Introducing the Reimagined Beneteau Gran Turismo 50: A New Benchmark in Luxury Sport Cruisers

The Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 has long been a favorite among owners who appreciate sporty performance, contemporary styling, and livable comfort on the water. Now, Beneteau has reimagined this iconic model, elevating it with fresh design language, enhanced technology, and a more luxurious onboard experience—without losing the spirited character that made the original GT50 so successful.

In mid-June, Chesapeake Yacht Center will debut the very first reimagined Gran Turismo 50 in the United States, giving discerning buyers the opportunity to experience this new generation firsthand on the Chesapeake Bay.

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How the New Gran Turismo 50 Evolves from the Past

The original Gran Turismo 50 earned its reputation as a versatile express cruiser: sleek, agile, and ideal for both day boating and extended weekends away. The new iteration remains true to that DNA but introduces several key refinements.

Refined Exterior Styling

Previous GT50 models already had a sporty profile, but the reimagined version pushes the aesthetics into more contemporary, luxury territory:

• Sharper, more sculpted lines create a bolder presence at the dock and underway.
• Larger hull windows flood the interior with natural light and visually connect the salon and cabins with the sea.
• Updated hardtop and cockpit glazing contribute to a brighter, more open feel while enhancing visibility at the helm.

The result is a yacht that still looks unmistakably Gran Turismo, but with a cleaner, more modern silhouette that aligns with current European design trends.

Enhanced Onboard Comfort and Layout

Beneteau has revisited the way space is used aboard the Gran Turismo 50, focusing on flexible social zones and easy indoor–outdoor living. Compared to earlier GT50 layouts, you’ll notice:

• More cohesive cockpit-to-salon flow with large sliding doors and improved level transitions, making it easier to entertain across spaces.
• Upgraded seating and lounge arrangements in the cockpit that encourage conversation and relaxation, from sunset cocktails to alfresco dinners.
• Improved galley ergonomics, with better storage, work surfaces, and appliance integration to support real onboard entertaining.

Below deck, the reimagined GT50 keeps the popular two- or three-cabin configurations but elevates the feeling of space with:

• Warmer, more luxurious materials and finishes
• Enhanced lighting design, including indirect lighting for an upscale ambiance
• Thoughtful storage solutions for longer cruising and family trips

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What Makes the New Gran Turismo 50 Special

The reimagined Gran Turismo 50 is more than a refresh—it’s a sophisticated evolution that brings together performance, technology, and liveability in a way that stands out in the 50-foot sport cruiser category.

A Sport Cruiser with True Yacht-Level Detail

One of the most compelling aspects of the new GT50 is how it blends the agility of a sport boat with the comfort and finish of a larger motor yacht:

• Sporty performance: The Gran Turismo line is renowned for responsive handling and confident sea-keeping, and the new 50 continues that tradition, delivering engaging performance for owner-operators who enjoy time at the helm.
• Yacht-inspired detailing: From the joinery and upholstery to the integration of entertainment systems, the GT50 feels more “mini-yacht” than “weekender,” appealing to buyers who want a premium onboard experience in a manageable size.

Technology Designed Around the Owner

Beneteau has leaned into intuitive technology to make the new Gran Turismo 50 easier to run, dock, and enjoy:

• Advanced helm systems deliver clear navigation, engine data, and vessel control from an ergonomically designed station.
• Integrated joystick and maneuvering aids (depending on propulsion package) help simplify docking in tight marinas—especially valuable on the busy Chesapeake.
• Smart onboard systems streamline lighting, climate, and entertainment controls so you can focus on the experience, not the switches.

Together, these features make the GT50 particularly attractive for owners stepping up from a smaller boat who want the confidence and control to run their own yacht.

Elevated Social and Lifestyle Experience

The reimagined Gran Turismo 50 is designed around how owners truly use a 50-foot sport cruiser today:

• Expansive cockpit with flexible seating, sunpads, and dining options, ideal for hosting friends and family.
• Seamless swim platform access for water sports, tender use, or simply lounging at water level.
• Indoor–outdoor salon connectivity, allowing you to adapt easily to changing weather or extend your boating season—especially relevant on the Mid-Atlantic coast.

