{"id":139180,"date":"2026-05-12T06:37:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T05:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/?post_type=review&p=139180"},"modified":"2026-05-12T06:38:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T05:38:08","slug":"the-best-just-got-better-why-wed-pick-the-saxdor-340-over-the-320","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/reviews\/sportscruisers\/the-best-just-got-better-why-wed-pick-the-saxdor-340-over-the-320","title":{"rendered":"The best just got better: Why we\u2019d pick the Saxdor 340 Over the 320"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it was introduced in 2022, the Saxdor 320 GTC<\/a> became an overnight success for Saxdor<\/a> and it\u2019s easy to see why. With its full-beam pilothouse, comfortable bow cabin, sociable aft cockpit, excellent driving dynamics and realistic pricing, it\u2019s a very tough boat not to like.<\/p>\n

But when, just two years later, Saxdor unveiled the Saxdor 340 GTWA, it looked like the new boat would create direct competition for Saxdor\u2019s own best-seller. After all, this was a pilothouse-equipped day cruiser with the same twin-stepped deep-V hull, comparable styling and just 1ft 7in of extra length. Even the price difference was a matter of degree rather than sector. But the new 340 was actually designed to straddle the space between the open GTO models and the full-beam GTC pilothouse platforms, so when you put them side by side, the differences quickly become clear.<\/p>\n

Outdoor day spaces<\/h2>\n

One of the key differences is, of course, the deck layout. The 320\u2019s full-beam wheelhouse means that the bow space and aft cockpit are separated by the superstructure itself. There are narrow, raised side decks to go between one and the other (and that\u2019s easier and more secure than you might imagine), but it\u2019s much simpler to use the sheltered walkway, directly through the internal saloon from the aft cockpit\u2019s sliding doors to a second hinged door in the port side of the vertical windscreen. But there\u2019s a clear contrast in the way these two zones operate, as well as the way they\u2019re reached\u2026<\/p>\n

\"\"

The full-beam wheelhouse expands space but restricts movement<\/p><\/div>\n

As the 320\u2019s primary outdoor space, the aft cockpit uses a broad transom bench with glass gates on either side. A transverse table drops down to create a sunbed and the backrests can be individually repositioned to face aft over the water. You can also expand the cockpit on both sides, thanks to a pair of 2.1m drop-down terraces as standard; and that broad open space is made to feel all the broader because the cooking facilities are located indoors on the port side of the wheelhouse, through the aft patio doors.<\/p>\n

As for the bow space, that adopts a relatively simplistic layout, with a raised island sunbed for two, framed by practical walkaround decks for easy access to the anchor and step-through forepeak.<\/p>\n

By way of contrast, the 340 GTWA uses a walkaround (WA) configuration with a narrower pilothouse orbited by a set of peripheral side decks \u2013 and in order to factor in the option of an aft cabin (something the 320 lacks) it pretty much reverses the roles of the forward and aft decks. In place of a bench seat, the aft cockpit uses a very attractive glass balustrade at the transom with opening gates on both sides.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Saxdor 320: The cockpit has space for freestanding chairs<\/p><\/div>\n

That\u2019s bookended by thickset bulwarks containing fender storage, shore power, a transom shower and a beautifully designed wet bar with sink and optional grill. Instead of seating, the 340 features a big raised sun bed with a comfy lumbar-equipped backrest built into the aft end of the superstructure to provide the basis for that optional aft cabin.<\/p>\n

Pilothouse access<\/h2>\n

Pilothouse access provides another interesting contrast. The 340\u2019s cockpit layout puts the aft bulkhead out of action but our test boat does come with the optional slide-down glazing panel to open things up above the backrests. Crucially, you also get big sliding doors in the sides of the pilothouse, which can be opened up either forward or aft \u2013 and that\u2019s particularly welcome because of the nature of the 340\u2019s drop-down terraces.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Saxdor 340: A bright, spacious aft cabin is a superb option<\/p><\/div>\n

These terraces are slightly longer than on the 320 and located further forward, straddling the space between cockpit and pilothouse, which means they open up the internal saloon as well as the aft deck. You could of course argue that the 340\u2019s aft cockpit lacks the sociability of the 320\u2019s seating zone but it makes up for that with its easy-access bow lounge. Spec the 340 with the test boat\u2019s optional C-shaped dining station and there\u2019s space for six, plus a drop-down table so you can turn the bow deck into a large sun pad.<\/p>\n

Wheelhouse and cabins<\/h2>\n

The 320\u2019s full-beam pilothouse comprises three basic parts \u2013 a galley, a dining zone and a set of helm seats. Being inside, the internal portside galley is larger than the wet bar provided by the 340. It comes with a sink and either a diesel or induction hob and there\u2019s also a fridge beneath the port co-pilot seat to help free up some handy extra storage inside the galley cabinets.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The 320’s cabin gets a little extra headroom from the bow\u2019s island sunbed<\/p><\/div>\n

On the opposite side is a simple two-man aft bench and a transverse table; and ahead of that are three forward seats \u2013 two helm seats to starboard and a third co-pilot seat on the port side. The two helm seats rotate to face aft so they can integrate with the starboard dinette and, in spite of its modest-looking proportions, that dinette converts into an occasional double berth to help supplement the bow cabin.<\/p>\n

