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The speedy Beneteau Flyer 8 is by definition a family-friendly model that comes in two distinctly different configurations, the Spacedeck and the Sundeck. As the model name suggests, both are deckboats, with wide bows offering plenty of space; the difference is that the Spacedeck emphasizes on-deck passenger comfort in bow and stern with plenty of room to fish, while the Sundeck is a cuddy-style model that provides sunpads on deck and both sitting headroom and space to nap belowdecks. The video below, by our content partner, BoatTest.com, presents both models.
Flyer 8 Spacedeck and Sundeck models presented by BoatTest.com
Meet the Spacedeck and the Sundeck
In Captain Tripp’s narration of the Flyer 8 in the video above, he says the Flyer’s length (26’10”) hits the sweet spot for most families—seaworthy enough to take out in choppy water yet easily handled and reasonably affordable. The model you buy depends on your intended use of the boat. The Flyer 8 Sundeck maximizes fun in the sun plus a cuddy cabin while the Flyer 8 Spacedeck maximizes entertainment options.
The Spacedeck is laid out as a center console, which works well for anglers who also enjoy its livewell, bait-prep station, and storage that can double as fish boxes. An optional towing pylon can be fitted for watersports, and her boarding platforms on either side of the outboard engine provide easy access to and from the water as well as the dock.
In addition to the built-in seating forward and aft are the fold-out bench seats, both port and starboard, standard aboard both models. The two also have a fridge and a head below where, as Captain Tripp points out, there’s even space on the Spacedeck for a child’s crib.
The Sundeck’s layout with a cuddy cabin and raised foredeck makes the model capable of cruising out to the islands for an overnight while also making space for a big sunpad forward. The deck has an asymmetrical plan as well that makes it easier to move forward on the port side to readch the sunpad or anchor locker.
Aft on the Sundeck, the cockpit features versatile seating for eight people around a cockpit table for outdoor dining or cocktails, and the bench seat aft can be folded down to become another large sunpad.
And down below, the Sundeck has sitting headroom on the split forward V berth with a table for games, cocktails or dinner. The table lowers down to complete the V berth for adult sleeping. In addition to an enclosed head and fridge, there’s a microwave. Plus, the large hull windows solve the traditional cuddy problem of creating a “cave-like” feeling.
The hull on both models has a sharp entry below its flared bow and a V-bottom shape that improves the choppy-water ride. At the same time, the wide bow makes it easier to get on and off the boat when mooring with the bow to the dock.
Both models are rated for a single outboard up to 350 horsepower. Higher horsepower generates faster acceleration and higher speed; lower horsepower reduces weight as well as reducing cost.
With the outboard engine and a full tank of fuel, the Flyer 8 weighs about 6100 pounds and can be trailered by any number of vehicles, including large SUVs.
Beneteau photo.
Where the Flyer 8 Fits in the Beneteau Lineup
Founded in 1884 by Benjamin Beneteau, Beneteau has no equal among brands in terms of longevity. The parent company, Groupe Beneteau, has acquired other brands and grown to the point that it is among the world’s largest recreational boatbuilders in the world.
Since the early 2000s, the Flyer line has been a principal small motorboat series for Beneteau. It has offered Spacedeck and Sundeck versions for models throughout the range from 5.5 to 10 meters (18 to 33 feet). Currently, four sizes are offered, the Flyer 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Most used Flyer 8 models currently on the market were built since 2020, although take note, Beneteau used the Flyer name on very different, earlier models dating back to the 1990s.
Beneteau Flyer 8 Spacedeck version. Beneteau photo.
Beneteau Flyer 8 Sundeck version. Beneteau photo.
Flyer 8 Performance Data
While BoatTest didn’t run a performance test while producing this video, Beneteau says the boat will run up to 40 knots wide open and cruise in the low 20s powered by the standard 300hp Mercury outboard engine. A 350hp Mercury is an option with a top speed a few knots faster.
The Flyer 8’s performance benefits from Beneteau’s patented AirStep hull design, which draws air in from the sides of the hull and spreads it lengthwise down the hull beneath boat. This reduces resistance and increases performance, and it also improves acceleration and reduces fuel consumption.
Beneteau photo.
Beneteau Flyer 8 Specifications
LOA: 26' 10"/8.17 m
Beam: 8' 4"/2.53 m
Draft up: 1' 5"/0.5 m
Draft down: 2' 11"/0.9 m
Air draft: 8' 0"/2.45 m
Fuel capacity: 90 gal/340 L
Water capacity: 21 gal/80 L
Engine Options
Tested engine: 1 x 300-hp Mercury Verado
Std. Power: 1 x 300-hp Mercury Verado
Opt. Power: 1 x 350-hp Mercury Verado
Beneteau photo.
