First picture of new L590 Fly on its way to FLIBS

I think you have to have the new style windows. This ain't working...

FLY3_zpsb7f6224b.jpg
 
Someone who doesn't like this boat is not a "hater", they just don't like it. Not everyone is going to like everything.

The L650 is a great boat for sure as I'm sure this one is too, although I don't care for it.

I would encourage even those who can't afford these boats to take a look at what the alternatives are available in the price range to understand where some of the "hate" is coming from. Personally, I would buy a Fleming or a Marlow or a Hatteras before any of these Euro designs. One could buy a brand new Fleming 55 AND a house in the Keys to keep her in for the price of the L650. Just saying. And then you'd have storage in the galley for more than a bottle of wine, a corkscrew and a block of cheese.
 
My early opinion of the 650FLY was "not enthusiastic". I just didn't like the profile and all that structure on top of the boat that looked like an after thought. But, I was fortunate to be able to spend 10 days on the boat as she traveled from NY back to the factory during which we experienced rain/thunderstorms, clear skies, 15-20 kts winds on the nose, 5-7 ft seas, and some chamber of commerce days. That trip reversed my opinion...the 650 is a superb extremely well designed boat in all respects. What I learned was don't be critical about a new design until you at least spend some time getting to know the whole boat. One 2 dimensional profile view doesn't make a boat................
 
fwebster said:
My early opinion of the 650FLY was "not enthusiastic". I just didn't like the profile and all that structure on top of the boat that looked like an after thought. But, I was fortunate to be able to spend 10 days on the boat as she traveled from NY back to the factory during which we experienced rain/thunderstorms, clear skies, 15-20 kts winds on the nose, 5-7 ft seas, and some chamber of commerce days. That trip reversed my opinion...the 650 is a superb extremely well designed boat in all respects. What I learned was don't be critical about a new design until you at least spend some time getting to know the whole boat. One 2 dimensional profile view doesn't make a boat................
Click to expand...

This is a good assessment. SeaRay is taking aim at Azimut, Princess, Sunseeker, etc with these bosts. I'm also sure they gained valuable feedback from "guests" who saw the L650 during its east cost tour.

The lower level layout of the L650 is also key for owners who may consider putting their yacht in a charter program. The four staterooms is key. Step onboard one of these boats. Heck, even the 510. The large hull windows are awesome when you're in the staterooms. It also makes the master more usable as an escape if you want to get some privacy.

Someone mentioned the Fleming 55. This is a displacement vessel and they make it clear it's not a sport cruiser right on their website. http://www.flemingyachts.com/fleming55.html
SeaRay isn't making motor yachts. They're making sports yachts.

Azimut makes a line just for people who want a longer range cruiser. This Magellano 53 is an awesome boat, just don't expect to get somewhere as fast as a SR.
http://www.azimutyachts.com/azimutmagellano53.html
(This boat starts at $1.3). I was on one last week fully loaded and this is an awesome boat.

We've said this on CSR before, but SR isn't targeting most of us. How many people have bought a new SR in the past 5-10 years and how many have older or used models? SR needs to sell new bosts and if we're not the customers, then they need to to appeal to who is buying. Not that there's anything wrong with older bosts, it's just SR needs to sell new to stay in business. From what I hear the L650 is a huge hit.
 
Frank correct me here if needed, I believe Rusty pointed out to me the French style drain that was full beam at the salon doors.on the 650 that dumped overboard giving these boats the class A rating. To answer an earlier question.
 
Havana Shamrock said:
Frank correct me here if needed, I believe Rusty pointed out to me the French style drain that was full beam at the salon doors.on the 650 that dumped overboard giving these boats the class A rating. To answer an earlier question.
Click to expand...
There's more to a Category A rating than just that, but yes very rapid draining of the cockpit (to allow it to drain very quickly if swamped) is one of the many requirements to get a Category A rating.
 
Why anyone with an express cruiser would not want bigger hull windows, I can't fathom. More light and feeling of space below would benefit virtually every boat SR has ever made up to the modern era of larger windows. I know my 320 would love a couple of hull windows to open things up down in the cave.

