Rendering courtesy of Beneteau

Beneteau Flyer Gran Turismo 44

From across the Atlantic comes an express cruiser that looks to put the joie de vivre into your ocean-going experience. The new Flyer Gran Turismo 44 from French builder Beneteau offers a smooth ride, well-laid-out onboard space, and perhaps most strikingly, a price tag beginning at just $459,900 that will surely entice.

The 44 features Beneteau’s patented Air-Step hull, which features forward-facing steps and two air intakes at mid-hull that allow the boat to essentially ride on a cushion of air. This technology lets the boat handle safely and smoothly even in rougher conditions and maximizes efficiency. Maneuverability is aided by nimble stern-drive propulsion.

Onboard, the 44 features two relatively spacious staterooms that make her ideal for an overnight stay for the owner and another couple. And they’ll rest easy in those cabins after dining on a meal whipped up in the boat’s well-lit galley (illuminated by an ideally positioned skylight), which boasts a 57.5-gallon fridge-freezer, a microwave, good stowage, and easy-to-clean cooking surfaces on a two-burner cooktop.

Topside the 44 features a cockpit with seating for eight and a swim platform that offers access to a garage that can hold a 7’9″ tender. This is a lot of boat for a starting price just shy of half a million. But really, who can put a price tag on happiness?

Beneteau
(410) 990-0270.

Specifications

• Builder: Beneteau

This article originally appeared in the January 2012 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.