Not a single stone goes unturned in this highly innovative 50-knot Grand Turismo, as Greg Copp explains …

Galeon certainly have a distinctive take on the dayboat concept. Their 375 GTO sports a wide bowrider-like nose with a contrasting sloping coachroof while providing acres of deck space. However, this beamy deep-vee Tony Castro-designed boat, which can have up to 1350hp lurking on the transom, is as functional as it is eye-catching. Hailing from Poland, it has plenty of Baltic competitors, but in typical Galeon style, it has its own persona, not least its eye-watering 50-knot performance.

Its basic engine package comprises triple 300hp Mercury Verados, but it is also offered with triple 450hp Verados, as well as twin 1200hp dual contra-rotating-propeller Mercury V12s. Dare I say it, the most realistic option is the twin V12s. You only have two engines to service, and two outboard legs creating performance-robbing drag. The dry-boat weight is around 9.9 tonnes, so when fuelled up with crew on board, you are close to 12 tonnes; thus, a pair of understressed 7.6L V12s pumping out healthy doses of torque across the power spectrum makes good sense. With the V12s, this boat has been tested to 50 knots, returning 0.6nmpg, while a cruising speed of around 33 knots reduced this thirst to a slightly more acceptable 0.8nmpg.

Engine options: 3 x 300hp Mercury Verado, 3 x 450hp Mercury Verado or 2 x 600hp Mercury V12 outboards

One aspect that soon becomes evident with this boat is the remarkable level of detailed innovative design. Starting at the stern, the wide sofa can slide forward to facilitate a waterside view with the seat back in the forward position. This also provides a walkway that then connects both bathing platforms; it also enables the outboards to be trimmed out fully clear of the water when moored. The most impressive aspect of the cockpit is represented by the ‘balconies’ that fold out on each quarter creating a vast ‘beach area’, thereby endorsing the party boat image that the 375 has attracted since its launch last year. These balcony extensions take the beam out to around 19ft in the cockpit area. A large folding table serves to connect the stern sofa and the L-shaped seating on the starboard side. This dining area is served by an impressive wet bar/galley on the port side. This comprises an electric grill, a large fridge, storage and a deep sink that can be inlaid with the wooden chopping board that is otherwise located under the galley top. A clever aspect of the cockpit design is how the L-shaped seating quickly converts to a double forward-facing seat. The whole central section of this seating lifts up and cantilevers aft, creating a double bench complete with armrests and footboard so its occupants can enjoy the 50-knot ride.

Nothing is forgotten in this helm design. 2: The saloon sofa in forward-facing seat mode.

The bow section has plenty of sunbathing space.

The helm design is quite impressive. Two luxury bucket seats provide perfect seated positions in terms of all-round visibility and ergonomics – helped by the fact that they can be powered back and forth at the press of a switch. The height of the coachroof and the expanse of window space are such that you will likely not need to duck down to glance over the port quarter before turning to port – as is sometimes the case with coupés. Standing is accommodated by flip-up seat bolsters, and the wheel height can be adjusted at the press of a button, with the angle being altered in the normal manual manner. A small hatch next to the wheel reveals a wireless phone-charging compartment. On the starboard side of the wheel, the Mercury engine displays sit conveniently to one side, providing a clear expanse on the dash for no fewer than three 12in Raymarine MFDs, or alternatively two 16in units. Below the MFDs sits an expanse of stainless primary push buttons, giving you easy access to the wealth of features that this boat enjoys. The large sunroof is one of these features, along with the port and starboard windows that power up and down at a single press of the switch – so you can quickly transition from enclosed- to open-boat mode. There is also an extending soft section to the coachroof, which conveniently powers out from inside the aft end of the roof, providing shade over the aft cockpit seating.

The bow section provides an extra secluded seating area for seven, centred around a table that also serves as an infill to make a huge sunbathing spot.

No blind spots on this boat

An impressive stern view.

A well-equipped galley.

Going forward to the bow section, there is a two-piece hingeing door, and for those taller crewmembers, the forward sloping glass roof section over the door, like the windows, powers open at a single touch of the button. The bow section provides an extra secluded seating area for seven, centred around a table that also serves as an infill to make a huge sunbathing spot. If you lift the forepeak section of the seating you will discover the large windlass locker, which feeds out through the stem. The whole deck area from stem to stern is on the same level and is covered with thick synthetic SeaDek. The forward cockpit deck hatch gives access to the fuel tank, while the opening behind it takes you into a very large compartment housing the Fischer Panda generator and the optional Seakeeper 3 gyro stabiliser.

Below decks there are extra galley facilities.

The dinette receives plenty of light.

Though this boat has a huge deck-life focus, it is no less innovative below. Its most substantial feature here is the large heads, which like the main cabin has 6ft 2in of headroom and a large separate shower compartment. The cabin has additional galley facilities in the form of a microwave and a drawer fridge, plus cuddy storage – effectively providing a supplement to the topside galley. There is plenty of natural light from the cabin windows, and in the forepeak sits a convertible V-berth with a 34in TV for company. This area will likely spend most of its time being used as a small dinette when the weather dictates, as there is also an under-sole cabin amidships. Though this cabin has limited headroom, it provides more sleeping space from its two beds and infill section. In keeping with the rest of the boat, the internal fit, finish and joinery below are of a high standard.

The heads has 6ft 2in of headroom and a separate shower.

The companionway steps fold up when not needed.

The twin beds amidships offer the biggest bed..

The 375 GTO is a distinctive boat, not just because of its external appearance, but also due to its innovative nature. Though we have come to expect more in terms of design ethos in today’s marine industry, Galeon’s biggest outboard boat is one of the most feature-packed 37-footers on the market today.

Specifications

• LOA: 11.50m
• Beam: 3.65m
• Draught: 1.10m
• Water capacity: 200L
• Fuel capacity: 1500L
• Berths: 4
• Engine options: 3 x 300hp Mercury Verado, 3 x 450hp Mercury Verado or 2 x 600hp Mercury V12 outboards
• RCD: B for 12
• Displacement: 9.9 tonnes (dry with engines)

Contact

www.galeonyachts.uk