bridge yachts reviews

Don’t leave so soon. You can test our service for

• Find companies
• Boat & Yacht Dealers

Reviews of Bridge Yachts Ltd. in Port Dover

Overall Rating

Contact info.

49 Harbour St N0A 1N0 Port Dover Ontario

(519) 583-3199

Opening hours

Social media, write a review, is this your business.

By claiming this business, you can update and control the information on your profile.

Best similar companies nearby

Top categories in port dover.

• Boat & Yacht Dealers
• Boatbuilders & Repairers
• Sporting Goods
• Marinas & Moorings
• Sports & Recreation Centres
• Car Dealers
• Water Sports

Why choose Yably?

Customer feedback matters - use it to boost your business.

Customer reviews are one of the most important things for your business. Reviews not only have the power to influence consumer decisions but can strengthen a company’s credibility, gain customer trust, and encourage people to interact with your business.

Stand out - Get a Star Rating in Google Search Results

Google 5 Star Ratings in organic search boots traffic to your website and sets you apart from the crowd by inspiring more confidence among potential new customers.

Reputation & Review Monitoring Across Multiple Platforms

Track your ratings and reviews across different review platforms. Starting today, keep track of all your reviews and respond to them directly.

Try it now for free!

Register now and start managing your online reviews across multiple platforms.

Bridge Yachts

Photos & videos, services offered.

Verified by Business

Boat repair

Boat dealers

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

49 Harbor Street

Port Dover, ON N0A 1N0

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Other Places Nearby

Find more Boat Dealers near Bridge Yachts

Find more Boat Repair near Bridge Yachts

Related Cost Guides

Car Brokers

Car Dealers

Gas Stations

Motorsport Vehicle Repairs

Oil Change Stations

Transmission Repair

Advertising

Career Counseling

Editorial Services

Graphic Design

Music Production Services

Private Investigation

Shredding Services

People Also Viewed

CARSTAR Tillsonburg

Ebenezer Bookkeeping Services

Don Hyde Marine

Mobile Wash Sandblasting & Painting

UniglassPlus / Ziebart

Hitch n’ Go RV

Mohawk Tire & Auto

Classy Car Care

• Boats Boat Reviews

Viking Yachts 90 Review: New Flagship Boat Replaces the 92

• By Peter Frederiksen
• May 9, 2023

Special delivery :  Sign up  for the free Marlin email newsletter.  Subscribe  to Marlin magazine and get a year of highly collectible, keepsake editions – plus access to the digital edition and archives.  

Freshly launched at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, the Viking 90 is the company’s new flagship, replacing its popular 92-footer that was launched in the 2015 model year. Viking built and delivered 21 of the 92s, and was prepared to continue, but new International Maritime Organization emission regulations required the installation of heavy, large, and potentially dangerous Selective Catalytic Reduction systems. Because the required equipment to deal with these changes neither existed nor would be available to maintain the boat’s production schedule, Viking was forced to discontinue the production of the 92.

A bitter tale perhaps, but since 1964, when Bill and Bob Healey founded the Viking Yacht Company in New Gretna, New Jersey, the builder has dealt with all sorts of stumbling blocks, including the early 1990s federal luxury tax that crushed the marine industry, and several recessions. Recent challenges include COVID-related supply-chain issues and a proposed 10-knot East Coast speed restriction due to right whale conundrums. Yet, somehow, none of these obstacles stopped Viking from carrying out its mantra to “build a better boat every day.”

Some 5,000 boats later, Viking president and CEO Pat Healey charged his design, engineering, and production teams to renew that commitment again and build a new flagship. Investing $20 million in research and creating more than 240 new molds, including hull, topside, flybridge and interior, and pouring in reservoirs of sweat equity and tens of thousands of man-hours, the unveiling of the new Viking 90 as a flagship is no fish story. As with any Viking, a new model must be as good as or better than what it replaces, and the Viking 90 is all that and more.

Cockpit and Mezzanine

The 90’s cockpit is 224 square feet and includes a 203-gallon livewell built into the ­transom that can double as a fish box. A pair of 103-gallon ­insulated fish boxes line the cockpit sole, and each can be refrigerated or serve as a depository for the dual Eskimo ice chippers. A watertight centerline deck hatch opens to access the Seakeeper 35 ­gyrostabilizer for maintenance and routine inspections.

The cockpit work area resembles the 92, so there is undergunwale storage, and the lower-mezzanine ­seating ­provides air conditioning for relaxing, watching baits, and staying close to the cockpit action. Insulated boxes and other compartments stow gear, drinks and tackle, and the crew quarters are also accessed through this area. The upper mezzanine is reached by way of ­flanking steps from the cockpit sole and includes an L-shaped aft-­facing lounge, a teak table, and an available 43-inch flat-screen ­television that drops down from the overhead. Another ­seating area to starboard ­provides an electric grill, a cocktail ice machine, and drawer ­storage. Artisan teak decking and a faux-teak bulkhead and cockpit trim work make for a custom feel.

Interior and Accommodations

Stepping into the salon through the electric sliding door, you can see that the interior matches what the 92 provided, starting with access to the enclosed bridge via a wide staircase to starboard. The 92’s interior was a hit with each owner, so the design group capitalized on those previous efforts, essentially fitting the interior accommodations of the 92 into the new 90 hull and deckhouse footprints.

A massive U-shaped lounge to port faces the starboard-side entertainment center with a 65-inch television that rises from the walnut cabinetry, which is available in either a satin or gloss finish, along with a wet bar, sink and icemaker. Slightly forward, the starboard galley with engineered-stone countertops offers tremendous space for several place settings, five bar stools, and commercial-grade appliances. Opposite the galley, there’s an immense U-shaped walnut table on a raised platform that provides a home for rod storage. There is a day head to port and a walk-in pantry to starboard that can also serve as a makeshift stateroom.

The 90-footer’s design group reworked the 92’s overnight accommodations and tweaked an inch here and there to refine the available space with the goal to streamline each stateroom while retaining the size of each bed and entryway. The master stateroom utilizes the full beam, providing a king-size walk-around bed, end tables, credenza, 65-inch television, walk-in closet, lounge seat, ­vanity and desk. His-and-her heads are separated by a walk-in ­glass-framed shower. Four other staterooms, each with a private head and fiberglass shower, provide comfort and privacy. The aft crew quarters also include a small galley and laundry center, enabling the 90 to easily spend a month at sea.

Hull No. 1 is built with a ­climate-­controlled enclosed bridge with the skybridge option, with 9-plus feet of ­freeboard ­forward and 3-plus feet aft.

The unbroken ­sheerline melds these dimensions into a silky-smooth transition from bow to stern, and bridge to waterline. The enclosed bridge adds a number of features, including a second salon with an L-shaped lounge, a high-low walnut cocktail table, refrigeration, and a 43-inch pop-up television. The command helm is a home run, and especially noteworthy for its one-piece, wraparound forward windshield that maximizes the operator’s visibility without the typical ­distractions caused by vertical mullions. The added visibility also benefits passengers sitting in the flanking Stidd companion seats, whose view is equally unobstructed. Viking ­subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics equipped the helm with five 24-inch Seatronx MFDs, while the lower portion of the helm console is outfitted with radio boxes, instruments, SidePower bow-thruster controls, Optimus steering, and MTU engine controls.

Outside, AME complemented the aft-station layout with a pair of Seatronx 19-inch displays, which also include full engine ­controls and ­communication ­equipment. A sitting area is to port, ­separated by a ladder to the ­skybridge. The skybridge ­features the craftsmanship of Viking’s other subsidiary, Palm Beach Towers, which completed the ­fiberglass hardtop and added a host of accessories, ­including Rupp hydraulic outriggers, spreader lights, teaser reels, ­custom bridge railings, and a radar pod. Viking also offers the 90 convertible in an ­open-bridge style.

Engine Room and Performance

The gleaming Snow White Awlgrip-painted engine room has more than 7 feet of headroom on the centerline, with 40 inches between the main engines. Twin 2,600 hp MTUs provide walkaround accessibility to various systems, including the Furuno CSH8L sonar tube, Octoplex digital switching system, and the Optimus steering system. Components are neatly labeled, and composite seacocks help stem corrosion and reduce weight.

The centralized seawater system has been redesigned to reduce complexity and incorporates ElectroSea’s Clearline system with dual pumps to increase reliability and component longevity. A chilled-water air-conditioning system provides 18 tons of cooling with reverse-cycle heat and individual controls throughout the interior.

