Beneteau Gran Turismo 38/Prestige 38S

[KINGFISHER 9]

I got shot of the Beneteau for 2 reasons … it only had a canvas closure for the cockpit/saloon and it was so noisy over 10 knots that you had to shout all the time - turbo and supercharger noise. With the roof shut it acted like a boom box! I then figured that my last 5 motor boats were capable of over 30 knots and we spent most of our time at 10 knots … then I looked at a Swift Trawler. Everything for year round boating and will still do 22 knots (clean) if you have to get home in a hurry! I can't recommend this boat highly enough. Wide side decks, covered stbd side, comfy cabins, good galley and super saloon, very cosy in the winter, with wide opening sliding doors to the cockpit … large flybridge, crane for the RIB though this is a bit of a nuisance but doesn't take too long with practice. Thumping great Cummins and bow & stern thrusters so a doddle to park! Most important of all … the memsahib likes it! This one's a keeper!

 

[Reality61]

If you are not comitted to a sports boat try a Princess 38 Flybridge at 11.98 Metres they are all 2001 - 2004 ( This is differnert form the 380 as has proper steps to the flybridge, Princess only made 150 as they could not make enough money on them ) it was repalced by the princess 40 flybridge the only differnce is the 38 has one head compartment not two.

Great Med boat around 120K for a good one, a few med spec about as well all with TAMD63P' s 2 x 370 so a good cruising speed and proven engine. Does not slam and has the benefits of cheaper maintenance as on shafts, great sea boat. Perfect for the hotter weather rather than a hard/soft top.

 

[Squiregate]

Brilliant. It is the same length as the Jenneau and Beneteau, but wider so we get more space. We love the size of the heads and the separate shower compartment is great. We spend two weeks or more on board easily. We have been caught out in some nasty weather (my wife stopped speaking to me for hours) and we felt safe and I was happy the way it handled.

Fit and finish is fine, we have the larger D6-330 engines which are nice and also a generator and airconditioning. I would rate both as musts for the Cote d 'Azur as even at anchor we use the generator to keep the batteries topped up and run the aircon to drop the temp before retiring. Also with the gen you can use the grill in the cockpit which is nicer at anchor than cooking below.

Brilliant. It is the same length as the Jenneau and Beneteau, but wider so we get more space. We love the size of the heads and the separate shower compartment is great. We spend two weeks or more on board easily. We have been caught out in some nasty weather (my wife stopped speaking to me for hours) and we felt safe and I was happy the way it handled.

Fit and finish is fine, we have the larger D6-330 engines which are nice and also a generator and airconditioning. I would rate both as musts for the Cote d 'Azur as even at anchor we use the generator to keep the batteries topped up and run the aircon to drop the temp before retiring. Also with the gen you can use the grill in the cockpit which is nicer at anchor than cooking below.

Ah good to know. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised with my first experience of Bavaria. I owned a 2007 Bavaria 37 Cruiser (SY) as my wife and I fancied trying sailing a couple years back. Only kept the boat a year as we found the time it took to get anywhere meant we had to plan full weekends and we missed out on the short-notice afternoons out etc... Decided now to get back to power. Thanks for the insight ?

 

[Squiregate]

I got shot of the Beneteau for 2 reasons … it only had a canvas closure for the cockpit/saloon and it was so noisy over 10 knots that you had to shout all the time - turbo and supercharger noise. With the roof shut it acted like a boom box! I then figured that my last 5 motor boats were capable of over 30 knots and we spent most of our time at 10 knots … then I looked at a Swift Trawler. Everything for year round boating and will still do 22 knots (clean) if you have to get home in a hurry! I can't recommend this boat highly enough. Wide side decks, covered stbd side, comfy cabins, good galley and super saloon, very cosy in the winter, with wide opening sliding doors to the cockpit … large flybridge, crane for the RIB though this is a bit of a nuisance but doesn't take too long with practice. Thumping great Cummins and bow & stern thrusters so a doddle to park! Most important of all … the memsahib likes it! This one's a keeper!
View attachment 89394

Ah she looks a nice example. Sternthruster though on a 34??? I didn’t know that was even an option or did you have it retrofitted? I’ve looked at the ST but my wife doesn’t like the styling. Have to agree that the volume and clever use of space is impressive though. What sort of range do you have?

 

[tico]

@R61.... ROFL, have you looked to find any for sale recently? About as common as unicorns.
A couple about with 63L (318hp) engines.

Agree, they are a lovely boat, just wish we didnt have this lockdown.

 

[Mr Googler]

@R61.... ROFL, have you looked to find any for sale recently? About as common as unicorns.
A couple about with 63L (318hp) engines.

