4 Versatile Flybridge Boats Under 40 Feet
My parents owned a 29-foot Cruisers flybridge boat when I was in high school. I’ll never forget those happy summer days exploring Door County, Wisconsin, and the northern reaches of Lake Michigan. From up top, we could scan the horizon for destinations such as Michigan’s Garden Peninsula and the entrance to Big Bay de Noc, and in foul weather, we could stay warm and dry in the salon without feeling boxed in. At the time, it fit right in with many flybridge boats under 40 feet.
Decades later, that same elevated perspective and all-weather comfort continue to appeal to cruisers. While many of today’s boaters associate the flybridge design with larger yachts, select manufacturers still recognize that not everyone wants or needs a bigger boat to enjoy the flybridge experience.
These four flybridge models are easier to store, dock, and operate than their larger counterparts. At less than 40 feet in length, they also punch well above their weight when it comes to amenities and performance.
Regal 38 Fly
Base price: Consult dealer
Regal Boats has built its reputation on delivering luxurious accommodations in manageable packages, and the Regal 38 Fly is no exception. That’s why it is deserving of being on our list of flybridge boats under 40 feet. Measuring 38 feet in length, this stylish cruiser delivers the kind of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and premium finishes that have become hallmarks of the brand.
The 38 Fly efficiently uses every inch of available space. Belowdecks, the aft stateroom boasts a king bed that can be converted to twin berths, allowing owners to adapt the boat to different cruising styles. The forward stateroom has a California queen bed and plenty of walkaround space. Regal even made room for a beautifully appointed head with a walk-in shower.
The galley and salon layout encourages gathering and conversation, and a pass-through window connects the galley with the aft cockpit grill. Check out these other thoughtful touches:
- A foredeck sunpad with an optional cabana
- A teak table for the aft seating area
- A low-to-the-water swim platform with convenient transom storage
Regal has a “Power of Choice” philosophy that allows buyers to customize their boats with different sterndrive configurations based on their needs. Typically, the 38 Fly is equipped with twin 300 hp Volvo D4 diesel engines or twin 430 hp Volvo V8 EVC Joystick Catalyst gas engines.
Specifications:
- LOA: 38 feet, 1 inch
- Beam: 11 feet, 11 inches
- Draft: 2 feet (drive up); 2 feet, 11 inches (drive down)
- Dry weight: 21,200 pounds
- Bridge clearance: 16 feet, 1 inch
- Fuel capacity: 260 gallons
- Water capacity: 55 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 860
Cutwater C-32 Command Bridge
Base price: Consult dealer
Built for boaters who view cruising as an adventure, the Cutwater C-32 Command Bridge combines spirited performance with versatility. Its double-stepped deep-V hull and Laminar Flow Interrupters deliver a smooth ride, and twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards with joystick control provide speed and responsiveness. Add the generous 300-gallon fuel capacity, and you have a nice cruiser.
The C-32 CB was designed to be a multipurpose cruising platform. Whether the day calls for watersports, exploring a secluded anchorage, or cruising to the next port of call, the boat’s layout supports an active lifestyle on the water.
The cockpit features expanded seating, a rear-facing lounge, an electric grill, a sink, and a refrigerator. Need space for activities or to spread out? The Clear-Path swim platform provides 32 square feet of unobstructed deck space for boarding, swimming, and fishing. You can even launch a dinghy from here with Cutwater’s patented dinghy lift. Forward, a hideaway bow lounge offers an appealing vantage point for taking in the scenery along the way.
Inside, the C-32 CB offers the amenities owners expect from a cruising boat, including a fully equipped galley, a large dinette, a private head and shower, and a forward stateroom with an island berth. A midship stateroom and convertible dinette expand sleeping accommodations for family members and guests.
Specifications:
- LOA: 37 feet, 8 inches (motors down); 39 feet, 10 inches (motors up)
- Beam: 10 feet
- Draft: 2 feet, 9 inches (motors down); 2 feet, 2 inches (motors up)
- Dry weight: 12,100 pounds
- Bridge clearance: 18 feet (mast up); 9 feet, 9 inches (mast down)
- Fuel capacity: 300 gallons
- Water capacity: 60 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 600
Beneteau Antares 11 Fly
Base price: Consult dealer
The flagship of Beneteau’s Antares line, the 11 Fly packs an impressive amount of versatility into just over 36 feet. For starters, this family cruiser can sleep up to seven people. Its forward stateroom features a large island berth and an en suite shower, and a full-beam aft stateroom provides three additional berths.
One of the Antares 11 Fly’s distinctive characteristics is its emphasis on outdoor living. Rather than concentrating on just one gathering area, Beneteau distributes expansive seating and lounging zones throughout the boat.
On the main deck, the large salon and galley—complete with a two-ring cooktop, a front-loading refrigerator, and a stainless-steel sink—flow naturally through large sliding glass doors to the cockpit, where double benches and an aft sunpad create a second, open-air salon. Additional sunpads and lounges on the bow and flybridge give owners and guests plenty of options for entertaining and relaxing. The flip-down swim platform is a nice touch for a favorite anchorage.
Powered by twin Mercury V8 outboards with 600 total horsepower, the Antares 11 is an attractive choice for families seeking a weekender that offers effortless outdoor living without sacrificing overnight accommodations.
Specifications:
- LOA: 36 feet, 4 inches
- Beam: 11 feet, 6 inches
- Draft: 3 feet, 2 inches
- Dry weight: 13,550 pounds
- Bridge clearance: 15 feet, 3 inches
- Fuel capacity: 212 gallons
- Water capacity: 53 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 600
Galeon 360 Fly
Base price: ~$199,000 (before engines and options)
As the smallest flybridge model in Galeon’s lineup, the 360 Fly serves as an accessible entry point into the world of luxury yachting. Its sporty profile, panoramic windows, and expertly arranged living spaces reveal how smart design can make a compact yacht feel spacious. Flybridge boats under 40 feet can learn from this one.
Galeon approached this design with a clear objective: deliver the benefits of a larger yacht without the added complexity. Seamless traffic patterns, clever storage solutions, and flexible living spaces make it easy to forget you’re on a boat measuring just over 37 feet.
Owners can customize the lower-deck layout. Do you need a family-oriented configuration? Opt for two double staterooms and a compact third stateroom with bunks. Are you more interested in privacy? An alternative arrangement offers a second head instead of the third cabin.
Power comes from a choice of twin Volvo Penta or Mercury MerCruiser engines. With either brand, owners get the performance they need for coastal cruising while also maintaining the 360 Fly’s approachable, easy-to-handle character.
Specifications:
- LOA: 37 feet, 4 inches
- Beam: 11 feet, 5 inches
- Draft: 2 feet, 7 inches
- Displacement (dry): ~17,725 pounds
- Bridge clearance: 13 feet, 9 inches
- Fuel capacity: ~210 gallons
- Water capacity: ~92 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 600
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Heather Steinberger
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