Every zone feels thoughtfully curated, making the GT50 just as comfortable for a quick evening cruise as for a long weekend exploring the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic coastline.

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Why the Gran Turismo 50 Belongs on the Chesapeake Bay

For yacht owners in the Mid-Atlantic, the new Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 is exceptionally well-suited to local cruising grounds:

• Perfect scale for the Bay: At around 50 feet, it offers the comfort and stability for longer runs—from Baltimore to Annapolis, St. Michaels, or the Eastern Shore—without feeling overwhelming to handle.
• Season-extending design: The enclosed salon and climate control options make it easy to enjoy shoulder-season boating, from early spring to late fall.
• Family-friendly layout: Multiple cabins and generous entertaining spaces allow families and guests to cruise comfortably for days at a time.

Paired with Chesapeake Yacht Center’s concierge-level support, the new GT50 becomes not just a boat, but a turnkey platform for an elevated on-water lifestyle.

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Be the First to Experience the New GT50 at Chesapeake Yacht Center

The very first reimagined Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 will make its debut at Chesapeake Yacht Center in mid-June. This is a rare opportunity to tour the new model up close, understand the enhancements over previous generations, and envision how it can fit your boating ambitions.

Our Yacht Specialists can guide you through every detail—from layout options and equipment packages to financing, delivery, training, and ongoing service—ensuring a seamless ownership experience from day one.

To learn more about the reimagined Beneteau Gran Turismo 50 or to schedule a private viewing of the debut yacht, reach out to your Chesapeake Yacht Center Yacht Specialist today.

THE SPRING YACHT SHOW BALTIMORE HAS BEEN MISSING IS FINALLY HERE!

For years, spring in Baltimore meant one thing for boaters: a long weekend on the docks, surrounded by the finest boats on the water, the skyline glittering across the harbor, and that first real hit of sun on your face. This spring, we are building our own show at our in-water showroom.

Chesapeake Yacht Center is proud to announce the first-ever Chesapeake Spring Yacht Show, May 15-17, 2026 at our in-water showroom located at Lighthouse Point Marina in Canton. Free to attend, open to all, and built for anyone who’s ever stood at the water’s edge and wondered what it would feel like to own that boat.

WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a real, on-the-water boat show — boats in the slips, decks open, and our team on hand to walk you through every inch. No pressure, no tickets, just a rare chance to step aboard some of the finest vessels available on the Atlantic coast and see what life on the water actually looks like.

We’ll have a curated selection of models on display across multiple categories — from sporty day cruisers to serious bluewater cruisers and full flybridge motor yachts. Our featured centerpieces this year are the all-new Prestige M48EVO, a flagship motor yacht that we’ve had the pleasure of shooting video and photos of right here in Baltimore — and trust us, it looks even better in person; and a newly-arrived pair of stunning Princess Yachts (Princess V50 and F50).

EVENT DETAILS
• Dates: Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Golden Hour on the Docks: 5–7 PM)
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: Chesapeake Yacht Center, 2736 Lighthouse Point East, Baltimore MD 21224
• Admission: Free — no tickets required
• Phone: (410) 823-BOAT

DEMO DAY — TAKE ONE OUT ON THE HARBOR
This is the part you can’t get from a brochure or a showroom walkthrough. We’re offering a limited number of on-water demos across the weekend — a private run on the harbor with one of our team members, so you can feel how these boats actually handle.

Demo slots are scheduled at specific times across the weekend and are extremely limited — first come, first served. Each boat goes out once, and once those spots are filled, they’re gone. The show itself is completely free and open to everyone — no registration needed to walk the docks, step aboard, and talk to our team all weekend long. But if you want a demo slot, you’ll need to claim it in advance.

