143 NAUTICAL MILES
MAXIMUM CRUISING RANGE AT 21.5 KNOTS
as beefy stainless-steel hatch hinges on the wet bar. All the pieces and parts can withstand the elements should one fail to button up when weather dictates. This particular GT 45 also had a solid-teak deck, which offers longevity, easy cleanup and a grippy feel underfoot. ¶ As far as accommodations go, the GT 45 has a twohead, two-stateroom layout with the galley down. Rather than shoehorn in a third stateroom, Beneteau included a lower settee and dinette (across from the galley) in addition to the one abaft the helm up on the bridge deck. This design choice maintains a feeling of excess elbowroom throughout the yacht. There are no confining companionways, and the heads—each with a separate stall shower—feel spacious. Hullside windows with opening ports allow gobs of sunlight and, if one so chooses, a natural breeze. Should an owner want more berths on board, the lower salon can be replaced with an optional third stateroom with bunk beds. ¶ The forward stateroom has a scissors-style berth, which provides a pair of singles when separated or a queen berth when closed. The full-beam master stateroom is amidships, with a queen-size pedestal berth and stowage in counters to each side. There’s also a pop-up TV. ¶ As nice as the staterooms may be, when the throttles are at rest, the bow is another area owners will hear calling their names. Like many cruising yachts, the GT 45 has a lounge up there. Ratcheting backrests allow guests to recline however they desire, as opposed to flip-flop backrests that offer just one or two positions. And when the sun is beating down, a mini Bimini top folds out. Grab the bar and pull it up, clip on the support straps, and everyone has it made in the shade. ¶ What about after the sun sets? Fold up that Bimini top and gaze at the Milky Way. Big Sky Country, indeed.