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Galeon 420 Fly (2018-)

2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta D6



Brief Summary

Galeon is a relative newcomer to this continent. However, it has been in business in Europe for over 30-years manufacturing a full range of yachts. Galeon is well known for its innovative use of technology, remarkable ingenuity, choice of fine materials and exceptional fit-and-finish. The general manager of the company is a perfectionist and a lifelong boatbuilder, which pretty much says it all.The company is located in the world-famous Gdansk shipyard, the home of the Solidarity movement led by Lech Walesa, that led to Poland’s freedom. The result is that Gdansk has a large pool of skilled shipwrights.

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG SM NM dBa
600 4.5 3.9 0.6 7.2 6.2 1880 1634.6 65
1000 7.1 6.1 1.6 4.5 3.9 1172 1019.4 66
1250 8.5 7.3 3 2.8 2.4 729 634.1 65
1500 9.4 8.2 5.9 1.6 1.4 414 360.1 67
1750 10.1 8.8 9.8 1 0.9 271 235.4 69
2000 12 10.4 14.8 0.8 0.7 212 184.1 71
2200 16.3 14.1 17.6 0.9 0.8 242 210.7 72
2400 19.1 16.6 19.4 1 0.9 258 224 74
2600 22 19.1 23 1 0.8 250 217.6 76
2800 25.1 21.8 27.6 0.9 0.8 238 206.7 77
3000 28.1 24.4 30.5 0.9 0.8 241 209.3 82
3200 30.5 26.5 35.4 0.9 0.7 226 196.2 81
3400 33 28.7 42.3 0.8 0.7 205 177.8 82
3490 34.5 30 44.1 0.8 0.7 205 178.1 82
galeon_420fly_chart_2017.jpg

Specifications

Length Overall 43’ 6'' / 13.25 m
Beam 13' 8”
4.16 m
Dry Weight 26,698 lbs.
12,110 kg
Tested Weight 28,787 lbs.
13,058 lbs.
Draft 47"
120 cm
Deadrise/Transom N/A
Max Headroom N/A
Bridge Clearance 14' 5"
4.40 m
Weight Capacity 32,739 lbs.
14,850 kg
Person Capacity N/A
Fuel Capacity 291 gal.
1,100 L
Water Capacity 119 gal.
450 L
Total Weight 28,787 lbs.
13,058 lbs.

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane 5.1 sec.
0 to 30 14.9 sec.
Ratio N/A
Props N/A
Load 3 persons, 5/6 fuel load, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate 76 deg., 66 humid.; wind: 15-20 mph; seas: <1

Engine Options

Tested Engine 2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta D6
Std. Power 2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta D6
Opt. Power Not Available

Contents of Report

Galeon 420 Fly

The Galeon 420 Fly has innovative design and exceptional craftmanship that makes this yacht an extraordinarily social creature.

Galeon 420 Fly

Galeon has imbued the 420 Fly with captivating styling on a hull that performs with panache.

Galeon 420 Fly

With twin 435 horsepower Volvo Pent D6 engines, the test boat proved to have sporty performance easily on plane in 5.1 seconds.

Mission

The Galeon 420 Fly is designed, engineered, and built to be a yacht that is highly social with performance characteristics that create confidence in a seaway. Born in the harsh conditions of the Baltic Sea, the 420 Fly is equally at home in calm inshore waters as it is on an offshore transit. The craftsmanship and fit-and-finish complement the overall quality of the construction. Overall, its mission is to create a relaxed, on-water experience to be shared with friends and family.

Major Features

Galeon 420 Fly

The exterior design will satisfy those that seek contemporary styling as well as those more traditionally inclined.

Galeon 420 Fly layout

The extended flybridge deck offers extensive seating and an entertainment center replete with a grill, refrigerator, and sink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Extended Swim Platform. The swim platform can accommodate most tenders and lowers with built-in, automatically deployed steps.
  • Flybridge Mini Galley. On the flybridge deck is a port side grill with refrigerator below, opposed by a starboard side sink with storage below.
  • Cockpit to Salon Folding Doors. The aft salon bulkhead glass doors neatly fold to create a seamless transition from the cockpit to the salon.
  • Flexible Salon Seating. The salon seating converts from a C-shaped bench seating to an L-shaped extended seating into the cockpit, or by flip-flopping the backrest of the aft most section to make an aft facing bench seat. Another option is created by sliding the opposing port side bench seating bases to the center of the salon to create more table seating.
  • Hideaway Television. The salon 32” class flat panel television monitor automatically rises and lowers behind the port side bench seating at the touch of a button.
  • Forward Deck Sun Pads. The dual forward deck sun pads convert to chaise lounge seating.
  • Master Stateroom Skylight and Windows. The large skylight and side windows provides ample natural light into the forward master stateroom.
  • Upper and Lower Helm. With the dual helms, the operator can choose the wider vision of the upper helm or the protected environment of the lower helm.
  • Quality Materials and Construction. Galeon utilizes a wide range of quality materials in its exacting execution of the 420 Fly.
  • Adjustable Transom Seating. The aft bench seating section in the cockpit can adjust forward and aft, giving and taking space where needed.