Read Next: Get to know Pat Healey, the president of VIking Yachts, in our exclusive interview .

Twelve people were on board for our sea trial off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida. With a fuel load of 70 percent, the 90 hustled to an average top speed of 38 knots, where one pass read 39.3 knots on the GPS. At 2,100 rpm, the boat eases along at 32-plus knots to deliver a range of some 582 nautical miles.

The Viking Yacht Company hasn’t missed a beat in nearly 60 years of continuous production, and the passing of its 92 is just another milestone in the company’s history. So, it’s safe to say, with 16 90-footers already on order, the beat goes on.

Viking Yachts 90 Specs

• Beam: 23’2”
• Draft: 5’11”
• Displ: 193,490 lb.
• Fuel: 3,801 gal.
• Water: 480 gal.
• Power: MTU 16V2000 M96L
• Gear/Ratio: ZF 5000A/2.962:1
• Propellers: Veem, 5-blade
• Gelcoat: Kingston Grey
• Climate Control: Dometic

• More: Boat Reviews , Boats , July 2023 , Viking Yacht Company

Free Email Newsletters

Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Marlin and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy . You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

• More Boats Boat Reviews

Scania-Powered Viking 48: Showcasing Performance and Efficiency

Invincible 43 Open: A Game-Changer in High-Performance Fishing Boats

Ring Leader: The Life and Legacy of Randy Ringhaver

Preview of the Viking 82: A Luxurious Five-Stateroom Sportfisher

Fender Bender Wins 2024 Bermuda Billfish Blast with Record-Breaking Payout

Cape Verde Produces 2024 Blue Marlin World Cup Champion

Doc Fees Dominates in Hatteras

Trust the Process: A Transformative Ladies-Only Fishing Expedition

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Tournaments
• Expeditions

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Marlin may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Marlin. A Bonnier LLC Company . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Sign up for free Marlin Group emails to receive expert big-game content along with key tournament updates and to get advanced notice of new expeditions as they’re introduced.

Subscribe to Marlin

Subscribe now to get seven keepsake print editions of Marlin per year, along with instant access to a digital archive of past issues, all for only $29 per year.

• Bermuda Triple Crown
• Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
• Offshore World Championship
• Scrub Island Billfish Series
• Marlin Expeditions
• Guatemala – Ladies Only
• Nova Scotia
• Dominican Republic
• Galápagos Islands
• Expert Instructors
• Corporate Retreats
• Our Sponsors
• Newsletters

• Hours & Location

Your shopping cart is empty!

ALL THE BEST BRANDS IN ONE SHOP

• Outboards For Sale
• Boating Bargain Center
• About Us & Testimonies
• Employment Opportunities
• Riverfront Park Livestream
• Brochures & Catalogs
• Used Powerboats
• Used Sailboats
• Parts & Service
• Boats For Sale
• Brokerage Boats
• 1-877-583-3199

Visit Our Chandlery

Featured products.

• Featured Brokerage Boats

Our Boat Brands

Testimonials

• Search forums

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.

• Sea Ray Boats
• Sport Yachts/Yachts

Opinions on 47 Sedan Bridge

• Thread starter Zach312
• Start date Oct 2, 2016

• Oct 2, 2016

Active Member

We have been set on finding a 48 sundancer. Our broker recently mentioned the 2008-2010 47 Sedan Bridge. I have noticed these weren't produced for very many years and there doesn't seem to be many on the used market. Looking for others opinions on the boat. What do you like? What issues do these boats have. Was there a specific reason they didn't get produced very long?  

Well-Known Member

Don't have anything of substance to offer other than I've always been confused as to why this boat had such a short lifespan. I've been on one in our marina and I loved the boat, and specifically the layout. I love the full beam mid-ship master, the galley aft and the flybridge. At the time I looked at it I was toying with moving to 420DB but after looking at the 47 I was convinced it was the better bridge boat. In the end we felt we had no need for a bridge boat with the way we use our boat and if we were to make a move it'd be for a 48DA. Good luck. What a fun time.  

I have not been on one but love the layout. We end up doing a lot of cooking and having the aft galley helps make it a more social experience. Way better than cooking in the cave...  

The master state room is what is appealing. We aren't sold on the idea of a bridge boat yet. We really to love the 48 sundancer but I have to admit this boat may have some appeal. It is challenging that there are so few available. The closest one to us is almost 800 miles away.  

Yeah, I would love to consider one but I know of none on the West coast.  

Gofirstclass

I can't speak to your questions about the short production life and have not been on a 47 Sedan Bridge boat but let me add some comments about sedan bridge boats in general. I had two Sundancers before moving up to a sedan bridge boat. I loved the Sundancers but I gotta tell you that I REALLY LOVE having a boat with a fly bridge. We often have guests on board and when they go up on the bridge the comment almost every one of them makes is along the lines of "Wow, What a VIEW! I could get used to this." The fly bridge is where everyone wants to be when cruising. It's one thing to be in the cockpit of an express cruiser, but you can't see forward. You can't see where you're headed, all you can see is to the sides and aft. With a fly bridge boat you have pretty much uninterrupted 360* views and that is one of the best things about a fly bridge boat. It also allows you to have more guests on board because you have three areas for them to sit, talk, enjoy the ride--the salon, the cockpit and the bridge. We've had as many as 22 guests on board and, even with that many, it doesn't seem crowded because there's room for them to spread out. Put me down as one who likely will never go back to the cave.  

+1 on comments above!  

carterchapman

Zach - They were built in '08 and the recession basically stopped production. I know in '10, MM still had 10 '08's for sale and were discounting them 66% to try to move them. I don't know how many were built after '08. A dock mate bought one in '10 and enjoyed it for 5 years. He has since moved up to a 58DB. As has been said, nice master stateroom. He ended up not liking the aft galley though...  

Great feed back, I am not sure how I feed about the aft galley. However I have seen more and more new models doing this? I wish there was one closer we could check out but until we can get on one the comments here are appreciated. If nothing else I think this boat has moved into the #2 contender behind the 48 sundancer.  

I have owned my 48 Sundancer for 3 years and still loving it, currently I have no intentions on getting rid of her. Great boat!  

• Oct 3, 2016

carterchapman said: Zach - They were built in '08 and the recession basically stopped production. I know in '10, MM still had 10 '08's for sale and were discounting them 66% to try to move them. I don't know how many were built after '08. A dock mate bought one in '10 and enjoyed it for 5 years. He has since moved up to a 58DB. As has been said, nice master stateroom. He ended up not liking the aft galley though... Click to expand...

If I recall, that boat had V-drives which allowed for a large aft cabin. That moved much of the weight to the back of the boat and made the boat ass heavy. The fuel burn on that boat was considerably worse than a 480DB. Again, just going by memory.  

FootballFan

I'll jump in, having owned a 47DB for a couple of years. The original plan was to own the boat till summer of 17, then move to a larger boat. Sold this past summer. Currently shopping for our next boat, something closer to 60 LOA. Did a lot of research over a year or two when I was evaluating where to move in our next boat (the 47DB). Was very difficult because you could not just go out to a forum and easily find people that had actual hands on experience with the boat. Had all kinds of discussion around why SR dropped the boat with different industry people. Heard a lot of different "stories", not sure about the actual facts. What do I think based on what I learned? When this boat came out for the 08 model year, it was positioned as a very high end boat - fully loaded. The options you could add were very limited - whether you wanted the bench seat in the master or the drawers. 3 or 4 things like that. The only big options were Hydraulic Swim Platform or Stern thruster. They hit the market with a fully loaded finish out and a price tag well over a M$ list right about the time the economy tanked, boat market died. People were coming in seeing two boats, roughly the same size - one with a list several hundred thousand less. The market died on them I think. If you look at the layout of DB's - pretty similar - they just get larger. My opinion, by the time the market started to turn back positive - someone at SR had the vision for the L class and that's where the effort was put. Who knows. Aft Galley. We absolutely loved it. Nothing negative about it for us. Master Stateroom. Loved it. Haven't seen that type of space in a full beam master on a 50' LOA boat. Step up in the Salon. For those who don't like the boat - usually one of the top 2-3 reasons. For us, it was ok. 2 Cabins. This is a 2 cabin boat. If you need 3 staterooms, not the boat for you. There was an option on the build, just never saw it. (I was on 8 or so 47DB's before we bought one). If I was in the market for a 50' LOA flybridge, this boat would be at the top of my list. My only hesitation would be the engines, all that I ever saw in any of the boats I looked at were QSC600. Someone brought up the point earlier I agree with. You need to decide on Dancer vs Fly Bridge first. What will fit your boating requirements best. Happy to answer any questions, Mark  

Vince_nj1 said: If I recall, that boat had V-drives which allowed for a large aft cabin. That moved much of the weight to the back of the boat and made the boat ass heavy. The fuel burn on that boat was considerably worse than a 480DB. Again, just going by memory. Click to expand...

