The GT50 arrives as the new Gran Turismo flagship
Beneteau describes the Gran Turismo 50 as the flagship of its latest express-cruiser generation. At 15.95 metres overall with a 4.48-metre beam, the model sits comfortably within the LYG size range while offering the scale expected from a substantial family cruiser.
The Annapolis appearance is the boat’s official US debut rather than simply another dealer display. That makes the show particularly relevant for North American buyers who have followed the model’s European introduction but have not yet had an opportunity to inspect it locally.
Annapolis puts the GT50 beside the smaller GT35
Beneteau will also show the Gran Turismo 35, allowing visitors to compare two sizes from the same express-cruiser family. Seeing both together should make the differences in cockpit space, accommodation, machinery and marina requirements easier to judge than specifications alone.
For many owners, the choice between a 35-foot and 50-foot express cruiser is less about styling than intended use. Weekend dayboating, extended coastal cruising and the number of regular guests can all change which size offers the better balance of comfort and manageability.
The show runs from 8 to 11 October
The Annapolis Powerboat Show takes over City Dock from 8 to 11 October 2026 and is one of the East Coast’s major autumn boating events. Beneteau is using the event for both the GT50 debut and the third stop of the Flyer 30 roadshow.
That combination gives the builder a wide span of products in one temporary marina. Owners can compare the larger premium express-cruiser proposition with smaller dayboats and weekending models while speaking to the same dealer network.
US availability becomes the next step
A regional debut is important because service support, dealer relationships and local specification can be as significant as the boat itself for a production-yacht buyer. The Annapolis presentation begins the GT50’s more visible push into the US market after its initial international introduction.
Prospective owners should use the show to look beyond the headline dimensions and assess helm ergonomics, storage, machinery access and everyday circulation. Those practical details often determine whether a 16-metre yacht remains easy to use after the novelty of the first season has passed.
Official sources: www.beneteau.com.
