, is all part of the thrill. Driving is a key part of this fun on the Tesoro, so the centre console layout ensures that, with standing or sitting positions at the bolster seat with co-pilot alongside. Both are sheltered behind the frameless spray hood, that maximises visibility by using slim supports but sturdily located on thick pillars behind the steerer. The console is angled to be shaded; with all the essential controls at hand – twin throttles on starboard and the bow thruster buttons port (which is recommended given the windage from the tall topsides) plus Lenco trim tabs. While the twin 16 inch Garmin screens screen show essential charting and comprehensive engine information supplied by Mercury software. In party mode, just crank up the inbuilt Fusion audio.
Luxury day boating requires some subtlety as well, however. So, the T-Top on our review boat has a removable awning extension with legs. Beneath it, six can enjoy lunch around the folding aft teak bench or electrically lower it to become a daybed or triple sunpad.
In addition a larger T-Top is available that covers both side decks. In action mode, simply reverse the Silvertex seat back for a spotter to watch the skier. Also, this area is sturdily built with well engineered fixtures in thick chrome. Ideally, I’d add a few hand rails including under the T-Top. Underfoot is Flexiteek is a cool and grippy surface.
Choosing the inboard version would maximise the open-plan layout, but the popularity of outboards is hard to argue with. And it still gives good water access entirely around 350HP Mercury engines because of the extended (optional) hydraulic swim platform with swim ladder. Cleverly, this platform forms into steps via a stainless mechanism powered by a hydraulic ram that can a take a 200 or 400 KG jetski, depending on your option selection. Plus, there are gates to prevent junior crew exiting.
Bulwarks that are waist-high give further security when you amble forward for some bow riding or to enjoy the forepeak cockpit. Here, using the console bulkhead and all sides of the bow, creates a vast sunpad. Flexiteek gunwales add to comfort, especially in our climate that heats GRP mercilessly. The bow is unadorned because inside the deep chain locker an extendable arm that contains the anchor and cable controls. Worth considering here is a small ladder for beach access because once those outboards are tilted the Tesoro’s hull could easily nestle onto the sand with a stern anchor deployed.
VOLUMINOUS CABIN
Entered by sliding back the plexiglass door, the cabin clearly benefits from the volume of the tall hull to offer standing space in the main part and the bathroom. Beyond this requires a crawl onto the double bed. The bed base cleverly transforms into a dinette table as well. Nearby in locker is coffee maker and an electric plate ideal for reheated pre-prepared meals. Airiness is good around it, thanks to the large skylight with opening hatches. Side windows are an option as well and were fitted to our review boat, with opening portholes. The two aft bunks are sizeable (0.80m x 2.0m), with good headroom. Other pluses down here include the fridge, numerous lockers finished in light coloured wood veneer and shelves with subtle mood lighting. The bathroom is comprehensive with fixed shower, electric head and Corian sink; plus cupboard space. Also here is a neatly laid out electrical circuit board.
SYDNEY HARBOUR BLAST
Escaping the congested Sydney International Boat Show was fairly easy thanks to skipper Greg Boller’s canny use of the tunnel bow thruster to spin the 40 foot hull into clear water, before we sped off to open water. The flat conditions allowed the Tesoro T40 to cover the few miles to the open sea easily while behind the windshield I enjoyed the protection. Standing behind the wheel, I felt secure as I accelerated across the wells at North Head. No jarring or vibration came from the Tesoro, even as we leapt off some steeper waves and turning revealed the usefulness of the relatively long keel and significant deadrise; so no sliding as the hull heeled into the turns and then tracked straight. Natural trim was also good, which was essential given the elongated swim platform beyond the outboards but this platform can be jackedup at the touch of button if need be. Despite the topsides lacking flare forward, only one splash reached the windshield, while at the wheel I simply enjoyed the smooth ride. The plumb bow with deep forefoot dealt efficiently with the oncoming swells while avoiding digging into the backs of others while running. Straight-line cruising speed was a brisk 25 knots (297nm range) without the need for trim tabs, reflecting a well balanced hull which then emboldened me to push for more; reaching a breathtaking 35 knots with the help of 30% tabs and slight tilt of the outboard legs. Muy bueno as we say in Espa.a because the Tesoro T40 is a great combination of fun and function, in a very stylish package.
HULL AND SYSTEMS
The dramatic aesthetics are formed by the plumb bow, sweeping hard chine and high freeboard with reverse sheer; which all goes to create a voluminous hull. The build is infused monolithic Vinylester resin underwater, with thick Corecell foam topsides to reduce weight yet maximise rigidity. Key areas are carbon reinforced, us SPRINT prepreg lamination technique developed by Gurit. Pushing a button on the topsides elevates the entire aft deck via hydraulic ram to reveal the space for inboard engines – intended for twin Volvo (300-440 HP) stern drives. This empty space is available for storage on the outboard model with stainless steel 950 L fuel tank sensibly inboard. Our review boat contained the optional 5KW generator, hot water tank and aircon here. Also centred are the house batteries (2x230AH AGM). Given the open transom design, this area is well sealed – with a deep gutter and rubber gasket – but there’s three auto bilge pumps and two manuals.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Price AUD $1,231,821 sailaway including tax
- Hull length 12.36 m (40′ 55”) excluding swim platform
- Beam 3.65 m
- Draft 0.50 m
- Engine 2 x Mercury 350HP Verado 6 cylinder inline outboards (optional V10x450HP models or inboard Volvos 300-440HP)
- Generator 5KW
- Water 250L
- Fuel 950 L
- Black water 85 L
- Hot water 30 L
- Displacement 6.8 tons (outboard model)
- CE Category B
- Max persons 12
- Builder Tesoro Boats, Elche, Spain.
- Design Tesoro Yachts
Â
RPM | Speed knots | Litres per hour | Range nm |
1000 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 773 |
1500 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 922 |
2000 | 7.7 | 9.9 | 738 |
2500 | 9.2 | 16.2 | 539 |
3000 | 11 | 25.9 | 403 |
3500 | 14.5 | 36.7 | 375 |
4000 | 18.5 | 47.3 | 372 |
4500 | 22.6 | 60.9 | 353 |
5000 | 25.7 | 82 | 297 |
5500 | 30.2 | 117 | 245 |
5670 | 35.1 | 115 | 290 |
Sea trial – five adults, 70% fuel and water, calm conditions