Register for a Demo Slot ->

DEMO SCHEDULE
• Friday, May 15
o 11:00 AM — Cranchi A46 Luxury Tender
o 12:00 PM — Prestige F4.9
o 1:00 PM — Princess V50
o 2:00 PM — Princess F50
• Saturday, May 16
o 11:00 AM — Prestige F4.3
o 12:00 PM – Prestige F4.9
o 1:00 PM — Prestige F5.7
o 2:00 PM – Prestige F4.9
o 3:00 PM — Prestige M48
• Sunday, May 17
o 11:00 AM — Prestige F4.9
o 12:00 PM — NAVAN S30
o 1:00 PM — NAVAN C30
o 2:00 PM – Princess V50
o 3:00 PM — Cranchi A46 Luxury Tender
o 4:00 PM — Prestige M48

FINAL HOURS ON THE DOCKS — SUNDAY, 3-5 PM
After a full day on the water, stick around for the best part. From 3 to 5 PM on Sunday we’re hosting Final Hours on the Docks — Cars from Lamborghini and McLaren of Washington will be arriving to see in our parking lot adjacent to the marina. The Lamborghini Urus SE will be available for test drives. We will have live music dockside, a selection of refreshments along with our signature cocktail, and lite-fare. Free to attend, no separate ticket needed. RSVP Required.

BOAT SHOW PRICING — 1.99% FINANCING AVAILABLE
If you’ve been thinking about buying a boat, this is your window. We’re offering 1.99% financing on select models — Prestige, Jeanneau, and Beneteau Motor Yachts — as part of our boat show pricing. This rate won’t last, so come to the show ready to talk numbers. Our team will be on the docks all three days.

BOATS ON DISPLAY
• Princess V50
• Princess F50
• Prestige F4.3
• Prestige F4.9
• Prestige F5.7
• Prestige M48
• Cranchi A46 Luxury Tender
• NAVAN C30
• NAVAN S30

WHY COME TO A BOAT SHOW VS. JUST BROWSING ONLINE?
There’s no substitute for stepping aboard. Photos don’t capture the scale of a flybridge deck, or the way a main salon opens up to the water, or the feeling of standing at the helm with the Baltimore skyline behind you. Our show is a low-key, high-quality way to explore your options — whether you’re ready to buy now or just starting to dream.

Our team will be on the docks all three days to answer questions, talk specs, and help you figure out which model might be the right fit for your life on the water.

PLAN YOUR VISIT
Chesapeake Yacht Center @ Lighthouse Point Marina
2736 Lighthouse Point East
Baltimore MD 21224
(410)823-BOAT

Questions? Reach out to our team by phone or send us a message on Instagram @ChesapeakeYachtCenter. We’ll see you on the docks!

Yacht Tax Advantages in 2026: Bonus Depreciation, Section 179, and Second-Home Interest

Buying a yacht can deliver more than unforgettable time on the water—it may also provide meaningful tax advantages when structured correctly. Below is a concise guide to how today’s rules generally work for business use and for treating a yacht as a second home, so you can speak confidently with your CPA while you evaluate your next vessel.

The “Big, Beautiful” Bonus Depreciation—Where It Stands Now

Colloquially dubbed the “big, beautiful” deduction during the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act era, bonus depreciation under IRC Section 168(k) allowed businesses to write off a large portion of qualifying assets in the first year. For yachts used primarily for business, this accelerated write-off has been phasing down:

• 2023: 80%
• 2024: 60%
• 2025: 40%
• 2026: 20% (current schedule)
• 2027: 0% (absent further legislation)

What it could mean: If your yacht qualifies as business property and is placed in service in 2026, up to 20% of its depreciable basis might be deductible in year one via bonus depreciation, with the remainder depreciated under standard MACRS schedules.

Key qualifiers:

• More than 50% qualified business use (e.g., bona fide charter operations, yacht-as-office/showroom, training/vessel demonstrations).
• Placed in service during the tax year.
• Proper documentation to substantiate business use.

Important: If business use falls to 50% or less in a future year, “recapture” rules may require you to add back prior accelerated deductions as income.

Section 179 vs. Bonus Depreciation

Section 179 allows many businesses to expense all or part of the cost of qualifying property in the year placed in service, subject to annual dollar limits and phase-outs. In practice:

• Section 179 can apply to yachts used >50% for business, but is constrained by annual caps and taxable income limits.
• Bonus depreciation has no taxable-income limit but is now significantly reduced in 2026 (20%).
• Some owners combine strategies: take Section 179 up to available limits, then apply bonus depreciation, then regular depreciation.

Your CPA will model which mix is most advantageous based on your entity type, income, and timing.

