Galeon 435 GTO: Transforming from Stylish Entertaining to Weekend Cruising

The Galeon 435 GTO is the flagship of the company’s Grand Touring Outboard series, and it hits its marks in that category both for performance, powered by triple Mercury V12 600 hp outboards, and a truly innovative layout that invites owners to use the boat as an express cruiser or day-boat entertainer. With multiple large entertaining zones including a big bowrider lounge forward and Galeon’s Beach Mode aft, the 435 GTO accommodates a large crowd of friends, but can easily shift to family weekender mode.

Captain Gregg of BoatTest.com, our content partner, recently did a performance test and a features walkthrough of the Galeon 435 GTO:

Videos by: BoatTest.com

Key Features of the Galeon 435 GTO

Like other Galeon boats, the 435 GTO is a transformer. It can be a buttoned-up express cruiser with a hardtop and solid windows around the cockpit. In the absence of rain or spray, the interior passage to the bow opens by lowering a hinged section of the windshield supported by a sturdy gas strut and a vertical lower door that swings forward and clicks into place along the gunwale. Next, you can open the (optional) electrically actuated windows and electric sunroof in the hardtop, and stow the panels that form the aft wall of the cockpit, and you’ll have an open-air day cruiser. The boat transforms further at anchor into its standard Beach Mode, where parts of the aft hull fold out to become balconies. Further, you can pop in the lifelines stored in the maintenance room for security or leave it open as a swim platform.

The hull shape and superstructure placement takes full advantage of the 435 GTO’s beam, while asymmetric arrangements allow an extraordinary 17 passengers to be forward-facing at once. On the bow, U-shaped seating has rear- and side-facing benches and forward-facing loungers with drop-down armrests, cupholders, JL Audio speakers, and charging ports. These seats can surround a table for bow dining or filler cushions can make for an enormous sunpad. Behind the helm’s three adjustable captain’s chairs, U-shaped benches surround a second dining table, though the forward bench’s backrest converts to make it forward-facing and the aft bench can swing out to connect with the transom seating. The transom seat, which itself has slightly curved ends, moves fore and aft, has an associated table that can be placed in either position, and converts to a stern sunpad. With two galleys (cockpit and belowdecks) equipped with their own refrigerators and sinks, and a double grill and optional icemaker in the cockpit, Galeon has gracefully provided food prep and service spaces that accommodate such a large number of passengers.

Belowdecks, cabins and a shared/day head allow up to five guests to continue onboard overnight. While Capt. Gregg says that the guest cabin, with a single and a double berth, has a tricky door latch and less headroom, he still found it cozy and appreciated that it has its own air conditioning zone. The master cabin has storage to port and asymmetric windows bringing in plenty of light. Televisions are optional in both cabins. The spacious head has a full standing shower, with 6 feet 8 inches of headroom.

Cruising at Sunset

The aft bench in the cockpit swings across the cabin doorline to open up fore and aft walkways, though it will block the starboard boarding door or, in Beach Mode, the starboard balcony. Galeon photo.

Galeon 435 GTO Performance

The Galeon 435 GTO comes with one engine option: triple Mercury Verado 600 hp outboards, totaling 1800 hp, with joystick, digital throttle system, and bow thruster. On its test day, with 75 percent fuel and five people aboard in 2- to 3-foot seas, BoatTest reached 5920 rpm and a top speed of 45.8 knots. However, a lower sea state reportedly allowed the Galeon 435 GTO to achieve 6400 rpm, resulting in speeds over 50 knots at 6400 rpm.

BoatTest reported that the boat planes in 6.3 seconds, at around 21 knots, with minimal bow rise, and hole shots were solid: 0–10 knots in 3.6 seconds; 0–20 knots in 6.1 seconds; 0–30 knots in 10.6 seconds; and 0–40 knots in 19.4 seconds.At a best cruise speed of 27.8 knots and 4000 rpm, the 435 GTO burns 67 gph for a range of 197 nm (with 10% fuel reserve).

Captain Gregg said that the gear shift was unnoticeable, that sound levels remained below a notably comfortable 80 dB at cruise speed, and that the boat handled as if it were much smaller than a 40,000-pound cruiser. He also said that the sharp forefoot of the hull allowed it to cut through the waves, and that the nature of the Mercury Verado 600s where the lower units turn but not the housings make the 435 GTO nimbler than other boats in its class. In large, closely spaced waves, the wide, flared bow sections would likely create a rougher, wetter ride, but in those conditions, the captain would have the boat buttoned up and be taking it slow, with passengers comfortably seated in the saloon.

Navigating the Used Market

Because the Galeon 435 GTO was launched in 2024, used inventory is currently limited. When used boats come onto the market, in addition to normal engine inspections, a close look is advisable of all the moving parts such as the Beach Mode folding balconies, electrical sunroof and sunshades, moving furniture, and opening windows. Given that the boats are selling with a number of options, be sure you’re getting the ones that you’d like.

Luxury Yacht Relaxation

With large displays and backlit buttons, the starboard-side helm puts everything in reach of the captain.

Galeon 435 GTO Pricing & Summary

As of mid-2025, new Galeon 435 GTOs list around $1.75 million, with some adjustments based on options. Because options are primarily electronics, shades, and appliances, and come in packages, prices are likely tightly grouped.

The Galeon 435 GTO brings together open-air excitement and enclosed comfort in one versatile, powerful package. With standout features like fold-down balconies, convertible seating for a crowd, and triple 600 hp outboards, it lives up to its “Grand Touring” badge. Whether used for cocktail cruises, offshore runs, or weekend overnights, this is a boat that defies categorization except as a smart, fun, and well-built modern cruiser.

Search for Galeon listings on Rightboat.

Yacht Lifestyle Moment

A dual-height counter on the right side of the cockpit galley provides extra serving space.

Technical Specifications

Length Overall: 44’ 9” / 13.65 m

Hull Length: 41’ 2” / 12.55 m

Beam (normal): 13’ 6” / 4.15 m

Beam (balconies down): 19’ 5” / 5.91 m

Dry Weight: 35,314 lb / 16,018 kg (est)

Maximum Load Weight: 43,431 lb / 19,700 kg (est)

Draft Max.: 3’ 9” / 1.18 m

Transport Height: 10’ 6” / 3.23 m

Fuel Capacity (gas): 528 US gal / 2000 L

Water Capacity: 79 US gal / 300 L

Black Water Capacity: 26 US gal / 100 L

Grey Water Capacity: 39 US gal / 150 L

Galeon 435 GTO manufacturer website

See Galeon Boats for Sale

Elizabeth Burnham is a writer and editor, who has sailed in the U.S. Northeast, on the Gulf Coast, and in Southern California, as well as aboard naval vessels. She lives in Mystic, Connecticut, and is expanding her interest to family-friendly cruisers while fixing up a two-cabin Carver.

John Burnham is a marine editor and writer with decades of journalism experience as Chief Editor of boats.com, Sailing World, Cruising World, and other boating websites. As a competitive sailor, he has led teams to world and national titles in the International One-Design, Shields, and other classes. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, John is a PCC leadership coach, a member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee, and a past board member of Sail America and US Sailing. For more, see johnsburnham.com.