When the Saxdor 400 GTO premiered at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival, many observers noted its visual similarity to other sporty designs from Finland’s boating scene — not surprising, since the same designer is behind several well-known brands. Yet the 400 GTO immediately distinguished itself through fresh ideas, refined luxury touches and a versatile layout that positions it as the flagship of Saxdor Yachts.
Saxdor Yachts, headquartered in Helsinki with a shipyard in Elk, Poland, has added the 400 GTO to a growing lineup that already includes the popular 320 and 270 models. Like those boats, the 400 is offered in multiple configurations to suit different owner preferences: GTO (open hardtop), GTC (closed hardtop) and GT (no hardtop). This flexibility makes the 400 appealing to buyers who value both performance and a wide range of deck and cabin arrangements.
The company’s founder and chief designer, Sakari Mattila, is an automotive-trained designer and engineer whose career in boats stretches back to 1994. Over more than two decades he founded Aquador, Paragon Yachts, XO Boats and Axopar, building a reputation for performance-oriented hulls, practical deck solutions and competitive pricing. Saxdor represents his latest and, according to company leadership, most refined line of designs.
“Sakari calls Saxdor his last but most loved design line,” says Erna Rusi, group CEO. “Compared to his earlier designs, we like to think of Saxdor as a more distinguished line for owners who use their boats in many ways. The 400 GTO is, to some degree, Sakari’s masterpiece.” Rusi notes that a dedicated team of naval architects, product developers and production planners work closely with Mattila to translate concept into production boat.
Visually, the 400 GTO carries Mattila’s signature near-plumb stem and long, sleek sheer that flows aft to a capacious cockpit. Twin Mercury outboards sit on the transom, and the profile is anchored by a full-beam wheelhouse sheltered by a sweptback windshield and aerodynamic hardtop. Large fold-out side terraces extend along the hull to expand usable deck area when at anchor, improving traffic flow and creating generous lounging space — a feature notable for both its practicality and length.
Underway, the 400’s deep-V hull is designed for confident handling and comfortable cruising at the speeds produced by the available powerplants. The standard setup is twin 300-hp V8 outboards, while an optional upgrade includes twin 400-hp V10 Mercury engines, putting top speeds into the 35–48 knot range. Hydrodynamic details include three lifting strakes per side and a fourth full-length strake that broadens into chine flats midships; these elements increase lift, reduce spray and improve turn control while helping resist roll. Two hull steps, the first amidships, ventilate the running surface to lower drag and enhance efficiency from the outboards.
Boarding from a floating dock is handled via swim platforms flanking the outboards and twin boarding gates built into a glass-and-chrome transom structure. The cockpit features an aft-facing bench that converts into a two-person sunpad and backs up to a full-glass cabin bulkhead with a folding door to port and an upward-swinging window supported by gas struts. Practical touches include a portside outdoor grill and sink set into a tall locker, with a complimentary storage locker to starboard sized for large fenders.
Inside the protected hardtop area, panoramic views and abundant natural light define the dining and social zone. Clear side panels in the bulwarks enhance sightlines, while a forward bench located aft of the helm raises and lowers electrically and features a reversible backrest to create forward-facing seating when needed. Additional seating flanks the area, and one cushion lifts to reveal steps down to an amidships guest cabin with a double berth, multiple portlights, an overhead hatch and ventilation panels for comfort.
A companionway to port of the helm leads to the main sleeping cabin, which includes an enclosed head compartment for privacy. Moving forward through the wheelhouse, a compact galley to port provides a sink and cooktop under a folding cover plus refrigerator and drawer storage. The helm to starboard is laid out for ergonomics and visibility with a dash that accommodates triple Simrad MFDs (single screen standard), a tilting sport wheel and conveniently placed throttles and joystick. Two power sunroofs flood the space with daylight, and Isinglass panels can be deployed if weather conditions require an enclosed environment.
The open bow area is accessed through a fold-down section of the windshield and a lower door. Recessed handrails improve safety as passengers move forward. C-shaped seating converts to a sunpad and can be paired with a high-low table to create multiple configurations for lounging, dining or entertaining.
Saxdor Yachts, in collaboration with U.S. partner MarineMax, planned to introduce the 400 GTO to the American market at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March 2024, highlighting the model’s blend of performance, versatility and refined onboard living.
Saxdor 400 GTO
LOA: 40’6”
Beam: 11’6”
Draft (motor down): 3’0”
Displ.: 22,521 lbs.
Fuel: 264 gals.
Water: 55 gals.
Power (optional): (2) 400-hp Mercury outboards
This article was originally published in the February 2024 issue.