Getting to Know the Beneteau Yachts Gran Turismo 45
The Beneteau Yachts Gran Turismo 45 is a modern express cruiser designed to make boating more enjoyable and less stressful for both new and experienced owners. At a measured hull length of approximately 48 feet, its beam is about 13 feet and 9 inches, giving you a spacious deck and salon. It’s powered by Volvo Penta IPS 600 drives that provide both power and responsive handling, and the joystick control makes docking and maneuvering much easier than older systems. When you walk aboard, you’re greeted by a wide swim platform at the stern, designed for easy boarding, swimming, and launching water toys or a tender. The boat’s lines are sharp and contemporary, with large hull windows that contribute both to the exterior style and to interior light. The look and functionality combine to create a boat ready for action, family getaways, or peaceful weekends.
The hardtop is fixed but features an electric sunroof so you can let in fresh air and sunshine at the touch of a button. The exterior space flows smoothly into the cockpit, ensuring you’re never cut off from the views or the water. All around the exterior, stainless steel fixtures and hardware add strength and a polished, modern look. The main cockpit features a wet bar with an outdoor grill, refrigerator, and storage, making it simple to prepare and serve meals without needing to leave the conversation. The layout helps you keep everyone together, whether you’re hosting a dinner or relaxing with a book.
Inside, big side windows and overhead skylights allow sunlight to flood the interior, spotlighting the modern finishes and fabrics. The saloon seating is arranged for both comfort and socializing, offering a perfect setup whether you want to lounge or dine inside. Forward of the saloon, the main cabin doors close tightly to give privacy and insulation from the elements or outside noise. In terms of performance, the Volvo IPS 600s provide easy acceleration and allow for steady, predictable speeds at cruising RPM.
Spacious Deck and Social Features
One of the first things you’ll notice aboard the Gran Turismo 45 is the clever use of deck space. The wide cockpit offers versatile seating for a crowd and a big table for group meals or games. The U-shaped bench wraps around the aft side, and a convertible sunpad can be set up for laying out or relaxing after a swim. Cupholders and storage bins are within easy reach of every seat, so snacks and gear are never far away. Along the port side, the galley includes a grill, a small sink, and a refrigerator, allowing you to cook outside and keep beverages cold without needing to go below deck.
The swim platform at the stern is hydraulic, so you can use it as a beach club to sit at the waterline, launch water toys, or load the tender. If you love water sports or want to get kids in and out of the water efficiently, the platform’s variable positions make it easy. The integrated tender garage is roomy, typically accommodating a nine-foot RIB or similar tender, and it can also store SUPs, water skis, and inflatables.
The sunpad forward is made for comfort, with reclining backrests and a canopy for shade. Wide walkways with raised edges and stainless grab rails make moving between the foredeck and aft spaces safe and comfortable, even underway. There’s also accent lighting on deck for nighttime use.
Helm Station and Navigation
The helm is laid out with twin adjustable seats and all controls within easy arm’s reach. Volvo’s Glass Cockpit displays combine GPS, radar, engine data, and charts on big, easy-to-read screens. The joystick maneuvering system is a highlight, making tight quarters navigation and docking far less stressful. Back-up analog gauges provide confidence if you ever want to double-check information, and the ergonomic design of the helm puts throttles, joysticks, and switches in logical, convenient locations.
Forward visibility is aided by the large, single-pane windshield, while side windows and the sunroof add lots of natural light and fresh air when open. The engine controls and thrusters allow you to move the boat sideways, spin in place, or make delicate corrections for safe operation in any marina or slip.
Interior Comfort and Amenities
The galley is midships and is arranged to maximize both working space and movement. There’s enough room for more than one person to prep food or clean up at once, and the layout lets you pass items up to the cockpit quickly. Appliances include a two-burner cooktop, convection microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and a sink with hot and cold water. Storage cabinets above and below offer room for dry goods, dishes, cutlery, and galley tools. Durable countertops and flooring are chosen for easy cleaning.
The saloon interior offers a soft U-shaped lounge with a table that adapts for dining, playing games, or relaxing. The area can double as an additional sleeping space if needed. Subtle, indirect LED lighting gives the saloon and cabins a modern feel, while also being energy efficient and cool to the touch.
Cabin temperature is controlled by reverse-cycle air conditioning and heat, which extends the comfort of boating into every season. Entertainment options usually include TVs in both the salon and cabins and Bluetooth sound systems with speakers in the cockpit and inside.
