Galeon Yachts 680 Fly: A Rich Report Review
There is an alfresco dining space on the foredeck with retractable sun pads and electric tables.
It is different to see a Galeon Yachts 680 Fly in a photograph and to stand inside its salon.
As soon as I saw the picture of the 680 Fly taken at dusk, I was startled. Several windows on all decks let light pour into the yacht, making it seem as if it was glowing.
Standing in the salon, I saw windows that dropped down electrically, just like they do in cars. Would you like to smell the sea air and feel the breeze? A button needs to be pushed. "It's like a giant dayboat," says Bob Burke, brand manager at Galeon importer MarineMax.
The sense of openness aboard a vessel that measures 68 feet is noteworthy. Galeon's 680 Fly is indeed the company's largest Fly model. One of Galeon's biggest boats is the 700 Skydeck, while the other is the 780 Crystal. For the builder, the 680 Fly represents a fourth-generation design, one that maximizes both space and creature comforts.
Next to the helm seat, Galeon created a one-piece glass window that floats over the side deck door. Fiberglass and woodwork are rounded to reflect the concept of waves throughout the interior.
With its length of 7 feet, 1 inch, the salon's dining table can accommodate a large family. The opposite side has a couch that adds to the comfort level.
From the salon, there is direct access to the full-beam master bedroom of the Galeon 680 Fly. Those are king-size beds.
Chefs are kept out of traffic flow by the U-shaped galley behind them. Buffets can be served at an island counter. The window over the counter is seriously distracting, so don't expect the chef to accomplish anything quickly. There is a choice of seating arrangements opposite the galley, including a pair of bar stools and a countertop, as well as a pair of seats and a table for snacks.
There are pedestal seats with footrests forward for the skipper and a companion. In front of them is a dashboard with twin Raymarine multifunction displays and Boening engine monitors. A multitude of functions are handled by the Empire digital-switching system and Galeon's integrated management information system. The throttle and shifters, as well as the joysticks for the bow- and stern-thrusters, are mounted on pedestals. The captain's vitamin-D needs are met by a sliding sunroof overhead.
Private stairs lead from the salon to the master stateroom, which has a full-beam ceiling. There is a king berth on the centerline of the cabin. The ship is equipped with hanging lockers on each side, a settee to starboard, and a desk with tidy partitions to port. Unlike the shower and vanity, the head is located aft.
There is a lot of quiet in this stateroom. A normal conversation is about 70 dB(A) when the 680 Fly runs at 24 knots.
The guest accommodations, including the forepeak VIP, are accessible via stairs and a companionway forward of the salon. The 680 Fly offers guests a king-bed width (80 inches), unlike most boats that have beds that are constrained to match the hull sides. With a glass door, the shower in the en suite head measures 29 by 34 inches.
Side-deck access is quick for the helmsman. Family and friends will enjoy the breakfast nook.
In addition to the VIP stateroom, there are two guest staterooms, each with twin berths that can be converted into doubles. As well as serving as the dayhead for the yacht, these staterooms share a head.
Dual purpose: The flybridge overhang adds real estate up top, and shades the cockpit dining space. Courtesy Galeon Yachts/Voyage Photography
MAN diesels are upgraded to 1,200 horsepower by MarineMax, which imports the 680 Fly. A 236-nautical-mile range was achieved at 32 knots with 125 gallons of fuel burned per hour. Fuel burn at 28 knots provided a range of 247 nautical miles at 110.8 gallons per hour. An average fuel burn of 68 gph at a cruise speed of 20 knots increases the range to 271 nautical miles at a leisurely 20 knots. This Tony Castro-designed hull comes up fast and flat without the Humphree Interceptor trim tabs to push the bow down. It handles lightly and nimbly-and with confidence.
A new generation of cruisers will enjoy the Galeon 680 Fly's multitasking layout, accommodating accommodations for a family and then some, admirable performance, and clever features (like transforming side decks).