Agree, they are a lovely boat, just wish we didnt have this lockdown.

I’ve got one parked 10 feet away from mine. Stunning boat. He’s done 3000nm...never missed a beat. One day....it will be mine ?

 

[tico]

You wont regret it!

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Ah she looks a nice example. Sternthruster though on a 34??? I didn’t know that was even an option or did you have it retrofitted? I’ve looked at the ST but my wife doesn’t like the styling. Have to agree that the volume and clever use of space is impressive though. What sort of range do you have?

The sternthrusters are standard as far as I know. I like the styling although the bigger ones probably look better. I've got a 30 year lease on a 12 metre berth and this 34 is nearly 37 feet (!) so the 44 won't fit! I've no idea of the range and haven't been far as yet … we usually potter along to Collioure and pick up a mooring or anchor along the Cote Vermeille somewhere ... the farthest we'll probably go from Port St.Cyprien, where our marina is, is Roses in Spain so as long as there's half a tankful I've no need to worry!

 

[Mikehp0]

Just realised (after I typed all this) this is a 2016 thread that has come alive again!....
I've owned Zen Dog, my 2008 Prestige 38s since late 2015. She's got the standard Bravo 3 drive legs and no Axius joystick. Apart from one hose blowing on a long distance trip, I've not had any issues with the engines, drives, electronics, plumbing etc. The Cummins QSD 6-cylinder engines are smoke free and really smooth - about 75lph total consumption at 22knots . Servicing via Vasey Engineering is cheaper than my previous Volvo powered boat. We like the space in the cockpit. The tender garage is excellent - we have a 2.1m cabrio RIB with a Torqueedo outboard now but previously had a much larger aluminium hulled RIB which had to be kept partially deflated. The 2nd cabin is bigger than most and has a large "after thought" window. I wish it had a separate shower but that's about my only accommodation complain. The sea keeping is OK for what I use it for - trips to West Country, Brighton, Channel Isles etc but in cruises with others, I've been jealous of older, narrower, heavier Fairlines and Princesses. Moving from a shaft drive boat to one with little grip and a light bow in a tiny, windswept and rapidly tidal marina was a sharp learning curve. I soon added a stern thruster but rarely need it these days in a calmer marina and with improved skills.

Zen Dog is coded for charter and available for overnight guests. If you are keen to try a 38s, you are welcome to have a look around when the current crisis is over or if you want to really appreciate it, book an overnight stay or one of our Sunday Afternoon Cruises to The Hut. Apologies if this sounds like an advert - that's not the intention!

I've just rebuilt the website. Have a look at the Zen Dog Charters website - Home - ZEN DOG - there's a 360 tour going back up online over the weekend. Don't hesitate to message or call if I can be of any more help! Mike

 

[Squiregate]

Just realised (after I typed all this) this is a 2016 thread that has come alive again!....
I've owned Zen Dog, my 2008 Prestige 38s since late 2015. She's got the standard Bravo 3 drive legs and no Axius joystick. Apart from one hose blowing on a long distance trip, I've not had any issues with the engines, drives, electronics, plumbing etc. The Cummins QSD 6-cylinder engines are smoke free and really smooth - about 75lph total consumption at 22knots . Servicing via Vasey Engineering is cheaper than my previous Volvo powered boat. We like the space in the cockpit. The tender garage is excellent - we have a 2.1m cabrio RIB with a Torqueedo outboard now but previously had a much larger aluminium hulled RIB which had to be kept partially deflated. The 2nd cabin is bigger than most and has a large "after thought" window. I wish it had a separate shower but that's about my only accommodation complain. The sea keeping is OK for what I use it for - trips to West Country, Brighton, Channel Isles etc but in cruises with others, I've been jealous of older, narrower, heavier Fairlines and Princesses. Moving from a shaft drive boat to one with little grip and a light bow in a tiny, windswept and rapidly tidal marina was a sharp learning curve. I soon added a stern thruster but rarely need it these days in a calmer marina and with improved skills.

Zen Dog is coded for charter and available for overnight guests. If you are keen to try a 38s, you are welcome to have a look around when the current crisis is over or if you want to really appreciate it, book an overnight stay or one of our Sunday Afternoon Cruises to The Hut. Apologies if this sounds like an advert - that's not the intention!

I've just rebuilt the website. Have a look at the Zen Dog Charters website - Home - ZEN DOG - there's a 360 tour going back up online over the weekend. Don't hesitate to message or call if I can be of any more help! Mike

Thanks very much. Some very useful points there and the suggestion to charter is a good idea. I may come back to you on that ?