I personally loved the L650, even though I am definitely not the target demographic, I love this 590 too, would love to see it in the same color scheme that the 650 debuted in. I have to imagine this one is about $2.5M and yeah at that price there are a whole lot of excellent options, but I don't think the guy looking at the L series is cross shopping Flemings and Marlows, those are completely different style boats, as awesome and excellent as those boats are.
 
Dsybok said:
Why anyone with an express cruiser would not want bigger hull windows, I can't fathom. More light and feeling of space below would benefit virtually every boat SR has ever made up to the modern era of larger windows. I know my 320 would love a couple of hull windows to open things up down in the cave.

I personally loved the L650, even though I am definitely not the target demographic, I love this 590 too, would love to see it in the same color scheme that the 650 debuted in. I have to imagine this one is about $2.5M and yeah at that price there are a whole lot of excellent options, but I don't think the guy looking at the L series is cross shopping Flemings and Marlows, those are completely different style boats, as awesome and excellent as those boats are.
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Exactly.

Also, I'm not sure who thought Fleming made a cheaper yacht.
There's a *used* 55 for sale on the east cost and the asking price is $2Mil.
http://burryachtsales.com/boats/2013-fleming-55-2/#more-2052

One other thing driving the price on SeaRays is the fact they're putting in features they've never used before. The SeaKeeper isn't cheap. The HD7 KVH is a lot more expensive than the M1/M3 used on previous models. The joystick system on the V drive boats is not a cheap addition. They're using top of the line Raymarine plotters. Etc.
 
Havana Shamrock said:
Frank correct me here if needed, I believe Rusty pointed out to me the French style drain that was full beam at the salon doors.on the 650 that dumped overboard giving these boats the class A rating. To answer an earlier question.
Click to expand...

The entire cockpit has a gutter type drain that dumps overboard on both sides of the hull.
 
Converse48 said:
Someone who doesn't like this boat is not a "hater", they just don't like it. Not everyone is going to like everything.

The L650 is a great boat for sure as I'm sure this one is too, although I don't care for it.

I would encourage even those who can't afford these boats to take a look at what the alternatives are available in the price range to understand where some of the "hate" is coming from. Personally, I would buy a Fleming or a Marlow or a Hatteras before any of these Euro designs. One could buy a brand new Fleming 55 AND a house in the Keys to keep her in for the price of the L650. Just saying. And then you'd have storage in the galley for more than a bottle of wine, a corkscrew and a block of cheese.
Click to expand...

I agree with this statement 100%.
 
fwebster said:
My early opinion of the 650FLY was "not enthusiastic". I just didn't like the profile and all that structure on top of the boat that looked like an after thought. But, I was fortunate to be able to spend 10 days on the boat as she traveled from NY back to the factory during which we experienced rain/thunderstorms, clear skies, 15-20 kts winds on the nose, 5-7 ft seas, and some chamber of commerce days. That trip reversed my opinion...the 650 is a superb extremely well designed boat in all respects. What I learned was don't be critical about a new design until you at least spend some time getting to know the whole boat. One 2 dimensional profile view doesn't make a boat................
Click to expand...

The boat may handle well, and the design may work well in the ocean......but it's still ugly......to me.
 
Frank has an excellent point - that for me is really the crux of the issue.

Yeah, the outside lines are a relevant point - but what drives me to spend $$ is the inside out experience. Let's face it I see the boat when I am walking towards it on the dock, after that - the most important point to me is what is it like to be on the boat.

I want a boat that is well maintained, looks good. One that when people see me cruising by they think "that guy really takes care of his boat". The appearance of windows from the outside doesn't matter that much. What matters is the functional experience of the windows when I am on the boat.

What does it feel like on the boat? How useable is the space? Does the layout support how I use the boat?

Just traded boats, but already starting to think about the next one.

I am sure my criteria will continue to evolve as I become more educated - but what is important to me in the next boat?

Dual Helm's - yes I want one inside - but not wanting to give up the fly bridge. For the last 5 years we have spent 1-2 weeks each year on bareboats in Maine. There are days that you just do not want to be on top. But then, there are days you do.

