Fleming Yachts 85 (2026-)

Overview

The reviewer's stated focus: "In this video, I wanna focus on all the technical aspects throughout this vessel."

Specifications

• Length overall: 85 feet
• Beam: 20 feet
• Draft: 5.5 feet
• Hull type: semi-displacement
• Standard engines: twin 1,550-horsepower MAN V12s
• Stabilization: Humphree zero-speed stabilizer fins
• Fuel capacity: 3,170 gallons
• Cruise speed: around 8 knots
• Maximum range at cruise: almost 3,700 nautical miles, or more depending on conditions

Configuration options: Enclosed pilot house or open flybridge. Below deck, a three-cabin or four-cabin layout is available, with flexible crew quarters.

Standard Equipment Philosophy

The reviewer noted a notable industry difference: "Pretty much everything that you see, including the joystick DPS [and] major systems, comes standard, and that's not typical with most manufacturers. The only thing that you have options for here is your navigation systems."

Pilot House Helm

Controls (starboard to center): Large buttons for immediate-need functions, including joystick and bow/stern thruster controls, described as fly-by-wire. The reviewer's assessment of visibility: "Great visibility of everything that I'm gonna wanna see going on on the vessel." She characterized the control layout: "It is set up like a true computer system... very smart. I can command everything going on on this vessel right here from the pilot house."

Watermaker: Standard equipment. The reviewer connected this to Fleming's broader design philosophy: "Fleming is all about redundancy. You're gonna hear me say that word a couple times throughout this video." She noted two fresh water pumps specifically for this reason: "If one goes down, you're kind of outta luck — you have to head to the next port. This way, you can keep cruising, and when you get to your next port of call, replace that pump."

Helm seating: Flip-down footrests, described by the reviewer as "a very welcome addition," paired with what she called "a pretty comfy captain's chair."

Visibility/cameras: 180-degree views around the pilot house, supplemented by backup cameras for docking or general situational awareness in a marina.

Watertight Doors (Class A Certification)

The reviewer tied this feature directly to the vessel's ocean-crossing capability: "It is a Class A vessel, which means she's ocean-going, and that is nowhere better exemplified than in these doors." She demonstrated the mechanism: easy to close and lock, opening with a simple handle turn while locking in to form a true watertight seal — one door fitted on each side.

Interior Corner Design

The reviewer identified rounded corners throughout as a hallmark of serious passage-making design: "Another aspect of the mark of a true, well-thought-out passage maker is the lack of hard corners. So everywhere I look, everything is rounded, so that if you are in a big sea state and are kind of getting knocked around as you go, you're not gonna run into any corners."

Electrical Panel (Near Helm)

Located a few steps from the helm seat. The reviewer's assessment: "Well organized. Everything's easy to see, very well labeled."

Flybridge Helm

A second, paired-down helm station, seating two, is located on the flybridge. Features include a solid centerline-mounted compass (the reviewer specifically praised this placement), dual screens, and full controls, with joystick piloting available. She noted the joystick's portability around this station: "I can use it from in here, or I can walk around, come all the way forward and be able to have my hand on the joystick and have a full visibility of the entire length of the boat."

Additional Piloting Station

A further piloting station is located on what the transcript renders as "the aqua" deck (likely a transcription artifact for a specific deck name — flagged rather than guessed at).

Dinghy Davit System

The reviewer noted the davit's sizing is left to the owner's preference: "I imagine the magnitude of this dinghy davit system is owner's choice. So for me personally, I want a big adventure dinghy, especially on a passage maker like this. So I want a big davit system so that I can get all of my big, beefy toys in and out of the water."

Anchor System — Redundancy

The reviewer again highlighted Fleming's redundancy philosophy directly at the dual anchor setup: one electric windlass and one hydraulic windlass. Stated rationale: "If the hydraulic pump goes down for whatever reason, you can still drop anchor or retrieve it if you need to."

Controls: Electric remote for the windlass on starboard, plus controls at the helm. A freshwater washdown hose is located in the port locker.

Crew Quarters

Configurable as either a single-cabin or two-cabin layout (single-cabin as fitted on this boat). The reviewer praised the consistency of finish: "What really stands out to me is that the fit and finish from up above is all the way down in here too. So the crew space doesn't feel like an afterthought. It still feels very much a part of the boat."

On this owner-operated boat, only one crew member (a deckhand) is carried. Crew quarters include their own dining space, navigation-monitoring screens, a well-appointed galley (microwave, cooktop, fridge), and a double berth.

Engine Room

The reviewer's overall assessment: "Looking around, I see double hose clamps on everything. Everything that I would ever need to access is exposed. It's never been glassed in or behind some hidden wall where you're having to kind of guess where that line might lead. You have access to everything you potentially need."

