Overview
We ran Galeon’s first-ever outboard-powered boat, the 325 GTO, from the MarineMax dealership in Sarasota, Florida. The new GTO (Grand Touring Outboard) will be the smallest of a series that goes up to about 50 feet. With MarineMax as its national dealer, Galeon has become a player in the 40- to 68-foot motoryacht categories. But the Polish builder had already won multiple awards for models such as its 500 Fly created by super-yacht designer Tony Castro.
Interior and Accessories
The 325 GTO offers a few yachtlike wows courtesy of Castro, like the foldout side panel that opens up the cockpit and offers instant water access. The prototype also came with the Comfort Pack and Luxury Pack options, including interior and exterior LED lighting, a stylish helm console with twin Raymarine Axiom 16-inch screens, a Fusion sound system with eight speakers from bow to stern, a SureShade awning, and a cockpit galley with fridge, Kenyon stove and microwave.
The Galeon’s sense of space shows in multiple ways. This includes 80 inches of headroom in the helm area. On the outer edges of the twin 350 hp Mercury Verados are 28-by-60-inch platforms that let you walk beside the motors without having to do a sideways shuffle. The bow area, measuring 7 feet, 6 inches along the starboard gunwale, easily fits four adults. The cabin has a large forward berth, and the second berth aft is queen-size. The head, a generous size with stylish touches such as a circular porcelain sink, feels like it should be on a larger boat.
Engine
Sarasota Bay was blustery that day, and because a front had just passed through, the already-shallow bay seemed shallower. We ran the boat hard, up- and downwind, doing tight turns and figure eights. The 325 GTO handled the chop well and felt comfortable across the speed curve, with no excessive bow rise. Top-end was 42.8 mph at 6,250 rpm. Galeon noted that our prototype is heavier than production models, and also that the strakes would be modified. Both changes should improve speed and efficiency. Overall, this is a strong contender boasting a fold-down side.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin 350 hp Mercury Verado
- Drive/Props: Outboard/14.5″ x 15″ Revolution 4 stainless-steel 4-blade
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 110 gal. Water on Board: 11 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.
High Points
- Yachtlike fit-and-finish includes Beechwood Grey joinery and cabin flooring, plus intricate upholstery stitching.
- LED lighting in the interior, cockpit (including in the aft glass door) and under the hull lets you turn off the main lights and bask in a soft, blue glow.
- Deep, square-shaped bow serves as a private nook.
Low Points
- More grab rails are needed in the cockpit and belowdecks. Galeon is working on it.
- Trim tabs extend beyond the transom. Galeon says it will recess them on production models.
Toughest Competitor
Check out Scout Boats’ brand-new 350 LXZ ($551,546 with triple Mercury 300 Verado AMS V-8s with joystick). It’s rated for more horsepower than the Galeon, but does not offer a foldout side platform that enhances cockpit space.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $549,000 (fully equipped with test power) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 32’9″ |
| Beam: | 10’11” |
| Draft (max): | 3’8″ |
| Displacement (approx.): | 15,800 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 21 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 9’2″ |
| Max Cabin Headroom: | 6’5″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 225 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 800 |
| Available Power: | Twin 300, 350 or 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Galeon Yachts – Clearwater, Florida; 888-705-7835; galeonyachts.us
