Sizing Up the Elan GT5: Dimensions, Layout, and Everyday Use

The Elan GT5 from Great Harbour Yachts is built with attention to size, space, and how real people use boats day to day. This boat measures 13.2 meters in length with a beam of 3.91 meters. The size makes it easy to manage, giving enough space on board without feeling overwhelming for people at the helm or those just relaxing. The modest draft strikes a good balance for visiting different harbors or anchorages. When moving through the saloon, you notice straight floors—no odd slopes—which is helpful when carrying items from cabin to cockpit. The deck layout supports safe movement even when the boat is underway. Wide side decks, sturdy handrails, and an uncluttered foredeck make sure you’re always secure on your feet.

One distinguishing feature is the three-part cockpit. There is dedicated seating for the helm, a central dining and lounge area, and a wide swim platform at the back. The twin wheels at the helm keep controls within reach. Seat cushions are firm but comfortable, designed with covers that dry quickly and can be removed for cleaning. Storage under the seats lets you stash life jackets and spare ropes out of the way. There is also a secure spot for the life raft near the transom for safety. Owners can move freely between the cockpit table, helm, and the swim platform with few obstructions—a thoughtful detail for groups and families who like to be in different parts of the boat.

How the Elan GT5 Was Designed for Light, Air, and Open Space

When you come below deck, one of the first things many people comment on is the light. The large side windows and hatches let in daylight and open for cross-ventilation. On hot days, the boat stays cool with hatches that are easy to secure open. Overhead lights use efficient LEDs—bright enough for late dinners or reading but using minimal power. The saloon is laid out for group meals with a U-shaped settee and an extendable table that can seat several adults or a mix of adults and kids. Soft fabrics on seating feel comfortable and are easy to wipe clean.

Cabin doors are sturdy and wide enough to carry luggage or bedding in and out without bumping elbows. Flooring is made from marine plywood and covered with non-slip vinyl or synthetic teak for durability. If you drop a glass of water or spill food, surfaces clean up with just a damp cloth. The GT5 is set up so no spot feels cramped: headroom is generous, and even taller guests won’t need to duck in the cabins.

Details About Cabin Arrangements and Sleeping

The Elan GT5 comes with the option of two or three cabins. The two-cabin model has a larger owner’s suite forward and a spacious guest room aft, with extra storage lockers for longer trips. The three-cabin model gives you a smaller owner’s cabin forward and two symmetrical guest rooms aft, making it easier to bring a second couple or children with friends. Mattresses in all cabins are made from quality foam with washable covers. Reading lamps are mounted by each berth, and every room features a hatch or window for fresh air. Hanging lockers provide space for clothes, while open shelving lets you keep books, bags, or electronics close at hand.

Bedding and towels can be stored in deep drawers under the bunks. All cabins have ventilation, a key feature on warm summer nights. Wood trim is light in color, making the rooms feel open and inviting. Privacy doors are solid, with reliable latches that don’t rattle when the boat is on the move. Whether you’re stopping for a night or cruising for two weeks, each sleeping area is designed for consistent comfort and convenience.

Galley and Meal Prep Features

The galley on the Elan GT5 is set up for real use—lay out ingredients and prepare meals without feeling crowded. Counters are finished with durable, easy-to-clean Formica, and stainless steel sinks resist dents and stains. The two-burner gas stove and oven allow you to make everything from coffee and toast to full dinners. A top-opening or front-opening fridge (depending on layout) keeps food fresh, with extra space for drinks and snacks for kids.

Overhead lockers organize cups, plates, and dry foods. Deep drawers have adjustable dividers to secure pots and pans. There’s a bin for trash under the sink, sized for standard bags. Handholds at the galley corners give you support if the boat is moving. With a window by the galley, you can cook meals while watching the scenery or keeping an eye on kids in the cockpit. At meal time, cleanup is quick thanks to big sinks and counter space to stack dishes.

Onboard Bathrooms: Details and Functionality

Bathrooms (often called “heads” on boats) in the GT5 are full-sized and practical. There is a choice of single or twin bathrooms, depending on which layout you choose. The main bathroom has a shower with a door or curtain that keeps the toilet area dry. Sinks are stainless steel, and there are shelves, towel racks, and mirrors for daily routines. The toilet is either electric or manual, depending on owner preference, with a holding tank for waste.

The bathroom ceiling is tall enough for adults to stand easily, and the flooring is covered with non-slip material that drains water fast. There’s an opening port for ventilation and a light above the mirror for shaving or makeup. In some layouts, a second smaller head is aft, giving guests or families extra privacy and convenience. Cleaning is simple, and fixtures are durable.

