THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IAN had turned the Atlantic into one angry ocean. At zero dark early, I started a trek from Long Island, New York, down to Somers Point, New Jersey, driving in a deluge with the hope that a weather window would open up and I would get a chance to see the Galeon Yachts 375 GTO in action. When I arrived, the rain had let up enough for Galeon's Bob Burke and me to get off the dock. The wind was pumping, but the 375 GTO's torque-filled 600 hp V-12 Mercury outboards, under the direction of Burke and a joystick control, made short work of leaving the marina and getting onto open water. Easing up to the inlet, there was 8 to 10 feet of breaking white water from end to end. The bay offered up a stiff chop, but that didn't deter the 375 GTO. In fact, the boat averaged a 47-knot top hop in the slop at 6,260 rpm. Fast cruise was 32 knots at 4,500 rpm, and at 4,000 rpm, cruise speed was 27 knots. During my wheel time, it was readily apparent that these motors and this hull are well matched. The boat is real-time responsive with sports car-like handling. It also takes off instantaneously with throttle input. The Lenco trim tabs came in handy with the wind and sea state, and the twin Raymarine multifunction displays vividly showed our course. Skippers can dial in their helm experience with the electrically adjustable wheel and seats. Performance is part of the 375 GTO's story; the boat is also a fun-in-the-sun platform. The side decks fold out to increase the beam from 12 feet to 17 feet, 3 inches, creating a dance floor-size cockpit and what the builder calls beach mode. The cockpit bench seat slides on tracks aft to increase that dance floor, or forward to pull closer to the fold-out table for alfresco meals. Flip the seat's backrest to face aft when the kids are in the water. A sunshade extends from the hardtop, protecting the entire cockpit from midday rays. The cockpit also has a Kenyon grill and a Vitrifrigo fridge, while the galley belowdecks is set up with an Isotherm fridge and a microwave by Black+Decker. When sun is desired, pull back the shade, retract the roof, and drop the side windows to have a center-console experience. At night, create some ambience with an armada of blue or white LEDs. Belowdecks, there is room for an owner's berth forward and twin berths aft for guests. The space is bright, thanks to hullside windows, and it feels warm with a beechwood gray interior. Fit-and-finish is first-rate. Even on a less-than-optimal day, the Galeon Yachts 375 GTO proved a versatile vessel that should have broad appeal.
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