Owner’s Cabin Suite
The owner’s cabin is placed midship. Large windows let in daylight and give water views from the bed. There’s standing room and space on both sides of the bed, with storage in hanging lockers, drawers, and bedside cubbies. The mattress is full size, and the headboard is padded for sitting up to read or watch TV. An en-suite bathroom runs along the port side, with a glass door shower, vanity, sink, and electric toilet. A second large hull window is placed at eye height for even more daylight and views. The finishes here are practical (easy to clean) but soft and attractive.
Guest Cabin and Second Washroom
Forward, the guest cabin has a double bed arrangement that can convert to single berths with a quick adjustment. Storage is available in a hanging closet and under-bed bins. The guest bathroom also serves as the day head, with an enclosed shower, sink, and electric toilet. Both cabins have opening portholes for ventilation. A key feature is that both the owner’s and guest cabins feel separate and private, even when hosting guests or family for longer trips.
Everyday Practicality
There’s room for all the extras you bring along—lifejackets, tool kits, groceries, beach towels, and toys. Cockpit storage is deep and weather-protected, and lockers throughout the boat are secured and ventilated to keep belongings organized and dry. The galley and fridge are sized for multi-day trips, and waste bins are built in to avoid clutter.
The electrical systems use touch-screen controls to monitor water tanks, batteries, and all main systems. Zero-maintenance LED lighting runs throughout, keeping energy use low and batteries topped up. The battery charging system accepts shore power or runs from a generator if you’re anchored in a quiet cove without hookups.
Hull Design and Handling
The hull of the Gran Turismo 45 is designed for speed with a sharp entry and deep V toward the bow, flattening out at the stern for lift and efficiency at planing speeds. This means the ride is steady and cuts through chop at higher cruising speeds, keeping spray down and making long days less tiring. The boat is happiest at mid-20s knots when cruising, with the ability to go higher when the water is smooth or the trip is short.
Taking a turn at the helm, you’ll feel how quickly the boat responds to steering input and throttle. IPS pod drives translate motions efficiently, so there’s less lag and more direct connection from the controls to the water. This setup also allows for more interior room, since the engines are set farther aft.
Safety, Accessibility, and Family Use
Safety features include high stainless guardrails along both side decks and at the bow. The decks have a pronounced non-slip pattern to reduce sliding, and the cockpit door can be locked to keep kids or pets safe while at anchor. Nav lights, floodlights for the cockpit, underwater lights, and remote searchlights are included for better visibility after dark.
Fire kits, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and a dedicated dinghy garage with a ventilated hatch all add layers of protection. The swim ladder is rugged and deploys easily, and there’s an emergency engine shutoff at the swim platform in case of an issue while swimming.
If you often bring along young children or older guests, wide decks and handholds make movement safe and comfortable. Step heights are even and grab handles are always within reach. That means even when the boat is moving, everyone can get from cabin to cockpit to bow without risk.
Storage Everywhere You Need It
The Gran Turismo 45 is built to carry a family or group for days at a time, so there’s storage everywhere. Underneath seats, in the foot of beds, under cockpit cushions, behind cabin lockers—with spots for fenders, lines, fishing rods, paddleboards, and all the supplies for a weekend away. Wet gear lockers are built near the stern, perfect for stowing towels and life jackets after a swim. The tender garage is big enough for a decent-size dinghy, plus water toys or inflatables.
Galley Appliances and Features
Everyday living on the Gran Turismo 45 is made easier with appliances that make meal preparation and daily chores simple. The galley area includes:
- A two-burner ceramic glass cooktop
- Convection microwave oven
- Upright fridge/freezer combo
- Stainless steel double sink with mixer tap
- Roll-out pantry drawer for dry goods
- Trash and recycling bins built into cabinetry
- Overhead and under-counter storage for utensils, pans, and serving ware
Every cupboard and drawer is fitted with soft-close, secure latches—important when underway to prevent spills or damage. The floor is marine-grade for easy cleaning after spills.
Entertaining Onboard
Entertaining is straightforward, inside or outside. The cockpit’s wraparound seating and large table are ready for meals, games, or just watching the sun go down. Lighting options can be adjusted from bright to soft mood lighting, depending on the occasion. Bluetooth speakers deliver clear sound, and there are multiple outlets and USB chargers for phones and tablets.
For outdoor cooking, the cockpit wet bar has a grill, sink, and fridge, plus lots of counter space for prepping burgers, salads, or snacks. The sunroof retracts at the press of a button, bringing in fresh air and sunshine when you want it.
