Review: Saxdor 320 GTO
Saxdor has made a name for itself with boats that combine modern styling, retro finishings and sporty performance
From standard tinnies to centre consoles, cruisers, and even the latest superyachts, there are some hot new boats causing mania in the marine industry at the moment. One of the most interesting boat designs making fast headway into the market is the imported Saxdor brand of boats — when a new model hits our shores, we jump at the opportunity to get a spin on it. This time around it’s their latest 320 GTO with 600hp of pure Mercury grunt on offer, so no doubt an interesting test was on the cards.
There are a number of similar brands all sporting the somewhat odd Euro design, and this is due to one man — Sakari Mattila — being one of the original founding partners of Saxdor Yachts, Axopar and XO Boats among others.
Distributed by The Adventure Boat Company in Australia, the Saxdor range is one of the most interesting boat designs on the market. Across the board, first glances of a Saxdor — particularly the 320 GTO — would be more like first stares, and I’ll guarantee these boats get a second look or more from anyone that knows boats or not. The sleek, sharp, modern, and even futuristic design with retro colours and interesting layout configurations is really unique, and although not necessarily appealing to some, these boats most certainly fit into the new age of city-slicker boating and grow on certain people fast.
Now, before assuming these boats are purely party entertainers suited to flat broad-waters and city harbours, think again — they also have a unique hull design that literally eats up choppy water. If you’re in the market for a new and uniquely designed sports styled centre console/cruiser that’s a head-turner, ready for entertaining, good for the odd overnighter, read on to see what the latest Saxdor 320 GTO has to offer.
Heading off for an adventure
INS AND OUTS
To start, the Saxdor 320 GTO is one hell of a step up from the playful and sporty junior Saxdor 200 tested a few issues back. Namely, a 6m vessel versus a 10.28m loaded with heaps more power, bling, and creature comforts. At just under 34ft, the GTO’s blunt/vertical bow, stylish cantilevered hard-top, powerhouse twin Merc 300hp V8s, and matte silver hull with striking tangerine and black retro interior make this modern machine a stand-out suited to the Miami Vice-style Surfers Paradise area on the Gold Coast.
There’s a lot going on in all aspects with the Saxdor 320 GTO. Aside from the interesting and appealing modern aesthetics, the full internal layout on these boats is most certainly intriguing and attractive in comparison to a standard centre console fishing boat. Straight up, I do like the variations and options available to the layout set-ups, and as tested this 320 GTO was tricked up as the ultimate sport day boat entertainer, as well as having the potential for sneaky overnighters in the reasonably-sized v-berth cabin below deck.
Stepping aboard the ‘soft-to-foot’ lined deck via the port or starboard duck-board platforms, both sides have a small clear transom door with a stern seat closing up the cockpit like a false transom — and I do prefer this to the fully open transoms.
Rated to 9 people onboard, the bright tangerine seating configurations in triple seat rows behind the helm certainly catch the eye and stand out. I felt like I was stepping aboard a fancy adrenaline rush type charter boat with the formal rows of seats, however, I don’t mind the configuration as everyone can comfortably sit back and relax safely while charging out to the islands or beach for the day.
The colours are eye-catching
Having adjustable backrests, you then have the ability to transform the seating layout into a completely different boat. The rear seat folds forward to create another comfy day bed, or you can fold the backrest of the second seat row to create a face-to-face dinette with the infill table between. There’s plenty of storage below the seats for gear, as well as the rear seat opening up on electric actuators to access batteries and plumbing below deck.
The 320 GTO has another nifty feature where the flick of a switch folds out the stern gunwales to widen the cockpit platform. At water level the platforms also serve as easy access points for boarding and this feature is no doubt designed for calm days on the water.
Moving forward towards the helm, you then have the upgraded wet-bar situated behind the helm seats. Consisting of an electric 240V grill connected via shore power, as well as a sink and twin side fridges, it’s a must-have option for entertaining and overnighters in my opinion. Only thing I would like to see is the option of a gas or propane grill versus the 240V which requires a generator to run.
