Flybridge boats have long been a staple in the world of yachting, often viewed with a sense of practicality rather than flair. They are the vehicles that are generally associated with a more relaxed, steady cruising lifestyle—think Volvo estates in the world of cars. Though practical and undeniably sensible, they’ve often been pigeonholed as the domain of older boaters or those looking for a less adventurous boating experience. Yet, much like the unexpected appeal of a Volvo estate or a pair of comfortable slippers, there comes a moment when the allure of a flybridge cruiser becomes hard to ignore. As the weather turns colder, the thought of cruising in comfort with the warmth of a lower helm suddenly feels more enticing than battling with canopies in a wind-chilled cockpit. It’s during such moments that you may realize that these boats, with their spacious layouts, robust construction, and elevated helms, provide the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and style.
As someone who once found himself drawn into the world of flybridge boats, browsing through secondhand listings and discovering the charm of a Princess 38, I began to explore further, finding that a range of excellent 40ft flybridge yachts could be found on the secondhand market. Here, I’ve rounded up four of the best 40ft flybridge boats that are currently available, all offering something unique and special. Whether you’re drawn to the British craftsmanship of Princess or Fairline, the rugged practicality of Rodman, or the classic design of Grand Banks, there’s something for everyone in this category.
1. Princess 38 (Built: 2002, Price: £149,000)
The Princess 38, originally launched in 1999, has long been a favourite among those seeking the luxury and performance of a Princess Yacht in a more compact form. When Princess launched the 38, it marked the smallest model in their flybridge range—an entry-level cruiser that still offered the high-end craftsmanship the brand is known for. Today, the 38-foot flybridge has proven to be a timeless design, holding appeal for both first-time boat buyers and experienced owners.
Interior
The interior of the Princess 38 is defined by quality and attention to detail. The saloon features high gloss cherry cabinetry, and though the wood finish may feel a bit dated in some ways, the quality is unquestionable. This yacht exudes the same sense of luxury and attention to detail as larger Princess models, with stainless steel sliding doors that frame the saloon. The accommodation below deck includes two cabins—an owner’s forward cabin and a guest cabin to port—both served by a shared heads compartment, an efficient layout for a 38-footer. A standout feature is the option for a sideboard in the saloon instead of the usual settee, which enhances the boat’s usability.
Exterior
On the exterior, the flybridge features a pair of bucket seats at the helm, though accessing the navigator’s seat does require the helmsman to move, a slight inconvenience in an otherwise well-thought-out layout. The steps leading up to the flybridge are well designed and make for an easy transition to the top deck. The bathing platform is of a good size, allowing for easy access to the water.
Performance and Seakeeping
The Princess 38 is powered by twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63L 318hp diesel engines, which offer performance in the region of 30 knots, making it a capable cruiser for long-distance passages. The hull design extends under the bathing platform, increasing the waterline length, improving stability, and offering a smoother ride in various sea conditions.
Specifications
- Length Overall: 39ft 10in (12.1m)
- Beam: 12ft 6in (3.9m)
- Draft: 3ft 1in (0.9m)
- Displacement: 8.5 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 1,000 litres
- Engines: Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63L 318hp diesels
2. Fairline Phantom 38 (Built: 1997, Price: £119,950)
The Fairline Phantom 38 shares many similarities with the Princess 38, launched just two years earlier in 1997. Like the Princess, the Fairline Phantom 38 was designed to offer a compact cruiser with all the trimmings of a larger flybridge yacht. The Phantom 38 is often seen as the fair counterpart to the Princess 38, with a similar layout but with some distinguishing features that may appeal to different buyers.
Interior
On the interior, the Fairline Phantom 38 follows a similar design to the Princess, but with a notable difference in the layout. The key feature of the Phantom is the inclusion of a second head, providing both the owner and guest cabins with their own facilities—a sought-after luxury in a boat of this size. The rest of the interior is a bit tighter than the Princess, but still functional, with cherry wood finishes that complement the rest of the décor.
Exterior
Out on the deck, the Phantom’s flybridge features a central helm with two additional seats behind it, creating a more sociable setup than that of the Princess. The design of the hull is striking, with large windows offering a great view from the saloon, though the thicker styling mouldings at the base of the windows can obstruct the view from below deck.
Performance and Seakeeping
The Phantom 38 is powered by twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63P 370hp diesel engines, which give it the ability to hit speeds of 30 knots. The Olesinski-designed hull is known for its stability, providing a comfortable cruising experience, especially in rougher conditions.
