Saxdor 320 GTO Review: A show stopper weekender

Finnish manufacturer Saxdor describes the 320 GTO as a showstopper – and testing this boat in the Turku Archipelago in Finland, it certainly lived up to its billing. One of the fastest-growing premium brands in the industry, Saxdor’s 320 GTO has been their bestselling model for years. Their confidence in crafting cutting-edge, powerful boats with excellent design is evident in this 2025 update.

With a twin-stepped, vacuum-infused deep-V GRP hull, this is a sporty adventure boat that delivers fun on the water while offering thoughtfully designed accommodation for comfortable weekend cruising.

Starting at the bow, top marks go to the flush-mounted anchor, which the Saxdor team is rightly proud of. A wide sunpad fills the remainder of the bow, with lift-off seat cushions that reveal cabin skylights beneath. Cup holders are right where you want them, and the deck layout is well-considered, with cleats and handholds in all the right places – including on the distinctive T-top which adds sun protection without compromising the sporty silhouette.

The decking itself has had a refresh with Flexiteek which looks every bit as beautiful as the real thing without the maintenance.

I particularly liked the rake of the windscreen, which deflects wind effectively and kept the view clear even as Finnish rain pelted down.

The wraparound design offers good protection when seated at the helm, while in the stand-up position, your face is exposed to the elements, giving you that salty exhilaration of being out in the elements.

The helm station is intuitively laid out – I found the windscreen wipers immediately when I needed them! The black dash (a smart choice to reduce glare) houses optional electronics – on this test boat there were two Simrad plotters, along with JPO joystick control, Skyhook positioning, and a bow thruster for effortless berthing. The seats are super comfortable, with high quality upholstery available in 5 super shades: Marble (pale grey), Cognac Shot (orange), Nougat (brown), Florida Blue, and Honey.

A well-appointed wet bar sits behind the helm, complete with a sink, chopping board, deep basin, and options for refrigerator, freezer, stove, and grill. A row of three cup holders on either side is a sensible touch, and the setup is topped with a smoked-glass screen for style and protection.

There’s loads of room aft and the improved deck layout for 2025 means that you can seat up to 9 people facing forward or transform the area into a huge sunbed or dining area. If entertaining is your thing, this boat delivers: generous seating, an electronically operated table, and neat glass gates leading to the swim platform with ladder and additional cleats. The real standout feature? Bathing terraces that fold out at the touch of a button on both sides, adding an extra 1.3 metres of width – perfect for socialising or sunbathing.

Below deck, the light and airy cabin features a compact but cleverly designed head with folding doors that maximise space. There’s an electric toilet, quality fittings, and plenty of natural light. The double bed is suitably sized and thanks to the skylights and thoughtful lighting, the space feels anything but cramped even though a bit of extra headroom would be a bonus.

UK and Northern European owners may wish to extend their boating season and stay comfortable in cooler weather with the Cold Climate Package. This upgrade includes a powerful diesel air heater for the sleeping cabin and a dedicated diesel tank with convenient deck fill. This enables you to enjoy warmth and coziness at anchor or in port, without needing to run the engines or worry about shore power availability [it is only available, however, with the Shore Power system]. With this choice, there is also the option to upgrade to a diesel powered stove.

Firing up the twin V8 Mercury engines and increasing the acceleration, the bow stayed firmly on the horizon thanks to the ZipWake interceptors (optional) that extend fast and get you on the plane quickly. Once underway, as the 21-degree deep-V hull sliced cleanly through the short chop like a scalpel through silk, I finally understood what the “O” in GTO stands for – because O my word, what a boat!

Pushed back into my seat with the wind pressure increasing on my face, this was a thrilling ride as we nudged effortlessly up to 50 knots. Taking the boat into tight turns, the resin-infused hull bit into the water, and as I pulled the wheel ever sharper, even at 30 knots, she just kept responding with confidence and precision, where other boats this size might be challenged.

This is very much a capable sports craft, and as a true weekender, I can see that for couples and families who want to spend a few days on the water or meet up with friends at an anchorage this is a great fit. The lithium-ion battery bank will take care of services and optional air conditioning makes for a comfortable stay.

Fast, stylish, and cleverly designed, the Saxdor 320 GTO is a true performance day boat for those who want to cruise leisurely and get home quick with bags of fun along the way, with excellent performance whether you choose the twin 200s, 225s or 300s.

*Average of upwind/downwind speeds