FootballFan said: Boat wasn't stern heavy at all. Yeah - it burned fuel - the engines were thirsty. Boat ran flatter than some of the other DB's I have been on. Click to expand...

• Oct 4, 2016

FootballFan said: I'll jump in, having owned a 47DB for a couple of years. The original plan was to own the boat till summer of 17, then move to a larger boat. Sold this past summer. Currently shopping for our next boat, something closer to 60 LOA. Did a lot of research over a year or two when I was evaluating where to move in our next boat (the 47DB). Was very difficult because you could not just go out to a forum and easily find people that had actual hands on experience with the boat. Had all kinds of discussion around why SR dropped the boat with different industry people. Heard a lot of different "stories", not sure about the actual facts. What do I think based on what I learned? When this boat came out for the 08 model year, it was positioned as a very high end boat - fully loaded. The options you could add were very limited - whether you wanted the bench seat in the master or the drawers. 3 or 4 things like that. The only big options were Hydraulic Swim Platform or Stern thruster. They hit the market with a fully loaded finish out and a price tag well over a M$ list right about the time the economy tanked, boat market died. People were coming in seeing two boats, roughly the same size - one with a list several hundred thousand less. The market died on them I think. If you look at the layout of DB's - pretty similar - they just get larger. My opinion, by the time the market started to turn back positive - someone at SR had the vision for the L class and that's where the effort was put. Who knows. Aft Galley. We absolutely loved it. Nothing negative about it for us. Master Stateroom. Loved it. Haven't seen that type of space in a full beam master on a 50' LOA boat. Step up in the Salon. For those who don't like the boat - usually one of the top 2-3 reasons. For us, it was ok. 2 Cabins. This is a 2 cabin boat. If you need 3 staterooms, not the boat for you. There was an option on the build, just never saw it. (I was on 8 or so 47DB's before we bought one). If I was in the market for a 50' LOA flybridge, this boat would be at the top of my list. My only hesitation would be the engines, all that I ever saw in any of the boats I looked at were QSC600. Someone brought up the point earlier I agree with. You need to decide on Dancer vs Fly Bridge first. What will fit your boating requirements best. Happy to answer any questions, Mark Click to expand...

Zach312 said: What was your fuel burn at cock tail cruise, normal running speed, WOT? Click to expand...

Zach312 said: Thanks Mark Could you explain further your hesitation around the engines with this boat? Click to expand...

• Oct 5, 2016

Thanks Mark, What was your speed at 80% load?  

19-20 knots based on sea conditions. That was fully loaded, Dinghy on the back. Half fuel, no Dinghy, ran 25-26 Kn during WOT.  

Forum statistics

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• Email Newsletters
• Boat of the Year
• 2024 Freshwater Boat and Gear Buyers Guide
• 2024 Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Water Sports Boat Buyers Guide
• 2024 Pontoon Boat Buyers Guide
• Cruising Boats
• Pontoon Boats
• Fishing Boats
• Personal Watercraft
• Water Sports
• Boat Walkthroughs
• What To Look For
• Watersports Favorites Spring 2022
• Boating Lab
• Boating Safety

Flying Bridge Versus Express

• By Peter Frederiksen
• Updated: July 21, 2020

Building a model within a model is a frequent theme at the Viking Yacht Company, utilizing a hull to build a variation of distinct choices that cater to the specific needs of its customers. The new inboard diesel-powered Viking 38 Billfish and the 38 Open Billfish are prime examples and provided a good opportunity to compare the two popular boat types.

With speed and range, the 38 Billfish is a midsize convertible sport-fisherman that doubles nicely as a bluewater tournament contender, with ample overnight accommodations for the cruising family. The result is a nice compromise that covers all the bases when flexibility is required to meet a variety of on-the-water missions and experiences. Despite the flying-bridge boat’s amenities and features, Viking provides alternate opportunities in the same length overall with the 38 Open Billfish, an express-style cruiser that checks all the boxes in a handsome, racy-looking package. Faced with these choices, deciding which model best suits your needs requires due diligence, but it’s a fun ride and worth the trip to examine each boat to appreciate what makes it special.

The 38 Billfish has an open flying bridge with a topside walk-around helm station. The visibility is excellent because of the height above the water, giving the operator an unobstructed view to all 32 points of the compass, perfect for fishing while watching the baits, as well as negotiating the surroundings while underway. Flanking lounges as well as a seat forward of the console provide ample room for guests to spread out and relax while taking in the views. A raised fiberglass dash is home for electronic navigation and communication equipment, as well as a fiberglass helm pod that can be customized with faux-teak finish, single-lever engine controls, and a stainless-steel steering wheel. The SeaStar Solutions Optimus steering is obedient and responsive, and delivers swift maneuverability with a light touch on the wheel. A ladder-back Release helm chair is standard. The available fiberglass hardtop and the Costa Clear enclosure provide weather protection. The Viking-made composite hardtop also features a compartment for recessed teaser reels, additional engine instrumentation and tri-color overhead lights.

In place of the flybridge station, the 38 Open’s helm is on the main deck, a few steps from the 109-square-foot cockpit. Unlike the flybridge helm where the operator is in his own world while running the boat and somewhat isolated from the activity in the cockpit, the 38 Open’s skipper is in the middle of the action, a feature that appeals to fishermen who are apt to go boating short-handed of regular crew. Adding more conversation points, the command-deck helm comprises its center of attention with a companion seat to port and flanking L-shaped lounges. Guests sit high on the seats, affording good visibility and sociability with the helmsman. Electrically powered actuators lift the lounges for engine-room access, similar to the 38 Billfish. Mechanical installations—like those found aboard its stablemate—are top-notch.

To enhance visibility at the helm, the operator stands on a raised platform or sits in a Release Marine helm seat. A fiberglass pod contains the engine controls and steering wheel, while electronics and a radio box nest forward and to port of the helm. A Costa Clear enclosure keeps the weather at bay.

Our Take: Compared to an express-style sans tower, a flybridge boat will always have a better view from the helm thanks to its height above the waterline.

Performance

Performance-wise, the Open Billfish is about 2 knots faster at top-end speed. Part of this is due to the approximate 1-ton difference in weight, but also the Palm Beach Towers’ tuna tower produces less wind resistance than the flybridge and its enclosure. Visibility from the tower is superb, and operating the 38 Open from the tower is an experience, not only for fishing but also when running through the shallows while exploring the Bahamas, where reading the water is a critical factor. So, it makes sense for many boaters to buy a tower for an express boat such as the 38 Open, unless bridge clearance is an issue. An express boat with the helm closer to water level needs to plane quickly for better sightlines—a factor not as relevant with a flying-bridge boat—so check that it does so when shopping. Both Billfish models proved sturdy handlers. The raked entry and 12-degree transom deadrise smooth out the ruts in a seaway.

Our Take: It’s a tie…with a slight edge to the express, if top speed is a hot button for you.

The three-sided deckhouse of the 38 Billfish with 81 inches of headroom is straightaway-practical, with creature comforts and ease of upkeep. Molded nonslip on the fiberglass sole provides sure-footedness and fast cleanups. The port side features a fiberglass table surrounded by a U-shaped lounge for four that converts to a berth for two. A nearby refrigerator keeps drinks handy without the need for ice runs to fill a cockpit cooler. A second lounge is on the starboard-side, which also conceals fishing-rod stowage below.

If desired, the 38 Billfish also can be ordered with a lower helm station in place of the starboard bench-style seat. This has become a popular option with boaters choosing to extend their season in the northern climes, as well as for those in tropical areas looking for more sun protection. The lower helm also can be equipped with reverse-cycle air conditioning, and climate control can be regulated by dropping the Costa Clear aft command-deck enclosure. Having an inviting salon means that when you come back from a day of fishing or cruising, there is a sizable and fully protected area to relax on the boat, an item that a large center console simply does not offer. Similarly, if you are looking for a place to have a meal, the deckhouse area is a well-suited social area.