Storage Solutions and How They Help Everyday Boating

Organization on a boat makes every trip better, and the Elan GT5 handles this well. In the cabins, deep drawers and lockers can store suitcases, sports gear, or spare bedding. Shelves by the bunks and in the main cabin are good for books and personal electronics. In the galley, you’ll find lockers sized for boxes of food, baskets, and water bottles. The cockpit lockers on deck swallow up fenders, buckets, and dock lines. Each locker hatch has gas struts to keep it open, so you can use both hands for loading or unloading.

There’s also a dedicated spot for tools and spare parts, so maintenance items aren’t scattered around. Under the companionway steps, an extra locker is handy for dirty shoes or cleaning supplies. The anchor locker at the bow is deep and drains well, minimizing muddy messes.

Cockpit and Deck Details: Everyday Comfort and Safety

The cockpit is where families and friends spend most of their time, so details here matter. The GT5 cockpit features long seats lined with cushions and a folding table for outdoor meals. The table has built-in drink holders and handy storage for sunscreen and snacks. There’s a cold water shower at the transom for rinsing feet or cooling off after a swim. The wide companionway steps make it easy to move between cockpit and saloon, even carrying a tray or bags.

Helm stations are fitted with instrument pods to display navigation data, speed, and depth, as well as convenient cup holders and places to clip handheld radios. Winches are placed within easy reach, so adjusting lines or rigging doesn’t require leaving your seat. Solid grab rails run along the side decks, giving everyone something to hold onto as they move forward to the bow.

Engine and Mechanical Systems: Easy Use and Reliable Operation

The Elan GT5’s engine is mounted under the companionway steps, where it’s insulated to minimize noise. The engine model is a common, reliable diesel, with enough power for steady motoring even against wind or current. Access panels slide away easily for engine checks, and filters, belts, and dipsticks are clearly labeled. Fuel and water tanks are molded plastic or stainless steel for long life. Battery storage is vented and secured, with clear wiring and easy access for maintenance.

For power management, the GT5 includes standard charging for house and engine batteries, as well as shore power connections for dockside charging. The electrical panel is behind a hinged door, with labeled switches for lights, pumps, and appliances. Water systems use pressurized pumps with filters, and hoses are labeled and supported to prevent leaks or chafing.

Navigation and Electronics: Straightforward and Modern Options

The main helm features easy-to-read instruments and a central chartplotter or multifunction display. Options are available for wind, depth, and speed sensors, plus autopilot or remote controls if you choose. There’s a compass at each wheel. USB charging outlets are placed at the navigation table, in cabins, and near the helm for phones or tablets.

LED navigation lights mark night-time positions, and anchor lights are mounted high on the mast for visibility. The boat wiring is marine-grade to withstand moisture. Most electronics can be added or upgraded as your needs change, and everything is installed with future maintenance in mind.

Everyday Life Onboard: Living Comfortably for All Ages

The GT5 is made for use by families, couples, or groups of friends. Flooring is slip-resistant, and steps are short and even, which helps older or younger crew move around. There’s space for portable coolers or water toys, and lockers can hold multiple folding chairs, fishing gear, or paddleboards. The cockpit table is sized for group meals, and the deck shower is great for rinsing sandy feet after a beach stop.

Seat cushions are moisture-resistant but comfortable, and exterior fabrics resist fading even in sunlight. Shade is provided by a removable bimini top over the cockpit, which can be set up quickly for hot or rainy days.

A wireless stereo system allows you to play music in the saloon and cockpit, using Bluetooth or wired connections. Speakers are waterproof and can be controlled by a main unit inside or by passengers on deck.

How the Elan GT5 Handles Long Trips and Short Stops

Many owners use their Elan GT5 for both weekend getaways and longer summer vacations. The large water tank provides enough supply for showers and cooking over multiple days. Efficient use of electricity, plus LED lights and the option for solar charging, means you can stay comfortable off the dock.

Mattresses are full-length, and blackout blinds help everyone sleep even with daylight outside. Cabin fans can be added to improve airflow in hot climates, and there are mosquito screens for all hatches. The galley stows enough food for days, and cockpit lockers are large enough to store multiple bags of groceries.

If you plan to stay at anchor, the anchor system is easy to use, and the windlass is controlled from the deck with foot switches for safe and simple operation. Spacious lockers hold anchor chain and supplies, so you don’t need to step over loose gear.

Building and Materials: Quality That’s Easy to Care For

The Elan GT5 hull is built with vacuum infusion, making it strong for its weight and so it floats higher in the water. This keeps the ride comfortable in different weather. The deck is attached with strong mechanical fasteners and high-bond adhesives, so you don’t hear rattles or creaks as you move around. All exterior fittings are stainless steel, and deck hardware is oversized for strength.

