The Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 vs Beneteau Sense 55 2016 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Sense 55 2016 measures 58,4 feet overall (2016), giving it roughly 14,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 at 44,3 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 tips the scales at 39 474 lbs — 37 231 lbs less than the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 at 2 243 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 120 hp, the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 has a 118-hp advantage over the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 carries 106 gallons versus 11 gallons in the Beneteau Sense 55 2016. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Sense 55 2016 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 could be the deciding factor.
The Beneteau Sense 55 2016 has a documented displacement of 39 474 lbs. Displacement data wasn't available for the other boat in this comparison.
The Beneteau Sense 55 2016 has a documented auxiliary engine of 120 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Beneteau Sense 55 2016 carries 169 gallons versus 2 gallons on the Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Sense 55 2016 at 58,4 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Beneteau Gran Turismo 44 2013 at 44,3 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.