Redundancy features noted: Dual fuel filters, multiple AC chillers positioned overhead. A panel above the engines lifts fully up and out, allowing engine servicing/replacement access without dismantling the large engines themselves.

Condition assessment: The reviewer noted this owner has had the boat for 18 months with substantial hours logged, yet the engine room remained in excellent condition: "I would not be surprised if this were a brand-new boat." She credited both the owner's maintenance and Fleming's build quality.

Owner Add-On — Tool Chest

During a conversation with the owners, the reviewer learned of a personal addition the owner insisted on: a tool chest he uses daily. Her assessment: "Smart add-on on the owner's part."

Forward Cabin — Space Note

Referencing the companion video, the reviewer noted the forward cabin is comparatively tight, and explained the tradeoff based on the boat's entry/hull shape: "This Fleming is gonna slice through the water a bit better than the typical displacement hull, because you're not plowing as much water out of the way as you're cruising. So that's gonna translate into a little steadier ride as well as better fuel economy."

Solar / Power Management

Solar panels are mounted atop the flybridge, feeding a large lithium battery bank. The reviewer noted the resulting at-anchor capability: "This boat can actually be at rest at anchor just on the batteries alone." The zero-speed fin stabilization system is tied into the inverter, allowing the boat to run stabilization and some air conditioning at anchor for a meaningful period without running generators.

Owner-reported efficiency (per interview): The owners described the boat as very efficient, going power-neutral during the day via incoming solar. In a marina, they plug in only for a few hours to top up the battery banks, then disconnect for the rest of the day rather than continually drawing shore power.

Owner Context

The vessel, named Freya, is operated primarily by its owners with only a deckhand as crew. The reviewer noted this ongoing relationship: "As Freya continues her journey, we'll be staying in touch to see where she travels next." She characterized this ownership model as reflecting Fleming's design intent: "This Fleming 85 is very much an owner-operator's yacht... the owners manage the boat themselves, gaining not only just confidence, but a deep knowledge of how she runs for prospective buyers. This is a powerful reminder that Fleming designs its yachts for not only comfort and long-range cruising, but for those who want the full experience of life at sea."

Closing

The reviewer referenced a separate companion video covering the vessel's livability/live-aboard capabilities.

Overview

The reviewer's stated focus: "Right now I'm gonna focus on the livability of this boat, because there is a lot to see."

Aft Swim Platform

Described as simple but complete: a static platform with safety rails, cleats, and access to shore power. The reviewer highlighted the storage specifically: "Where it gets good is all the storage right here."

Storage details: Three large storage bins/lockers across the aft section — observed containing secured dive tanks, fenders, and dry suits. The reviewer's assessment: "They're ready for adventure."

Docking hardware: Multiple docking configuration options are supported via fairleads aft and on the sides, large heavy-duty cleats, and capstans on both sides.

Cockpit / Boarding

Boarding gates on both sides. A flip-down step provides easy access from a floating dock without needing a gangplank — as was the case during filming.

Aft Deck

Reached via two steps up. Fully covered for sun protection, with a high-gloss dining table for alfresco dining.

Layout note: The reviewer described this as "an elevated aft deck area, sort of a mezzanine," noting the elevation provides notably good sightlines around the boat.

Port side: A wet bar, plus access to the flybridge from this location — the reviewer noted this is useful for wet kids coming from swimming to join others on the flybridge without needing to pass through the rest of the boat. The primary flybridge access route, however, is through the pilot house.

Salon Entry

The reviewer's impression upon entering: "It's like a grand reveal every time you walk into this space."

Interior Customization (Owner-Specific)

The reviewer noted this owner's interior departs from Fleming's typical aesthetic: "A typical Fleming is gonna be a little bit richer, darker woods, darker floors, a more classic look. But this owner was going for something a bit more modern, and I truly appreciate that." She noted her own preference aligns with this choice: "From the outside, I love a classic aesthetic, but on the interior I like something a little more modern, and I think that they've done a really good job with that throughout."

Specific customizations noted:

• Changed wood grain direction for a more modern look
• Lighter-colored flooring
• Additional lighting
• Reduced overhead cabinetry to keep the space bright and open
• More modern handrails added in some areas, removed in others
• Latching hardware on anything that opens

Refrigeration integration: The reviewer specifically praised the seamless wood-grain-matched refrigerator: "You don't know that that's a refrigerator. It all has a very clean, modern aesthetic."

Master Suite — Major Reconfiguration

The reviewer identified this as a major customization: relocating the master suite entrance to main-deck access (typically, accommodation suites are accessed forward). Her stated rationale from the owners: this is typically a two-person boat, and they wanted main-deck access directly to their suite. Bulkheads were also relocated to enlarge the master cabin.

