Greenline has long been a pioneer in the boating industry, championing hybrid and electric propulsion systems that cater to environmentally conscious boaters. Its commitment to sustainable travel has placed them at the forefront of innovation, appealing to those looking for eco-friendly options on the water.
But, at Greenline's test base in Porto, Slovenia, stands their latest, the Greenline 40 - this time powered by a duo of Yanmar 250hp diesel engines. This move explores a return to the more conventional diesel power, which remains popular for its reliability and robust performance. Promising good value for money and safe family boating, what else does the 40 offer?
Test & Review Video
At Sea
Driving the Greenline 40 is an experience that confidently straddles the line between innovation and traditional yachting values. No matter your preference - be it the cutting-edge all-electric, the versatile hybrid, or the steadfast pure diesel option like this one - the Greenline 40's semi-displacement hull design asserts itself with commendable authority over the water's surface.
It's an incredibly solid performer, boasting a level of plantedness and directional stability that's genuinely reassuring. This yacht doesn't just move through the water; it commands it. Thanks to a pair of skegs extending toward the aft end of the hull, the Greenline 40 tracks with impressive precision. It cuts a straight path through the sea, maintaining its course with minimal fuss. This isn't a yacht that seeks to thrill with sharp turns or high-speed maneuvers. Instead, it finds its strength in consistency, offering a cruising experience that's all about plowing steadily and securely through the waves. Even in what was a relatively light chop during my time at the helm, the yacht felt remarkably solid and secure.
The steering, while on the stiffer side, demands a bit of muscle to navigate through turns. Yet, once you acclimate to the feel, it proves to be incredibly responsive, moving pretty nicely and managing to turn back on itself in a decent order.
Around the Marina
Navigating the tight confines of a marina can often be a bit of a nerve-wracking experience, even for the most seasoned skippers. But the Greenline 40 yacht, with its twin-shaft-drive configuration, makes this potentially tricky situation a breeze. The yacht's inherent handling characteristics are impressive, but when you add in the Greenline High Standards Package, things get even better. This package includes a bow thruster and, for those who opt for it, a stern thruster as well, providing a level of maneuverability that's not just nice to have; it's absolutely lovely.
What truly sets the Greenline 40 apart in marina situations is the thoughtful addition of a side door near the helm. This isn't just about convenience; it’s a game-changer, ensuring a great connection to the outside. This feature allows the skipper to easily spot their landing, making docking less about guesswork and more about precise, confident moves. It's these small, clever design choices that make handling the yacht in close quarters very enjoyable.
If I'm to nitpick, the only downside is the absence of a door in the bulwark adjacent to the helm. It would bolster the ease of moving from the helm directly onto the deck and then the pontoon.
The 40's semi-displacement hull feels solid and dependable in various sea conditions. A pair of Yanmar 250 horsepower diesel engines, while traditional, propels the yacht with a confidence that is both reassuring and expected from a vessel of this lineage.
The exterior design is smart, incorporating Greenline's signature hybrid aesthetic with clean lines and functional spaces. The solar panels integrated into the coachroof are not purely for show; they serve the practical purpose of powering the yacht's domestic systems.
Internally, the Greenline 40 doesn't disappoint. The layout is thoughtful, with a good flow from the cockpit to the saloon, achieved through innovative features like the pop-up window and fold-down splashback that effectively extend the galley into an outdoor bar area. Material choices across the yacht are sensible, balancing durability with aesthetics. The choice between teak, walnut, or silver oak finishes allows personalization while maintaining the interior's upscale feel.
The accommodation on board is cleverly arranged to maximize space and comfort. The option for a convertible queen-size berth in the forward cabin is a particularly nice touch, offering flexibility and making the space feel larger and more open. The use of natural light is excellent throughout, with large windows and optional skylights enhancing the bright and airy atmosphere.
However, it's not without its quirks. The engine room access requires a bit of a dance with furniture to achieve full entry, and some may find the helm's storage solutions and the single windshield wiper lacking in thoughtfulness. The asymmetrical side decks, biased towards starboard, offer a unique solution to onboard movement but might not suit everyone's tastes.
Engine Room
I can confirm that getting into the engine room is a bit of a faff, but worth the effort. Access requires a bit of DIY - unscrewing the dinette table and relocating it to the cockpit to unveil the engines. While it might sound like a hassle, it's doable and, on the plus side, it reveals a surprisingly spacious area for maintenance and inspection.
For quick checks, popping your head into the starboard hatch is handy for those swift, routine glances. However, if you need to get into the engine room, moving the table is a necessity. Once you're in, the layout is pretty impressive. There's a healthy chunk of space to manoeuvre, allowing easy access to the critical components, making it not just usable but appealing for those who like to get hands-on.
Now, let's talk about the power options. The hybrid model introduces an interesting twist with its 20kW electric motors positioned just forward, offering about eight hours of cruising at a gentle pace of 5 knots. It's a clever system, designed not for endless electric cruising but for adding slices of silence to your journey. Greenline's focus here isn't on transforming the entire cruising experience but on enhancing moments of it, making it a truly flexible setup.
