Galeon 450 HTC Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Galeon 450 HTC takes the coupe route - no flybridge, hardtop in place, and very much about keeping everything on one level. There's a lot going on out here before you even step inside.

At the stern, the hi-lo bathing platform supports a tender up to 2.8m (9.2ft). A fold-out ladder makes for quick access, but lower the platform and it transforms into a staircase straight into the water. Storage lockers tuck in underneath for fenders or canopies, and there's a grill, sink, and ice chest set into the transom too. Shore power connects neatly below, out of the way.

Both sides of the cockpit have optional drop-down balconies but practically everyone goes for them. Once dropped, they extend the space significantly and are fitted with drop-in guardrails for safety. The starboard side shows what it looks like when raised - high, secure bulwarks around the deck perimeter. Up front on the foredeck, there’s a great mix of lounging and function. The forward sunpads sit over large skylights that bring natural light down below. A neat little forward-facing bench is tucked at the bow - a simple spot to sit and watch the world slip by. Beneath it, the anchor gear sits in its locker, complete with winch, chain, and a bit of extra storage.

Up top, a radar arch holds the radar, TV antenna, nav lights, and aerials. All nicely integrated.

Wide side decks and a large sliding helm door to port give practical access all around. Blue LED lighting even runs along the base of the cockpit seating - a subtle but smart touch when the sun goes down.

The coupe layout means everyone stays on the same level - galley, saloon, helm - no staircases to a flybridge, just open space.

A pair of bi-fold cockpit doors open fully to link the inside and out. The cockpit seat spins around and pivots into different positions. That same backrest trick is repeated inside, giving multiple ways to configure your seating whether you're hosting or relaxing.

Storage is tucked everywhere - up high, down low, and in the usual Galeon style, there’s a feast of features hidden behind what looks like simple cabinetry. An electric TV lift sits opposite the saloon seating. Lighting throughout is smart and configurable. The saloon table drops to create an occasional berth or daybed using a filler cushion.

Flooring comes with removable carpets - practical for seasons and usage. Hard-wearing floors underneath make sense for summer use when everyone’s moving between sea and saloon.

The galley sits just forward, fully equipped with drawers, sink, bin, hob, and a combination microwave/conventional oven. The fridge is tucked in alongside. Storage continues throughout, and the styling - like the wood finishes and surfaces - is highly configurable. Galeon gives you a lot of choices when it comes to colours and materials.

Owner's Cabin

The full-beam owner’s cabin sits aft, with a private ensuite bathroom. Headroom isn’t full-height throughout - expected on a boat in this size range - but there’s full standing headroom by the entrance and dressing area. Over the bed, it tapers slightly, but when seated or lying down, it still feels open.

Storage lines the port side, with a dressing table and AV equipment included. Large hull windows bring in natural light, and more of that distinctive Galeon ceiling lighting makes the space feel bright but considered.

The ensuite features a separate rainfall shower behind a glass door, a basin, a mirrored wall, and a toilet. The finish is smart, and again, that oversized hull window and drop-down blind help keep things feeling connected to the sea.

Guest Accommodation

Forward, there’s a guest double cabin with big hull windows and an overhead skylight - part of Galeon’s usual signature. One skylight opens, but can’t be used when the sunpads are in place. Opening hull windows are included, and there’s a full-height wardrobe and more storage integrated around the bed.

The third cabin - part of the three-cabin layout option - sits amidships to starboard. It’s a twin bunk cabin with wide bunks, a hanging locker, and more huge hull windows that sit right beside the beds. It gives an unusually open feel - you lie down with the sea just inches away. There are storage lockers above and again, the lighting has been given proper thought.

For those who choose the two-cabin version, this third cabin is replaced by a larger owner’s space. The day heads is moved into this central space, freeing up room to bring the owner’s cabin bulkhead forward. The result is a centreline double bed with more volume - which is good for owners who don’t need six berths.

Access to the engine room is via the aft deck. Lift the hatch and head down the ladder to find the twin Volvo Penta IPS 650s - each delivering 480hp. That’s good for a top speed around 33 knots and cruising speeds in the mid-20s. Expect a range of 100-200 nautical miles at cruising pace, with more available at slower displacement speeds.

The setup includes IPS joystick control, Zipwake automatic trim tabs, and full Volvo Penta engine instrumentation. The helm features twin multifunction displays for navigation and engine data, alongside controls for autopilot, bow thruster, wipers, window operation, anchor gear, and more. There’s a VHF tucked neatly into the console.

Down in the engine bay, systems are laid out clearly. A Fischer Panda generator lives in the aft corner, with air conditioning units, fuel tanks (labelled), filters, batteries, and battery switches all accessible. The overhead insulation keeps noise down. Lighting down here is well-placed too - helpful for checks and maintenance.

The Galeon 450 HTC is a smart, coupe-style cruiser that manages to squeeze in a lot of features without overcomplicating things. Drop-down balconies, a convertible cockpit, and a bright, open-plan saloon make it feel larger than its mid-40-foot length might suggest. The choice of two or three cabin layouts gives owners flexibility depending on how they plan to use it - either more space and luxury for four, or a third cabin for guests or kids.