Using Depreciation to Offset Business vs. Personal Income

• Active business income: If you materially participate in a yacht charter/business, depreciation and operating costs may offset active business income.
• Passive income: If the activity is passive, losses generally offset only passive income (not W‑2 wages) unless exceptions apply.
• Hobby loss rules: You must operate with a profit motive. A marketing yacht used primarily for entertainment will face scrutiny and may be non-deductible.

Tip: Align your plan with a credible operating model—charter program, corporate training/events with bona fide business purpose, or demonstrator vessel with tracked appointments. Maintain a detailed logbook, charter agreements, invoices, and calendars.

Entertainment and Client Use: Proceed Carefully

Under IRC Section 274, most entertainment expenses are non-deductible. Hosting clients for pleasure cruising is generally not deductible. However, certain advertising, demonstration, or charter activities with clear business purpose and proper documentation may qualify. This is a nuanced area—get tailored guidance before you host that onboard event.

Operating Expenses You May Deduct (When Business-Qualified)

When a yacht meets the >50% business-use test, you may be able to deduct a proportionate share (or all, if 100% business) of:

• Insurance, registration, slip and storage fees
• Fuel, maintenance, repairs, detailing
• Crew and management costs
• Charter marketing and broker fees
• Training and safety certifications
• Interest on business financing (if not claimed as home mortgage interest)

Allocate carefully for any personal days aboard. Accurate logs are essential.

Claiming a Yacht as a Second Home: Interest Deduction Basics

Many owners choose the personal route: treating the yacht as a second home for mortgage interest purposes.

General guidelines:

• The yacht must have sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities.
• The loan must be secured by the yacht (a mortgage or preferred ship mortgage).
• You must itemize deductions; interest is subject to IRS limits on acquisition indebtedness.
• If you take the second-home route, interest may be deductible—but you typically cannot also deduct depreciation for personal use.

Note: Post‑TCJA rules placed caps on deductible mortgage interest and modified home‑equity rules. Several individual provisions were scheduled to change after 2025; confirm the 2026 limits and eligibility with your CPA. If you borrow for improvements (e.g., refit, stabilization, electronics) and the debt is secured by the yacht, the interest may also qualify—again, subject to current limits.

Practical Scenarios

• Entrepreneur placing a yacht into charter: With a documented charter program, material participation, and >50% business use, you might leverage Section 179 (up to annual limits), then 20% bonus depreciation in 2026, plus standard depreciation on the balance.
• Corporate demonstrator vessel: If your company uses a yacht to conduct sea trials, photo shoots, and training with tracked appointments, depreciation and expenses may be available. Strict recordkeeping and business-purpose documentation are key.
• Family seeking lifestyle plus tax efficiency: If the yacht meets “qualified residence” criteria, you might deduct mortgage interest as a second home while enjoying primarily personal use—without the compliance burden of running a charter business.

How Chesapeake Yacht Center Supports a Smart Strategy

As a concierge-focused dealership representing Prestige, Princess, Pardo, Cranchi, Dyna, Jeanneau Powerboats, and Navan, we help clients pair the right vessel and ownership structure with their goals:

• Private appointments to evaluate layouts and features that fit charter, demo, or family cruising.
• Introductions to finance partners familiar with business-use and second-home lending.
• Delivery coordination on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic, with onboard training to accelerate your timeline to place in service.
• Ongoing service, seasonal care, and responsive support to protect long-term value.

Ready to explore a yacht that aligns with your financial and lifestyle objectives? Contact Chesapeake Yacht Center in Baltimore for a private consultation and viewing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice. Tax outcomes depend on your facts and current law. Please consult your personal CPA or tax advisor before making decisions.

Join Chesapeake Yacht Center at the Bay Bridge Boat Show

Discover your next yacht at the Bay Bridge Boat Show in Stevensville, MD. Chesapeake Yacht Center is showcasing a standout lineup from Prestige, Cranchi, Beneteau, and Navan—paired with the white-glove, concierge experience our clients expect. Whether you’re actively shopping or exploring what’s new for the season, our team will guide you through each model and help you plan every step of ownership.