As much as the 38 Billfish brings to the party with comfort and amenities, the 38 Open Billfish matches its sistership while approaching its mission with a totally different outlook and style. With its express panache, the 38 Open appears in fluid motion even while tied to the dock. The curved wraparound aluminum-frame windshield melds neatly in the fiberglass deck structure, while the Palm Beach Towers’ tuna tower is the icing on the cake.

Aboard the 38 Open Billfish, a bi-fold glass-and-aluminum door leads to the air-conditioned lower accommodations. A teak staircase descends to a spacious cabin that takes full advantage of the boat’s 14-foot beam. An in-line galley to port carries the same appliances as the 38 Billfish, including the electric cooktop, microwave/convention oven, refrigerator and freezer, Corian countertops and stainless-steel sink, and similar stowage capacity for cookware and utensils. The lounge on the starboard-side also includes nap space and stowage galore, and serves as a comfortable perch for watching the flat-screen television on the aft bulkhead. A table would be a nice addition, although none was available on our test boat, hinting perhaps at the builder’s approach to make the 38 Open Billfish a more casual vessel rather than a full-fledged convertible. Nonetheless, one step up from the Amtico vinyl sole is a pair of berths in the forepeak that feature a double and single bunk in crossover style. The enclosed head was surprisingly large, especially the fiberglass shower stall.

Aboard the 38 Billfish, a glass-and-aluminum door leads to the air-conditioned lower accommodations with Amtico flooring, a galley, head and private sleeping area. Viking’s hallmark craftsmanship shines, with abundant high-gloss teak joinery, maple-lined cabinetry, drawers and hanging lockers. The L-shaped galley is equipped with an electric two-burner cooktop, a microwave/convection oven, stainless-steel sink, Corian countertops, refrigerator, freezer, and an eye-level AC/DC power-distribution panel.

Similar attention to detail is found in the enclosed head with Corian counters, vanity and medicine cabinet, fiberglass shower stall and Dometic marine toilet.

The master stateroom with an island double berth features an innerspring mattress, flat-screen television, stereo system with CD/DVD player, a pair of maple-lined hanging lockers and a Bomar hatch for ventilation. An optional layout offers double and single crossover berths.

Our Take: With its semi-enclosed deckhouse, the 38 Billfish has an amenities edge over the 38 Open’s express layout.

Cockpit/Bow

The cockpits of both boats are nearly identical and, as you would expect from Viking, proved well-equipped for fishing, cruising, diving and entertaining, with four flush rod holders and rounded coamings with tri-color lighting below. A walk-through transom door with a lift gate makes boarding easy from the dock or from the water, if you decide to add a fiberglass swim platform. The molded transom fish box doubles as a livewell or stowage compartment for dive gear. Raw- and freshwater washdown systems are standard, and for convenience there is a dockside water connection with a pressure-releasing valve under the forward gunwale. A pair of insulated fish boxes, each 45-by-18-by-16 inches, drain out through an auto sump pump and double as dry-stowage bins if needed. A lazarette hatch leads below to steering and plumbing systems. Each lockable hatch is outfitted with a thick gasket and stainless-steel gas pistons. A bait freezer, tackle and gear stowage, an aluminum mounting plate laminated into the sole to accommodate a fishing chair or a table stanchion, a fiberglass boarding box and a 50-amp/220-volt dockside electrical connection are among a long list of standard items on both models.

Note too that an aluminum bow rail is standard on each model, though many owners opt to have this item omitted during the build cycle. However, Viking laminates backing plates in the deck should you choose to install a bow rail at a later date. Another foredeck feature on each boat is a freshwater line in the anchor-rode locker to rinse salt water or mud from the rode before storing it in the well. It also serves as a way to clean off the bow area without dragging a hose aboard from the dock.

Our Take: Tie: Both the Billfish and the Open offer excellent cockpit and foredeck accoutrements.

Rigging and Service Access

On the 38 Billfish, a centerline hatch plus both lounges, which lift with electrical actuators, access the Awlgrip-finished engines and machinery compartment. Viking is well-regarded for its engine rooms, and these smaller Vikings are cut from the same cloth. Finish, light and service access proved terrific. A five-point oil-transfer system empties and fills the engines, transmissions and generator. A Delta T ventilation system with supply and discharge fans induces proper fresh air for combustion and provides water-intrusion suppression to keep the engine room dry.

Fittings are labeled, wires for 110-, 24- and 12-volt service are chafe-protected and runs properly supported, plumbing fixtures are bonded, and there is even room for a Seakeeper SK 6 gyrostabilizer. A 9 kW Onan generator is standard with a fuel/water separator and provides ample power for equipment, other electrical accessories and entertainment items. A 13.5 kW Onan genset is optional. Viking also offers prep and pre-wire options for later-to-be-installed accessories such as watermakers and ice machines.

Our Take: Tie: Service access and rigging are as good as it gets aboard both boats.

Construction

Both Billfish models feature a blister-resistant modified-vinylester resin in the hull skin, with a custom-blended polyester resin in structural laminates, topsides, bridges and hardtops. Isophthalic gelcoat shows well, with a deep, glossy finish. The hull is molded fiberglass, combining closed-cell foam and end-grain balsa in selected areas to enhance strength and stiffness, along with composite bulkheads and fiberglass stringers. Fiberglass side through-hull fittings add a custom touch to the boats.

Our Take: Tie: Both boats naturally share the same excellent construction for which Viking Yachts is renowned.

What’s the quick takeaway? The Viking 38 Billfish offers more comfort for cruising or entertaining by virtue of its deckhouse. The Viking 38 Open offers faster top speeds and lower bridge clearance (if one forgoes the purchase of a tower). If a midsize inboard is on your short list and you can’t decide between a flying-bridge boat or an express, comparing these new Viking models is a great place to start.

Viking 38 Billfish

How We Tested

Engines: Twin 542 hp Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel inboards

Props: 4-blade Acme nibral

Gear Ratio: ZF 280 1A 2.227:1

Fuel Load: 230 gal.

Water Load: 69 gal.

Price: $1,097,424 (as tested)

Viking 38 Open Billfish

Gear Ratio: ZF 2.227:1

Fuel Load: 285 gal.

Price: $1,142,959 (as tested)

Viking Yacht Company – 609-296-6000; vikingyachts.com

• More: Boats , express fishing , Fishing Boats , versus , viking yachts

Boat Test: 2024 Viaggio Lago V 16U

Boat Test: 2024 Sea Pro 292DLX Offshore

Boat Test: 2024 Parker Offshore 2900 CC

Boat Test: 2024 Bass Cat Jaguar STS

Suzuki Marine Initiates Sustainable, Ethanol-Free Marine Fuels Plan in Florida

Boat Test: 2024 Pursuit DC 306

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Boating may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2024 Boating Firecrown . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Secondhand boat buying guide: four 40ft flybridge yachts reviewed

A 40ft flybridge is a great cruiser with enough space and clever layout. We review four secondhand boats on the market now: Jeanneau Velasco 43, Oyster Powerline 390, Princess 414 and Fairline Phantom 40

If you had to come up with the perfect type and size of family boat for UK waters, the 40ft flybridge cruiser would be right up there, a theory backed up by the sheer number in south coast marinas from Brighton to Falmouth. Big enough to go properly offshore, twin engines will give Channel-crossing confidence as well as manoeuvrability in harbours, where their relatively compact size makes handling manageable for two people. The layout works well too, with an open-air helm for good weather and an indoor driving position for days full of liquid sunshine. The ‘patio’ doors and a large windowed saloon make them perfect floating apartments while most have a family-friendly two cabin layout. Add in relative affordability and it’s easy to see the appeal. So this week we bring you four prime examples, from a well loved old Princess via a quirky Oyster Powerline through to an alternative Jeanneau hybrid design to a ‘staple diet’ Fairline.

Jeanneau Velasco 43

Jeanneau seems to have a model range for every niche but it hasn’t stopped them inventing a new one to fill. Launched in 2013 initially as the 43 Voyager before a sudden name change to Velasco, this concept is a cross between a long distance trawler and a fast port-hopping flybridge cruiser.

Recommended videos for you

There is plenty of trawler thinking on the inside. From fundamental things like the trawler-style galley forward on the main deck and the sliding door next to the helm through to more subtle hints at long distance cruising such as the massive storage voids beneath the main deck floor, one big enough to house a washing machine. On the lower deck it’s a two-cabin, two- heads layout. The guest cabin, with its two single berths infilling to create a double, is pushed back, which leaves space for a large ensuite master cabin forward.

