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Saxdor 400 GTS (2026-)
2 x 425-hp Mercury V10
Brief Summary
You may not be familiar with the Saxdor name but the Finland, Helsinki-based builder has been on the scene long before its founding in 2019. For it was its visionary founder, designer Sakari Mattila, the force behind such acclaimed and award-winning brands as Aquador (1994), Paragon (2003), XO (2008), and Axopar (2012), who decided it was time to focus on his own concept.
The Saxdor 400 GTS, one of many in the model lineup, is the culmination of years of design and engineering pioneered by Mattila and presents an exciting open boat with the ability to provide more than a day out on the water. A suitable forward berth and head, along with an aft stateroom, which can double as a large storage space, combines with just the right balance of twin outboard power and a long list of amenities to make an expanded overnight, or weekend stay within easy planning.
Test Results
| RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | SM | NM | dBa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650 | 3.7 | 3.2 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 2.2 | 539.2 | 468.6 | 58 |
| 1000 | 5.7 | 5 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 2 | 488.4 | 424.4 | 61 |
| 1500 | 8.1 | 7 | 4.2 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 415.5 | 361.1 | 65 |
| 2000 | 9.8 | 8.5 | 7.3 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 286.1 | 248.6 | 68 |
| 2500 | 11.4 | 9.9 | 9.8 | 1.2 | 1 | 248.1 | 215.6 | 71 |
| 3000 | 15.9 | 13.8 | 12.7 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 268.2 | 233 | 76 |
| 3500 | 21.1 | 18.3 | 16.1 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 280.1 | 243.4 | 77 |
| 4000 | 28.8 | 25 | 19.3 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 319.6 | 277.8 | 83 |
| 4500 | 36.2 | 31.5 | 23.2 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 334.2 | 290.4 | 84 |
| 5000 | 40.7 | 35.3 | 27.4 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 318.4 | 276.7 | 87 |
| 5500 | 45.3 | 39.3 | 36.2 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 268.1 | 233 | 89 |
| 6000 | 50.8 | 44.1 | 42.2 | 1.2 | 1 | 257.9 | 224.1 | 92 |
| 6500 | 55.8 | 48.5 | 53.1 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 225.3 | 195.8 | 92 |
Specifications
| Length Overall |
40' 8" 12.4 m |
|---|---|
| Beam |
11' 8" 3.56 m |
| Dry Weight |
16,720 lbs 7,584 kg |
| Draft |
2' 2" 0.65 m |
| Person Capacity | 12 |
| Fuel Capacity |
238 gal 900 L |
| Water Capacity |
44.9 gal 169.9 L |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
| 0 to 30 | 11.4 |
|---|---|
| Load | Persons & Gear: 740 lbs (336 kg); Fuel: 1,380 gal (626 kg) |
| Climate | 76°; 66% humidity; wind: 5-10; wave: light chop; salt |
Engine Options
| Tested Engine |
2 x 425-hp Mercury V10 |
|---|---|
| Std. Power |
2 x 300-hp Mercury V8 |
| Opt. Power |
2 x 425-hp Mercury V10 |
SAXDOR 400 GTS
What's Past is Prologue
By Capt. Ken Kreisler
Major Features
- 2 x 300-hp Mercury outboards w/standard power steering
- 1 x 16” Simrad NSS4 display
- Spacious bow storage beneath seat cushions
- Mastervolt Shorepower system with 100 amp battery charger, shore power
cable and AC outlets - MySaxdor Connect App hardware w/remote connectivity plus onboard application to monitor batteries, shore power and fluid tanks
- Three individual bucket helm seats
- Wet head w/electric flush toilet
- Wired for night vision camera application
- Wet bar module w/sink, 4 storage drawers, insulated ice box, waste bin
- Aft-facing sofa
- Covers for all seats and sofas
- Front cabin V-berth
- Storage compartment beneath stairs leading to cabin from helm
- Main electrical panel in cabin bulkhead
Notable Options
- Twin Mercury outboard power including 350-hp V10, 400-hp V10, or 425-hp V10 in white color w/joystick JPO
- Side glass doors
- Solar power system
- Electric opening fabric roof system
- Advanced navigation package includes one additional Simrad NSS4 16", Simrad B60 echo sounder transducer, GPS compass for radar-overlay or just perfect heading and position.
