New and Used Flybridge Boats and Yachts for Sale

Flybridge boats are characterized by their “flying bridge,” a raised helm station that often has additional seating and lounging areas. The flying bridge offers excellent vantage points and are popular as sportfishing yachts. Search for new and used flybridge boats for sale, whether you’re looking for a sportfishing model or motor cruiser. 

Main Characteristics of Flybridge Boats

A flybridge boat is one that has an upper helm station with duplicate navigation equipment above the main deck, which is usually covered by a hardtop. In addition to the helm station, larger models may have extra features such as a sun lounging area or wet bar. Flybridge boats are generally used, however, for offshore sport fishing, where the raised helm gives the captain an excellent view when looking for signs of fish or the action around the boat when a fish is on the hook.

Flybridge boats are often referred to as convertible boats because they offer both sport-fishing and offshore cruising capabilities. They vary widely in size from around 30 feet up to 100 feet or more. Larger models are referred to as flybridge yachts or flybridge motor cruisers and will feature cabins and galleys, as well as additional seating or lounging space on the flybridge so passengers can ride alongside the captain. 

Flybridge sportfishing boats are high-powered with either inboard or outboard engines, allowing them to handle larger seas and get to the fishing grounds quickly. 

Types of Flybridge Boats

Sportfishing Flybridge Boats

Flybridge boats (or sportfishing yachts as they’re also known) are mean fishing machines, equipped with powerful outboards (up to three or even four) or inboards, a full suite of fishing equipment, livewells, swivel chairs, wraparound deck space, and a flybridge helm station accessed by a ladder. They function as family cruisers as well as offshore fishing boats and have a range of home comforts and indoor spaces. 

Flybridge Motor Cruisers

Flybridge motoryachts function as true cruisers, with plenty of space for family and friends, as well as home comforts, cabins and heads, a full galley, and the all-important flybridge. From a distance, some may look like a sportfishing yacht, but the flybridge is even more spacious, offering extra lounging space and possibly even dining and sun-bathing areas, wet bars, BBQs, stereos and TVs—even Jacuzzis—alongside the helm station. 

Flybridge Superyachts

The advantages of the flybridge are taken to a new level when the size of the vessel enters superyacht territory. Measuring 70 feet or more, they are true luxury cruisers equipped with multiple cabins, dining areas, vast decks, and a captain and crew. The addition of the flybridge provides extra family space, with walkaround flybridges offering sun lounging areas, bars, and 360-degree sea views. 

Best Flybridge Boat Brands

The flybridge yacht sector is competitive, and they are one of the most popular-selling types of boats. In Europe we tend to see more flybridge motorboat cruisers from brands such as Azimut, Bavaria, Galeon, Prestige, Princess, Sealine, Absolute, Beneteau, Sunseeker, Fairline, and Ferretti to name just a few. While all of those brands are sold in the United States, sportfishing yachts are even more popular, with many brands vying for top spot. 

There are many sportfishing yacht brands to choose from, with most offering a flybridge version as well as a coupe version. Top brands include Viking Yachts, which is renowned for its outstanding construction, stability and speed; Hatteras and its customizable sportfishing yachts; and Bertram, with its tournament-worthy line-up. Other brands include Huckins whose boats are built for true bluewater fishing expeditions, and luxury brands of sportfishing yachts such as Merritt and Jarrett Bay Boatworks. 

North Carolina in the US has a long tradition of building sportfishing flybridge yachts with many top brands such as Albermarle Sportfishing Boats, which has been in the industry for almost four decades and BB Boats Inc.  Other brands from up and down the East Coast that deserve mention include Cabo Yachts, Gamefisherman, Henriques Yachts, American Custom Yachts, Bayliss Boatworks, Briggs Boatworks, and Ocean Yachts. 

FAQs

Why Choose Flybridge Boats?

Flybridge boats are usually the choice of sportfishing enthusiasts as they are adept fishing vessels, offering high power, wraparound deck space, lots of fishing equipment, and of course the raised vantage point of the flybridge deck. Flybridge motor cruisers tend to be larger, with cabins, galleys, and lounges, and they utilize the flybridge deck as additional lounging and recreational space. 

What are the Best Brands of Flybridge Boats?

In a competitive sector there are many excellent brands of flybridge boats to choose from. Sportfishing boat brands include Viking, Bertam, and Hatteras among many, while brands building flybridge motor cruisers include Princess, Sunseeker, Beneteau, and Fairline.