The most obvious nod to the trawler-esque thinking is the forward sloping windscreen rather than the usual sleeker raked back look. With thin mullions it offers terrific visibility and it gives the boat a distinctive, purposeful look. Interestingly, Jeanneau has reverted to a swept back screen for its latest version, now called the Velasco 43F. Likewise, the mast-like radar support on the flybridge has been ditched in favour of a conventional arch.

Performance

Bucking the trend again, there are no Volvo motors on the options list, just a default choice of twin Cummins QSB6.7L producing 380hp and running through vee drives for a top speed of 27 knots.

That cruiser/trawler hybrid concept is more than just styling and marketing puff. The hull of the Velasco is also modified with fuller forward sections, a shallow keel and a small bow bulb to allow efficient comfortable long distance cruising as well as running well at planing speeds. It’s largely successful at doing so too, although it can ship a fair bit of water at planing speeds in choppy seas.

At a glance…

Built: 2013 Price: £279,950 LOA: 44f t11in (13.7m) Beam: 13ft 6in (4.1m) Draught: 3ft 7in (1.1m) Displacement: 10.1 tonnes Fuel Capacity: 1,200 litres Engines: Twin Cummins QSB 6.7 380hp diesels For Sale: Burton Waters Sales

Oyster Powerline 390

Famous for its high end sailing yachts, Oyster dabbled with the motor boat market in 2005, building the elegant ‘gentleman’s motor yacht’ LD43 until 2011. What’s less well known is that this wasn’t Oyster’s first foray into motor boats. In 1989 the company brought out a very conventional looking 40ft flybridge cruiser called the Powerline 390. It was intended to be the first of a range of flybridge cruisers, but was the only Powerline model, due partly to the 1990s recession.

Oyster didn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel with this boat so the layout is entirely conventional. There’s a master cabin in the bow, a guest cabin with twin bunks to starboard and the galley opposite on the lower deck with the lower helm and saloon up on the main deck. Finish is good, as you’d hope from Oyster, with a light ash veneer, and the company’s yacht builder roots show through in things like the fiddled horizontal surfaces and large chart table at the helm.

Maximum geek points if you spotted Humber 38 underpinnings. In fact Oyster adopted that boat’s John Bennett-designed hull when Humber moved on to launch its aft cabin Humber 40, but fitted its own deck and superstructure. And it’s undeniably a handsome-looking boat for its era, with more curves than were typically the norm back in the 1980s. The flybridge is accessed by a ladder and the transom has a semi transom door formed by a cutaway.

Twin Cummins 6BTAs were the engines of choice for the Powerline 390, in either 250hp or 300hp guise. This boat has the latter, which should push the top speed to 30 knots.

Unusually for a full planing boat, the hull has a keel that extends to nine inches at its maximum, offering some protection to the sterngear and helps it track straight at low speed in strong beam winds. It’s a solid feeling boat and a relatively quiet one too.

Built: 1991 Price: £85,000 LOA: 39ft 7in (12.1m) Beam: 13ft 8in (4.2m) Draught: 3ft 0in (0.9m) Displacement: 10 tonnes Fuel Capacity: 1,090 litres Engines: Twin Cummins 6BTA 300hp diesels For Sale: TBS Boats

Princess 414

Old boats generally offer a huge amount of bang for buck, but that’s because they’re, well, old. Old electrics, old upholstery, old carpet, old navigation equipment. Not this one though, because all of that was replaced during a 2016 refit that even saw new tanks installed and the engines removed and overhauled by a Volvo Penta main dealer. Total cost? More than the current asking price…

The only aft cabin boat of our quartet this month, the interior stretches from end to end. And bear in mind that this was a 41ft boat when they were measured to the transom, not to the end of an extended bathing platform! As a result, the accommodation is palatial. A huge ensuite master cabin dominates the rear section beneath the aft deck, a large saloon sits amidships and further forward there’s a big dinette opposite the galley plus a guest cabin with centreline double berth in the bow.

The payoff for that aft cabin layout is a raised aft deck. More exposed than an aft cockpit and lacking the shelter of a flybridge overhang, it’s still big and does have one particularly useful feature. Where virtually all flybridge boats of this era had ladders to scale in order to reach the flybridge, on this boat it’s a couple of steps — easy to negotiate and it connects these two areas well.

The other trade-off with older boats is less powerful engines than we’re used to these days. But in this case the boat has a pair of entirely reasonable Volvo Penta TAMD 60C 255hp motors. No, you won’t be hitting the magic 30 knots, but it should top-out toward the mid twenties and cruise in the high ‘teens, perfect for a classy old lady.

One of the last of the John Bennett hulls before Princess switched to Bernard Olesinski, it’s a conventional planing hull with a modified deep-vee hull that combines deep forward sections with a flatter aft profile for seakeeping and speed.

Built: 1989 Price: £99,500 LOA: 41ft 2in (14.7m) Beam: 13ft 0in (4.0m) Draught: 3ft 0in (0.9m) Displacement: 9 tonnes Fuel Capacity: 1,182 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 60C 255hp diesels For Sale:   Global Yacht Brokers

Fairline Phantom 40

The early noughties was considered by many to be a golden era for Fairline boats, and the really good news is that the exemplary build quality echoed through the range from the flagship Squadron 78 downwards. So even buyers of 40-foot flybridge boats like this one benefit from fantastic attention to detail.

Nowhere is that more obvious than inside, where the high quality wood has a superyacht level of finish to it and that attention to detail includes a sturdy handrail recessed into the saloon headlining. The layout is the usual master forward, twin cabin to starboard with both having decent sized ensuites (the guest cabin accessing the day heads). There’s also a folding sofa bed cunningly hidden beneath the saloon settee taking sleeping capacity to an occasional six.

Again, pretty unadventurous but even so, beautifully appointed, the deck area of the Phantom 40 simply works well. Bathing platform and cockpit are teak laid as standard, side decks are 10 inches wide and protected by strong, high rails and the flybridge offers triple seats at the helm and a huge dinette aft.

When it was launched in 2003, Fairline fitted a pair of Volvo Penta TAMD 63 engines in either L (316hp) or P (370hp) specification, with twin Caterpillar 3126 units of 355hp or 385hp as an option, which offered top speeds in the high 20 knots. Later boats (like this one) moved on to the D series that Volvo Penta brought out in 2005, which in the case of the 435hp versions fitted to this boat, lift the top end beyond 30 knots.

Like everything else on this boat, the hull design is entirely predictable, being a Bernard Olesinski design, but like everything else, all the better for it. It extends beneath the bathing platform for maximum planing surface area aft and features semi-tunnelled propellers for a straighter, more efficient shaft angle and lower engines.

Built: 2009 Price: £229,000 LOA: 41ft 2in (12.53m) Beam: 13ft 0in (4.0m) Draught: 3ft 3in (1.0m) Displacement: 11.6tonnes Fuel Capacity: 990 litres Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D6-435 435hp diesels For Sale:   Global Yacht Brokers

VIDEO: Princess F45 first look

We get on board the Princess F45 after its global debut at the 2019 Düsseldorf Boat Show

10 Most iconic Fairline motor yachts of all time

Oundle-based Fairline Yachts started building boats in 1967 and in the last 51 years they have created a stunning range

The ultimate long-range explorer yacht is available for co-ownership

4 of the best motor boats under £50k to buy right now, technohull alpha 50 first look: new rapid performance rib, latest videos, bluegame bgm75 sea trial: the €6.8m powercat that thinks its a monohull, cormate chase 32 tour: fast, stylish and practical weekender, axopar 29 sea trial: sun top vs cross cabin – which is best, sunseeker ocean 182 – see how this compact superyacht copes in a wet and windy sea trial.

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge [Boat Review]

April 21, 2020 4:22 pm

A sistership of substance: the hatteras 70 motor yacht enclosed bridge is surprisingly like the builder’s 100-footer..

This article originally appeared in the August 2017 edition of Yachts International magazine , written by Chris Casewell .

I looked all around the marina for the Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht Enclosed Bridge , but I couldn’t spot it. I saw a Hatteras 100 with a raised pilothouse, but it wasn’t until I stood next to what I thought was another 100 that I realized it was the 70. The notch in her sheerline, the twin lozenge-shaped windows in the topsides, the upswept chines forward: all were identical, just in a package 30 feet shorter.

