Following the successful presentation of the Beneteau -Flyer models 5, 6 and 7, a Flyer 8 is only the logical consequence. It is availableas Sun- and Spacedeck.Sun means sun andSpace stands for space or room. An outboard motor with a maximum output of 350 hp is used to power the stern. We drive the boats with a V6 from Suzuki, which delivers its350 hp via counter-rotating stainless steel twin propellers into the water. Like all previous models, the Flyer 8 also features "Airstep Technology", which allows air to be introduced under the hull during the journey.
The steps create an "air carpet", which is intended to reduce resistance and therefore fuel consumption. According to the shipyard, this also improves driving comfort and safety.
Neither test candidate shows any major weaknesses in terms of overall workmanship. In the Sundeck, theDouble-shell construction in the cabin, but the sharp edge in the entrance area as a result of the gluing is annoying. As the space under the driver's cab in the Spacedeck is not so much for sitting in, the view of the painted laminate can be forgiven.
However, both boats have also been criticised with regard to the technical installations, the installation location of the fuel pre-filters and theNon-existent water alarm sensors affect. On the other hand, the bulkhead openings with edge protection and the electrical installations deserve praise. In terms of safety, self-draining cockpits on the outboard side andElectric and manual manual bilge pumps as standard. The main switch and fuses are easily accessible.
Both boats are inRear and cockpit area identical and have aidentical driving position. Thanks to the plastic sliding doors, you can access a cabin in the Sundeck and a large storage space in the sister boat. While the Spacedeck is designed more as a day boat, the Sundeck can also be used for two people to spend the night below deck or to dine at the table thanks to the convertible V-shaped bench seat.
The Sundeck has a separate room, which is equipped with a toilet in the test boat. In the sister boat, the toilet is located freely in the room under the driving position. A piece of furniture with sink and refrigerator is installed at the companionway in the Sundeck, while the Spacedeck only has a refrigerator. Due to the design of both boats, you have to compromise on the headroom below deck.
Like a bowrider, the spacedeck is open at the front and offers space in the bow for sitting and dining if a table is inserted. Or for sunbathing if the table is lowered and covered with inlay cushions. The cockpit and bow are on one level, and the way forwards leads sideways past the driving position.
On the Sundeck, you can reach the sunbed via steps at the side of the driving position. In both versions, the sturdy tubular frames around the windscreen as well as the bimini frame and a handrail provide support. A large anchor locker in the bow is standard on both versions, but the bow fitting or winch are not.
If desired, a board and a folding telescopic ladder can be attached to the pulpit, making it easier to get on and off. Six double-T mooring cleats and towing eyes fore and aft help when mooring to the jetty or lashing to the trailer.
The boats are mainly accessed from the aft via one of the two bathing platforms, with those on the port side each containing a folding telescopic bathing ladder under a cover.
Criticism: The cover makes it difficult to handle the ladder from the water.
Praise: A grab handle helps when getting on or off the boat. There is a large stainless steel bar above both engine wells, which provides support when boarding the boat and also serves as a towing device for water skiers or wakeboarders. It is mounted so far aft that you can easily cross the boat in front of the engine if you choose the starboard platform for boarding or want to use the floor stowage box there.
The cockpit has a full-length rear bench seat and two folding seats housed in the cockpit side walls. The driver's and co-driver's seats can be swivelled around the console to complete the round table. In both the Sun and Spacedeck, teak (extra charge) adorns all accessible surfaces in the outdoor area.
For sun worshippers, the backrest of the rear bench seats can be easily folded down to form a sun lounger facing aft; to straighten up, simply fold it up again and let the locking mechanism click into place.
A large floor hatch in the centre of the cockpit provides access to the technical equipment. The batteries, waste tank, various pumps, stowage space for the table top, fuel tap and fuel pre-filter are located here. The two floor side hatches plus rear bench seat offer more storage space. Fixed fabric roofs are available at extra cost to protect against sun and rain.