Gelcoat coloring is available in white or light gray, which minimizes heat in the sun. Hull windows are double-glazed to keep cabins cooler and resist fogging. Teak or synthetic decking provides grip without hard upkeep, and all external wood is varnished or sealed for low maintenance. Waterline and hull trim strips are molded in so they won’t peel off after a few seasons.

Water Systems for Uncomplicated Use

Fresh water is carried in large, easy-to-clean tanks made from polyethylene to resist taste and smell issues. The main tank is filled from a deck fitting, and there is a gauge for monitoring levels from the saloon. Water pumps run quietly, and all pipes and hoses are marine-rated for health safety. Hot water comes from a boiler heated by the engine or shore power, so showers are always comfortable. The hot water tank has safety features to prevent overheating.

If you want to extend time off-grid, there is space for a watermaker under the saloon floor—freshwater on demand, with filters accessible for owner maintenance.

Easy Boarding and Get-Off: Swim Platform and Deck Access

Getting on and off the Elan GT5 is simple from docks or the shore. The swim platform folds down from the stern and is wide enough for two people side by side. There’s an integrated swim ladder with solid rungs and handholds, making it safe for kids and adults. Shore power and water connections are grouped close to the transom locker for convenience when docked.

Side decks are at a comfortable height above water, so you can step on and off without climbing. There’s even an extra boarding gate in the lifelines—a hinged gap that makes entering from low docks easier.

Safety Considerations Built Into Every Day

Safety is built into every part of the GT5. Lifelines run the full length of the boat, and stanchions are spaced closely. Non-slip decks and cockpit surfaces make moving around safe in all weather. The companionway door locks securely and has removable washboards if you want open airflow at anchor. Fire extinguishers are installed in each cabin space and the galley.

All fuel, propane, and electrical systems are installed with safety shut-offs and ventilated lockers. The navigation table has space for paper charts as a backup. If you need to store emergency items, you’ll find lockers sized for spare batteries, first aid kits, and survival gear.

Real-World Flexibility for Your Boating Style

Whether you want to day-trip along the coast or spend weeks exploring new places, the GT5 adapts. There is plenty of space for gear, food, and friends. The boat is easy to keep clean and organized, and all systems are labeled for quick troubleshooting. If you host new guests, the layout makes it simple to explain how things work, and there are always handholds and rails for increased security.

Families appreciate how little kids or older guests can move from saloon to cockpit without major steps or obstacles. For those less familiar with boating, twin rudders and accurate steering mean less worry about handling. A bow thruster can be added for even easier docking.

Simple Upgrades and Owner Enhancements

If you choose the Elan GT5, adding new gear is uncomplicated. Pre-installed conduits for wires make it easy to add new electronics, solar panels, or extra lighting. Locker space is set aside for extra fuel, fishing equipment, or even folding bikes. There’s room under settees for portable fish finders or drone gear. The mainsheet traveler and winches are sized for easy upgrades if your needs change.

Owners who enjoy customizing their boats find the GT5 ready for tweaks—adding custom cushions, upgrading stereo systems, or fitting an integrated BBQ at the elbow of the transom are all straightforward projects.

Help and Support

Choosing the right boat means having good information and support after the purchase. A Fly Yachts team member can go through details and answer your questions, so you know what to expect. If you ever need parts, instructions, or suggestions for outfit upgrades, the support team knows the GT5 inside and out. Warranty and technical documentation are organized and available. Help is only a call away when you need advice before and after trips.

Recap: What You Get With the Elan GT5

• Roomy saloon and cockpit with durable, easy-clean materials
• Multiple cabin layouts (two or three) to suit your family or guest needs
• Practical galley with fridge, stove, oven, and storage for weeks’ worth of supplies
• Easy-deploy swim platform and safety-focused deck details
• Large water and fuel tanks, efficient utilities for trips off-grid
• Well-placed storage inside and outside for personal items, equipment, and anchor gear
• Reliable diesel engine with easy access for checks and maintenance
• Straightforward navigation, electronics, and charging solutions
• Support for upgrades and custom features as your needs change

Why So Many Owners Like the Elan GT5

Owners regularly share that they appreciate the straightforward way things are arranged. The GT5 makes it possible to spend time on board with less routine hassle, so you focus more on enjoying the water. By giving enough space for people to relax, cook, and sleep well, the boat manages real-life needs better than many similar options. The construction stands up to repeated use, which matters for people who want to make the most of weekends and holidays for years.

Final decisions about a boat are always personal—some want extra tech, others focus on comfort or capacity. But in every case, what stands out about the Elan GT5 is that it keeps things simple, practical, and comfortable from top to bottom. When you are looking for clear answers and want to know if the Elan GT5 fits what you want, speak with a Fly Yachts team member today.

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