For the greener-leaning, the pure electric version with its 250kW motors provides a good burst of power, reaching up to 11 knots. Though designed with inland waters in mind, its performance is nothing to scoff at, offering a smooth, slow-speed driving experience with the added bonus of natural ventilation and peace.
Perched at the helm of the Greenline 40, there's a lot to like about this command position. It's a genuinely nice and comfortable spot. The bench, fixed in place alongside the wheel, boasts a geometry that's surprisingly good, offering enough room to bring a mate along for the ride. The inclusion of a bolster section is a real treat - flip it up, and you can stand and lean, adding a bit of versatility to the helm experience.
I've found that the helm benefits from a healthy dose of trim tab, about 75% in fact, to dial in the running attitude and sharpen those forward sightlines. The flexibility of the helm station is further bolstered by an extra step below, perfect for those with a sunroof option to pop their head up for an unobstructed view.
Ventilation here is absolutely lovely, thanks to a cleverly placed side door that not only aids in deck access but also ensures the helm stays well-ventilated. Porthole-like windows that actually open add another layer of practicality, ensuring a steady flow of fresh air, whether the door is open or not.
The dashboard, while functional, isn't particularly exciting. It's decked out in a soft, rubbery black material that keeps glare at bay, ensuring that it does the job without any fuss. However, it's a bit lacking in the storage department. Beyond a small slot for a phone and the absence of even a simple cup holder, it could certainly use a punchy pop of practicality.
A couple of gripes: notably the trim tab buttons are awkwardly over the throttles, making them a bit of a stretch to reach. A relocation under the throttle would notch up the ergonomics significantly. And with just one windscreen wiper, doesn't quite keep the spray at bay, especially on the port side.
Stepping onto the deck of the Greenline 40, you're immediately struck by its insistence on single-level living, a feature that Greenline is pushing along nicely. This ethos extends right down to the bathing platform, ingeniously integrated into the transom. With a push of a button, it lowers, creating a connection with the back deck and eliminating any steps down to the companionway, making for a truly smooth transition to the lower accommodation. This clever design isn't just about aesthetics; it's incredibly practical too. For tender storage, you have the option of davits or snapdavits, adding a nice piece of functionality without compromising the yacht’s sleek lines.
The back deck itself might seem a bit sparse on seating at first glance, but Greenline has a few tricks up its sleeve to boost this area's versatility. The passerelle, a carbon fiber gangplank, can cleverly slot between seats to double as a bench with the addition of a cushion. Alternatively, an island seating arrangement can be fixed in the cockpit, providing a lovely spot for al fresco dining or lounging. Beneath the deck, vast storage voids await, ready to swallow up all sorts of gear, keeping the living spaces uncluttered and usable. Engine access is neatly tucked under the saloon floor, with the entire cockpit area designed for easy access, bolstered by boarding gates on both sides for smooth boarding, no matter the berth.
Side Deck & Foredeck: Safe, Secure, and Slightly Asymmetric
Navigating to the foredeck, you'll notice the deck's subtle asymmetry, a clever design choice that provides a bit more space on the starboard side, where the helm door is located. This doesn't compromise safety, though; with tall bulwarks topped with guardrails and additional handholds, moving around here feels secure, a real treat for those who value safety alongside aesthetics. The foredeck opens up beautifully, free from obstructions or trip hazards, making it an easy and safe space to move around in.
Here, you can also find plush cushions for sunbathing atop the coach roof, transforming it into a cosy retreat. The deep anchor locker, while a bit too deep for easy retrieval of lines or fenders, boasts enormous storage capacity. Overhead, the radar mast adjusts for those navigating inland waterways, ensuring you're well-prepared for any adventure. An optional glass Webasto sunroof can add that burst of light and fresh air, enhancing the slow-speed driving experience with natural ventilation.
A standout feature on the Greenline 40, and a signature trait across the Greenline range, are the solar panels. With six 330-watt panels, this yacht is powered by the sun, ensuring that all domestic systems are constantly powered up without the need for shore power or a generator.
Stepping aboard the Greenline 40, you can't help but marvel at the connection between the saloon and the cockpit - a brilliant trait synonymous with Greenline. The clever integration of a pop-up window that attaches to the cockpit overhang transforms the space, creating a versatile bar area perfect for serving guests lounging outside. It’s an example of the boat's design ingenuity, making the most of every inch of space.
Galley Gadgets & Gizmos
The galley of the Greenline 40 extends the countertop space in a way that's both handy and appealing. Nicely fiddled edges ensure nothing takes an unexpected slide or roll when you're whipping up a meal in rolling seas. Storage solutions are a real treat here, with compartments boasting substantial hinges and a satisfying click-shut mechanism - a small but genuinely nice touch.
Cooking facilities include a deep sink, a couple of bins within the countertop, and a microwave oven neatly tucked away, all contributing to the galley's efficient layout. The pièce de résistance might just be the full-size domestic fridge freezer, a luxury made endlessly usable thanks to the yacht's solar panels ensuring it's always powered up. The attention to detail with thick fiddles even in open spaces prevents any loose items from shifting about.