- Simrad HALO20+ radar or HALO24 radar + Simrad RS100-B VHF and AIS
- GPS compass
- Lenco pro controller full auto trim tabs
- IR aft facing camera
- Sionyx forward facing night vision camera
- Roof spotlight
- Lithium battery power systems including 2 x 12 kWh + 3.5 kW inverter or 4 x 24 kWh + 3.5 kW inverter. Also available E-Fathom 2 x 3.5 12 kWh + 3.5 kW inverter or E-Fathom 4 x 24 kWh + 3.5 kW inverter
- Bow thruster + dedicated battery
- SeaKeeper gyro
- Dometic air conditioning
- Advanced JL audio system w/10 speakers + subwoofer
Vessel Inspection
With a beam of 11’8”, the Saxdor 400 GTS has been designed with its helm carrying that dimension until narrowing down some at the bow. This provides a wider space topsides as well as in the forward cabin and head.
Bow
Generous attention was placed on the bow with plenty of room for seating and storage.
Helm
The helm is located on the centerline and offers excellent views into the seaway through large windows.
Cockpit
The Saxdor 400 GTS defines what an open boat can be. With the right conditions prevailing, a day out on the water becomes something really special.
Aft
As we discovered, the Saxdor 400 GTS, with its Scandinavian sensibility and vision, is the kind of boat whose personality is totally geared towards providing adventure and excitement while out on the water.
Cabin
While the Saxdor 400 GTS fulfills her dayboat profile, she does have a cabin and head quite suitable for weekend travel as well as taking some extended time away.
A Word About Performance
Our test boat was outfitted with pair of 425-hp Mercury V10 outboards turning Mercury Revolution 14.6 x 21” pitch props. We calculated a test weight of approximately 16,720 pounds with 98% of the total fuel capacity of 238 gallons. There were four people on board and the local conditions saw an air temperature of 76°, relative humidity of 66%, and a calm seaway with 10 knots of wind.
At 6500 rpm we hit our top speed of 55.8 mph. we settled into our best cruise at 4500 rpm where we noted a 36.2 rate of speed and a range of 308.5 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve. Hole shot tests were exciting with 0-10 mph is 3.5 seconds, 0-20 in 7.5 seconds, 0-30 in 11.5 seconds, and 0-40 in 17.0 seconds. She welcomed sharp turns in a sporty manner and proved to be a pleasure, with a fair amount of excitement thrown in, to drive. Control under power and confidence at the wheel were the gifts we received during our time aboard the Saxdor 400 GTS.
Summary
A pleasure to look at, an exciting experience to drive. The Saxdor 400 GTS is all that and a lot more. From bow to stern she is equipped with several seating and dining areas, and is at home underway, traveling, on the hook, or at the sand bar for the day. In addition, she has a comfortable forepeak stateroom and stand-up wet head with an electric toiler. She will deliver unforgettable times on the water.
Sparkling performance is supplied by a pair of 425-hp Mercury V10 outboards and with her open profile designed and engineered to supply comfortable and practical spaces with which to enjoy the excitement of being aboard, she is poised to deliver on all levels
The Saxdor 400 GTS offers a long list of standard and optional equipment to make your ownership a personal statement of your commitment to a special lifestyle.

REMEMBER, LIFE IS BETTER ON A BOAT!
About the Reporting Captains
Experts and Boat Owners
What has set BoatTEST apart from the many video-makers currently on the Internet and Social Media is the fact that for 26 years, only USCG-Licensed captains and experienced boat owners have tested and written our reports and made our videos. We believe that to provide boat owners the information they deserve, only other boat owners – who know the challenges of ownership -- can accurately report on it. It is that level of expertise and ownership experience that goes into every video and Captain’s Report that we publish. Because we know what it is like owning and operating a boat, we can pass-on the information that prospective boat buyers need to know.

Capt. Trip Smith holds a USCG 100-Ton license and has 22 years of experience navigating various types of boats, such as center consoles, runabouts, wake boats, and cruisers. He now owns a 22’ C-Dory. At 36 years old, he is living the dream of escaping the typical 9 to 5 job and has become a popular boat adventure video creator with over 75,000 YouTube subscribers. Capt. Trip Smith's expertise is evident in his 434 videos, where he shares his experiences spearfishing, collecting scallops, cooking fresh grouper on his boat’s grill, and planning his next adventure. Capt. Trip has an impressive background as a firefighter, outboard engine mechanic, boat rigger, fiberglass repair and restoration expert, and kayak safety teacher.

