Breakwater
New Member
What are the performance differences and weight differences between the two. Other than the Fly Bridge and aft seating config, is there any other differences between the two? Thanks for any info, Sean
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The Fly is heavier, by approximately 20,000 pounds no matter what. But, options and owner choices can have a significant impact as Frank said. Heavier items include gyros (2 @ 1200 pound each), crew quarters, teak decking, hard top vs arch on the bridge, etc.
Last November I was cruising my 58 DB down the ICW approaching Sea Ray's Palm Coast facility. An L650 express was maneuvering around in the channel ahead and I sped up to catch her. Just as I did, she went to WOT away from me. I went to WOT, which is about 32 knots on the 58DB. That L650 just left me in her wake. Must have been doing 35 knots or more. IMPRESSIVE!
Thank you Capt. Rusty. I will let you know when and what I may need as far as info goes. I very much enjoyed following the thread of your east coast trip showing the Fly. I think that the L series are the best looking vessels I've seen anywhere. SeanBreakwater..... if you are interested in the 650 series, either FLY or Express please let me know and I will try to obtain all the written literature you may need.
On this thread you are hearing from two gentlemen who have driven the 650FLY in ocean conditions so take their advice to heart. I have driven pretty much all of them and really do not see that much performance difference between the FLY or Express. I suppose if we firewalled the motors for an extended period the less wind drag may come into play but I do not drive like that so you are comparing cherries to cherries between the two to me.
Let me know if I can help you sir.
Capt. Rusty
And they are way fun to drive Sean. The 650 is extremely strong and handles more than I can. FW and I did Atlantic City to Norfolk in daylight hours even after being detained by the USCG a few miles offshore due to a launch window from Wallops Island VA. We cruised around 25 knots and busted 4-6 footers like baby speed bumps. She is a big boat and being on the FLY bridge version gives you the realization of what 30mph in an 85,000 lbs. boat is all about. The 650 has two big CAT C18 Acert 1150hp power plants and they are just that. Big wheels on the back handling big torque allowing you easy handling around docks and narrow fairways. This new yacht also offers hydraulic thrusters both front and rear. These thrusters have kind of made me loose some docking skills as they allow the boat to just walk sideways for as long as needed, they are hydraulic so no overheating or fuses/breakers to trip and are powered from the big CATs.
You mentioned all L Class and now that I have operated the new 590 a bunch of times, I can attest to that boat’s handling as well. Three QSC Cummins Zeus drive power plants give me the sensation of driving a jet boat but in an almost 60 foot vessel. Much different than the 650 but just as much fun to operate. The sleek stylings of the Express versions of the L Class boats have galley and helm on the same deck inside which keeps the conversations and sightseeing at a more personal level. Then there are the open bridge FLY models which I too have to confess I was not at all a fan of when we were producing the first one. I am a Floridian and require climate controlled areas of the boat and that includes the bridge. Well, I have changed my tune 180 degrees after driving that boat to Boston and back. Being in the open air first thing in the morning while winding my way out of a marina(s) in Boston, Long Island, NYC, Wrightsville Beach, Annapolis, Baltimore, Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine, West Palm, Miami, St. Pete and many others, with a cup of good coffee in my hand….well sir, it just does not get much better than that. Why is the open air bridge so nice, because we have a fantastic full lower helm on both the 650’s and the 590’s. Once we are past the demarcation line heading out of port or when the weather turns on us, we simply go downstairs in the AC to the helm which is located next to the galley……I am good for the long haul then!
Can I help you see one?
Capt. R