Also as a GL owner, what are your impressions of the make, quality, etc? If you had a boat before, how did it compare. And do you have the hybrid and use it?
You might be interested in reading a post I made in November of last year on a TF thread where somebody was looking for feedback on a GL33. I’ve never operated a GL40, but would imagine it to be more capable in heavy weather than the GL33, even though both of these models are technically CE Category B. Bahamas would certainly be no problem for a GL40.
https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s14/greenline-33-anyone-took-offshore-ride-46494.html#post816694
Regarding my thoughts on
hybrid boating with my GL33, you might find my TF posts in this thread interesting. Be sure to read the entire thread.
https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s3/left-turn-clide-going-hybrid-50144-2.html
If I were in North America, in your shoes, and seriously considering hybrid, I would take a look at any 2015 or later GL40’s before considering a new one. You might see some 2012-2014 models attractively priced, but if you go for these, you will be missing out on some electric propulsion and hybrid system refinements that are found in the 2015+ models (i.e. there is risk you would have to spend some significant repair/upgrade $$$ in the hybrid part if you go for the early models).
Also, if you get to the point where you're going to have a marine survey on a pre-owned hybrid GL40, it would be cheap insurance to spend a few hundred $ extra on a battery expert to come assess the health of the two 48v propulsion batteries. And I mean an
in-depth assessment. Each cell, BMS, cell balancing, load test, recharge performance, etc.) These batteries should be good for 10 years, but if they’ve been abused in any way, their lifespan will be shortened. I had to replace my single 48v battery after 9 years and it was 17,000€.
In summary, I think hybrid boating is a very personal choice. I happen to like it a lot. I have occasionally thought about moving up and if I did, it would be to a GL40, not a GL39. I think Greenline quality is appropriate for its price points in Europe. Greenline’s focus is on light-weight, but strong construction for efficiency. The GL33 & GL40 are semi-displacement and are only “quasi-trawlers” in my opinion. They're quite different animals from the Nordhavns, the Kady-Krogans, the Grand Alaskans and the like that you often read about in this forum. I suspect these are built like “tanks” and can withstand almost anything...but admit I have no direct experience with them.
Finally, if you haven’t seen it already, there’s a BoatTest.com video with Cap’n. Steve reviewing the GL40: