Boating

Tests

H

ERE’S THE THING: THE GALEON 385 HTS IS A

yacht so well-built that some U.S. builders might be

well-advised to use it as a benchmark. MarineMax

is importing it not just because the exchange rate makes it

attractive in U.S. dollars, but also because the Galeons are

built to high standards and thoughtfully designed.

The 385 HTS is a Euro-styled hardtop express cruiser

from English mega-yacht designer Tony Castro, whose

designs for Galeon have consistently earned European

Powerboat of the Year awards, including in 2016.

First take: This boat has amazing natural light. There are

big windows around the cabin house, a huge sunroof that

glides open quietly, an atrium effect in the lower salon from

several skylights, and more

skylights over the owner’s

stateroom forward.

Second take: Wow! Look

at the details. Every drawer,

locker and cabinet is fully

lined with real walnut,

some of it impeccably

inlaid with maple. The

stainless-steel rail welds

and even the port lights

(made in-house) are like

fine jewelry. The fiberglass

molding work, also done

completely in-house, rivals

the best we’ve seen.

The basic layout of the

master stateroom forward

and the guest cabin aft

under the cockpit isn’t

unusual, but Galeon

accomplished it with style

(and full headroom). The

master has a queen-size

berth with a head en suite

and a shower for the 3X

sizes among us, and the

aft cabin has twin berths

that glide smoothly on tracks to become another queen for

connubial couples. This also has its own head en suite with

another 3X shower with a teak seat.

Spend time ferreting around the 385 HTS and you’ll

discover all manner of cleverness. Every nook and cranny

has useful and accessible stowage, from the Transformer-like

Galeon

385 HTS

( #2940 )

NOTEWORTHY

There’s great

natural light

throughout

the boat,

including the

lower salon with

three oversize

skylights, plus

another long

skylight in

the master

stateroom. Even

better, all have

built-in shades

for sunny days.

With well-appointed features both above and belowdecks, all illuminated

by an abundance of natural light, this Galeon turns heads inside and out. PHOTOS: COURTESY GALEON

48 BOATINGMAG.COM APRIL 2016