Test / Grand Golden Line G340, high-end dinghy or freshwater kart

Grand produces a range of RIBs called Golden Line, which focuses on comfort and quality of finish. Composed of models from 3.30 m to 8.50 m, it is manufactured in Ukraine, where production has resumed. The G340, the smallest model in the range with its 3.30 m length, is new for 2022. Luxury dinghy or small freshwater kart, the choice is yours!

Tender or main boat

The G340 is the smallest model of the Golden Line of Grand. This one, composed of 6 models, is manufactured in Ukraine, and is available in hypalon or neoprene for the floats. Initially proposed as a rather high-end dinghy, the G340, with its 3.30 m length, also proves to be a small and playful boat to have fun on lakes or rivers. Easy to tow, it can be easily transported from one body of water to another.

Le Golden Line G340
The Golden Line G340
Une embarcation facile à remorquer
A boat that is easy to tow

A four-person layout based on comfort

The layout is rather upscale with plenty of seating for a RIB of this size. The boat is approved in category D for 4 persons. The foredeck offers a bow seat with backrest under which there is a storage locker. The rounded console is off-center to starboard and has an additional seat to port. The rear bench seat for two people also serves as a pilot seat. Note the finishing details such as the rear handrails and the comfortable backrest of the bench.

Le poste de pilotage à tribord
The starboard cockpit
La banquette arrière
The back seat
Assise de proue avec dossier
Bow seat with backrest
Coffre de rangement à la proue
Storage box at the bow

An engine too powerful for our test

It is on the Marne river, calm and sunny, that we tried this model with a 40 horsepower Honda engine. Note that this power is a bit too high for the model, a power of 30 hp would be more recommended for fun, or even 20 hp for a dinghy.

Essai du Golden Line G340
Test of the Golden Line G340
Essai du Golden Line G340
Test of the Golden Line G340

A real sea kart

With our engine and on this smooth river, our little mid-V hull boat proved to be a real treat to pilot. Lively and responsive, a little too much so with 40 horsepower, she glides through the water quickly, drops off in 1.30 seconds, and reaches 29.7 knots at 5700 rpm! Our model not being equipped with a monitor, we could not evaluate the consumption. Like a small go-kart, the G340 turns easily and quickly, remains stable and gives a real feeling of pleasure. It is also possible to equip it for water sports to tow, or to equip it with a bimini to protect from the sun. Its cruising speed is between 16 and 20 knots. Although equipped with mechanical controls, the G340 remains easy to handle. Even on the bow seat, navigation remains comfortable and without getting wet. Nevertheless, the boatâ??s behavior should be checked on rougher seas.

Essai du Golden Line G340
Test of the Golden Line G340
Essai du Golden Line G340
Golden Line G340 Test Drive

A varied program

Well-equipped and comfortable, the G340 can be used for a variety of purposes, from inland navigation to sea cruising as a main boat, but also as a luxurious tender for your boat.

Price 2022 : From 14 000 euros TTC with 20 horses Honda

More articles on the theme