What really threw me was the wraparound windshield that Hatteras included, in addition to the 70s main-deck windows and flybridge windows. That wrap around had to be a raised pilothouse, I thought— but I was wrong. The clever design feature, seen from the inside, acts as a skylight that floods the country kitchen-style galley and dining area with light.

Hatteras built this particular 70 for a couple who have owned a long line of Hatteras models. They’ve had enough sun and wind on open bridges for a lifetime. The enclosed bridge gives them a mini-sky lounge in addition to all the other features of the standard 70 Motor Yacht.

To my eye, the enclosed bridge’s most striking fea­ture is the windshield: a single piece of curved glass that stretches unbroken the full width of the house. It is so panoramic that the enclosed bridge feels open. Also in his space are Pompanette pedestal seats for the skipper and a companion, a raised platform with settee and table, and a console with pop-up TV, fridge and ice maker.

Just outside, the upper deck can handle a nearly 12-foot (3.6-m eter) Walker Bay Generation 360 ten­der, with more space for twin grills. Compact helm stations are on each side of the deck, with full con­trols and visibility for docking.

Heading down from the upper deck, I saw the second big difference between the enclosed and open bridge ver­sions of the Hatteras 70 Motor Yacht: an interior staircase for use in all weather. In addition to those stairs, the builder offers two main-deck layouts. One has a formal dining area for eight abaft the galley, while the other— which was on this yacht— has a wraparound dinette in the galley forward. The latter version (ideal for families with lots of kids and grandkids) increases the salon space, allowing for a media zone with pop-up TV.

II I had to choose one word for the 70’s salon, it would be comfy. A standalone recliner chair is aft, near the sliding doors to the cockpit (that chair shouts, “Read a book here!”), and the couch and otto­man are positioned for movie-watching. The galley is steps away for munchies.

Outside, the aft deck has four teak and stainless steel director’s chairs facing a transom se tte e across an inlaid teak table— and the finish on that table is as noteworthy as the rest of the Hatteras craftsmanship throughout the yacht. From the warm teak planking of the cockpit to the intricate inlays of the salons pop-up TV console, Hatteras did a world-class job. The whitewashed oak sole in the salon entryway is a pleasant balance to the warm European walnut bulk­heads and cabinetry with a satin finish. A thoughtful touch, especially with kids abounding, is the day head with oversized sink, next to the galley. Below decks, accommodations include a full- beam master suite aft with walk-in closet, twin van­ity, head with shower, and bureaus and another vanity to starboard. In the bow is an ensuite VIP stateroom with island berth. A second guest stateroom is to star­board off the central companionway, with a double berth and access to the lower day head. A fourth stateroom has twins that use the day head as well. Two additional cabins are for a captain and mate.

Standard power for the 70 Motor Yacht is a pair of 1,600-horsepower Caterpillar C 32s, b u t this yacht’s owners upped the ante with the optional 1,800-horse- power version, which gives her a top speed around 30 knots and a com lortable cruise of 25 to 27 knots.

Additional standard equipment includes fin stabilizers, tw in 27.4 kW gensets, a dual-prop bow thruster and underwater lights. Best of all, however, is the fully enclosed, air-conditioned bridge that makes cruising so pleasant.

Just don’t be surprised if your guests can’t find your yacht because it looks so big. What a delightful problem.

Latest News

NEWS | July 17, 2024

Charter yacht profile: 135′ horizon stay salty.

Charter Yacht Profile: 135′ Horizon STAY SALTY This 135-foot-long Horizon is the perfect charter yacht for exploring the Bahamas. This article was written by Bill Springer. Photography courtesy of Denison Yachting. What makes a great charter yacht? It’s a question I’ve been asking charter brokers for many

NEWS | July 10, 2024

Mike horn’s four-year expedition: the final frontier.

Mike Horn’s Four-Year Expedition: The Final Frontier As he undertakes a four-year expedition onboard Pangaea, Mike Horn explains the power of yachting in global exploration and his plans to encourage the next generation of explorers. This article was written by Rachel Ingram. Photography courtesy of Mike Horn.

Monaco Yacht Show [Save the Date]

Monaco Yacht Show [Save the Date]   Wednesday-Saturday | September 25-28, 2024 Join us at the Monaco Yacht Show on the quays of Monaco’s Port Hercule. The MYS is the only yacht show worldwide devoted exclusively to superyachts at least 25 meters in length. Since 1991,

Hatteras GT45 Express Bridge Boat Review

November 1, 2019

Newport Beach, California

Author, Zach Zorn / Kusler Yachts Sales Professional / California Hatteras Dealer

While on the plane headed home from my most recent visit of the Hatteras factory in New Bern, North Carolina, I took time to reflect on what truly goes into building a yacht from the ground up. Only after several factory visits was I fully able to appreciate the level of engineering, the thousands of labor hours, and the unwavering commitment that is poured into every Hatteras build. From buckets of resin and rolls of fiberglass, motor and sportfishing yachts from 40’ to over 100’ take form as each vessel moves through different stages transforming an empty hull into a pedigree yacht capable of traversing the five oceans at 40+ knots in utmost luxury.

Contact Kusler Yachts with any questions.

With production in full swing, one particular Hatteras GT series model was occupying a large amount of factory space. The Hatteras GT45 Express has quickly become a highly desirable platform for owner-operators who desire a compact sportfisher that is simple to run, easy to clean up, and offers luxurious accommodations that family and friends will benefit from. Earlier this year our brokerage, Kusler Yachts, the West Coast Hatteras dealer, delivered a Hatteras GT45X Flybridge to Southern California, which is the vessel used for this review.

The GT45X is offered in several configurations, including an open, an express, and a flybridge model. The GT45X Flybridge that we delivered is powered with the optional twin Caterpillar C-18’s, putting out a total of 2,270 horsepower which effortlessly pushes the boat to a 30+ knot cruise and 40 knot top end. All Hatteras’s use resin-infused foam core with a solid fiberglass hull bottom which results in a stronger and lighter construction clearly evident in the performance numbers. The GT45X has a length overall, including a bow pulpit, of 47’7”, a beam of 16’6”, fuel capacity of 800 gallons, freshwater capacity of 100 gallons and a displacement weight of 49,700 pounds.

Upon entering the lower helm deck, a virtually unobstructed 360 degree view immediately stands out. A one piece curved windshield matched with sweeping side windows creates an inviting and open feel. With this type of visibility, spotting fishing without going up into the flybridge is very do able. Three helm chairs make up the forward part of the lower helm deck, with the captain’s chair being centered. Our GT45X has the optional teak helm chairs along with teak helm pods in both driving locations. The addition of teak creates a level of eloquence and style that is unmatched by other materials. Two large Garmin touchscreen units are located in front of the driver that show charts, sonar, radar, AV, and FLIR data. The Garmin units are flanked by engine screens, VHF radios, Seakeeper control, ZipWake, HattConn system and all of the other necessary toggles and controls needed to operate the vessel. Located behind the helm chairs, to port, is an L-shaped seating area that offers plenty of space for guests to lounge. To starboard are storage compartments plumbed with air conditioning and heating vents, and by zipping up the rear enclosure the lower helm deck can become fully enclosed

Exiting the rear of the helm deck brings us to the mezzanine seating and into the cockpit. Since Hatteras is built on fishing legacy, the cockpit is well appointed with anglers in mind. Below the mezzanine seating, which is located to port, is a freezer perfect for frozen baits or when additional freezer space is needed on extended trips. Our test boat is plumbed for a west coast style bait tank, however the transom live well and removable wing tanks have offered plenty of bait capacity so far this season. Two large insulted fish boxes are located below the cockpit, with the port box being refrigerated. Access to the lazarette is made easy through a cockpit hatch, where bilges, running gear and other components can be inspected. An upgraded Fusion sound system, Eskimo ice maker and additional tackle storage rounds out the cockpit area.

After climbing up a six rung ladder, one finds themselves in the GT45X flybridge. Again two teak helm chairs, a teak helm pod, and full electronics system makes the flybridge extremely functional and versatile. Seating is located along the starboard side of the bridge and in front of the console, that is off-set lightly to port. For those hardcore fishermen, or for those that want to take in the view, the flybridge is the place to be. With a pair of gyro stabilized binoculars in hand, fish should be concerned. Hydraulically controlled outriggers and twenty three stainless steel rocket launchers ensures there is little downtime when on the fishing grounds. From the bridge, both the bow and stern are easily visible which makes docking and fish handling effortless. This GT45X has the optional electric bow truster, pulpit, and a West Coast stainless steel bow rail.

