42' to 50' Flybridge Yachts: We Compare 4 Sedans

While similar in some respects, these yachts differ in styling, in the details, and in emphasis of what is important. So, to a large degree, each of these yachts will appeal to owners with slightly different missions in mind.

The Bavaria Yachts' Virtess 420 Fly is the boat for a family with kids: she has her master stateroom and en suite head forward and two twin-berthed cabins amidships sharing a second head. Both mid-cabins can convert to double berths with filler cushions. On the main deck, furniture rides on a track system that makes it easy to rearrange for different uses: lunch, sunbathing, etc. Add the optional hydraulic swim platform to create a "teak beach" to get the kids out of your hair. The Virtess is IPS-powered for easy handling; a bow thruster is standard. It comes with a complete electronics package, including radar.

The Beneteau Monte Carlo 4 is arranged for day cruising and entertaining in the European style. The main-deck galley, convenient to both the salon and aft deck, is set up more for light meals and buffet, serving as for serious cooking; there is a dishwasher, though. Unlike most builders, Beneteau doesn't include a table on the aft deck, figuring this as more of a lounging space, though one is optional. If you want to sit, there's a settee on the flying bridge that can hold five people; a grill, wet bar, and refrigerator are at hand. There's room at the transom for another grill and wet bar, accessible from the hydraulic swim platform, which is standard. Most important is her distinctive exterior styling and her sharp forefoot to cut through choppy seas.

The Galeon 500 Fly has features to thrill yacht owners looking for innovation. First, her bulwarks fold down to create wide "side porches" port and starboard. The porches add deck space for entertaining when at anchor or at the dock, enough for a pair of removable bar stools to port; folding down the adjacent galley counter creates an alfresco cocktail bar. In the cockpit, a settee, complete with table, rotates 360 degrees to face the sun or maybe the sunset; it also converts to a sunpad. There's another seating area with a table built into the foredeck and still another on the flying bridge. A "garage" adjacent to the hydraulic swim platform can hold a tender or lots of water toys; it can also be fitted out as a Spartan crew cabin. Belowdecks, the Galeon has two double staterooms (master amidships) and a small single.

The Maritimo M51 has an enclosed, air-conditioned flying bridge or sky lounge, with a fold-out sofa, so two people can sleep up there. The ladder to the flying bridge is in the main salon, rather than the cockpit; no need to go out in the weather to go aloft or make a nocturnal trip belowdecks. The standard accommodations layout includes three staterooms, two doubles (the master is full-beam, amidships, and has its berth mounted on the diagonal), and a single. An optional arrangement replaces the smallest stateroom with a utility room, fitted with a washer/dryer. There's no lower helm station, leaving room on the main deck for a large, well-equipped galley. The Maritimo M51 is a rebadging of the company's M48, to reflect the boat's LOA more accurately.

There's a lot to consider among these yachts, and as always, don’t hesitate to drop BoatTEST.com a note if you have a question.

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