Performance

Galeon 420 Fly

The twin 435 horsepower Volvo Penta engines with shaft drives propel the Galeon 420 Fly with smooth confidence.

The Galeon 420 Fly has a length overall of 43’6” (12.25 m), a beam of 13’8” (4.16 m), and a draft of 3’11” (1.19 m). With an empty weight of 26,698 lbs. (12,110 kg), 85% fuel and three people onboard, the estimated test weight was 28,787 lbs. (13,058 kg).

With the twin 435-hp Volvo Penta D6s turning 3490 rpm, the boat reached a top speed of 30 knots (34.5 mph). Best economic cruise came in at 2400 rpm and 16.6 knots. At that speed, the 19.4 gph fuel burn translated into a range of 224 nm, while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 290-gallon (1,100 L) total fuel capacity.

Handling

Galeon 420 Fly running

The first impression of her handling is that the Galeon 420 Fly is a sporty boat.

She was quick to respond to the throttle, coming up on plane in 5.1 seconds, accelerating to 20 mph in 8.7 seconds, and 30 mph came and went in 14.9. The conditions on test day were calm. To demonstrate, her handling chop came down to crossing the photo-boats wake. The 420 Fly offered clean transitions across the wave with no hint of pounding or a wet ride.

When it came time to return to the dock, the 420 Fly is a well-mannered boat, and very responsive to the helm. Backing into this tight slip showed that she’s easy to steer by using the engine’s shifters, bumping the individual engines into reverse as needed. The props will pull her over to the side with the engine in reverse, so be gentle and just use short intervals of going into gear. Once in… use a shot of forward to stop the aft-ward momentum.

Features Inspection

Swim Platform

Galeon 420 Fly swim platform

The aft swim platform on the 420 Fly is the logical place to board. Shown is the teak decking, the submersion slats, flush-mounted steps, and 4’3” (1.29 m) of distance from the transom.

The large swim platform extends out 4’3” (1.50 m) from the transom and provides an ideal boarding area when secured on a floating dock. Stairs lead up to the cockpit on the port side.

Galeon 420 Fly ladder

On the starboard side of the swim platform is a recessed re-boarding ladder under a flush hatch cover. Note the two hand rails on both sides.

The America Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) rules call for all boats to have a re-boarding ladder that extends 22” (.56 m) into the water and is retrievable from someone who is in the water. The Galeon 420 Fly’s re-boarding ladder is hidden under a deck hatch on the starboard side that meets the ABYC rules.

Galeon 420 Fly stairway

On the port side of the swim platform a stairway deploys conveniently aligned to the stairs leading to the cockpit. Note the large 10” (.25 m) cleats that are located on both sides of the platform.

The swim platform hydraulically lowers to create a convenient “beach” for swimming or just relaxing in the water. On the port side, stairs are formed as the platform lowers. Galeon designed the stairs to lead up to the remaining fixed area of the platform and then up to the cockpit via the port side steps.

Galeon 420 Fly shore power

The optional electric shore-power cable deploys from a spool inside the starboard side of the transom.

The optional Glendinning Cablemaster keeps the shore-power cable neat and easy to deploy and retrieve when traveling from point to point.

Cockpit

Galeon 420 Fly bench seat

The aft L-shaped bench seating wraps around the starboard side. Note that the stairs from the swim platform are on the port side.

The flexible aft L-shaped bench seating can slide aft-ward to create more space in the cockpit. The forward-facing bench seat flips open to create a sun pad for lounging.

Galeon 420 Fly bench seating

The forward-facing section of the bench seating easily slides back 14” (.36 m) to make more room in the cockpit.

Galeon 420 Fly seat cushion

The seat cushion flips forward to form a sun pad lounger.

