A flybridge provides extra space for recreation, and the upper helm station allows one to handle the boat, while being outdoors and enjoying a great view
The demand for this kind of boats is so high that some shipyards manage to add a flybridge even to quite small models. Here is the top ten of most compact flybridge yachts.
Targa 25.1 (8,38 m)
Finnish Targa 25 is the smallest flybridge yacht we managed to discover. Surprisingly, despite the size this boat does not look like a ‘crazy stool’, which is often the case for small flybridge models that look disproportionately tall (which is not safe in terms of seakeeping either). Targa has a typical Finnish architecture, where the flybridge occupies only the roof of the wheelhouse and does not go on down to the aft. The boat’s seaworthiness is fine, too – just like large Targas’ that are dubbed ‘sea SUVs’. But this kind of flybridge is certainly not big and serves just as an upper helm station with a double seat. If you want to invite somebody up, you’d better look at a larger model like Targa 35, where there is also an aft sofa.
Brizo 30 Fly (9,20 m)
Another mini flybridge model has a typical Finnish architecture from Brizo Yachts, too. Expressive, brutal design, a robust, aluminium hull and an outstanding build quality imply excellent performance. The compact flybridge meant only for steering is an obvious hint that the Brizo 30 Fly is a vehicle for tough guys.
Galeon 300 Fly (9,60 m)
This entry model of Polish Galeon shipyard can offer you a bit more at the upper level: in addition to a helm station, the flybridge of the Galeon 300 Fly also houses a sun pad.
Merry Fisher 1095 (10,45 m)
It’s a really popular model with outboard engines from French Jeanneau shipyard. And not without reason: there are three double cabins, and the flybridge houses a single helm station, a sun pad, and a sofa with a table. And what’s more, the boat does look really nice.
Rodman 1090 Evolution Fly (10,48 m)
The new model from Spanish Rodman shipyard is a flybridge version of the eponymous hardtop sport cruiser. Despite the compact size, the flybridge is arranged really cleverly: the double helm is located aft, and there is a recreation area forward with a sofa that can be transformed into a sun pad. There is an optional removable table, too. And if you remove everything that is not in use, you can get an excellent fishing space along with a spacious aft cockpit and a foredeck. Below deck there are two cabins and a head.
Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 (11,29 m)
It’s not a fast, but a reliable boat with a semi-displacement hull and low fuel consumption for long cruises, where a flybridge will definitely come in handy. To protect the flybridge from the sun and rain there is not only a retractable Bimini, but a stationary soft top, too. Thanks to the long overhang over the aft cockpit, the flybridge on the Beneteau Swift Trawler 35 is quite spacious and boasts a decent dining area for six people. The helm seat can be turned to the table, too, and there is some free space left aft.
Sargo 36 Fly (11,80 m)
This is the only flybridge model manufactured by a really worthy Finnish shipyard - Sargo (although it does manufacture larger boats up to 45 ft /14,6 m). Typically for Finnish boats, the flybridge is not long, but well-arranged: there is a single helm starboard and a dining area large enough for four people. The boat has lots of other advantages, too: practicality, excellent build quality, seaworthiness and an impressive speed up to 40 knots depending on the number and capacity of the engines installed: there can be one or two inboard engines with a total power of 400 to 800 hp.
Nord Star 36+ (12,30 m)
The Nord Star 36+ manufactured by Finnish Linex Boat is a typically northern boat with a trawler-type enclosed cabin. The flybridge is optional – you can order Nord Star 36+ in a sports cruiser version, but what for? With a flybridge you get not only an upper helm, but also an additional area for dining and sunbathing. Without exaggeration this model is good from all points of view. Modern design, excellent seaworthiness and speed up to 43 knots. Inside there are high-quality finish materials, two double cabins, and one additional berth that can be transformed from a dining area into a saloon.
Sessa Fly 42 (13,10 m)
This is a typical example of a Mediterranean flybridge model with a planing GRP hull available in lots of colours. It is a nice family boat with two cabins. In addition to the upper helm station the flybridge also houses a dining area with a folding table and a generous sun pad that is large enough for three people.
NorthSilver 1440 (14,4 m)
Russian NorthSilver shipyard manufactures a lot of small aluminium powerboats, but the NorthSilver 1440 is a flagship in their Eхpedition range. The boat has two cabins and extra berths (for six people in total), two heads, a galley and a storage space for the equipment you might need when you go for a long trips in wild places. Despite an obvious influence of Finnish shipbuilding, the NorthSilver 1440 flybridge is not short, but even elongated, so its area increases, but the boat does not look bulky. There is a spacious free area aft, which is convenient if you go fishing with a large group of friends. The rest of the flybridge can be arranged to your taste - just like all the other spaces on board.
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