Saxdor 400 GTO Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Saxdor 400 GTO wears its “O” for open proudly. Everything about it feels freer, lighter, more connected to the water than the enclosed GTC version. Step aft and you’ll see that the transom area can be configured to suit your kind of boating. Leave it open for water sports and swimming and it becomes a proper little beach club. Or, if you’ve got children or dogs on board, you can spec the optional transom gate to close things off securely. The whole aft section lifts to allow the twin outboards to tilt, a neat bit of engineering that keeps the lines clean and the functionality spot on.

Along either side are the drop-down balconies, a real party trick that turns the cockpit into an extended waterside terrace. Drop one or both and you’ve got a huge area at water level for lounging or launching paddleboards. The backrests on the aft seats fold flat too, so the whole space becomes one big, open lounging zone.

There’s loads of get-at-able storage tucked beneath the seats for canopies, gear or even toys, and you’ll find lockers for the batteries and technical systems underfoot too. The main table here is height adjustable, with a removable leaf and yet more storage underneath - and the fuel tank is right below, cleverly out of the way but easy to reach when needed.

Forward of the cockpit, the open design really comes into its own. The hardtop provides shade without spoiling that sense of air and light, and there’s a massive opening section above for sunny days. The wraparound windscreen gives decent shelter while still keeping things airy. Lighting is built into the hardtop, plus skylights for natural brightness, and that big roof panel opens wide to keep it feeling connected to the sky.

Up at the bow, the Saxdor 400 GTO shows just how easy it is to move around. There are no narrow side decks to climb along - you just stroll straight through the middle. The forward seating area is well laid out with a folding table that drops down to form a sunpad with infill cushions. It’s the ideal place for lunch at anchor or a quiet coffee early doors. A bimini can be set up here too for shade. The anchor system at the very front is properly thought through as it sits flush with the bow when stowed and cantilevers out neatly when deployed.

On the lower deck, the galley area sits just aft of the helm, compact but cleverly equipped. There’s a sink, a grill, refrigeration drawers, more storage, and even an ice chest that doubles as a bait well or beer cooler depending on your mood. The whole setup has been designed for social, easy entertaining rather than galley-slaving.

There’s a second galley-like area beneath the hardtop with a sink, fridge drawers and storage lockers. It’s all very practical and feels surprisingly premium in fit and finish, with tidy detailing and everything positioned logically.

The helm itself is proper driver-focused. Two adjustable seats with lift-up bolsters sit behind a sturdy footrest and grab handles. The dash carries twin multifunction screens for navigation and systems, with the switches neatly arrayed below. 

You get joystick control with Skyhook, bow thruster, and full digital engine management. The Skyhook system holds the boat’s position automatically using GPS – handy when waiting for a fuel berth or a lock. The VHF, start switches and kill-cord are all within easy reach. It’s a boat that wants you to drive it, not just steer it.

Owner's Cabin

The forward owner’s cabin is impressive for a 40-footer of this style. There’s a generous double berth in the bow, proper standing headroom at the entrance, and neatly integrated storage with a hanging locker and drawers. The materials feel light and modern rather than heavy and old-school, and there’s plenty of natural light from the hull windows and skylights above.

A little seat sits to one side, and there’s even space for the boat’s electrical distribution panel tucked neatly in a cabinet. Air conditioning is fitted on this particular boat, and there’s a remote control for the stereo right at hand. It feels like a real weekend cabin rather than just a token berth.

Guest Accommodation

The amidships cabin is arranged beneath the cockpit and offers another full-size double berth, with reading lights and side storage. Opening windows keep it ventilated, and you can even specify this area as a massive storage compartment instead if you don’t need the extra sleeping space.

Aft of that, there’s a small upholstered area that can technically sleep a narrow guest or a child, but most will use it as bonus storage for bags and water toys. 

The Saxdor 400 GTO runs on twin Mercury V10 outboards producing 400 horsepower each. They'll do about 44 knots flat out, with a comfortable cruise in the mid-30s. Range at that pace is roughly 200 nautical miles.

The Saxdor 400 GTO isn’t really a “go-slow” sort of boat and she’s happiest stretching her legs. Systems are neatly laid out, with batteries, engineering access and service points under the aft deck. Despite the performance credentials, it’s all surprisingly easy to live with.

Owners can spec almost every major area of the boat to match their boating style. The aft section, for instance, can be ordered completely open for water sports and boarding, or with a full-height transom gate for families and pets. The drop-down balconies are standard, but you can choose between different seating configurations, sunpad layouts and upholstery finishes. Hardtop options include open, partially enclosed, or with solar panels. Below deck, the mid-cabin can be left open as a giant gear locker or fitted with a proper double berth.

Electronic upgrades are plentiful too: radar, FLIR thermal cameras, upgraded sound systems and lithium battery packs are all on the options list. It’s one of those boats you can really “make your own” without stepping into full-custom territory.

With outboards, access for servicing is easy, and Saxdor’s dealer network covers all the usual aftercare and maintenance tasks, from annual engine servicing to software updates. Saxdor does reference a warranty in the owner’s manual for the 400 GTO, described as a guarantee of the boat’s integrity and the builder’s responsibility. The terms themselves aren’t publicly detailed, so owners will need to get the written warranty and coverage period directly from their dealer. It’s worth doing that at purchase, since regional distributors may handle claims and service differently depending on where the boat’s based. The Mercury engines come with their own service and warranty program, so as long as you log every interval and use official parts, coverage should hold. 

Weighing up the alternatives, two close rivals are worth a look. The Saxdor 400 GTC shares the same hull but adds a fully enclosed wheelhouse, making it the better choice for year-round boating in cooler climates. It trades a bit of that open-air thrill for comfort and protection. On the other side sits the XO Boats EXPLR 44, a tougher, more adventure-oriented design built in aluminium, aimed at those who value all-weather capability. 

The Saxdor 400 GTO is the very definition of modern open performance boating – fast, stylish, and cleverly thought out. It combines the thrill of 40-knot performance with usable overnighting space and big-boat touches like drop balconies and a flexible cockpit.