Why Visit With Chesapeake Yacht Center

Our approach is boutique, personal, and seamless. Meet our specialists on the docks for a tailored experience that includes:

• Private, one-on-one walkthroughs of every model on display
• Expert guidance on yacht selection based on how you cruise
• On-site financing conversations and custom ownership plans
• Trade-in consultations and brokerage guidance for your current boat
• Delivery coordination, warranty assistance, and post-purchase training
• Seasonal service planning and swift follow-up support

With deep Chesapeake Bay and Mid-Atlantic expertise, we make yacht buying enjoyable—and ownership effortless.

Our Bay Bridge Boat Show Lineup

Explore an exceptional mix of flybridge luxury, multihull innovation, Italian style, and versatile adventure boats. Here’s what you’ll find at the Chesapeake Yacht Center display:

Prestige F5.7

A sophisticated flybridge crafted for entertaining and extended cruising. Expect expansive social zones, smart helm ergonomics, and a bright salon that flows seamlessly to the cockpit. The F5.7 blends refined finishes with confident performance for owners who want a premium experience at sea and at anchor.

Prestige F4.9

Agile, efficient, and incredibly livable for its size, the F4.9 brings modern Prestige DNA to a versatile footprint. Enjoy a welcoming owner’s suite, thoughtful guest accommodations, and a flybridge designed for dining and lounging—perfect for Bay weekends and coastal getaways.

Prestige F4.3

Elegant and approachable, the F4.3 offers the style and smart layout Prestige is known for in a more compact package. It’s an ideal entry to flybridge yachting, with easy handling, abundant light, and a family-friendly design that maximizes every inch on board.

Prestige M48

Prestige’s groundbreaking multihull delivers exceptional stability, volume, and efficiency. The M48 offers generous cabins, panoramic living spaces, and an effortless platform for entertaining. Its shallow draft and comfortable ride make it a standout for Chesapeake Bay exploration and extended cruising.

Cranchi A46

Italian design meets open-air luxury. The Cranchi A46 is a dynamic dayboat/weekender with a sleek profile, flexible cockpit, and premium materials throughout. Enjoy an airy hardtop, swim platform access, and a cabin that’s perfect for overnighting in style.

Beneteau Swift Trawler 41

A modern passagemaker built for range, comfort, and efficiency. The Swift Trawler 41 is known for its economical cruising, easy handling, and practical layout—ideal for owners who value long weekends, intracoastal adventures, and smart use of space without sacrificing elegance.

Navan C30

An all-weather, enclosed-cabin adventure boat built for the Mid-Atlantic. The C30 combines a secure pilothouse with a capable hull and flexible cockpit—equally at home chasing a sunrise, exploring new coves, or entertaining friends when conditions change.

Navan S30

Open, sporty, and versatile, the S30 is a premium dayboat that delivers comfort, speed, and style. Wide-open deck space, adaptable seating, and smart storage make it perfect for family time, watersports, and spontaneous Bay runs.

What to Expect at the Show

• Concierge Appointments: Schedule a dedicated time for uninterrupted tours and personalized consultations.
• Side-by-Side Comparisons: Evaluate layouts, fit-and-finish, and features across sizes and styles—from flybridge to multihull to adventure boats.
• Ownership Made Simple: Discuss financing options, insurance introductions, and delivery timelines tailored to your plans.
• After the Show: We’ll coordinate sea trials, arrange private demos, and map out training to ensure you’re confident from day one.

Plan Your Visit

The Bay Bridge Boat Show is hosted at Bay Bridge Marina in Stevensville, MD—an ideal setting to step aboard and envision how each yacht fits your lifestyle. To make the most of your time:

• Book in advance for prime appointment slots.
• Bring your crew and a shortlist of must-haves.
• Share how you plan to cruise—weekends on the Bay, longer coastal trips, or a mix—so we can match you to the right model and options.

Inventory is dynamic and appointments are limited. If there’s a specific yacht you want to see, let us know so we can confirm availability.

Experience Concierge-Level Yacht Buying

From your first dockside tour to ongoing service, seasonal care, and on-water orientation, Chesapeake Yacht Center is your trusted partner in yacht ownership. Our team delivers attentive, transparent guidance and access to exceptional yachts—backed by the support that keeps you cruising with confidence.

Ready to step aboard? Reserve your private Bay Bridge Boat Show appointment with Chesapeake Yacht Center today. Reach out to our team to schedule tours, discuss financing, or preview inventory before the show. We look forward to welcoming you on the docks.