Beneteau Gran Turismo 36 for sale

Yachting Address Review — Bénéteau Gran Turismo 36: the sport-cruiser that Bénéteau doesn't promote enough

The Bénéteau Gran Turismo 36 is one of the most coherent motorboats in the range of the world's largest boatbuilder — and yet one of the least well-documented on the internet. While the Flyer and Antares ranges have dozens of detailed reviews online, the Gran Turismo 36 navigates in relative editorial obscurity that contrasts with its genuine nautical value. This guide aims to correct that.

A 12-metre hard-top sport-cruiser, powered by diesel IPS with joystick or outboards depending on the version, produced from the early 2020s and still in the current catalogue, the Gran Turismo 36 targets boaters who want more than an Antares — sportier, faster, more ambitious in concept — without climbing to Prestige 520 or Cranchi M44 HT prices. It is a smart positioning that deserves clear explanation.

What "Gran Turismo" means in the Bénéteau range

Bénéteau structures its motorboat range around three distinct philosophies corresponding to three buyer profiles.

The Flyer range is the open sport range — dayboats and open sportboats for fast navigation and day use. Very popular, widely distributed, these boats maximise speed and lightness in formats from 6 to 10 metres.

The Antares range is the family cruiser range — well-equipped cabin cruisers for coastal cruising and overnight stays, in 9 to 12-metre formats. Comfortable, practical, designed for families who want year-round navigation.

The Gran Turismo range is the premium sport-cruiser range — halfway between the Flyer's performance and the Antares's comfort, with superior finishing levels, deck architecture and nautical ambition to both. The Gran Turismo 36 is the entry point to this range, with the GT 41 and GT 45 above it.

Understanding this range architecture clarifies who the GT 36 is made for — and who it is not. It is not the right boat for someone primarily wanting pure speed (a Flyer 9 suffices). It is not the right boat for someone primarily wanting habitability and anchor comfort (an Antares 11 Fly is more suitable). It is the right boat for someone who wants both in a well-balanced premium compromise.

IPS diesel or outboard: two boats under one name

This is the most important point to understand on the Gran Turismo 36 second-hand market, and the most frequently under-explained in listings.

The IPS inboard diesel version (Volvo Penta D4 2 × 300 hp) is the founding version of the model. It measures approximately 12.37 to 12.42 metres overall — the length most common in listings. Its diesel IPS Volvo pod engines with joystick offer remarkable harbour manoeuvrability for a 12-metre boat. This is the version that best corresponds to the Gran Turismo 36's image as a habitable, well-equipped sport-cruiser. Its diesel consumption is significantly more economical than equivalent petrol versions, and diesel engine longevity is superior.

The outboard version (typically 2 × 300 or 2 × 350 hp, Suzuki or Mercury depending on the year) is a more recent and lighter version. Its stated length is shorter (11.28 to 11.56 metres) as outboard engines are not incorporated into the hull measurement in the same way. This version is lighter, slightly faster at top speed, and simpler to maintain — outboard engines can be replaced individually without a haul-out. It also offers a better aft swim platform as the space freed by the absence of IPS pods increases accessible aft area. Its fuel consumption is generally slightly higher than the IPS version, and long-term maintenance costs differ.

Between the two, there is no "better version" — it is a question of use profile. The IPS version suits boaters who navigate intensively and value fuel economy over time. The outboard version suits those who want lightness and maintenance simplicity.

Official technical data

The Gran Turismo 36 technical specifications published by Bénéteau define the reference boat of the range:

Overall length: 12.42 metres. Beam: 3.51 metres. Light displacement: 7,191 kg. Air draft: 4.3 metres — a parameter to check for bridges and marinas with height restrictions. Maximum draft: 1.15 metres. Fuel capacity: 2 × 408 litres, totalling 816 litres — comfortable range for intensive coastal navigation. Maximum power: 2 × 350 hp. Two double cabins. CE certification: B8 (offshore navigation up to 8 persons) / C10 (coastal waters up to 10 persons).

The electric hard-top: the GT 36's genuine innovation

The Gran Turismo 36 features a hard-top with opening panels — mentioned in several listings as "electric hard-top". This is the architectural element that most clearly distinguishes it from the Flyer or Antares in its price category.

A hard-top with opening panels offers the best of both worlds: closed in bad weather or inter-season, it fully protects the helm station and cockpit area. Open in fine Mediterranean weather, it admits air and light while maintaining the structure that gives the boat its characteristic profile. This functionality is normally reserved for 40-foot-and-above boats — offering it on a 36-footer is a genuine commercial argument.

Gran Turismo 36 against real competitors

Against the Cranchi M44 HT, the Gran Turismo 36 is slightly smaller but benefits from a Bénéteau service network incomparably denser in France — a point that weighs heavily in the purchase decisions of French Atlantic and Mediterranean boaters. The Cranchi has slightly more refined interior finishes; the Bénéteau is easier to service and simpler to resell.

Against the Prestige 420 or 520, the Gran Turismo 36 is more sporting and less cruising-oriented — a lower profile, less interior volume, but significantly more engaging navigation sensations.

Against the Galeon 370 HTC or 400 HTC, the Gran Turismo 36 is in a comparable price range with similar architecture. The Galeon typically offers more interior volume; the Bénéteau benefits from better resale value in France thanks to brand recognition.

What to check when buying second-hand

IPS version (diesel) — Volvo Penta pods: require complete IPS service records with certified Volvo invoices. D4 IPS pods need their first comprehensive service around 3-5 years or 400-600 hours depending on use. On a 2021-2022 example now 4-5 years old, this point must be verified systematically.

Outboard version — engine condition: check hour count and annual outboard service records (manufacturer service intervals at 100 hours then annually). High-revving outboards on a boat of this size can accumulate hours quickly if used intensively.

Electric hard-top: test the complete opening mechanism during the viewing. Electrically-operated panels can develop sealing joint or motorised reducer issues on 3-4-year-old examples without servicing of this component.

Interior upholstery and finishes: the Gran Turismo 36 offers superior upholstery to the Antares range — and this finish level can show wear on intensively-used examples. A new upholstery set represents €4,000 to €8,000.

Gran Turismo 36 market prices in 2025-2026

Indicative ranges, market May 2026. VAT included unless otherwise stated.

Our verdict

The Bénéteau Gran Turismo 36 is a solid, well-designed and well-built premium sport-cruiser — and systematically under-valued editorially compared to Prestige and Cranchi, which benefit from stronger brand aura in the market. Its genuine strength is being a Bénéteau boat: service network, predictable resale value, accessible technical documentation, parts available everywhere. The IPS vs outboard distinction is the first choice to make and it structures everything else. An informed buyer who honestly compares the GT 36 with an equivalent-price Cranchi M44 HT will find that the Bénéteau has less brand prestige but more practical security in daily use.

• Length Overall: 12.42 m
• Beam Overall: 3.51 m
• Light Displacement: 7,191 kg
• Air Draft: 4.3 m
• Maximum Draft: 1.15 m
• Fuel Capacity: 2 x 408 L
• Maximum Engine Power: 2 x 350 HP
• Cabins: 2
• CE Certification: B8/C10