Connectivity and Electrical Systems
With onboard Wi-Fi and repeaters for better mobile coverage, you can stay in touch, stream entertainment, or keep up with charts and weather forecasts. The main electrical panel is simple to use, with labeled breaker switches, tank-level gauges, and battery monitors. All lights are LED for long life and energy savings, and there is shore power hookup as well as generator backup for extended trips off the grid.
Year-Round Use and Climate Comfort
The climate system with air conditioning and heat means you’re comfortable rain or shine. The windows are double-glazed to prevent condensation and maintain temperature, and Venetian blinds or blackout shades are fitted for privacy in the cabins. Ventilation fans bring in fresh air when the weather is mild, and opening portholes in the cabins keep air moving at anchor.
Setup for Watersports and Tenders
If you like watersports, the hydraulic swim platform is the launchpad for paddleboards, kayaks, or swimming. Tie-downs and storage bins on the platform hold all sorts of toys and water gear. The tender garage can be launched and recovered by one person, thanks to the electric winch and rollers. Freshwater washdown hoses make rinsing off gear or sandy feet quick before coming aboard.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is easy; all major machinery spaces are ergonomically arranged for service access. The engine room hatch opens wide and is fitted with sound and heat insulation. Major service points like oil dipsticks, filters, and electrical panels are grouped so routine checks go quickly. The hull’s gelcoat is formulated for easy washing, and deck drains keep water moving away from walking areas.
Locker and cabinet interiors are smooth and finished, so storing dry goods or travel bags doesn’t result in snags or caught zippers. All window and door seals are easy to maintain or replace, helping reduce long-term upkeep.
Navigation Tech and Electronics
Modern express cruisers like the Gran Turismo 45 are built with full electronics packages. The digital displays at the helm are the main point for navigation, engine monitoring, radar images, and even entertainment controls. The helm also has integrated push-button start, wiper controls, and autopilot, making long runs much simpler. If you cruise in unfamiliar waters, the chartplotter and depth sounder tools give you confidence to go exploring. Night lighting, horn, and spotlight switches are easy to find without needing to take your eyes off the water.
Accommodations for Overnighting
Spending nights aboard feels comfortable, thanks to the thick mattresses, reading lights, and power points for every bed. There’s room to unpack a suitcase and hang clothing in the wardrobes, and drawers under the beds keep shoes, bags, and other gear organized. Each cabin has its own AC controls, so guests can set their temperature comfort.
Showers in the bathrooms use a hot water system that recycles engine or shore power, and the bathrooms are finished with easy-rinse walls and drains for quick cleaning. The heads are electric flush and fed from a dedicated clean-water tank, reducing odors and service issues.
Cockpit Enclosure for All-Weather Boating
When weather turns, the cockpit enclosure can be drawn to keep rain, wind, or chill away. The heavy-duty clear panels are UV-resistant, roll back easily, and snap down tightly. This means you can still use the cockpit for meals or lounging when the weather is less than perfect.
Easy Access to All Features
Steps and walkways are carefully graded and nonslip, and deck spaces are wide enough to carry bags or walk side-by-side. There are no awkward ladders or sharp corners, reducing trips or stumbles. Cup holders are always within reach, both in the cockpit and inside, and reading lights are mounted near every seat.
Good for All Ages
Older guests and young children can move safely around the boat thanks to flat decks, gentle steps, and strong handholds. Grab rails by the swim platform, at the side decks, at the helm, and throughout the cabins mean everyone has a steady handhold when moving about, underway or at anchor.
Environmental Considerations
Modern marine engines like the Volvo IPS 600s use less fuel and produce lower emissions, which is better for your pocket and the environment. The hull is designed for minimal drag, and the LED lighting keeps battery use low. The holding tanks for waste and grey water are sized for multi-day trips, reducing the need for frequent pumping out or discharge.
Everything You Need for a Weekend or a Week
With generous water and fuel tanks, solid refrigeration, and robust electrical systems, the Gran Turismo 45 can go off the grid for several days. You have enough refrigerated storage for a group, and the galley setup supports real cooking onboard, not just snacks or microwave meals. The saloon doubles as a gathering area for movies, card games, or sharing a meal, even after dark.
Looks and First Impressions
The Gran Turismo 45 draws attention for its clean, purposeful lines, forward-raked windshield, and all-glass roof. It looks modern on the water, but its proportions are classic enough to fit in at any marina or anchorage. Stainless rails, composite trim, and hull graphics all work together for style without being flashy or hard to maintain. The hardware is functional and built to last, so you spend time boating, not fixing cosmetic bits.