The easily adjustable bucket seats also provide good lateral support. The front part of the seat can be folded back for raised sitting or standing. There are plastic windscreens on both boats, which fulfil their task well. The fact that there are no windscreen wipers is due to the design.
On the SundeckDashboard a touchscreen from Garmin which displays navigation and engine data. Further information is provided by a separate Suzuki display. On the Spacedeck version, the whole thing is combined in a singleMonitor from Suzukiwhich persistently refuses to provide clear displays during the test.
At first glance, a compass is missing. However, it is mounted to the left of the dashboard above the entrance and is difficult for the skipper to see.
Driving and manoeuvring
At slow speed, the space and sundeck respond to rudder inputs with a direct course change. When travelling forwards, straight ahead is associated with a slight yaw, while the boat reacts backwards without any offset. Turning circles measure up to two boat lengths. Mooring or casting off manoeuvres are no problem with the test candidates. The optional bow thruster is only required in the event of a disturbing crosswind or lateral current.
With excellent foresight, the test boats switch from displacement to planing speed and accelerate quickly up to top speed. From 0 to 60 km/h, we measured 8.8 seconds for the Spacedeck and 8.3 seconds for the Sundeck.
At 45.3 knots, the Sundeck's top speed isbarely measurable in front of the Spacedeck. And this despite the fact that, according to the shipyard, the Sundeck weighs 80 kg more and the engines are fitted with the same propeller sets. On the Sundeck, the V6 also turns at a maximum of 6200 rpm and on the Spacedeck a whole 150 rpm less. Differences can also be seen after analysing the measurement data during economic planing.
On the Spacedeck, the most economical speed is between 3500 and 4000 rpm and 20 to 25 knots. On the Sundeck it is 4000 rpm and 26 knots. The Sundeck can theoretically travel 188 nm on one tank of fuel and the Spacedeck 171-172 nm a little less, plus 15 % reserves in each case.
This means that both fulfil our requirements. The sound pressure readings are also different: on the Sundeck I measure 85 dB/A at cruising speed or 4000 rpm and on the Spacedeck this value only appears at 4500 rpm. Both are too loud at full throttle.
The hulls score points during the fast extreme manoeuvres. The flyers took it all in their stride without any negative impact on the occupants.
As the bends get tighter and tighter, the boats lean towards the centre of the bend in obedience to the V-hull and gradually slow down to the lowest gliding speed and narrowest point of around two boat lengths in diameter. Once the engines are fully trimmed, the stainless steel propellers remain friction-locked and then push the boats out of the bend again without effort.
With trimmed engines, the propellers grab air early and ventilate. This means restarting. During the 180° turns (rudder at full lock), the manoeuvres end in rather tight turns with the result that the stern of the boat ultimately slides away without hooking or rocking.
If the engine remains fully trimmed, the propellers only reach into the void at the apex of the turn and, optimally trimmed, the counter-rotating stainless steel propellers begin to ventilate as soon as the turn is made. If you turn the rudder quickly enough from one side to the other, the Flyer 8 will oscillate safely along its longitudinal axis.
Precision landing on the subject of rough water. Both boats can handle cross waves on the Mediterranean off Porto Ginesta without too much loss of comfort. There is nothing to add to the shipyard's statement that the Flyer hull sails safely thanks to the latest Air-Step2 technology.
Only the hydraulic steering system is criticised, as it requires a lot of strength in the arms, especially during fast steering movements and when steering out of bends.
In terms of equipment, the buyer can customise their boat themselves. For example, a compass, depth sounder, certified navigation lights, toilets or tarpaulins cost extra.
CONCLUSION
Both Beneteau Flyer 8s fulfil almost every requirement. They are suitable as day boats or for longer trips. If you want to trailer them, you need a towing vehicle that can take 3 tonnes on the hook. Thanks to the twin propellers and 350 hp, the V6 Suzuki engines have everything you need to enjoy all kinds of water sports or simply to take it easy on the water. In terms of handling characteristics, there is nothing to criticise about the Flyer 8.
