Beneteau is one of the shipyards thata large selection of boat types in a wide variety of lengths and features. So it's not surprising that it comes onto the market every year with fresh and revised models. Of these, we chose the Flyer 7 Sundeck.
We have them in dangeron the Mediterranean near Barcelona. On our test day, we had to deal with a moderate swell and the stern seas of other pleasure craft. The Beneteau skips over both of these at a medium planing speed (around 25 knots) smoothly andwithout splashing water. The good course stability also shows the smooth and safe running of the hull.
Our test boat is accelerated by a 200 hp Suzuki, which also characterises the maximum engine power. It takes around three seconds to bring the boat from displacement to planing speed. The bow lifts only moderately and the forward view is maintained.
Do the same "game"with trimmed outboard motor (about 1/2 on the display), the bow naturally lifts further, but the glide starts only slightly slower than with the drive "down". This is therefore an indication that the power is also easilyis sufficient for wakeboarders, water skiers and tube riders. Our test boat had a special towing bracket installed for its appendages, which is on the options list.
The 170-litre fuel tank comes as standard: it allowsa respectable range of almost 130 nm at the most economical gliding speed (around 23 knots). This is due to the interplay of modern engine technologyand the Air-Step hull.It has steps and openings. The latter bring the air under the hull (air cushion effect), which makes the boat "glide more easily".
How does the hull behave in fast bends? Especially with a trimmed outboard motor, it tends to snap the propeller; in this situation it helps to steer straight ahead (the propeller will then automatically regain power) or take the throttle off and start again.
When slaloming, the boat does not oscillate excessively over the longitudinal axis, and when the rudder is twisted, the stern sets in hard on average.Whether you have trimmed correctly, can be felt at the controls when the hydraulic steering can be turned smoothly back and forth to both sides.
You can read the full test of the Beneteau Flyer 7 Sundeck in the August issue of BOOTE. From 15.7.2020 available here !
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