Why the Gran Turismo 45 Stands Out
This express cruiser is for those who want a boat that feels like a floating beach house but still has the power and agility to outrun weather or cover distances quickly. It’s set up so two people can handle everything comfortably, but large enough for family weekends or parties. The cockpit, saloon, and cabins are arranged for easy movement and no wasted space.
All the switches, engine controls, and key systems are labeled and grouped logically, making the learning curve simple even for newer boaters. When things go wrong, you can usually address issues without needing a technician right away, thanks to accessible service panels and clearly marked systems.
Hull Shape and Ride
The stepped hull design means less hull in the water at higher speeds, reducing drag, saving fuel, and making the boat steady even in turns. Spray rails along the hull keep water away from the deck, and the bow slices smoothly through rougher chop. The aft sections flatten for stability at rest and easier planing. All this means a smoother ride and less pounding, so people don’t tire out as fast after a long cruise.
Bow Access and Use
The bow isn’t just for anchoring; it has recessed sunpads with adjustable backrests, cup holders, speakers, and handrails. It’s far enough forward you have privacy for sunbathing or reading, but still on the main deck for easy access. When you anchor out, the windlass system lets you drop or retrieve anchor easily with the control at the bow or helm.
Water and Waste Systems
Pressurized water is available in all sinks, the cockpit, and shower, with a water heater in the engine room that pulls from engine waste heat or shore power. Grey and black water holding tanks collect waste for later disposal at pump-out stations. This setup means you don’t need to worry about marina rules or restrictions on waste discharge.
Electrical Power and Monitoring
There’s a master electrical panel that controls all house power, with dedicated breakers for each system—lighting, pumps, electronics, refrigeration, and more. Battery monitoring for both engine and house banks tells you exactly how much power is left, and automatic charging keeps everything ready for the next trip. The shore power system handles all voltage changes if you cruise in places with different power standards.
Options and Customization
Beneteau offers a variety of upholstery, wood, and hardware finishes, so you can tailor the look to your taste. Sundeck cushions, cockpit enclosures, sun shades, fishing rod holders, and upgrade electronics are available. There are choices in galley appliances, entertainment systems, and lighting colors.
Longevity and Quality Materials
Flooring is synthetic teak for no-maintenance good looks; exterior seating fabrics resist fading and water. Hardware is stainless steel or powder-coated for years of use. Marine plywood and composite panels are used where possible for rot resistance below decks. The hull is a hand-laid, resin-infused fiberglass sandwich for low maintenance and high strength.
Social and Family Focus
The Gran Turismo 45 is built for social boating, with dedicated areas for group meals, watching movies, listening to music, and relaxing under the sun or stars. The swim platform and bow are designed for play and enjoying the water. The saloon and cockpit layouts mean you’re never isolated from your guests; food, drinks, and music are always close by.
Well-Rounded Convenience
Even with its stylish look, the boat is ruthlessly practical: every space is planned so there’s no dead air. The tender garage, wet lockers, galley storage, and accessible systems make living onboard less work and more relaxation. Every seat, cushion, locker, and grab rail is placed with purpose, honed by decades of boatbuilder feedback and real user experience.
Wrap-Up
For many boaters, finding a boat that strikes a balance between fun, comfort, easy operation, and value is the top priority. The Beneteau Yachts Gran Turismo 45 brings together all these traits with modern tech and reliable construction. Whether you’re looking for relaxing weekends, day trips, or hosting people for special occasions, it’s a boat that’s set up to help you do it all efficiently, comfortably, and with style. If you want a closer look or have questions about which features match your needs the best, talk to a Fly Yachts team member today. The experience and detailed advice you get can help you choose the right setup and options for how you enjoy time on the water.
Fly Yachts offers a full range of yachts for sale including luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles—all of which can be viewed on their homepage. To learn more about the company, their history, and expertise, visit the About Us page. If you are interested in customizing your own vessel, check out the Build a Yacht page for more options. There are plenty of exciting global charter destinations and information about yachts charter services. For advice, news, and industry updates, visit the Compass Articles and Gulfstream News pages. If you want to sell your yacht, the Sell Your Yacht page has resources to help you, and for those interested in luxury travel beyond the water, you can browse their aircraft for sale. For any inquiries or direct contact, simply head over to their Contact page.