Galeon 420 Fly

On both sides of the transom riser is fender storage and a 10” (.25 m) cleat with a built-in anti-chaffing fairlead chock.

Throughout the 420 Fly is evidence that Galeon understands how real boaters use their boats. In this case, strategically placed fender storage and fairleads are right where the line handler needs them to be to safely handle the lines and fend the boat while docking.

Galeon 420 Fly lift

Below the cleat is the swim platform lift controls and a pull-out shower to rinse off before entering the cockpit.

The pull-out shower head is located at the entry of the cockpit, allowing swimmers the opportunity to rinse-off before entering the cockpit. The swim platform lift controls are in clear view of the entire platform, permitting the operator to ensure that the platform is clear and there is nothing obstructing its movement.

Galeon 420 Fly glass door

To the port side of the glass enclosure that separates the salon from the cockpit is a door to the salon.

There is a natural flow from the cockpit to the salon. With the glass enclosure closed, the salon temperature can be regulated. A wide door provides easy access from the cockpit.

Galeon 420 Fly salon

After the door is opened completely the other two panels slide to the port side to open the salon to the cockpit.

The glass enclosure can be completely opened to let the outside in. Simply open the door and the two remaining panels fold accordion-style, to the port side with the open door leaving the aft end of the salon entirely open to the cockpit.

Salon

Galeon 420 Fly deck layout

This deck plan is part of the galley up version. Our test boat and the pictures and video with this report are all part of the galley down version.

Galeon 420 Fly large windows

Large windows along with the 6’4” (1.93 m) headroom gives the salon an open and airy feel.

Galeon created a light and airy salon with upper and lower windows, letting natural light spill in. The lower windows keep the horizon in view even when seated.

Galeon 420 Fly settee

Entering the salon, there is a C-shaped settee and table to the starboard side. Note the table in the folded position to give more room moving forward.

The salon also demonstrates the flexibility of the Galeon 420 Fly with adjustable seating throughout the salon. In the normal configuration, there is a C-shaped settee on the starboard side that wraps around a coffee table. On the port side is a double settee that keeps everyone in the conversation.

Galeon 420 Fly aft seats

The aft-most seatback flips forward to provide aft-facing seating, allowing more people to join in on the cockpit conversations.

Galeon 420 Fly swivel seat

The seat also swivels outward into the starboard side of cockpit, opening up the salon and making the cockpit to salon transitions seamless.

To further involve the salon with the cockpit, Galeon devised a way to rotate the aft-most section of the starboard settee to form continuous seating that extends into the cockpit. This allows conversations to flow while movement fore and aft is open for easy socializing.

Galeon 420 Fly table

By turning the table on its base, it can be opened to its full size to accommodate dining.

Galeon 420 Fly dark walnut

When fully opened, the table reveals a maple inlay on the dark walnut surface.

Galeon 420 Fly port side

On the port side of the salon there is seating for two.

Another example of Galeon’s use of flexible fixtures is the twin cushions and bases of the port side settee. They easily slide forward to allow two more guests to be seated at the table. This configuration easily permits six adults to be seated at the table.

Galeon 420 Fly salon bench

The bases slide forward to provide additional bench seating at the table where up to six adults can easily fit.

Galeon 420 Fly insert

With the table lowered and an insert put in place, the salon seating converts to an additional berth.

The starboard side seating converts into a berth by lowering the table and incorporating an insert accommodating extra guests.

Galeon 420 Fly tv

Inside the shelf behind the port side seating is a 32” (.81 m) flat panel television that rises and lowers at the touch of a button.

Galeon 420 Fly details

Small details and clever use of space is what Galeon is known for. Shown here is a leather padded inset built into the arm rest for comfort when relaxing.

Galeon 420 Fly access panel

The access panel in the walnut and maple salon sole provides quick access to day check points on the Volvo Penta engines.

The Helm

Galeon 420 Fly

The lower helm is logically laid out with the compass mounted in line with the fixed mounted steering wheel.

Visibility is a Requisite for Any Helm. The Galeon 420 Fly offers clear sightlines both for the controls and electronics as well as the outside. The controls, electronics, compass, and switches are in plain sight. The large side windows and aft glass enclosure provides the lower helm with exceptionally panoramic views, making operating from the lower helm comfortable.

Galeon 420 Fly diagram

The inset diagram of the Galeon 420 Fly has indicator lights that illuminate to indicate which navigation lights are operating.