Capt. Ken Kreisler is a well-known figure in the marine industry, with extensive experience testing boats for major boating magazines. He has held USCG 100-Ton License for 40 years and has served as a delivery and charter fishboat captain, project manager for two small passenger ferry catamarans, making sure every details met USCG build standards. Capt. Ken is an accomplished writer, having received several BWI awards and the John Burroughs Association certificate of commendation for his children's book, "NATURE SPY," published by Macmillan. He resides with his family on the Shrewsbury River in Monmouth Beach, NJ, where he enjoys boating on his 24-foot Grady White Explorer.
Features Video Transcript
Overview
Saxdor is described as one of the newest boat brands. The 400 GTS is designed as a day boat with maximum deck space for guests, plus two cabins below for family weekend use.
Power
Twin Mercury 425 horsepower engines. The reviewer's stated expectation: "[These] should push the boat really well in the mid-50s, which I think is plenty fast for this type of boat."
Helm Design
The helm offers an uninhibited 360-degree view. A small step down (under two inches) is built into the helm floor. Reviewer's explanation: "The reason that that's done is because the European designers, they try to design the standing height when you're at the helm to be an ideal height for a variety of the most common height people. Essentially, if you're going to be standing here, you're going to more than likely not have your view inhibited by the hard top or the dashboard. That's a smart thing."
Weather protection doors: Sliding doors at the helm lock into place port and starboard for protection in cold, rainy, or spray-heavy conditions.
Long-run seating position: A fold-down foot support and bolster allow a seated driving position. Reviewer's assessment: "I like how this is a flat foot platform right here, because I can really move my feet around. My feet aren't stuck coming back to some little bar to rest my feet on, and they're not tied in to one small footrest. This really feels pretty good."
Hardtop and Sunroof
The hardtop frame was assessed by the reviewer as "quite substantial, beefy" and confirmed solid during on-water testing: "As we've been running the boat a bit today, it's solid. I will say that about it."
A canvas sunroof retracts via push-button control. The reviewer noted a specific use case: "With this in the open position, I can just imagine running at night, making a crossing where there's not a lot of light pollution. All the stars are going to be so beautiful up overhead."
Sea Trial (ICW)
Testing was conducted on the ICW in choppy conditions.
- Best cruise: approximately 4,500 RPM
- Observed speeds during acceleration run: 47–48 mph crossing into the 6,300 RPM range, then 51 mph, climbing to 54 mph at 6,500 RPM (test was cut short due to limited space in the channel)
Reviewer's assessment of engine response: "The boat comes up really quick, and those 425s really do have a lot of bite. Plenty of power for the boat... It runs over 50 miles an hour. That's very fast."
Turning/handling: "I really like how the boat just lays over. It feels really planted. Fantastic feeling. Really sporty." The reviewer noted the boat's deadrise contributes to rough-water capability: "This boat's got decent dead rise on it, so it's going to take those rougher waters, those rougher days a little bit better."
Visibility: "Visibility when I've been running the boat all day has been fantastic. I'm just so comfortable right here in these seats."
Noted drawback: "The only thing that I might ask for would be an armrest, but other than that, I have zero complaints."
Wake-crossing test: Conducted near another vessel; reviewer's assessment: "Just fine. Handling it like a champ."
Overall handling assessment: "I think it's a very comfortable boat to run as an operator. And while I'm underway, I think all my guests will be happy back there in the seating on the aft deck as well."
Specifications (Test Boat)
- Length overall: 40 feet, 8 inches
- Beam: 11 feet, 8 inches
- Draft: 2 feet, 2 inches (engine trimmed up)
- Test weight: 16,720 pounds, with 97% of the 238-gallon fuel capacity aboard and four passengers
- Engines: twin 425-horsepower Mercury V10s, turning Mercury Revolution 14.6 x 21-inch pitch propellers
Performance Numbers
- Top speed: 55.8 mph at 6,500 RPM
- Best cruise: 36.2 mph at 4,500 RPM, achieving 1.6 miles per gallon
- Range at best cruise: approximately 334 miles, with a 10% fuel reserve
- Hole shot 0–10 mph: 3.5 seconds
- 0–20 mph: 7.5 seconds
- 0–30 mph: 11.5 seconds
- 0–40 mph: 17 seconds
Cockpit / Aft Deck — "Where the 400 GTS Really Shines"
Terrace doors: Port and starboard, providing additional usable deck area — cited as ideal when anchored at a sandbar for swimming.
Center seating: An aft-facing lounger plus a dinette rated for six adults. The dinette converts into a sunbed measuring just over nine feet in length.
Overhead (hardtop, aft extension over dinette): Large sunroof, recessed LED lighting, two JL Audio speakers. A camera system is mounted at the aft end of the hardtop, viewable via the Simrad displays, along with a steaming light.
