April 16, 2023

Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly: A Comprehensive Review

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly is a luxurious and sporty yacht that has captivated the boating community. Designed with advanced technology and sleek aesthetics, it stands as an excellent example of high-performance cruising combined with exceptional style and comfort.

Equipped with Volvo IPS 600 engine power on an AirStep planing hull, drivers can experience unparalleled sensations at sea (Beneteau) . The Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly also offers generous onboard space, including a convertible two-seater co-pilot's bench, sun-lounger, and a comfortable aft saloon for socializing (Motorboat Gran Turismo 50 Fly).

With its flybridge offering an additional driving station, this impressive yacht caters to those seeking versatility without sacrificing luxury or performance. The Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly truly embodies the spirit of modern yachting, providing an unforgettable experience for all on board.

Key Features

Performance and Handling

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly is powered by Volvo IPS 600 engines, providing outstanding performance and handling. Its AirStep® planing hull offers exceptional maneuverability and efficiency, ensuring a thrilling experience on the water. The top speed of this luxury cruiser is 28 knots, perfect for those seeking a balance between speed and comfort.

Exterior Design and Layout

Designed by Nuvolari and Lenard, the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly's exterior boasts unique lines that create a striking and elegant profile. The vessel's full-space main deck and flybridge are key features, allowing for ample room to enjoy outdoor activities and entertainment. The flybridge houses a second helm station, ensuring excellent visibility and command from an elevated position.

An innovative feature of the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly is its built-in retractable sunroof, which provides protection from the elements when needed while still offering the option for open-air cruising. Panoramic sea views can be enjoyed from the vast lounge area, complementing the vessel's sleek and open design.

Interior Design and Comfort

Inside the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly, the interior design by Andreani Design focuses on luxury, style, and comfort. The main deck features a spacious salon, dining area, and galley, all designed with an open concept and seamless flow. Large windows provide plenty of natural light, while high-quality materials and finishes enhance the sense of elegance and refinement.

Below deck, the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly offers multiple accommodation options, including a master stateroom and guest cabins, providing privacy and comfort for both owners and guests. The attention to detail in both design and functionality ensures that every aspect of the cruising experience is tailored to meet the highest standards of taste and satisfaction.

Technical Specifications

Engine Options

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly comes with Volvo IPS 600 engine power, ensuring an impressive performance on the water. This powerful engine delivers an unparalleled driving experience along with better fuel efficiency for extended cruising range.

Dimensions and Capacities

The Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly has an overall length of 51'9" (15.78 m) and a beam of 14'5" (4.4 m). The vessel has a light displacement of 29,115 lbs (13,210 kg) and an air draft of 16'8" (5.09 m). The yacht has a fuel capacity of 2x 172 US gallons (2x 650 L) and a water capacity of 106 US gallons (400 L).

Fuel Consumption

Although exact fuel consumption numbers are not readily available, the inclusion of the Volvo IPS 600 engine in the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly ensures better fuel efficiency than traditional inboard engines. This efficiency, combined with the AirStep® planing hull design, makes it an ideal choice for those looking for both performance and economy during extended cruises.

Customization Options

Hull Color Choices

Buyers of the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly have the option to select a hull color that best suits their personal preferences. While the manufacturer may offer a range of standard colors, some buyers may choose to further customize their vessel with a unique paint job. This enables owners to make their Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly truly stand out on the water.

Upholstery and Furnishings

Comfort and style go hand in hand on the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly. The yacht offers various choices in upholstery and furnishings to cater to the tastes of different buyers. Owners can opt for premium leather or other high-quality fabrics for seating areas, as well as pick from a selection of elegant and durable materials for the yacht's interior surfaces and finishes.

Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the interior design, from the choice of luxurious textiles for the bedding to the selection of stylish countertops in the galley. By providing several customization options in upholstery and furnishings, the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly ensures that owners can create a personalized environment on board that reflects their style and preferences.