Galeon 420 Fly rocker switches

Systems are controlled with a panel of rocker switches. The horn switch is offset for easy identification, obviating the need to put it in red. Note the optional bow thruster controls within easy reach immediately to the starboard of the rocker switch panel.

Galeon 420 Fly dash

The dash has room for the 12” Raymarine multifunction touchscreen display.

Galeon 420 Fly autopilot

The autopilot is placed on the starboard side of the dash with the control panel directly below.

Galeon 420 Fly engine controls

Engine controls and trim-tabs are neatly placed on the starboard armrest. Built into the armrest is a padded recess designed for cellphone or incidental storage.

Galeon 420 Fly helm seat

The double-wide helm seats have fold-down armrests and fold-up bolsters to provide elevated seating or stand-up operation.

Boats of the Galeon 420 Fly class are designed for and often used for longer distance voyaging equating to long hours at the helm. It is essential that the operator remain comfortable. The ability to reposition the helm seat, and the operators situational position, adds to a more relaxed and comfortable journey.

And, having the headroom to stand at the helm with good visibility is a must. Because the shipwrites and designers at Galeon are seaman, they know that.

Galeon 420 Fly foot rest

Below the helm Galeon has provided a convenient footrest.

Galeon 420 Fly accent

On the back of the helm seat is a walnut accent with the Galeon logo inset in maple.

Galeon 420 Fly windows

The side windows on both sides of the helm automatically fully lower at the touch of a button. Note, the windshield measures 8’5” (2.56 m) across and 5’3” (1.60 m) vertically, and comes with standard dual windshield wipers.

With the side windows fully lowered and the aft glass enclosure open, the salon becomes a breeze-way that gives the main deck a feeling of a wide-open coupe.

Bow

Galeon 420 Fly side decks

The wide side-decks lead forward to the bow on both sides. The hand rails start at 16” (.41 m) and continue forward to 24” (.61 m) in height above the deck.

The wide side-decks and well positioned hand and grab rails on the Galeon 420 Fly make moving forward underway feel more secure. It is strongly recommended to always have at least one hand firmly holding onto a secure fixture or hand rail when moving anywhere on a boat that is underway.

Galeon 420 Fly sun pads

The forward sun pads convert to chaise loungers with grab rails port and starboard. Note the master stateroom skylight in between the sun pads.

The forward sun pads are for those who enjoy exposure to the sun and the lounge position and outboard side grab rails can make it feel secure. However, the backrests obstruct the lower helm’s view. When operating from the upper helm there is no impediment.

Galeon 420 Fly windlass

The bow has a vertical windlass with a bow roller that supports the delta-style anchor and 200’ (61 m) of chain. Note the remote-controlled spotlight and chocks.

Below Decks

Galeon 420 Fly layout

This is the below deck layout of the three-stateroom version. Our test boat was the two-stateroom version with the galley down.

Galley Down

Galeon 420 Fly galley

The test boat had the two-stateroom galley-down option. Note the shelf with the stainless-steel fiddle that helps keep items placed on the shelf in place.

The Galeon 420 Fly is available in a three-stateroom galley-up configuration with the galley on the main deck as seen in the drawing above. The test boat was a two-stateroom galley-down version with the galley in an atrium. This eliminates the third stateroom.

Many owners find a third stateroom to be wasted space, with the galley down extra room is gained in the salon where entertaining is essential. With the large side window above and the open atrium-style, allowing light from the windshield to spill in, the galley feels open and airy. A side window in the galley adds a view to the outside.

Large families with young kids, or grandparent with adult children and kids, might prefer the three stateroom version. It certainly beats breaking down the dining table to create a berth.

Galeon 420 Fly galley

The galley is naturally lit by the main deck side windows, the windshield above, and a window in the galley above the splash guard.

Galeon 420 Fly galley windows

Shown are the galley side windows. Note the forward-most window is an opening window.

Galeon 420 Fly sink cover

The two-basin stainless-steel sink cover is neatly stored in the mount directly behind the faucet, providing additional splash protection.

Galeon 420 Fly stove

The galley is equipped with a two-burner stove mounted on the countertop next to the sink.

Galeon 420 Fly oven

Below the two-burner stove is a convection oven and microwave.

Having the combination of a convection and a microwave oven makes preparing gourmet meals a real convenience. When working in a galley on a boat as opposed to working in a kitchen in a home, space is more limited, and conservation of movement is more critical. Throughout the galley, Galeon arranged equipment and storage that reflects an essential understanding of how people use a galley in the real world.

