Beneteau Gran Turismo 49 The Ark review
Yacht · 52 ft (16 m) · Miami
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Beneteau
- Model
- Gran Turismo 49
- Length
- 52 ft (16 m)
- Guests
- 13
- Cabins
- 3
Verdict
The 2019 Beneteau Gran Turismo 49 is a capable sport cruiser with a practical 3-cabin layout, joystick-assisted IPS handling, and a balanced blend of speed and livability. It suits owners who want easy maneuvering, solid offshore manners, and good deck-to-cabin versatility rather than top-tier luxury.
Pros
- +Joystick IPS propulsion improves low-speed handling
- +Three-cabin layout adds guest flexibility
- +Wide beam supports a roomy main deck and interior
- +Twin 435 hp Volvo IPS engines deliver strong cruising performance
Cons
- −Not as spacious or social as newer 50-footers
- −Fuel and systems complexity are higher than simpler shaft-drive boats
- −Accommodation and finish are more practical than luxurious
- −Performance is good, but not class-leading for a sporty cruiser
The Gran Turismo 49 was designed as a modern sport cruiser, with Beneteau’s familiar hardtop profile, a generous beam, and the option for a flybridge on some versions. At about 51’7” overall, it sits in the sweet spot for owners who want a large boat without moving into full yacht-manager territory. The layout is efficient rather than extravagant, and the three-cabin arrangement makes it useful for families or charter-style use.
On the water, the boat’s twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 package is the key strength. The pod drive setup and joystick control make docking and close-quarters handling notably easier than on many conventional shaft-drive cruisers of similar size. Reports from the model line point to comfortable cruising in the mid-20-knot range, with enough power for brisk passages, though it is not a pure performance machine.
Inside, the Gran Turismo 49 offers solid livability for a 49-to-52-foot cruiser, with multiple cabins and a layout aimed at weekend or short-voyage use. It is best judged as a practical, well-judged family cruiser rather than a luxury statement boat. In value terms, it remains attractive if easy handling, three-cabin flexibility, and proven IPS engineering matter more than the newest styling or the most upscale finish.
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