Exploring the Thrill of Open-Air Water Adventures through Four Prized Hard Top Sports Cruisers

Imagine yourself at the helm of a 1980s-era Merc SL—lowering the soft top, inserting handles into the windscreen header rail, and releasing the front of the roof can be a tedious engagement. Fast forward a few decades—an SL experience boils down to a simple button press. This comparison isn’t just with luxury cars; it’s strikingly comparable with the marine world. Where boating enthusiasts once grappled with canopies, they now long for the simplicity and protection of hard top cruisers.

The valuation of a Fairline Targa 38 hard top, slid-roof version, today far outweighs an open version with a canopy. Presenting a quartet of second-hand hard top sports cruisers, these marine marvels promise not just the thrill of open waters but the ability to encapsulate oneself at the touch of a button.

Its interior has an interesting layout, boasting an owner’s cabin forward, mid cabin aft, and a saloon opposite the galley. The mid cabin door in the centre coupled with the door’s left alignment enables a larger cabin running lengthways under the cockpit. The smart design creates extra headroom without compromising seating space above.

This unique layout shines in the cockpit as well, housing a substantial helm seat and a smaller one facing forward with a gap for convenient movement. It also houses a sturdy sliding roof for a smaller but tougher aperture.

The cruiser comprises twin D4 engines in configurations of 260hp or 300hp, the latter being a popular choice among 70% buyers due to its size, weight advantage, and nominal additional cost. The Gran Turismo 38 boasts a performance in the low to mid 30-knot range.

The unusual facet of this cruiser is Beneteau’s patented AirStep hull, ensuring smooth sea-keeping abilities. With this stellar combination of aesthetics and functionality, the Beneteau Gran Turismo 38 forms one of the triumphant hard top sports cruisers you could get cruising with right now.