There's no question that the popularity of boating has grown substantially over the last 5 years and fueling that growth has been the luxury flybridge market. According to Grand View Research, the yacht market size will increase at an annual growth rate of 5.1% between now and 2030. When looking at boats over 40-feet, flybridge yachts are a popular segment of the powerboat market that has been a dominant factor in that growth in ownership.
Major shipyards like Azimut, Sanlorenzo, and Feadship have all reported strong orders and current build projects. In 2023, those shipyards were number one, two, and three respectively in total length of new build yachts.
"The majority of the buyers we work with that are in the market for a cruising yacht also want a flybridge," says Captain Jeff Palmer, President of United Yacht Sales. "Especially if you plan on cruising in South Florida or over to the Bahamas, having a flybridge offers some many advantages, including great views and visibility from the higher position."
Many buyers ask, what is the best flybridge cruiser? With so many manufacturers building models that include a flybridge, and with varying levels of price and quality for different buyer types in the market, it becomes very difficult to say one yacht is better than any other.
The best flybridge cruiser, according to total number of sales in the last 12 months, is the Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge which ended production of the model in 2003. The entire 40-to-50 foot segment for Sea Ray, which includes a 450 Express Bridge and a 480 Sedan Bridge, leads the brokerage market entirely in terms of number of sales in the U.S. These particular Sea Rays tend to be more affordable than some of the other luxury flybridge models available today.
(Below: An example of what the Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge looked like.)
While Sea Ray did produce a massive quantity of boats between 1995 and 2005, it can be argued that the "best" flybridge cruiser could also go to other popular models including:
- Azimut Yachts 50 FLY
- Carver cockpit motor yacht
- Meridian 441 Sedan Bridge & 490 Pilothouse
- Prestige Yachts 500 Fly or 590 Fly
If you are researching what the best flybridge cruising yacht is for your boating plans, please don't hesitate to contact us at (772) 463-3131 or by email at marketing@unitedyacht.com. One of our professional yacht brokers who specializes in flybridge yachts in your market will contact you to discuss your budget, plans, and requirements for your next boat.
Here are 5 flybridge cruisers that just recently came on the brokerage market:
1.) "NO RUSH" - 2017 PRESTIGE 630 FLYBRIDGE
Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this Prestige 630 Flybridge features expansive outdoor living spaces, 3 cabins with en suite heads, and the popular IPS 950 pod drive transmission for easy maneuvering. Prestige is also known for providing great value in their yachts, often with a final price lower than the more custom flybridge yachts on the market.
Broker contact: Warren Techow, (954) 830-7025
2.) "TIP JAR" - 2003 SEA RAY 560 SEDAN BRIDGE
The Sea Ray 560 Sedan Bridge was easily one of the American builder's most popular models built when it came to cruising ability, performance, and the on board accommodations. This 560DB has a modified V-hull and 16-foot beam which makes it perform well in choppy conditions. The comfortable 3-cabin interior is a perfect set up for cruising and entertaining!
Broker Contact: Cass Fishbein, (251) 377-6053
3.) "ARIES" - 2012 AZIMUT 53 FLY
When it first debuted, the Azimut 53 Fly won in its category for 'Best Interior Design' at the exclusive World Yacht Trophies. "ARIES" is an excellent example of the 2012 53 Fly that features sleek lines, an over-sized flybridge entertainment area, and a beautiful interior that will leave you feeling rejuvenated after a long day of playing in the sun.
Broker Contact: Chase Scoratow, (954) 873-8700
4.) "TARA" - 2017 ABSOLUTE 50 FLY
Absolute Yachts is an Italian boat builder that has made its name by creating unique, luxurious flybridge yachts. This 2017 Absolute 50 Fly is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and has recently been reduced in price. This flybridge cruiser features 3-cabins (plus an additional crew cabin), 3 heads, a spacious salon, fully-equipped galley, and of course, an incredible flybridge area.
Broker Contact: John Douglas, (843) 425-6888
5.) "AT LAST" - 2019 AZIMUT 50 FLY
“AT LAST”, a pristine example of a 50-foot Azimut Flybridge, features a versatile split level living area with the salon aft, the galley forward, and the lower helm raised up a step. The 200 sq ft flybridge deck area features a huge sun lounge forward and starboard of the helm console, that abuts the starboard dining settee. An entertainment station with wet bar, electric Kenyon grill and refrigerator is centrally located and under the hardtop with retractable sunroof.
Broker Contact: Sean O'Shea, (561) 644-4191
ABOUT UNITED
United Yacht Sales has the world's largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry, thanks to our team of over 250 yacht brokers in 104 different locations. Whether buying a luxury boat or selling one, we have the right expert on staff to assist you in navigating the brokerage market for your type of yacht. If you're looking at selling a boat, there is no quicker way to get activity than listing it with United. Our entire team is immediately notified every time a listing agreement is made with United Yacht Sales and many boats are sold before they ever even make it online. Our support team is among the best in the industry at marketing your yacht. 100% of our marketing budget goes towards advertising our clients' listings, a claim not many other firms can make. We look forward to working with you! You can get started by filling out our online form, What's My Boat Worth?
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