Interior access is through a sliding door located starboard of the driving station on the lower helm deck. Entering the interior you are greeted with full galley to starboard and L-shaped seating area to port. Being a 45’ vessel, interior space is not lacking in the slightest. The spacious granite countertop, two burner electric stove, stainless steel sink, microwave oven and over-under stainless fridge/freezers gives owners and crew the option to prepare a full homestyle meal or a quick bite while in the zone. This boat has the optional extra refrigerator and freezer, making for a total of two a piece which is the preferred option in my opinion. Above the galley is the signature Hatteras skylight that brings natural light down below. The interior is composed of teak, holly and natural walnut in a satin finish. As mentioned, across from the galley is a seating area with dining table. The GT45X is offered in two lower configurations, a single stateroom or a two stateroom layout. This boat has the two stateroom option, meaning the dining seating area is made smaller with the addition of a bunk room. Forward of the dining area, on the port side, is a bunk room with over under bunkbeds along with storage space, a skylight and other comforts of home. Opposite the bunk room is a full head with vanity and separate enclosed shower where the natural walnut, stainless hardware and attention to detail continues. Located all the way forward, in the bow, is the master stateroom that makes one feel as if they just entered a Ritz-Carlton suite rather than a sportfisher. Hanging lockers and cabinet space flank the queen birth, and head access is available from the master.

Last but not least is the heart of the GT45X, the engine room. Again space isn’t an issue even in an engine room with twin C-18 Cat’s. A Cummins Onan 17kw generator is mounted aft in the engine room giving way to space around the mains. The owner of this GT45X asked for the Seakeeper 6 to be custom mounted in the engine room to allow space for a Furuno Omni sonar to be added. Other necessary components are housed in the engine room such as the water maker, oil changer system, battery banks, and the like. Owners and mechanics will both greatly appreciate the layout and configuration of this space.

For 60 years Hatteras has been creating a legacy for others to chase and an unmatched experience for a fortunate few to enjoy. With the sportfisher GT series spanning five models from 45’ to 70’, a platform is available to compliment any style of fishing and cruising that an owner desires. Speaking directly to the Southern California fisherman in the market for “pocket “sportfisher”, the GT45X should be at the very top of your list. After having the opportunity to fish on a wide range of platforms, I personally believe that the GT45X Flybridge is tailored perfectly for our style of fishing both local and off Baja. The GT45X is feature heavy but not in an overwhelming sense where a captain is needed or the owner is removed from the fishing action. The thoroughness that goes into the GT45X production makes a simple day trip for tuna easy and effortless, while offering the range, comfort and equipment needed to effectively fish Magdalena Bay and below. I recommend you experience the Hatteras difference today.

“Kusler Yachts is extremely happy that Hatteras Yachts now offers a brand new 45’ Flybridge.  The 45’ range is the perfect size for a family interested in getting into offshore fishing or cruising. Michael Kusler was fortunate enough to deliver a 2019 Hatteras GT45X Flybridge to Newport Beach, CA this summer. For more information about the 45 GT Express or other Hatteras models contact the West Coast California Hatteras dealer at (619) 831-8330 or [email protected] .

Article was written by Kusler Yachts sales professional Zach Zorn. As a native San Diegan, Zach found his passion for boating and fishing at an early age. With a BA degree from Point Loma Nazarene University, Zach has years of web development, product design and management experience. His unique and progressive approach, combined with his enthusiasm and desire to perfectly match sellers and buyers, is impeccable. His international travels add to his diverse knowledge of fishing and boats, while his attention to detail is key to the success of both. Feel free to contact Zach direct at  [email protected] .

Kusler Yachts has been in business since 2010 and is one of the most successful yacht brokerage’s in Southern California. Kusler Yachts is the San Diego California Albemarle, Cabo Yachts, Hatteras Yachts and Regulator Center Console dealer. Kusler Yachts San Diego Yacht Brokers have over 50 years of on-the-water experience .  Contact us today .

Visit Kusler Yachts at the Newport Boat Show April 25-28, 2019

Join kusler yachts at the miami yacht show feb 13-17, 2020.

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Boating Safety

Sabreline 42 Flybridge Sedan

• By George Sass, Jr.
• Updated: October 4, 2007

During many years spent aboard traditionally styled and built boats, I accepted (often unwillingly) that comfort and function would be sacrificed in the name of aesthetic appeal and that dated building techniques would limit performance. Yes, it was a joy to leave a mooring and watch the yacht gracefully tug on her lines, adding a touch of beauty to the anchorage. But good luck trying to set down a cup of coffee at the helm, find a place to properly arrange electronics or get comfortable in seating that resembles a church pew.

There is a middle ground between the aesthetic appeal of classic yachts and modern comfort, and Sabre-reaching out to those of us who prematurely surrendered to compromise-has found it. The builder has been perfecting the formula since introducing its first powerboat, a 36-foot double cabin model, in 1989. Today’s models include a 34-foot sedan, a 36-foot express and 43- and 47-foot trawler-style models, as well as the latest launch: the Sabreline 42 Flybridge Sedan.

This yacht has a 14-foot, 4-inch beam that allows for a 100-square-foot cockpit, rivaling the space on many convertibles the same size and larger. Yet the added interior volume does not hinder the 42’s lines. Her subtle sheer and unobtrusive house create a classic, purposeful appeal. Though the optional hardtop is a little harsh on the eyes from some angles, I would opt for it, the shelter it provides and the extra overhead space to stow a dinghy. The varnished teak caprail and eyebrow accents provide enough classic styling to keep the Sabreline true to her Maine roots.

Powering out of Government Cut in Miami, the modified deep-V hull with 16 degrees of deadrise aft planed effortlessly. The prop pockets reduce the angle of the drive gear, giving the 42 a shallow 3-foot, 9-inch draft. Put simply, this yacht’s handling characteristics are superb. She tracks well, backs like a car, is dry, turns within her own wake and meets any chop with a gentle motion.

Long after the sea trial, I found myself telling friends about the great ride we’d had. Several months after the test, I discussed the ride with Pat Clark of Boatworks Yacht Sales (a Sabreline dealer). Pat had sold hull number two, which left after only a few days of commissioning for her maiden voyage from Rowayton, Connecticut, to Key West. The captain, like me, was excited after his first days on board.

“He had no problems with the boat, zero, and averaged 23 knots,” Pat said. “The captain was raving.”

Our test boat had the optional 420 hp Yanmar 6CX diesels, which are slim and allow for a workable engineroom. Accessing the outboard side of the engines for service won’t result in handstands or bruised knuckles. Sabre’s engineers properly laid out all the mechanical components for easy access. A 12kW Westerbeke generator is standard, and a Northern Lights is optional. Some similar-size boats offer only an 8kW generator, which may not be sufficient for cruising with air conditioning in southern latitudes.

While piloting the 42, I peered over the horizon and wished we could keep going to the Bahamas. It was obvious a lot of thought went into the helm and flying bridge design. “We mocked the helm up several times before we went into production,” said Bentley Collins, Sabre’s marketing manager.

A foot recess allows a more natural, comfortable seating position than you’ll find on many other yachts. With the transom door open, the line of sight aft from the upper helm chair is unobstructed. You can easily judge the swim platform’s distance from the dock. The line of sight over the bow is also excellent. The molded-in electronics locker will easily house a chart plotter, radar, VHF, autopilot, depth/speed gauge, GPS and a few other gadgets. A settee with table is abaft the helm, but the area could benefit from a few extra handholds to grab onto in a seaway.

The hull is laid up with balsa-core on the sides and bottom, followed by knitted, biaxial fiberglass laminates. Sabre vacuum-bags the balsa-core to the hull to ensure a tight, void-free bond. Our test boat’s navy blue hull showed no signs of print-through, and the glass- work on the deck was well executed.

The 42’s beam is carried well forward and affords an honest two-stateroom, galley-down layout. The master stateroom with island berth has a large hanging locker, a bureau, good ventilation and direct access to the head. The head is spacious and includes a 25-by-47-inch shower stall with a seat and locker, Corian counters and an electric freshwater toilet.

Opposite, the guest cabin has two single berths, a good-size hanging locker and two hinged doors. The wide passageway gives the stateroom an open feel during the day, although I would choose sliding pocket doors to prevent crowding others in the passageway.