Specifications
- Length Overall: 38ft 7in (11.7m)
- Beam: 12ft 8in (3.8m)
- Draft: 3ft 3in (1.0m)
- Displacement: 9.8 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 910 litres
- Engines: Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63P 370hp diesels
3. Rodman 38 (Built: 2002, Price: £119,950)
The Rodman 38 offers something a little different from the Princess and Fairline options. Built by the Spanish manufacturer Rodman, known for its rugged, commercial-grade builds, the 38 is a more utilitarian design, though it still offers plenty of cruising comforts. Despite being a newer design, the Rodman 38 appears somewhat dated compared to its British counterparts, due in part to its more traditional design elements. However, it offers rock-solid construction, making it a durable and reliable cruiser.
Interior
On the interior, the Rodman 38 offers a classic two-cabin layout with two heads. The use of polished wood in the ceiling and wooden flooring lends an air of durability and practicality, though it may not boast the refinement of some of its competitors. The layout provides a good balance of space and functionality, with the main living area offering comfortable seating for guests.
Exterior
The Rodman’s exterior is dominated by practical features, including a one-piece windscreen and a glass transom door. There are wide, teak-laid side decks that make for easy access around the boat, and plenty of grab handles provide stability when moving about. The flybridge has a more traditional design with ample seating and a well-placed helm.
Performance and Seakeeping
The Rodman 38 is equipped with twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63P 370hp engines, which provide ample power for this size of boat. With a top speed of around 31 knots, the Rodman 38 is a fast and capable cruiser, though it may not have the same agile performance as some of its competitors. Still, its solid construction and practical features make it an excellent choice for those who value reliability over sleekness.
Specifications
- Length Overall: 37ft 9in (11.5m)
- Beam: 12ft 9in (3.9m)
- Draft: 2ft 9in (0.9m)
- Displacement: 8.0 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 940 litres
- Engines: Twin Volvo Penta TAMD 63P 370hp diesels
4. Grand Banks 36 Sedan (Built: 1991, Price: £139,950)
The Grand Banks 36 Sedan is an altogether different breed of 40ft flybridge. While many of the boats in this category focus on high performance and sleek lines, the Grand Banks offers a more traditional cruising experience. Known for its heavy-duty, trawler-style yachts, Grand Banks brings a touch of timeless appeal to the flybridge market with its robust construction and classic design.
Interior
The Grand Banks 36 Sedan offers a spacious, well-lit saloon that is accessed through a sliding door in the aft bulkhead. The interior layout is focused on practicality, with a V-berth in the bow and a bunk cabin to port. This particular model is the Master Cabin layout, which trades the second guest cabin for a larger, more comfortable owner’s suite.
Exterior
The exterior of the Grand Banks is heavily influenced by its trawler yacht heritage, with wide side decks, raised bulwarks, and traditional ladder access to the flybridge. The hull is designed with a semi-displacement hull shape that allows the boat to push through heavy seas with ease, providing a comfortable and stable ride.
Performance and Seakeeping
With twin Cummins 210hp engines, the Grand Banks 36 Sedan offers a cruising speed of around 15 knots. Though not as fast as the other boats in this comparison, the Grand Banks is a steady performer, known for its reliability and comfort. The semi-displacement hull allows it to handle heavier seas better than some of its planing counterparts.
Specifications
- Length Overall: 36ft 8in (11.2m)
- Beam: 12ft 4in (3.8m)
- Draft: 3ft 9in (1.1m)
- Displacement: 9.6 tonnes
- Fuel Capacity: 1,400 litres
- Engines: Twin Cummins 210hp diesels
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the luxury and refinement of the Princess or Fairline, the rugged construction of the Rodman, or the timeless design of the Grand Banks, each of these 40ft flybridge yachts offers something distinct. The secondhand market provides ample options for buyers in this category, and with careful research, you can find a boat that matches your cruising needs perfectly.
The Princess 38, with its timeless elegance and excellent performance, remains a strong contender for those looking for a versatile cruiser. The Fairline Phantom 38, while also offering similar performance, adds an extra head and slightly different styling. The Rodman 38 caters to those looking for something more durable and practical, while the Grand Banks 36 Sedan appeals to those seeking a more traditional and stable cruising experience.
Happy Boating!
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