Doors on at least one, if not both Port and Starboard from the lower helm to the sides. And I do not mean a tiny hatch, has to be something a big guy like me can easily move through - climbing through is not desired.

Layout that supports extended cruising, long periods of time on the boat. Current boat is 1 week a month, next boat is 2-3 weeks a month. We have no interest (at this time) in two pieces of real estate, the boat is (will be) our second home. Layout, layout, functional useability -- that's what I am looking for.
 
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WDCboater said:
Also, I'm not sure who thought Fleming made a cheaper yacht.
There's a *used* 55 for sale on the east cost and the asking price is $2Mil.
http://burryachtsales.com/boats/2013-fleming-55-2/#more-2052
Click to expand...
That price is probably very close to what he paid for it. Let's not open up the depreciation can of worms. A well found classically designed and built motor yacht will hold more of its value over time than a trend du jour sport yacht. By my math, by far the greatest expense of the a boat like the L650 will be the depreciation. You could run that boat for eight hours a day, every day for a year, and not outpace the cost of depreciation. That's why I think it's funny when people are like "80 gallons an hour, whoa!!!!!". That's nothing compared to the money you're losing sitting still.

Yes, I understand that most guys buying boats like this don't care about pesky things like depreciation. And no one in their right mind buys a boat as a financial investment. But should I ever find myself in the position to stroke that kind of check, and that's a reasonable possibility, I am going to give it some thought.
 
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I think the window are a classic case of function over form. Carver has been putting big tinted Nike swoosh windows in their boats for decades. They sure don't win any beauty pageants but the serve the purpose for which they are intended. It is amazingly cool to be sitting in a stateroom in the bowels of this boat and see the water just outside, at pretty much eye-level.

The classic Sea Ray portlights I photoshopped in make this boat look a lot like the 54 Cockpit Motor Yacht (Sanz the reverse sheer) from the early '00s. Don't see too many of those around.
 
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WDCboater said:
Exactly.

Also, I'm not sure who thought Fleming made a cheaper yacht.
There's a *used* 55 for sale on the east cost and the asking price is $2Mil.
http://burryachtsales.com/boats/2013-fleming-55-2/#more-2052

One other thing driving the price on SeaRays is the fact they're putting in features they've never used before. The SeaKeeper isn't cheap. The HD7 KVH is a lot more expensive than the M1/M3 used on previous models. The joystick system on the V drive boats is not a cheap addition. They're using top of the line Raymarine plotters. Etc.
Click to expand...

Always a 55 Fleming at our twice a year boat show here in So Cal. Usually runs about $1.2 to $1.5m. They hold their value, but there is a good reason for it, the finishes on Fleming's are unparalleled. I doubt there is another boat in that price point that can match their quality and finishes. Not yet been on a Marlow, for all I have heard they are much the same.
 
Converse48 said:
That price is probably very close to what he paid for it. Let's not open up the depreciation can of worms. A well found classically designed and built motor yacht will hold more of its value over time than a trend du jour sport yacht. By my math, by far the greatest expense of the a boat like the L650 will be the depreciation. You could run that boat for eight hours a day, every day for a year, and not outpace the cost of depreciation. That's why I think it's funny when people are like "80 gallons an hour, whoa!!!!!". That's nothing compared to the money you're losing sitting still.

Yes, I understand that most guys buying boats like this don't care about pesky things like depreciation. And no one in their right mind buys a boat as a financial investment. But should I ever find myself in the position to stroke that kind of check, and that's a reasonable possibility, I am going to give it some thought.
Click to expand...

Pricing on Fleming's 55 and 65 are readily available on yachting magazine websites.
The 55 has a base list over $2.2 million. The 65 starts at $3.2, with many selling closer to $3.8 with options. I'm not referring to depreciation, I'm talking about what someone can buy one new from the manufacturer. SeaRay isn't selling used bosts.

Even an Azimut, Cruisers, etc are worth far less after it pulls away from the dock. What it comes down to is a boat that can cruise at 25knts or a boat built to circumnavigate the globe at 8knts.

Criticizing SeaRay for making sports yachts that don't perform or hold value like an expedition yacht is silly. They are different markets and different types of boats.
 
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