Splash well area: A small flip-up cover forward of the engines provides a clear walking path; a center receptacle accepts a ski pole for towing water sports.
Mechanical space access: Located just forward of the splash well. The reviewer flagged a minor access consideration: "This is a little tricky to get to because there is a bin that goes in here that's going to give you some extra storage when you're not digging down into the mechanical space, but that's just something to consider." Visible components include Mastervolt batteries, charger, and electrical components.
Swim Platform
Swim ladder: Designed in-house by Saxdor; deploys from beneath the swim platform with integrated handles that extend to assist boarding. The reviewer noted this as a distinguishing detail: "This swim ladder was designed in-house... these handles deploy. That's going to assist you when you're coming on board."
Freshwater shower: Pressurized, with a hose hookup, drawing from the boat's 44-gallon fresh water capacity.
Boarding gate: Positioned forward of the swim platform for safety/security underway, particularly noted for keeping children from wandering aft unsupervised.
Starboard storage (under hatch): Deep storage currently holding fenders and lines.
Port storage (under hatch): Differs from starboard — houses an electric Kenyon grill and small sink, suited to prepping fresh catch. The aft access on this side also houses the shore power hookup and water fill.
Aft Cabin
Access is via a deck grate/cushion that lifts with a push-button, doubling as a drainage point to keep water that comes aboard from entering the cabin.
- Two steps down to the berth
- Adequate headroom for seated comfort
- Windows surrounding the berth space, providing a view with terrace doors down; additional opening ports for ventilation independent of the AC ducts
- A lifting step provides access to the Mastervolt charging system — the reviewer noted this boat has no generator, relying instead on the Mastervolt lithium system to power the entire boat
- Alternative use: If not needed for sleeping, this space can be optioned as fiberglass-lined storage for inflatables, water toys, fenders, lines, or provisions — the reviewer specifically noted its suitability for a Bahamas crossing: "If you're going to the Bahamas, making a run across there, and you want to stock things up, a lot of things will fit in here."
Main Cabin Access
The companionway door slides open to four steps down. A storage compartment is located just behind the steps, accessed by lifting the accordion-style steps and locking them against the side — suited to luggage or extra gear. Natural light enters via two windows plus overhead skylights.
Head (Starboard, Just Behind the Steps)
Wet head configuration, including:
- Shower with a wand
- Storage above the vanity, plus a small cubby
- Vessel sink
- Countertop with storage underneath
- Electric flush toilet
Port side (opposite the head): Air conditioner and Fusion audio system controls, light switches, and access to the main electrical panel.
V-Berth
Extends the full length forward; overhead height steps down in a couple of places but the reviewer assessed it as comfortable for sleeping. Small cubbies are provided along both port and starboard sides for small items. Bow thruster access is located beneath the center of the berth.
Galley
Located midships, under the hardtop, facing aft — allowing the person preparing food to remain engaged with guests while facing the view behind them.
- Wide countertop with four cup holders and pop-up puck lighting
- Countertop lifts to reveal a small wet bin (for drinks/ice), covered by a cutting board embossed with the Saxdor logo
- Sink and electric Kenyon cooktop (optionable instead as an additional storage bin with its own cutting board)
- Dedicated trash bin, starboard side
- Two fridge/freezer combo units located beneath the helm seats — reviewer's assessment: "That is a good touch. Everyone could appreciate a good fridge while underway." (Optionable instead as a storage bin sized for a slide-in cooler.)
Compartment beneath galley area: Houses two fire extinguishers and access to the midship bilge. This space can alternatively be optioned for a gyro stabilizer.
Bow Access
Primary access is via the port side (three steps up are required for starboard-side access). The port-side path has a slight incline, which the reviewer noted serves two purposes: increasing headroom in the cabin below, and allowing bow access without an additional step up. Gunwale height in this area was noted as favorably high for security while moving forward, supplemented by a grab rail running the full length.
Bow Seating
U-shaped seating accommodates three to four adults. Features include speakers, courtesy lighting, and a switch pre-wired for an optional high-low table (not fitted on the test boat, though the reviewer suggested it as a worthwhile option). A lift-up storage locker is located under the forward seat.
Anchor System
The anchor locker is positioned forward of the bow seating storage. The reviewer highlighted the deployment mechanism as unusual: "This boat has a pretty unique way of deploying the anchor, an actual catapult system that can be controlled totally from the helm."
Closing Summary
The reviewer's closing characterization: "She's built for long days on the water that can easily turn into weekends aboard." Full specifications and detailed performance data were noted as available at boattest.com.