Everything in the 420 Fly’s galley is well thought-out and neatly planned.

Galeon 420 Fly refrigerator

Forward of the galley countertop is a large refrigerator and freezer.

Galeon 420 Fly pantry

Above the refrigerator and freezer is a pantry storage locker.

Galeon 420 Fly space

Galeon is well known for its ingenious use of space. In this case, the stair risers have pull-out drawers for galley storage. They automatically complete the closure when initiated.

Accommodations

Master Stateroom

Galeon 420 Fly master stateroom

The master stateroom is naturally lit from large, hull-side windows. Note the storage lockers on both sides of the 6’9” (2.06 m) long berth.

Headroom. There is 6’6” (1.98 m) of headroom when entering the master stateroom. There is 3’8” (1.12 m) of headroom above the master berth.

In the master stateroom on the 420 Fly is a forward V-berth. Forward V-berths often have small windows and overhead hatches which do not allow the stateroom to have very much natural light. Galeon has provided the 420 Fly with abundent light through large hull side windows and a full length skylight with an opening hatch making the master stateroom brightly lit.

Galeon 420 Fly natural light

Natural light streams in through the skylight that runs the length of the stateroom.

Galeon 420 Fly blinds

The retractable blinds built into the skylight provide privacy.

Storage in any master stateroom is essential. Forward V-berths can be limiting with the ever-decreasing beam moving forward. Galeon devised storage in sections below the bedside shelving and utilized space below the centerline berth and forward along the port and starboard sides, and the stateroom’s aft bulkhead.

Galeon 420 Fly storage

There is pull-out storage beneath the master berth.

Galeon 420 Fly hanging locker

A hanging locker is to starboard.

Galeon 420 Fly storage lockers

Storage lockers are on both sides of the berth. Note the light switches conveniently located to the side. There is never enough storage space on any boat no matter how big it is. That is why Galeon uses every spot possible.

Galeon 420 Fly storage

To the port side is storage above and below.

Galeon 420 Fly vanity

The built-in vanity is expediently designed to allow the berth to be the seating.

Galeon 420 Fly sconce lights

The sconce-style lights have adjustable reading lights. Note the power outlet and air conditioning controller located on the side of the berth.

In the master stateroom, once ensconced in the berth the owners do not have to get out of bed to adjust temperature or ambient lighting. Everything is at hand. We would, however, like to see more electrical outlets for charging mobile devices.

Galeon 420 Fly television

A flat panel television is mounted high on the starboard side aft bulkhead for convenient viewing.

Master Stateroom En Suite Head

Galeon 420 Fly en suite head

The master en suite head has a separate shower stall with fixed shower head and wand.

Heads are often poorly planned closets that are forced into remaining space when designing a boat. On the Galeon 420 Fly, the master en suite head is comfortably arranged with a separate shower stall. All the fixtures are contemporary.

There is light from side windows one of which is an opening window. A full width mirror over the sink and windows provides an appropriate vantage to check hair and makeup.

Galeon 420 Fly hullside windows

The hullside windows provide natural light with an opening window forward. Note the mirror mounted above.

Galeon 420 Fly vessel sink

The vessel-style sink is popular on boats of this size. However, water tends to spill over when underway or when the boat is rocking.

Galeon 420 Fly storage locker

Below the sink is a storage locker. Note that the deck is a fiberglass pan which is easy to keep clean and does not leak into the bilge.

Galeon 420 Fly mirror

A full-length mirror is flush mounted in an inset in the head door.

Guest Stateroom

Galeon 420 Fly twin beds

Entering the guest stateroom, there is 6’3” (1.91 m) of headroom and twin berths.

The guest stateroom on the Galeon 420 Fly does not feel like an afterthought like it does on many boats of this class. The wide hullside window allows ample natural light and the 6’3” (1.91 m) of headroom allows easy wardrobe changes. By adding an insert between the twin berths, they easily convert into a double berth. The single reading light mounted in the center restricts lighting for only one person to read with.

Galeon 420 Fly double bed

An insert converts the twin berths into a large double berth.

Galeon 420 Fly guest stateroom

The guest stateroom has a side-by-side hanging locker and storage locker.

Galeon ekes out functional storage throughout the guest stateroom. The hanging locker and shelf storage can accommodate a well-planned wardrobe for a week onboard.