Open ensuite layout: The reviewer noted an initial hesitation about the open (unenclosed) bathroom layout, which she came to appreciate after hearing the owners' explanation: "When they explained that they did it to bring in the natural light into this cabin, I really understand why. And realistically, it's beautiful. It looks great. So I don't mind it being exposed to the rest of the cabin — shower on one side, head on the other."

Additional master suite features: Moving the bulkhead back provided walk-around space, plentiful storage/drawers, and additional navigation screens — the reviewer noted a personal use case for the latter: "Typically on a night, if I'm at anchor, I like being able to just turn over and see where I'm at on the map and make sure that I'm still within that squiggle line."

Guest Accommodation Layout

At the bottom of the curved staircase, guest accommodations comprise a starboard companionway (with storage lining it) providing access to two cabins: a larger cabin on the port side, and a forward cabin, connected by a shared Jack-and-Jill head.

Guest Cabin (Port, Larger)

The reviewer, noting she has not been aboard a standard-configuration Fleming 85 for comparison, assessed this cabin as not feeling reduced in space: "As a guest onboard this boat, I would be very happy with my cabin — natural light coming in, plenty of storage, good size walk-around bed."

En suite (shared with forward berth): Modern basin sink, storage, opening port lights, and a large walk-in shower.

Forward Cabin (Guest)

The reviewer noted a perceptible reduction in space here: "I can feel that reduction in space in this berth. I would expect an 85-foot yacht to have a bigger cabin up here. But like I said, this is typically just a two-person boat, so they wanted to maximize on their personal space." She noted the cabin still offers plenty of room to move, ample hanging lockers, natural light, and easy companionway access.

Laundry

The reviewer noted a full laundry setup is included, consistent with the boat's long-range cruising design intent.

Pilot House (Social Space)

The reviewer noted she would cover navigation/technical detail in the companion technical video, but highlighted this space's social function: "Good place for people to hang out and chill with the captain while you're underway."

Closeable design: The pilot house can be closed off — allowing the family to cook, watch TV, or otherwise be active below while the captain runs an overnight passage from above with only red lighting, without losing visibility.

Flybridge

The reviewer's personal favorite space aboard: "What I really like is this flybridge. Anytime I'm on a flybridge boat, this is where everyone hangs out." Though configured for a two-person crew setup, she noted ample space remains for guests, along with a large dinghy capacity, grilling capability, a full wet bar, and significant refrigeration. Forward-facing seating accommodates guests keeping the captain company while underway.

Handrails / Build Quality (General)

The reviewer repeatedly praised the substantial handrails throughout: "Everywhere I look, there are beefy handrails. I like the rounded look to these, especially when you're underway — you don't wanna be knocking into anything sharp or cornered. Plus it gives it a nice sleek look."

Stairway detail: Stainless steel wrapped in leather in this area, contributing a softer feel to the space.

Side Decks / Walk-Around

The Fleming 85 offers a true walk-around design. The reviewer noted the enclosed feel even on the aft side deck ("amot" per transcript, likely a phonetic rendering): "I still feel like I'm inside the boat. Nice high handrails. I have coverage up above." Gunwale height remains consistently high moving forward, which she said gave her confidence walking the deck even in a fairly big sea state.

Portuguese Bridge

The reviewer noted this feature is standard across the entire Fleming line, tied to the brand's design intent for serious offshore capability. She specifically measured the cap rail height against her own body: "Note that the cap rail on the bulwark of this Portuguese bridge is above my waist, which means in a nasty seaway I can get from port to starboard safely." She further explained the bulwark's protective function: "The bridge's high sloping bulwark protects the forward vertical side of the house from being slammed by green water."

Foredeck

Handrails: Noted as even thicker than those on the flybridge. The reviewer: "If you have to be up here in a big sea state, I'd feel pretty secure."

Storage: Lockers beneath for lines and fenders.

Deck design (passage-making specific): The reviewer noted a raised walking section she attributed to headroom clearance below, and highlighted the deck's construction for handling green water: "Everything here is robust. Nothing is going to wash away, and any water will flow right back to the Portuguese bulwark and out the large [hawseholes], [which] double as freeing ports." Small scuppers in the corners are designed specifically to handle rainwater.

Bow Seating

The reviewer named this one of her favorite spots on any boat, particularly for sundowners, citing its quiet, secluded feel. She noted a specific design solution to a common problem: "So often these cushions get sunburnt very quickly, so I like that they have enclosed it in a hatch — it's easy to deploy, but it's also easy to stow away."

Closing Assessment

"Looking around, and having been at a liveaboard before, I can see why Fleming owners are forever Fleming owners. I would have no problem spending months and years on this boat."