The down galley has plenty of counter space, a double stainless-steel sink, a built-in wastebasket, a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, a two-burner electric cooktop and a microwave/convection oven. The saloon is nicely finished with an L-shape settee, a dining counter (great for chart work), an entertainment center and a lower helm.

Like others who dock short-handed, I often prefer operating the boat from the lower station. Sabre makes doing so easy. The sliding door adjacent to the helm station allows for quick deck access to tend lines, and a beefy rub rail lets you use pilings to pivot and turn into a tight slip. There is a good 360-degree line of sight, even aft through the flying bridge ladder. Gauges are arranged for easy reference, and electronics space is good.

Sabre and its Sabreline series have successfully carved a niche, teaching even a die-hard traditionalist like myself that classic styling doesn’t necessarily mean antiquated design and techniques. It’s no wonder the builder continues to carry a significant order backlog. Some things are worth the wait.

Contact: Sabre Corp. (207) 655-3831; fax (207) 655-5050; www.sabreyachts.com .

• More: Express and Flybridge Cruisers , Long Range Cruisers , Sabre Yachts
• More Yachts

Bering Yachts Showcases Exploration

Merritt 88 Skybridge Reviewed

Tankoa Launches “Diamond Binta”

Duffie Boatworks 70 Reviewed

For Sale: Pershing 82 VHP

Sunseeker Predator 55 Prepares for Debut

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Dirty Duck Boat Rental

Hours updated a few days ago

Highlights from the Business

Established in 2000

Free parking

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

4905 Robins Cir

Osage Beach, MO 65065

You Might Also Consider

Stark Caverns

Take a journey through Missouri’s top-rated cave experience with a one-hour guided tour of Stark Caverns. We offer daily tours, black light tours and the country’s only in-cave escape room. Check out the hiking trails, gift shop,… read more

in Escape Games, Walking Tours, Parks

Boat Lift Marine Center

2.2 miles away from Dirty Duck Boat Rental

We are your premiere boat lift dealer at the Lake of the Ozarks.We specialize in providing you with the best qualityboat lifts around. We do service all types of lifts and we do have used lifts available - call for current… read more

Amenities and More

9 More Attributes

About the Business

10 Minutes From Party Cove! Family owned and operated for 17 years.We take water safety very seriously and make sure people are comfortable before they rent watercraft.We have competitive prices to make your vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks affordable. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Dirty Duck Boat Rental .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

These guys are awesome employees are very professional.There prices are very good. Best in Lake of the Ozarks.

These people were wonderful! The check in process was fast and efficient. The price point was reasonable. The boats are well maintained, clean, and reliable. We spent an afternoon on the water and left our car keys at another boat dock. At 630 pm as one of the last customers to check out for the day, the owner did not hesitate to give us a ride to grab the keys.

First time with DD was great. Very professional. Very helpful and patient with us. 22 ft pontoon was good size for our group of 4-6. Plan on about $299 total for 4 hours. Plan on 7% charge for using credit card, that's okay! We will GLADLY BE BACK!

I called and rented a boat in the middle of August for Labor Day weekend at Dirty Duck. Yes, I know Labor Day weekend is busy but that is no excuse for what we got. I rented a tritoon for 10 people and was charged $400 dollars for a piece of trash (I'll add some photos for you to check out as well). 1. The boats speaker DID NOT WORK. 2. The boat was in terrible condition- it looks as if it's being held together by bandages. YES! BANDAGES! 3. The boat had wires and cords sticking out all over the boat. 4. The boat went about 10 mph and NO FASTER. 5. The motor sounded as if it was REALLY struggling and was ABNORMALLY LOUD. Felt nervous the whole time, thinking was going to leave us stranded in the middle of the lake. 6. The inside of the boat was disgusting. The floors were damaged. The seats were old and dirty. 7. THE WORST PART- THE ANCHOR HAD A TINY ROPE THAT NEVER REACHED THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE. WHEN IT DID, WE WERE SO CLOSE TO THE EDGE OF THE LAKE, and WE WERE CONSTANTLY HAVING TO MOVE THE BOAT BECAUSE THE ANCOR WAS NOT HEAVY ENOUGH TO KEEP US ANCHORED DOWN IN ONE SPOT. This boat should not be allowed on the water. It's a safety hazard. Accident waiting to happen in it! I was so disappointed with this rental... find another place to rent from!

See all photos from Kaleigh-Ane S. for Dirty Duck Boat Rental

Had a great experience with them. The employees were great and helpful. There isn't that big of a selection but a decent amount. We had a pontoon and it was good.

We Rented a 24ft Tritoon for 4 hours ,the ladder was broken so it was very hard to get on and off the boat . Radio did not work AND they have limits on where we could and couldn't go .Will NOT rent from there ever again! PS we still had fun but would not recommend or go back ever again unfortunately!

Rented a pontoon for the early bird special. The crew was very helpful. The boat was nice and clean. The price was right and we had a blast would recommend dirty ducks to anybody who wants to rent a boat. No hidden costs or fees a great deal for the money.Go on a weekday the lake is a lot less crowded then a Saturday or weekend.

Asked for a boat with a working radio. Paid $500 for an 8 hour boat ride and no radio! They said they were fixing them "tomorrow". Our boat was raggedy and beat up. The anchor did not do its job and we couldn't stay in one spot for long. It made for a tiring day. Won't rent from here again.

This is our second pontoon rental with Dirty Duck and we couldn't have been more pleased. Everyone is helpful and friendly, the boats are clean, and the price was very good (we got the Dirty Bird Special). Even though it was a Thursday, it was very busy. They still took the time to explain everything and answer questions. We took the recommendations on where to take the boat (near the State Park), and we were very happy with that. Will make them a tradition to go with our yearly vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks.

My fiancee and I rented a 28 foot pontoon 09/01 for 8 hours. We were out driving and the boat stalled out of the blue. That's okay, we got it started back up. Then we get to some choppy water right in the channel, boats all around us and suddenly we are dead in the water a second time. We call Dirty Ducks and they want us to check the battery connection. Well we we're lucky the thumb screw was still there to attach the cable to the battery. We also asked for a good ladder that goes deep into the water to make entering the boat from the water easier. Well the rungs were round instead of flat like normal ladder. To raise the ladder you have to contort your body to be able to reach the ladder from the deck, reach under water and pull it up to secure it. Thank you for straining my back and my nerves. We finally bring the boat in. You can exit the boat from the front where they have us tied up next to a huge gas pump with no room to exit safely? No I am trying to close my out and my foot gets caught in one of the damn ropes. The side if the boat that has the door leads to water no dock...what the heck? The man up where you settle for gas and everything... egomaniac. After everything I am a wreck, and exhausted Trying to tell this guy that simple maintenance like battery connections should be standard operating procedure before you send passengers out....he is irrational yelling that I said he sabotaged the boat. Irrational...and no offer to make it right financially. So we had booked a 24 foot pontoon on 9/2 for 8 hours to take my son and his girlfriend out. Same thing boat stalls. We get it started back up but the motor is sputtering almost like it's got bad gas. We call, we tell them we are close to paradise, "well that's out of our range, you'll need to bring to boat back". What the HELL... OUT IF YOUR RANGE. So we get the boat back he checks the fuel filter and puts a ZIP TIE on the fuel line that had a kink. But he thinks we should keep the boat for 8 hours, and stay close by...well that makes me confident... NOT AT ALL! We are out, want our money back. He wants to charge us for an hour, and then doesn't want to in his words squabble over the sales tax. HELL YES WE WANT THAT BACK TOO. Take your own risk. If you have read this far.

14 other reviews that are not currently recommended

People Also Viewed

The Getaway Watercraft Rentals

Captain Mike Fink’s Marina Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

Captain Bob’s Boat Rental & Charters

Pointe Oasis

Bombay Boat Rental

Big Thunder Marine - Glencove

Pirate’s Point

Surdyke Yamaha

Lake Toons Boat Rental

Best of Osage Beach

Things to do in Osage Beach

People found Dirty Duck Boat Rental by searching for…

Party Boat Rental Osage Beach

Browse Nearby

Things to Do

Restaurants

Other Places Nearby

Find more Boat Charters near Dirty Duck Boat Rental

Find more Boating near Dirty Duck Boat Rental

Related Cost Guides

Boat Charters

Boudoir Photography

Bounce House Rentals

Event Photography

Valet Services

Videographers