Galeon 420 Fly room windows

Opening and fixed hull side windows provide the guest stateroom with natural lighting and fresh air.

Galeon 420 Fly sconce lights

The sconce-style light and reading light are center mounted. Note the pull-out storage drawer below.

Guest Head

Galeon 420 Fly guest head

The en suite guest head has opening and fixed windows to provide natural light, and a vessel sink with storage below. The fixed shower and wand are mounted in the head. Note the mirror above and sliding storage behind the sink.

Although it is not equipped with a separate shower stall, the guest head is well planned and brightly lit. It does not feel claustrophobic or cramped. The opening hull side window provides fresh air when desired. Also, the fixtures are the same contemporary design as the master. A guest will not feel like second class passengers.

Flybridge

Galeon 420 Fly teak stairs

Teak covered stairs lead up from the port side of the cockpit to the flybridge.

Moving about on a boat underway is often necessary. Galeon provides safety hand rails in appropriate locations. The stairway to the flybridge deck had well placed grab rails to allow passengers to always have at least one hand to have a firm grip on a secure safety rail. We like this arrangement better than a near-vertical ladder.

Galeon 420 Fly fly layout

Note that the designers have artfully put in steps to the flying bridge and then turned them inward to save space.

Galeon 420 Fly flybridge seat

The flybridge seating extends down the starboard side to the aft bench seating with a table for al fresco dining.

The flybridge deck is a central social gathering place while underway or in port. The extended flybridge on the Galeon 420 Fly offers comfortable seating well arranged for this mission. Dining al fresco is made simple with a centrally located table and the L-shaped bench seating that runs on the starboard side and along the aft end of the flybridge.

Galeon 420 Fly grill

On the port side is a grill with a compact refrigerator below.

Galeon 420 Fly wet bar sink

On the starboard side, ahead of the seating, is a sink with storage below. A good place for a trash bin.

The opposing sink with storage and grill with refrigerator below essentially create a mini galley on the flybridge. This makes entertaining a crowd easy. The host does not have to go up and down two stairways to the galley below.

Galeon 420 Fly fly helm

Forward on the flybridge is the helm with double-wide bench seating on the starboard side. Double-wide companion bench seating and a sun pad are on the port side.

Galeon provided double wide benches for the helm and companion seating. The benches are not adjustable. Although, there is plenty of room for operating standing up, which many prefer especially when docking, the bulwarks are low, as they seem to be on all European vessels in this class.

The forward sun pad alongside the helm permits more passengers to join the helmsman while underway keeping the operator in the conversation.

The upper helm is essentially a reprise of the lower helm. However, the engine controls are mounted on the dash in lieu of an armrest. The angle of the engine controls take some getting used to and the operator has to release the engine controls to operate the trim tab controls.

Galeon 420 Fly sun pad storage

There is storage beneath the sun pad. A good place to store paper charts.

Galeon 420 Fly upper helm

The upper helm is logically laid-out with two drink holders. However, the operator would be better served if the engine controls were on a flatter surface – this design is not ergonomically correct. The dash supports a 10” multifunction display and a 7” Volvo Penta EVA display.

Galeon 420 Fly upper helm

On the port side of the upper helm is the stereo controller, systems rocker switches, an optional bow thruster controller, and the autopilot.

Galeon 420 Fly vhf radio

The VHF radio and 12-volt outlet are mounted below the engine controls. In our opinion, this control binnacle design and radio placement is the low-point of an otherwise outstanding boat.

Galeon 420 Fly helm lift

The entire helm lifts for maintenance or upgrade installations simply by removing a locking pin and releasing the single latch. This is a brilliant concept and one we rarely see.

Galeon 420 Fly radar

The integrated one light and radar mast folds down to help traverse low bridges simply by unscrewing two pins.

Passing under bridges is a necessary impediment to boaters along America’s waterways, and particularly on the rivers and canals of Europe. The Galeon 420 Fly is naturally suited for traveling these waterways. With a foldaway Bimini top and the folding one light and radar mast, many more bridges can be traversed without having to radio the bridge operator for an opening and waiting the prerequisite time it takes for the bridge to be opened.

Galeon 420 Fly bimini top

Shown here is the optional flybridge Bimini top.

Galeon 420 Fly optional bimini

The optional Bimini top is heavily built with 1.5” stainless-steel uprights.

Machinery Space

Galeon 420 Fly crawl space

Access to the machinery crawl space is through a deck hatch in the cockpit deck.