At the helm, the sleek T-top/hard-top protects you from the elements with the option of clears available to completely close the screen off. The helm seating is bolstered to suit standing or seated driving, and the starboard offset dash is stunning to say the least, looking more like the dash setup of a Mercedes. Simple and safe operation is one of Saxdor’s priorities, with the digital controls and steering positioned for comfortable driving as well as the Mercury JPO Joystick control, auto trim-tabs, and a bow thruster being installed to further simplify operating. The glass helm dash with twin Simrad 12in units then takes care of your navigation and sonar, as well as Fusion entertainment package ready for the party days or mellow cruise tunes.
You won't miss a thing with this dash
Below deck, the cabin includes a comfy v-berth with good natural lighting through the top glass and side windows, as well as curtains and mozzy net, a few different storage options, and electric flush head with a vanity and shower option installed. By no means is it a huge cabin, however, it’s plush-lined, comfy, and more than adequate for day trips and even the odd overnighter.
The walk-around cabin allows for easy access to the bow, leading to a comfy day/sun bed. The recessed grab-rails in the coamings are a good safety feature and keep the bow neat, along with the electric catapult windlass making anchoring ever so easy.
When it comes to the overall layout and inclusions, the 320 GTO is most certainly innovative and loaded with numerous options throughout — too many to mention, in fact, so check out the options included in the pricing. Like anything, ticking lots of option boxes naturally changes the price, but they are always nice to have if your budget allows for it.
PERFORMANCE
There’s X-factor, wow-factor, and adrenaline rush factor incorporated into these hulls. It still amazes me just how well these hulls perform in all sizes. The razor cutting bow, twin-step mid to stern section of hull, multiple reversed strakes, chines, and moderate deadrise to the transom is about as technical as it comes — and it’s not a gimmick.
With 600hp, this Saxdor gets up and boogies
Designed to maximise efficiency, enhance performance and to create comfort, I would have to say that the 320 GTO produces an exhilarating, fun, soft, dry and easy to handle ride throughout. Sporting the latest twin Mercury V8 300hp Verados, this 320 has the maximum performance X-factor ready to go.
While cruising is mellow off the plane at 8kt, the V8 Verados purr quietly on the transom whilst sipping at a gentle 16L/h combined. Crank the smooth digital controls down, taking you from zero to hero in an instant. The low-down torque is phenomenal and combined with the efficient hull design, the 320 planes effortlessly at low revs and just gets better the faster you go.
At 3500rpm it’s still a mellow cruise at 20kt, with fuel burn sitting at around 59.2L/h. Smacking on another 500rpm produces a fast and significant jump in speed to 31.6 knots, with fuel burn increasing to 77.9L/h. Opening it up further, the Mercury acceleration is fast, smooth, and responsive through a wide open throttle. Forty knots is achieved at 5000rpm, whilst full noise has been recorded at 52kt/6300rpm outside of speed-limited zones.
Again, these are smooth riding hulls and you most certainly don’t feel high speed on them — even in the rough. The ride characteristics allow for higher speeds with the optimal cruise speed sitting at around 30kt, so you’re definitely going to arrive at destinations far quicker on this boat. Although the mid-rev-range cruising will naturally achieve better fuel economy, it is a nice feeling having that extra V8 grunt at hand to add to thrills. If adrenalin rush performance is not your thing, the 320 GTO can comfortably run with the twin Mercury 225hp V6 outboards, or even a single 300hp V8 installation — and both would significantly change the price.
It's got stand-out handling
WRAP UP
These boats have grown on me over the past year. The multi-purpose layouts and options available, the X-factor performance and handling, as well as overall value for money considering size and inclusions impress me every time I test a new model. As tested, the Saxdor 320 GTO with all the bling, bells, and whistles options comes in at 385K, while single installations start at around 240K.
Again, Saxdor offers numerous layouts and options as well as a few other 320 models, including the standard GTC and GTR enclosed pilothouse version. Where to from here? I’d love to see one set up with less seating and more options to suit the dedicated fishers, as I believe this boat could be transformed into the ideal dual-purpose fishing/entertaining boat.