In line with the renewal of the Gran Turismo range - launched in 2016 with the new GT 40 (12.55 m) and GT 46 (14.78 m), which have given a new lease of life to the "sport-cruiser" style, Bénéteau will be presenting at the Cannes Yachting Festival (12 to 17 September 2017) the Gran Turismo 50, the largest model in the range with a length of 15.78 m and offered in two configurations: hardtop or sportfly.
An open interior
The GT 50 is like its "little brothers" designed by the designer duo Nuvolari & Lenard and the interior design firm Andreani Design. As with the other models, the principle of decompartmentalizing the main deck, which Bénéteau calls "full-space", is also present. The cockpit and the large saloon become one, thanks to the bay window that opens up the space for an interior/exterior space. Unlike other models, the GT 50 is the first to offer a real saloon, which can be completely separated from the cockpit by the glass door (even if the interior and exterior bench seats are extended). Once the table is lowered, the sofa corner becomes an additional sleeping area. The cockpit with double seating and positioned forward on the starboard side.
Access to the lower deck is via a few steps on the port side, the companionway is a little more central than on the 46 and leads into the galley. In this area, two configurations are offered: three cabins or two cabins and saloon. The full-width owner's cabin is installed in the centre of the boat and has two large hull windows that bring light into the space. It also has its own private bathroom with separate shower and toilet as well as storage space, including a dressing area.
The guest cabin is located at the front and has a double scissor bed and a second bathroom. It is between the two cabins that the layout changes. In both versions, the GT 50 houses an L-shaped galley equipped on the port side, while on the port side, the owner has the choice of a second saloon or a third cabin with two single beds.
A well-equipped cockpit
The cockpit - slightly higher than in previous versions - which can be accessed either to port or starboard from the bathing platform by climbing a few steps - is equipped with a large L-shaped bench seat and an unfolding table. It also has an outdoor kitchenette and a worktop with grill above the bathing platform.
At the stern, on the bathing platform, the GT 50 is equipped with a tender garage that can hold any outboard motor tender up to 2.90 m. It supports a weight of up to 350 kg and can be fitted with an optional hydraulic lowering system for immersion in water.
The boat is available in two configurations:
- hardtop with a retractable sun visor, lowerable side windows and a sunroof, which provide protection from the weather but also ventilate the boat.
- in sportfly which offers a second cockpit in height. Next to the pilot's seat, there is a double bench seat that can be converted into a sundeck as well as a saloon that can accommodate up to five guests.
A sporty hull
Like the GT 46, the GT 50 is equipped with the Air Step 2 planing hull developed in collaboration with the Volvo engine manufacturer and compatible with IPS propulsion. The principle of this hull is to multiply by three the volume of air under the hull to increase performance, safety, comfort in navigation, and acceleration while reducing consumption.
The sport-cruiser is offered with IPS 600 propulsion and its hull promises a good seakeeping and controlled energy consumption.
An innovation: Ship Control
The Gran Turismo 50 will be the first Bénéteau boat to be equipped with the new Ship Control technology. This universal interface centralizes a multitude of information to facilitate the use of the boat and is controlled directly from the navigation screens. This is not an option, as in the future the "big" Bénéteau models will certainly be equipped with this technology.
Ship Control is presented as a home automation system and allows to manage both comfort on board (air conditioning, lighting, Hi-fi) and control elements (battery levels, fuel, water, navigation lights...). You can therefore control your boat from the navigation screens or a tablet over 7 inches.