The machinery space is well organized. However, access and spaces are tight.

Galeon 420 Fly engine room

The twin 435-horsepower Volvo Penta D6 engines are accessible through the crawl space. We’d have knee pads stowed down here.

With just enough room between the Volvo Penta D6 engines inspections and repairs are problematic but workable.

Galeon 420 Fly fuel tanks

The fuel tanks are mounted on each side of the engines. Note the transmissions are easily accessible.

Galeon 420 Fly batteries

The batteries are mounted aft of the engines on the port side of the machinery space.

The batteries are easily accessible, an important detail when they need to be checked or replaced.

Galeon 420 Fly dripless shaft logs

Dripless shaft logs keep the bilge clean and dry and are accessible.

Dripless shaft seals have become widespread over the last decade or so. In fact, we rarely see the traditional stuffing box. There are several manufacturers of dripless shaft seals. Most of the designs use a face seal, with flexible bellows attached to the stern tube (or stuffing box collar) that presses a fixed carbon/graphite flange against a rotating stainless-steel rotor which spins with the prop shaft, creating a seal between the rotor and flange. These have become popular because they don't require adjustment after installation, and they continue to keep sea water out even if the drivetrain is out of alignment.

With conventional stuffing tubes, water is required to lubricate the wax infused flax rope packing. The stuffing box must drip when the shaft is turning. Two or three drops per minute are typical. However, often stuffing boxes leak at a much greater rate. This doesn't harm the shaft or the stuffing box, but the spinning shaft will splash this excess flow all over the surrounding machinery space, causing corrosion to occur on everything that gets sprayed. If a stuffing box leaks more than 8 or 10 drops a minute, it needs servicing.

Although the dripless shaft seal has become more popular, they should not be ignored. Regular inspections should be made. The bellows should be replaced every six to eight years and when adjusting, most manufacturers recommend replacing the set screws in lieu of reusing the existing one.

Galeon 420 Fly generator

The generator is located aft of the engines on the starboard side of the machinery space.

Although the service port on the sound shield is easily accessible, removal of the sound shield for repair or servicing requirements may prove challenging in the tight machinery space.

Galeon 420 Fly hydraulic steering

A hydraulic steering system connects directly to the Seastar steering ram. Note the battery charger and inverters are also mounted on the transom bulkhead.

Options to Consider

  • Flybridge Bimini top which is heavily built with 1.5” stainless-steel uprights
  • Salon entrance door curtain
  • Covers for the upper helm station and flybridge seating
  • Windshield shades for front and side windshields
  • Bow thruster
  • Glendinning Cablemaster with 50’ (15.2 m) of cable and wireless remote

Price

Approximately $700,000 U.S.

Galeon 420 Fly

The Galeon 420 Fly is a fully-featured motoryacht with innovations throughout.

Observations

The Galeon 420 Fly has a CE rating of B, with 12 people aboard, but that is in party and sightseeing mode. With two couples or a family aboard, i.e. four to six people, we would happily take her to the islands and across the Gulf Stream in reasonable weather.

In fresh to strong wind conditions – 17 knots to 27 knots – the kind of weather most powerboaters try to avoid, we would not hesitate to take her out with the appropriate crew because of her stout build and high-level of construction, but would operate her from the lower helm in such weather. The bulwarks are low on the flying bridge, which are designed for fair weather entertaining, sunning and cruising, not for running in snotty conditions.

We like the conventional straight shaft drive, because it avoids the high initial cost of a pod system, as well as the requirement for annual maintenance. While it is not as fuel-efficient as pods, the money saved for most people will never repay them for the added cost of the pods.

The overhead in the engine room is low, but this is a relatively small boat with a low profile, which is why she looks so sleek. Our experience with tight engine rooms is that once they are gotten used to, they are not so onerous as they first seem. Just make sure all the through-hull valves and sea strainers can be reached. And there are some things that are just better left to a boat yard to fix, anyway.

Two Staterooms or Three? While it may seem as if there is more utility in a three stateroom boat, that is only true if the third stateroom is going to be used. Otherwise, the larger galley and open atrium feel below and more lounging room above is compelling.

With two cabins and two heads below, plus a galley down, this boat is about as roomy as they come in 41’ (12.5 m). Her length on deck (hull length) is actually 38’8” (11.79 m) and her price of $700,000 makes her a good value, in our opinion.

Most important, the Galeon 420 Fly is an honest boat, and one that anyone should be proud to own.