Palm Beach GT50 Express Review (2022 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

At the stern, the Palm Beach GT50 has a wide, solid teak swim platform. Full-length rub rails, pop-up cleats, and carbon fiber sunshade poles give it a polished, practical finish. Twin L-shaped cockpit settees flank the transom door, creating a sociable area with space to add a folding table. Subtle detailing stands out here too, from the engraved GT50 drain cover to the thick material used in the rub rails and line guards.

Aft, there's an exterior bar and galley setup that includes a Kenyon electric grill, sink, icemaker, drinks fridge, and dedicated glassware storage. Additional refrigeration and an icemaker enhance the area for entertaining. The helm deck is open and sociable, with an L-shaped settee opposite a straight one, forming a comfortable spot for dining or lounging while underway.

Side decks connect the aft area smoothly to the bow. The bow itself is clean-lined and expansive, built to accommodate bean bags or fitted cushions depending on how you want to use the space. Notably, the anchor system is completely hidden within the deck and accessed via a neat hatch. The anchor swings out manually from its stowed position, leaving the bow flush and slick when underway.

Up top, the deck and superstructure are constructed entirely from infused carbon fiber. This reduces top weight and contributes to a lower center of gravity. There’s also a curved, single-piece windscreen with excellent clarity, an opening sunroof, LED searchlight, KVH SAT TV dome, and radar mast. Combined, these give the Express model a high-performance feel and an unobstructed, open-air experience when desired.

Stepping inside, the quality of finish is immediately noticeable. The teak is beautifully smooth and sealed, and the layout feels contemporary. Palm Beach builds to semi-custom specifications, and this model features a two-cabin, two-head layout, with the galley and saloon on the main level.

The galley is sleek and well-appointed, featuring a one-piece inset sink, Meile microwave convection oven, drawer dishwasher, fridge and freezer drawers, and built-in knife storage. There’s no cooktop in this setup, although space is available to add one if desired.  

The saloon incorporates a settee with space to dine or relax, and electric opening windows on both sides bring in the breeze. With the sunroof open and side windows lowered, the airflow is excellent. The joinery is notably refined, and the whole main deck is air-conditioned but can be opened up for that ideal day trip.

At the forward end of the saloon, the helm station is set slightly elevated to preserve forward sightlines, giving seated drivers a good view. The helm is carbon fiber and has twin seats, with two additional companion seats opposite, ideal for couples cruising. The dash includes Garmin electronics, Volvo Penta engine screens, joystick control, bow thruster, autopilot, and multifunction display, alongside switch panels for sunroof, lights, wipers, and windows. The overall vibe feels more like a performance car than a yacht.

Below deck, interior materials are available in timber options such as wenge, teak, or ash, with designer double-stitched fabrics throughout. A stylish switch panel and electrical hub are neatly concealed behind timber cabinetry on the lower deck, housing controls for the Fischer Panda generator, battery switches, DC panel, and high-voltage systems. This central location makes systems access intuitive.

Owner's Cabin

Forward, the master stateroom makes clever use of space. The berth is unusually low for a bow cabin, which makes the space feel more open. Gel-coated curved surfaces frame the berth beautifully, giving it a sculpted, superyacht-style finish. Hanging lockers and multiple drawers provide generous storage, with additional compartments integrated into the hull sides.

The master also has direct access to the boat's large, shared shower room. The ensuite head includes a separate toilet compartment with a teak floor, overhead hatch, and large mirror. The shared shower itself is finished to a high standard with teak underfoot, subtle drainage slopes and a skylight bringing in natural light. This shared layout works particularly well for couples or families and avoids wasting space on duplicated amenities.

Guest Cabin

The guest stateroom is situated to port and features a generous queen-sized berth with room to stretch out. A porthole opens into the cockpit for fresh air, and the joinery here is as refined as the rest of the yacht, with beautiful teak and well-finished cabinetry. A hanging locker provides wardrobe space, and guests have access to the adjacent day head, which also connects to the shared shower.

The day head is well-sized, with a distinctive sink partially recessed into the counter, and smartly designed fittings. It’s accessible from the main passage and serves the guest cabin.

The engine room is accessed via a large hatch in the cockpit floor or through a quick-inspection panel under the saloon cushions. The layout allows for both day checks and full-service access. The main hatch lifts with an electric ram, and once open, provides exceptional access to all key systems.

Power comes from twin 600hp Volvo Penta IPS 800s, mounted in a forward-midship position. This layout is made possible by carbon fiber drive shafts that route aft to the pods, keeping weight centralized for better balance and faster planing. It also reduces bow lift under acceleration, improving efficiency and handling.

Inside the engine room, there are sea strainers, through-hulls, fire suppression system, Victron inverters, battery chargers, and additional batteries. The teak floor is a rare detail for an engine bay, giving it a clean and premium look. There’s also a Fischer Panda generator with sound shield, hot water heater, and air conditioning systems, including a dedicated seawater strainer.

Sea trials confirmed a top speed of 40 knots and a comfortable cruise at 35 knots. At that speed, the GT50 burns just 151 liters (40 gallons) per hour, and even less at 25 knots, where consumption drops to 90 liters (24 gallons) per hour. That equates to around 1.3 mpg, making it one of the most efficient performance yachts in its class.

The hull is a fully infused vinylester cored E-glass laminate, with a carbon fiber deck and superstructure. Bulkheads are structurally bonded to the hull, forming a semi-monocoque shell for added strength. The lightweight build, hydrodynamic hull shape, and focus on simplicity make this an easy yacht to own and run.

The Palm Beach GT50 is a fast, elegant cruiser with a distinctly modern look and Downeast-inspired lines. Designed as an owner-operated yacht, it delivers simplicity without compromising on quality or performance. Whether cruising to Bimini or entertaining in Miami, it’s made for easy weekends on the water.

Available in Express and Open versions, the GT50 pairs good looks with efficient, low-maintenance systems and superyacht-level attention to detail. With a carbon fiber deck, full-beam social spaces, and forward-mounted engines for better trim, it offers a surprisingly refined ride. The layout includes a stylish main saloon, well-equipped galley, generous master cabin, and a clever shared shower that optimizes interior volume.

It’s the kind of boat you could just jump aboard, push off and enjoy the ride.