Electronics and Entertainment

The Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly is designed to provide an enjoyable on-board experience for both the captain and guests alike. To this end, it can be equipped with a range of electronic and entertainment systems, tailored to the owner's specific requirements. Navigation and communication equipment, such as radar, GPS, and VHF radio, can be selected from a variety of reputable manufacturers.

For entertainment, the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly can be fitted with state-of-the-art audio and video systems, including high-definition TVs, surround sound speakers, and satellite receivers. Additionally, the yacht can be customized with options like Wi-Fi connectivity, USB charging ports, and multimedia streaming devices to enhance the overall experience for everyone on board.

Pricing and Competitors

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly is a luxurious and high-performance yacht. Prices for this model can vary greatly depending on factors such as location, age, and features. For instance, a 2018 model in Singapore is listed for US$750,000, while a 2020 model in Turkey is priced at US$902,763(source). The starting price for the flagship of the Gran Turismo series is under $1.2 million(source).

When comparing the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly to its competitors, it is essential to consider the specifications and features of similar yachts. Some of its main competitors in the market include:

  • Absolute Navetta 52
  • Azimut Atlantis 51
  • Sunseeker Manhattan 52

Each of these yachts brings its own unique set of features and styling, but they all share similar price ranges, sizes, and performance characteristics with the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly. For example, the Absolute Navetta 52 has a starting price of around $1 million, while the Azimut Atlantis 51 starts at approximately $1.2 million, and the Sunseeker Manhattan 52 has a base price close to $1.3 million.

Buyers considering the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly should weigh the features and specifications of each yacht against their own preferences and requirements. Factors such as layout, interior design, performance, and overall aesthetics can play a significant role in their decision-making process. By conducting a thorough comparison, prospective owners can ensure they are making an informed choice when purchasing a luxury yacht.

Owner Reviews and Testimonials

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly is known for its exceptional performance and comfort, making it popular among boat enthusiasts. The owner reviews and testimonials showcase the satisfaction and pride in owning this vessel.

One of the remarkable features noted by owners is the ship's handling and performance. The Sportfly is praised for its smooth and stable ride, even in challenging sea conditions. Owners also appreciate the hydraulic swim platform, which provides easy access to the water and can hold a small tender or jet ski. The Ship Control interface is another highlight, offering a seamlessly integrated system for monitoring and controlling the boat's functions, from the helm or flybridge.

The interior design and layout have received positive feedback for their spaciousness and practicality. Owners commend the full-beam master suite with an en-suite bathroom, as well as the comfortable guest cabins providing ample privacy for guests on board. The open-plan galley and salon allows for easy conversation and entertaining, while the large windows let in ample natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Outdoor living spaces of the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly are treasured by the owners as well. The main cockpit features a large seating area, perfect for dining or lounging under the sun or stars, and the flybridge boasts a convertible sun lounger and additional seating space. The Sportfly's versatility ensures that all passengers can find a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the boating experience.

Additionally, the ease of maintenance and overall reliability have been praised by owners. The quality of the build and the attention to detail in the construction of the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly instill confidence, making this yacht a popular choice among experienced boaters.

Conclusion

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly is a versatile express cruiser that offers the comfort of an enclosed motor yacht combined with the sportiness of a flybridge. This model sets itself apart with its innovative design, performance capabilities, and generous living spaces.

Equipped with an Airstep® 2 planing hull, the Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly offers speed, safety, and comfort. This unique design, developed in collaboration with Volvo, ensures optimum fuel consumption and outstanding sea-keeping abilities. The yacht's top speed of around 28 knots proves it is not designed purely for excessive speed, yet it remains efficient and enjoyable to cruise.

Key features of the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly include a converting two-seater co-pilot's bench on the flybridge, an aft saloon for five people, and the Ship Control interface that offers easy access to boat systems. Its spaciousness and functionality make it an excellent choice for those seeking shared adventures at sea.

In summary, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 Sportfly successfully combines luxury, performance, and innovative design, making it a top contender in the express cruiser market. Whether for seasoned boaters or newcomers, this yacht offers an exceptional experience on the water.

Charlie Hardcastle
Charlie is Editor-in-Chief of Sea Magazine
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