Able to reach 40 knots, Beneteau’s new Flyer 8 sits in the middle of the French builder’s outboard dayboat range, above the Flyer 6 and 7 models, and below the Flyer 9 and 10. Like the Flyer 6, 7 and 9, the 8 is available in a Sundeck version with a roomy cabin or a Spacedeck version with an open deck plan, suitable for fishing and water sports. 

The Flyer 8 is equipped with Groupe Beneteau’s Seanapps system, so the owner can see the status of the various systems (battery charge, fuel or water tank levels, maintenance schedule) from their smartphone, but also plan routes and examine their navigation. 

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Michael Guinet, Outboard Powerboat Manager at Beneteau, said: With the Flyer 8, we are pleased to unveil the spirit that now filters through the Beneteau dayboat range. The Flyer 8 is already popular for its comfort but now goes the extra mile, whether it’s a question of space on board, practicality or the protection of the people on board. 

“However, we wanted to do more and offer a beautiful, eye-catching outboard-powered boat. Working with the Andreani Design team, we made the Flyer 8 much more than a boat for having fun at sea. It now stands out as a beautiful, spirited boat.” 

Climbing aboard is made easier by the flush design of the two swim platforms and the clear area forward of the engine, which makes moving around easier and enables access to the sea. 

The cockpit has an aft bench that converts to a sunbathing area, two removable benches in the port and starboard freeboards, while the driver’s and co-driver’s bolster seats swing around to create a lounge for six people. There are large storage spaces and three lockers under the soles. 

The Flyer 8 Sundeck is a combination of the innovations introduced on the recent Flyers. Among these, the walkaround design provides access to the spacious foredeck and its sun pads with reclining backs, a new feature.

The Sundeck version has a spacious cabin with a large berth and openings for ventilation, while the galley fittings have been entirely revisited and it can now be accessed from both the inside and outside. The yacht has a separate head, ventilated by a porthole. 

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The Spacedeck version is more suited to people who love sports, such as fishing, and day trips with friends, so the deck plan is flush and practical. The lowered pulpits are a real plus for access to the sea, while it also has a very large anchor well that doubles as a diving board.

The foredeck features a cleverly designed lounge with facing seats that can convert to a sunbathing area, while the new rotating backrests make a forward sea view possible underway. There is a head and refrigerator in the cabin and a berth that would suit a child.

Options on the Flyer 8 include substituting the aft bench with a fishing station with a fold-down bench included, a live bait well, two storage lockers and five additional rod holders. Other options include an aft tow arch, ideal for water-skiing or any other towing activity, while a sunshade can be attached to the rigid T-top.

This article first appeared on Yacht Style.

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