Fly Bridge Boats

[Wavey]

It did take me a little while to get used to the fact that the helm is further back so I had a lot less boat behind me than I was used to. And that the helm is offset whereas previously it was on the centreline. That's what 19 years with the same boat does to you

On the plus side I now have the option of standing or sitting at the helm (on the flybridge sitting was the only option), and as there's normally only 2 of us on board, the further-aft helm means it's a lot quicker and easier for me to get to the stern lines than it was before.

 

[hlb]

If I'd have wanted a tent, I'd have bought one.

 

[splosh]

Hi Paul.
Se you are a local guy. I've had the pleasure of driving all the latest Sealine Models recently.
Shame you missed their open weekend the other week at Hamble Point.
I note what you are saying re- fly ridge or not as consideration for your next model.

The F42, F46 and new F48 are quite well protected from the wind at the fly helms with their large screens up top.

However, in consideration their Sc47 and the new C48 are remarkable coupe style boats with the opening roofs. The beam of the new boats gives a good stable ride and the boats being on pods with the joystick control are good handlers.

Their is currently a good range on display at Hamble Point and some good deals to be had.

Give Ben Nichols a call at Sealine South Coast or pop in and have a glance at the range.
They have some good brokerage and quality second hand stock there at the moment

 

[PRH]

I am on the brink of a boat upgrade from my much loved Fairline Targa 38. There is a debate raging in my house about Fly Bridges between my wife and I, and one school of thought is that a Fly Bridge is the worst of both worlds, or is it?

The negative view is that it always very windy up top and often freezing cold, and down below they are not great to drive and a bit hard to berth re visibility etc etc. The positive view is clearly the ability to swap helms re weather conditions etc and the added space up top. The alternative for british NOT Med use it to go down the single helm position route in either a sedan or rear cabin stylie. Has anyone gone away from a fly bridge and can empathise with this, or moved to a fly bridge and found it to be a revelation, I would be most interested, if it helps we are looking at moving to a 42 in terms of size.

Bit cheeky but I have got a lovely F43 for sale if you would like to take a look!!!!

 

[volvopaul]

Hi Paul.
Se you are a local guy. I've had the pleasure of driving all the latest Sealine Models recently.
Shame you missed their open weekend the other week at Hamble Point.
I note what you are saying re- fly ridge or not as consideration for your next model.

The F42, F46 and new F48 are quite well protected from the wind at the fly helms with their large screens up top.

However, in consideration their Sc47 and the new C48 are remarkable coupe style boats with the opening roofs. The beam of the new boats gives a good stable ride and the boats being on pods with the joystick control are good handlers.

Their is currently a good range on display at Hamble Point and some good deals to be had.

Give Ben Nichols a call at Sealine South Coast or pop in and have a glance at the range.
They have some good brokerage and quality second hand stock there at the moment

I was down there Saturday afternoon everyone had gone home!

 

[gravygraham]

The old flybridge debate rears it's head again . . . and as usual, Deleted User has got it buttoned up.

I see you're in the Sevenoaks area Paul, our fb is in Ramsgate and if you fancy a spin (if this summer ever perks up!) send me a pm. Ours is smaller (36') than that which you're after but it might help you make up your mind.

 

[paul salliss]

Hi Gravey Graham that is a very kind offer. Many thanks again. Best Paul S

 

[Greg2]

There are pros and cons to both flybridges and sports cruisers but I'm with Wavey....in the UK an aft cabin boat is hard to beat. Masses of accommodation with the aft cabin, a saloon you can see out of, a sheltered helm but easily opened up on sunny days and a cockpit that will usually accommodate plenty of people. Our Broom has a cockpit that equals if not exceeds the space in our last boat (a Fairline Targa).

 

[kcrane]

Rule out any answers from those based in the Med, that's a whole different question.

The better options in the UK are hardtop sports or command bridge (Broom or Atlantic for example).

We don't need to have wet weather gear aboard bar light waterproof jackets. Shut the roof if it is cold or wet, open it if nice. Use the cockpit as a combination of saloon and cockpit. You can't be in two places at once, so it isn't worth carting the extra weight around.

Flybridge with inexperienced guests or kids? Constant concern that you don't know where they are.

On a hardtop when you want some privacy just go below where it feels like a boat rather than a conservatory.

In the Med it is a toss up which style is best but in the UK a hardtop or command is the better option.

Hope this carefully balanced contribution helps