How practical it is, though, is open to question. After all, it sits across from the galley and there are obviously no side doors in the full-beam wheelhouse, so if you do have guests, then when you want to exit the bow cabin in the morning and make breakfast, you have no option but to invade the space occupied by that second bed.<\/p>\n

As for the 340, its pilothouse is, of course, narrower but the fact that the cooking facilities are outside means all of that internal space is available for seating \u2013 and it has to be said, the seating feels significantly more sophisticated than on the 320. There\u2019s a full-beam three-to-four-man bench seat aft, and our test boat has the optional helm bench rather than the standard individual seat pods. This means you can reverse the backrest, drop the port side bolster and expand it to seat three more people, facing aft across the expandable drop-down table, potentially increasing dining capacity to seven.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Both boats use the same twinstepped full form<\/p><\/div>\n

Contrasting accommodation<\/h2>\n

If the 340 confounds expectations by trumping the 320\u2019s beamier wheelhouse, the bow cabins are much more similar in terms of footprint, volume and layout. Both get a port changing seat, a forward double bed and an open-plan starboard heads that you can shut away behind hinged concertina bulkheads. But the 320 gets slightly more headroom from the raised island sunbed at the bow and the 340 gets a little extra length and a little more natural light, thanks to larger overhead skylights and a port window.<\/p>\n

In terms of accommodation though, the really key difference is the provision of an optional aft cabin on the 340. Accessed through the port side of the pilothouse\u2019s aft bench or through the sunbed hatch in the aft cockpit itself, it\u2019s a really effective space. It comes with long deep windows on three sides and surprisingly good views aft through the cockpit\u2019s glass balustrade. And remarkably, there\u2019s even space for two people to sit up in bed with a good book.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The walkway actually means less internal seating than on the 340<\/p><\/div>\n

But it would be even better if you were to cut down the aft end of the cabin to create an integrated aft-facing bench in the cockpit\u2019s sunbed moulding. That would of course limit headroom but only at the foot of the bed where it\u2019s not actually needed. You would still have a window looking out across the aft deck and, if you added a table at the stern, you would then have the best of all things \u2013 an aft cabin, a raised cockpit sunbed and a transom dining zone with lovely views.<\/p>\n

Better still, it would also buy you a dedicated outdoor seating zone capable of offering that bit more shelter from the elements than the bow lounge. In truth, it\u2019s already an excellent layout but with an upgrade like that, the 340\u2019s deck arrangement would be pretty much flawless.<\/p>\n

On-water performance<\/h2>\n

We\u2019ve known for a long while now what a good performer the 320 GTC is. Its twin-stepped hull, with its fine entry and fairly acute 21-degree deadrise, is a genuine pleasure to drive and with the uprated 225hp V6s on the transom, the figures look good too. We\u2019re seeing a remarkably flat transition from zero to the plane in about five seconds and zero to 40 knots in 17 seconds, before pushing on to a top end of around 43 knots. We\u2019re also seeing a very manageable fuel flow rate of around 2.3 litres per mile at everything from 20 to 30 knots for a range in the region of 150 miles.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The heads uses hinged walls to keep the space open when not in use<\/p><\/div>\n

But in spite of its extra length and weight, the larger 340, with its twin 300hp V8s, trumps that by a hefty margin. An equally flat plane is achieved in just three seconds; zero to 40 takes just ten seconds; and our top end is just a whisker shy of 50 knots. Interestingly, you feel the larger boat trying to plane from as little as ten knots and that eagerness for pace continues higher up the rev range.<\/p>\n

From 22 to 32 knots, we\u2019re seeing remarkably similar fuel flow figures of 2.4 litres per mile for a range of around 160 miles, but with a cruising band that is just that bit more forgiving (and a fast cruise that is markedly more efficient than the 320), you can pick any pace from 20 to 40 knots and enjoy genuinely good returns.<\/p>\n

It is worth noting that you could equip the smaller boat with the same 300hp V8s that bring such impressive results on the 340, so if 50 knots or more is what you want, it will certainly achieve it. But as the performance discrepancy disappears, so too will most of the price differential, and 43 knots already feels like a good place for the 320 \u2013 all of which brings us very neatly to the driving experience…<\/p>\n

\"\"

The big side doors can open up the forward or aft part of the structure<\/p><\/div>\n

The driving experience<\/h2>\n

These boats use the same hull form so both enjoy good softness and reasonable dryness, which is not something you would necessarily expect from that slender, steep-sided bow shape. But there is a difference in the way the two boats feel. While the 320 behaves like a proper playtime boat, full of quick-witted agility and lively helm response, the 340 brings more in the way of maturity and composure.<\/p>\n

The extra power and increased waterline length (as well as the subtle weight increase and windage reduction) seem to result in a drive that\u2019s just a bit more composed and refined, as well as significantly more potent. It is, in truth, a matter of increments rather than outright nature, but it\u2019s very discernible nonetheless.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The helm bench extends to seat up to seven at the full-width dinette<\/p><\/div>\n

These boats are both quite quiet and comfortable for relaxed passagemaking but the 340 has the edge there too, returning figures throughout the cruising band that are 1-2dB(A) lower than the V6-powered 320. Whether that\u2019s down to the extra drag or the extra reverberation of the 320\u2019s beamier, more voluminous pilothouse, we\u2019re not sure but again, it is discernible \u2013 and so too is the difference in the helm station.<\/p>\n

Given that the 320\u2019s full-beam (side-door-free) pilothouse slightly \u2018contains\u2019 the skipper, the opening side window looks like a very worthwhile option. The fact that the driver sits on the inboard (more central) of the two starboard seats also means that the co-pilot can get a bit trapped \u2013 and the contrast there with the wide-open pilothouse of the 340 couldn\u2019t be greater.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The 340 cabin gets a little extra length and some extra natural light<\/p><\/div>\n

With its big versatile side doors, its reverse screen, its superior visibility and the helm bench\u2019s capacity to fold out into the starboard side deck for comfortable joystick manoeuvres, the 340\u2019s helm position is absolutely first-class. Our only concern relates to the digital tabs, which you have to access via the MFD.<\/p>\n

That makes no sense at all if you want to do anything more than leave them on automatic, so we\u2019d give those a miss in favour of a more natural and intuitive manual switch that enables you to access and operate them rapidly while keeping your eyes on the water.<\/p>\n

\"\"

While the 320 feels very lively and engaging, the 340 feels more composed and refined, with extra pace, a faster cruise and comparable efficiency<\/p><\/div>\n

Which boat wins?<\/h2>\n

The 340 provides easier on-board movement, an extra cabin and a very satisfying extra dose of pace and power. It also dials in an extra degree of maturity and composure in the ride and handling while all but matching the 320 in terms of cruising efficiency. With its narrower wheelhouse structure, reverse screen and extra length, the 340 is also a marginally more dynamic-looking platform than the slightly shorter, tubbier 320.<\/p>\n

With its revised terrace positioning, it also does a better job of integrating the internal saloon with the external decks. And it does all of that at a price that only exceeds the 320 by 7% in base form and 11% in test boat form.<\/p>\n

So is there really a case for denying the 340 outright victory? Well, arguably, yes, but realistically, no. Good though the 320 is \u2013 and it really is as good as its sales success suggests \u2013 we reckon that if you can stomach the extra cost, the 340 GTWA is the better boat.<\/p>\n

Saxdor 320 GTC specification<\/h2>\n

LOA: 33ft 9in (10.28m)
\nBEAM: 10ft 2in (3.1m)
\nDRAFT: 1ft 10in (0.57m)
\nDISPLACEMENT: 2,600kg (dry)
\nFUEL CAPACITY: 428 litres
\nWATER CAPACITY: 117 litres
\nRCD: B6 \/ C9
\nENGINES: Twin 200-300hp outboards<\/p>\n

Costs and options<\/h2>\n

Price: From \u00a3180,830 inc VAT. Test boat includes the following options…
\nMercury 225hp V6 upgrade: \u00a34,192
\nStorm Grey Hull Colour: \u00a33,144
\nToilet & fresh water package: \u00a34,716
\nShore power system: \u00a33,563
\nTrim tabs: \u00a34,087
\nBow thruster: \u00a32,830<\/p>\n

Saxdor 340 GTWA specification<\/h2>\n

LOA: 35ft 4in (10.78m)
\nBEAM: 10ft 2in (3.10m)
\nDRAFT: 2ft 7in (0.8m)
\nDISPLACEMENT: 2,650kg (light)
\nFUEL CAPACITY: 480L
\nWATER CAPACITY: 100L
\nRCD: B8 \/ C10
\nENGINES: Twin 250-300hp outboards<\/p>\n

Costs and options<\/h2>\n

Price: from \u00a3194,406 inc VAT. Test boat includes the following options\u2026
\nMercury 300hp V8 upgrade: \u00a310,480
\nJoystick control: \u00a318,865
\nElectric sunroof: \u00a35,031
\nShore power system: \u00a33,563
\nTrim tabs: \u00a32,830
\nBow thruster: \u00a34,087
\nAft cabin package: \u00a35,659
\nAft barbecue: \u00a32,306
\nDrop-down aft window: \u00a33,039<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/h2>\n
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When it was introduced in 2022, the Saxdor 320 GTC became an overnight success for Saxdor and it\u2019s easy to see why. With its full-beam pilothouse, comfortable bow cabin, sociable aft cockpit, excellent driving dynamics and realistic pricing, it\u2019s a very tough boat not to like. But when, just two years later, Saxdor unveiled the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4647,"featured_media":139195,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","tags":[1620,1593],"review_manufacturer":[],"review_category":[43],"review_type":[],"review_award":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/139180"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/review"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4647"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=139180"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/139180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":139206,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review\/139180\/revisions\/139206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/139195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=139180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=139180"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=139180"},{"taxonomy":"review_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_category?post=139180"},{"taxonomy":"review_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_type?post=139180"},{"taxonomy":"review_award","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_award?post=139180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}