March 16, 2009

Boat Review: Galeon 440 Fly

Presentation
Launched in 2004, the 440 Fly by Galeon was the continuation of quality improvement from this Polish builder, as started in the turn of the new millennium. Trusting in renowned boat designer Tony Castro, the 440 Fly was an important player in the quest of up scaling its line not only in size, but also in finishing and space. Delivered in 75 examples as of January 2009 the 440 Fly has also other interesting stuff, like a 7 berth 3 cabin 2 head interior, top speeds up to 35 knots with the bigger engine options, and a good looking exterior line taking bits and pieces from other renowned European builders but still looking a Polish Galeon all the way.
Accommodation
The 440 Fly offers an interesting accommodation package, with its 7 berth lower deck unique for a 13 metre flybridge motor cruiser. Upon entering inside via the stainless steel patio door one is welcomed on the main deck saloon with a c-shaped settee to starboard, opposite is another settee, and forward of this a double seated lower helm station. To port side, and up two steps one finds the raised galley which presents itself in a welcome airy environment and is also among the most spacious for a boat this size.
Below not loosing a millimetre of space is all reserved to night accommodation offering none the less 3 cabins 7 berths, and 2 heads. Example to this is the forward ensuite owner cabin with its queen island berth offering a relaxing 2 person couch on the starboard side. In the central part we have the two guest cabins, offering a double berth, two sister berths and an extra bunk berth. To starbaord in the middle one finds the guest head with cubicle shower.
Outside the offer is for a big settee on the aft deck. While on the flybridge we have a c-shaped settee for 5/6 persons looking aft to starboard, forward to this is a dual seated helm station, and to port looking forward we have a double seated sun pad. The forward deck part is reserved for a vee shaped sun lounger.
Performance
3 engine options are offered from Galeon with all giving important 30 knots plus performances. The engines for the 440 Fly are located centrally, propelled with direct shafts, and in tunnel propeller pockets, giving in all this an on the plane speed of eighteen knots. The top performance is from the biggest twin D9 575hp which give 35 knots max, making the 440 Fly among the fastest flybridge motor cruisers in its size . For not so speed lovers the other options are the smaller D9 of 500hp, and the efficient D6 435hp, this later choice giving also an impressive speed of 32 knots thanks to unbeatable weight to power ratio. Hull design is by Tony Castro renowned for his offshore designs. Here Castro presents a planning warped shape with deeper forward-Vee and moderate aft sections for better comfort at low speeds. An IPS propulsion option is also on the works and we wait for Galeon to disclose more information about this.
Positive
7 berths
Galley
Negative
Small aft deck
Competition
There is a lot offer in the thirteen metre size although the past players who dominated this market section, the Italians and British builders don't offer much and when they do it does not have any 3 cabin option. If looking for below accommodation is your aim I think the 440 Fly should be among the first to view list first for its unique 7 berths, and second for the spacious owners cabin forward. Beneteau 13.80 Antares - fly and saloon is not big, but 6 berths are no bunks
Carnevali 130 - quality, 3rd bunk cabin option will loose big galley though
Dellapasqua DC12S - 13 metres overall, seaworthy Hunt hull
Doqueve 43 - three cabins, airy minimal interior
Intermare 43 - third bunk cabin option, spacious aft deck
Majesty 44 - Dubai built, spacious fly and saloon with dining area to fore
Nord West 420 - IPS or stern drive option, no bunks, fuel efficient
Prestige 42 Flybridge Line - third cabin bunk option, good compromise in all
Raffaelli 47 Calima - biggest here, looks good too, CE A
Rodman 44 Muse - IPS only, De Simoni makes it among best looking
Sealine F42/5 - third cabin bunk option, expandable aft deck
WILD CARD: Broom 450 - UK aft cabin live aboard, big 3 cabin interior
Conclusion There are two types of customers in this size those who trade up and those who are starting there boating adventure. The first are usually looking for more cabins and berths, and the second usually attract themselves to the luxury. So far the 440 Fly seems to hit both these, offering a non superfluous rich boat with substance. Meaning it does not sacrifice accommodation berths, speed, and not well positioned engines. Yes engine position which the more located at the perfect part of the hull the more a sea keeper and lower planning a boat it is, offering better rough weather solutions. As for those who are trading up from a smaller size the three cabins seven berth interior is enough for them to rethink of the Tony Castro designed Galeon 440 Fly.
Technical Data
LOA. 13.72 meters (45ft)
Beam. 4.10 meters
Draft. 0.94 meters
Displacement. 14.990 kg light, 18.220 kg max load
Fuel Capacity. 2 x 750 liters
Water Capacity. 460 liters
Max Persons. 12
Accommodation. 7 berths in 3 cabins
Engines. 2 x Volvo D6 435hp, D9 500hp, D9 575hp
Propulsion. direct drive shafts with tunnels for propellers
Speed. max 35 knots, cruising 30 knots with D9 575hp
Hull Shape. V-shape planning
Project. Tony Castro
Certification. CE B
Picture Copyright Galeon. Data Galeon.

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