The galley boasts a choice between teak, walnut, and silver oak finishes, adding a dash of style to the functional space. Not to forget, the optional dishwasher is a brilliant addition for those looking to minimize chores onboard. Another clever feature is the TV that pops up opposite a sizeable dinette, enhancing the living area's cozy and inviting vibe. The dinette itself, with options including one that converts into a day bed, alongside the beamy nature of the yacht, ensures the interior feels both spacious and flooded with natural light.
The practical considerations extend beyond the galley, with useful storage space opposite the helm and a traditional chart table.
Two Flexible Cabins
The two-cabin layout is a marvel of efficiency, proving that a well-thought-out space can be both practical and appealing.
The forward cabin, in particular, has a very clever use of space. Opting for the versatile split berth setup over a fixed queen size, the owner has unlocked a level of flexibility that genuinely enhances the onboard living experience. This design choice not only makes the sleeping area more adaptable but ingeniously maximizes floor space, making the cabin feel more spacious and accommodating for movement and storage. It's a real treat to see how the inclusion of windows in the coach roof floods the space with natural light while offering lovely views, bolstering the cabin's airy ambiance.
Admittedly, there’s a bit of a downside with the storage solutions feeling a bit flimsy, yet the thoughtful addition of fiddle edges around flat surfaces showcases an eye for practical detailing. The grain-matched panels cleverly conceal additional storage, a nice touch that underscores Greenline's attention to creating usable and attractive living spaces.
The single bathroom, accessible as an ensuite from the master cabin, is surprisingly roomy, boasting impressive headroom and a separate shower cubicle - a genuinely nice feature in a yacht of this size. Despite being shared with the guest cabin, it doesn’t feel cramped, thanks to its thoughtful layout and design.
The impressive headroom in the guest cabin extends beneath the saloon, offering full standing height and a comfortable area with twin beds. Storage is neatly integrated, and the eye-level windows, complemented by a round porthole, ensure ample natural light and ventilation, enhancing the cabin’s overall appeal. The innovative sliding panels that connect to the saloon are a brilliant stroke, inviting even more light into the space and visually expanding it.
If there's a snag, it's the narrow doorways which can make navigating through them a bit like clambering through a tight space, slightly tarnishing the otherwise seamless flow between the cabins and bathroom.
Kicking off, the asking price sits at a healthy €366,000 ex VAT (correct at time of writing).
This number ropes in the Greenline High Standards Pack, priced at €35,000. This pack isn't just nice to have; it's crammed with goodies - think solar panels, a robust 3,000-watt inverter, a bow thruster, induction cooking, and a domestic-sized fridge-freezer to keep your provisions chilled. All of this, believe it or not, is part of the base package.
But let's not stop there. Our test boat was decked out with a couple of big-ticket items that are genuinely appealing. First up, we've got the eco-teak decking gracing the cockpit, setting you back €9,200. Not only does it look great, but it's more sustainable. Then there's the diesel heating system, priced at €4,700, perfect for chillier voyages, so the interior stays cosy.
All in, the price tag on our test model clocked in at €401,950, VAT not included. It might sound hefty, but considering the array of features and the level of comfort on offer, it's probably worth diving into your pockets for.
Our Verdict
The Greenline 40 yacht raises a significant question: Is it more than just its hybrid electric propulsion? After a thorough review, the answer is absolutely yes.
The Greenline 40 is a decent example of how a yacht can have the style and still be functional. Its single-level living area is spacious and designed with an eye on usability. The practicality doesn't end there; the safety and accessibility of the side decks ensure ease of movement around the vessel.
It’s pretty versatile, catering well to long-term stays on board. However, it's worth noting that while the yacht is serviceable and functional, it may not dazzle in terms of luxury or innovation in living amenities.
Performance-wise, the Greenline 40 handles well, even for solo sailors, thanks to intuitive controls and manageable dimensions. This makes it a viable option for those looking to venture out without a crew, although it doesn't necessarily push the boundaries in terms of speed or agility.
The Greenline 40 is more about practical living on the water with an eco-friendly twist rather than leading the pack in performance. And yes, while the hybrid propulsion is a significant draw, offering a quieter, more eco-friendly cruising option, it's far from the only reason to consider this yacht.
Reasons to Buy
- Solid, stable handling
- Efficient solar power
- Comfortable helm station
- Versatile galley and dinette
- Easy marina maneuverability
Things to Consider
- Helm storage limited
- No bulwark door at helm
Looking to own a Greenline 40? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Greenline 40 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Greenline 40, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Specifications
- Builder Greenline
- Range Greenline
- Model Greenline 40
- Length Overall 11.99m
- Beam 4.25m
- Draft 0.85m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 4
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 700 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 400 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Yanmar 4LV250
- Engine HP 250
Greenline 40 Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Greenline 40]()
The transom drops down to create an extension for the cocpit
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Greenline 40]()
The two cabins share a bathroom on the lower deck
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