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What Is The Best Flybridge Cruiser?

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Aug 27, 2024
Updated On Dec 11, 2024

There's no question that the popularity of boating has grown substantially over the last 5 years and fueling that growth has been the luxury flybridge market. According to Grand View Research, the yacht market size will increase at an annual growth rate of 5.1% between now and 2030. When looking at boats over 40-feet, flybridge yachts are a popular segment of the powerboat market that has been a dominant factor in that growth in ownership.

Major shipyards like Azimut, Sanlorenzo, and Feadship have all reported strong orders and current build projects. In 2023, those shipyards were number one, two, and three respectively in total length of new build yachts.

"The majority of the buyers we work with that are in the market for a cruising yacht also want a flybridge," says Captain Jeff Palmer, President of United Yacht Sales. "Especially if you plan on cruising in South Florida or over to the Bahamas, having a flybridge offers some many advantages, including great views and visibility from the higher position."

Many buyers ask, what is the best flybridge cruiser? With so many manufacturers building models that include a flybridge, and with varying levels of price and quality for different buyer types in the market, it becomes very difficult to say one yacht is better than any other. 

The best flybridge cruiser, according to total number of sales in the last 12 months, is the second-generation Azimut 50 Flybridge which began production in 2014. This is a model from Azimut that can be easily managed by a couple and without the need for a captain. Other notable flybridge cruising boats that were popular over the last 12 months to buyers include the Carver 56 Voyager, Galeon 550 Fly, Meridian 459 MY, and the Prestige 500 Fly. There have been over 700 flybridge cruising-style boats sold in the last 12 months in the U.S. between 40 and 65 feet.

 

(Below: An example of what the Azimut 50 Fly looks like.)

example of azimut 50 flybridge cruising yacht

 

If you are researching what the best flybridge cruising yacht is for your boating plans, please don't hesitate to contact us at (772) 463-3131 or by email at marketing@unitedyacht.com. One of our professional yacht brokers who specializes in flybridge yachts in your market will contact you to discuss your budget, plans, and requirements for your next boat.

 

Here are 5 flybridge cruisers that just recently came on the brokerage market:

 

1.) "KNIGHTLIFE" - 2017 PRESTIGE 630

prestige yachts 630 flybridge cruiser knightlife

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this Prestige 630 Flybridge Cruiser features expansive outdoor living spaces, 3 cabins with additional crew quarters, and the popular IPS 950 D11 pod drive transmission for easy maneuvering. Prestige is also known for providing great value in their yachts, often with a final price lower than the more custom flybridge yachts on the market.

Broker contact: Aaron Leatherwood, (561) 313-4922

 

2.) "DUE SOUTH" - 2002 HATTERAS 6300 MY

hatteras motor yacht flybridge cruiser

The Hatteras 6300 Motor Yacht features a raised pilothouse design that was popular with owners when it first debuted as it provided space, views, a comfortable layout for conversation, and is equipped for entertaining. This 2002 6300 having big CAT 3412E 1400hp engines with 7-blade Nibral props means they never have to be pushed. Hull speed on the 63 RPH is about 10 knots for a fuel burn of 16-18 gph, and runs extremely stable and dry at hull speed

Broker Contact: John Douglas, (843) 425-6888

 

3.) 2010 NEPTUNUS 580 FLYBRIDGE

neptunus 58 flybridge cruiser

The Neptunus 580 Flybridge is located in Destin, Florida, is exceptionally clean, and has low hours on twin CAT C-15 800HP engines. The key features of the 580F include; an opulent high gloss wood and suede interior, great handling and maneuverability, and an incredibly entertaining design and layout. This cruiser features a 3-stateroom layout including a full-beam master.

Broker Contact: Matt Condon, (850) 259-9900

 

4.) "ARIES" - 2012 AZIMUT 53 FLYBRIDGE

azimut yachts 53 flybridge cruising boat

ARIES offers a spacious, award-winning layout at an excellent value compared to other vessels in her class. Both the interior and technical spaces show minimal wear. She is "turnkey" ready for a family trip to the Bahamas. Not only is ARIES a great option for private use, but she is also well-suited for charter operations. Priced as the best 53 in Florida and featuring a striking Steel Gray hull, she won’t last long.

Broker Contact: Chase Scoratow, (954) 873-8700

 

5.) "ROLL TIDE II" - 2018 CARVER C52 COMMAND FLYBRIDGE

carver c52 flybridge cruising boat

Easy to see in Fort Lauderdale, this 2018 Carver C52 features panoramic views from the spacious flybridge. This Carver has been meticulously maintained by the owner and it shows. The flybridge on this cruiser lots of seating for everyone to enjoy. Without the cockpit in the main seating area, this creates an open-concept main deck layout that seamlessly connects the galley and main salon. This design creates an even more spacious and inviting atmosphere, perfect for hosting guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening on the water.

Broker Contact: Niko Blandeburgo, (386) 986-7779

 

ABOUT UNITED

United Yacht Sales has the world's largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry, thanks to our team of over 250 yacht brokers in 104 different locations. Whether buying a luxury boat or selling one, we have the right expert on staff to assist you in navigating the brokerage market for your type of yacht. If you're looking at selling a boat, there is no quicker way to get activity than listing it with United. Our entire team is immediately notified every time a listing agreement is made with United Yacht Sales and many boats are sold before they ever even make it online. Our support team is among the best in the industry at marketing your yacht. 100% of our marketing budget goes towards advertising our clients' listings, a claim not many other firms can make. We look forward to working with you! You can get started by filling out our online form, What's My Boat Worth?

 

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