First picture of new L590 Fly on its way to FLIBS

The one thing I like about the Marlow is the side walkway (designed for old people). It just seems that one could fall over the side rails on these new Sea Ray designs.

I actually like the general interior layout of the L650. It could use a few tweaks here and there but overall, I liked it. I would like to see the non-bridge version. I'm starting to get this fear of heights thing.

I may try and get to the boat show this weekend since I'll be flying around anyway. Need to drop off my titanium elbow bill at the Sea Ray booth.
 
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Toured the 650 at the Miami Boat Show when they unveiled it. I don't like the looks. I don't like the interiors of the new boats.

Toured the Marlow 58 also. That is our future. I like the classic looks. I'm 53 years old. Love our 44, don't like the Euro look.
 
I find this thread fascinating because it's interesting market research.

SeaRay is targeting high end clients who would otherwise buy a European or other US brand sport yacht, but at the same time is targeting a younger demo that may buy several new SeaRays in their lifetime.

They're turning the corner away from older boaters who aren't buying new boats, but who tend to buy used models and who like the older layouts. Not that there's anything wrong with this, but it shows they are targeting future customers and not all current SeaRay owners.

They've also done their research and they must know how many people are going to buy a 45-65' sport yacht and who have the money to do so.

My guess, and this is without any insider information, is SR will sell several L650's, L590's and the new 470 at this week's FLIBS.

For those interesting in semi-displacement yachts.. this is an interesting article on Fleming's 78.
http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/boat-tests/fleming-78

Tony Fleming produced some excellent documentary-style videos from his 45,000 mile journey around the world on his Fleming 65. If you want to really see some long range cruising check these out on their YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FlemingYachts
 
In keeping my boat less than a half mile from Sea Ray's PD&E (Sikes Creek Plant) and having some "insider friends" I have had the unique opportunity to see and experience these L Class boats including seeing the L590 in the plant; I'll say they are in line with the market for this style (call it European or whatever). Personally, I really like the design and finish sans the bridge tops; up close and personal they are even better. As far as the market goes it appears to me they are chasing UK's Princess Yachts and the Princess line of Flybridge yachts. From a European market aspect and these styles of boat, Princess leads the market and are now making a very intentional and focused drive into America; they build a very fine boat. The market is there and well funded, Brunswick is making a wise full frontal attack to capture -
http://www.princessyachts.com/
 
those Flemings won't win any beauty contests either....for that matter as far as I'm concerned neither will those sedan bridge boats.....different strokes for different folks gentlemen....its the way life is. :grin:
 
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WDCboater said:
I find this thread fascinating because it's interesting market research.

SeaRay is targeting high end clients who would otherwise buy a European or other US brand sport yacht, but at the same time is targeting a younger demo that may buy several new SeaRays in their lifetime.

They're turning the corner away from older boaters who aren't buying new boats, but who tend to buy used models and who like the older layouts. Not that there's anything wrong with this, but it shows they are targeting future customers and not all current SeaRay owners.

They've also done their research and they must know how many people are going to buy a 45-65' sport yacht and who have the money to do so.

My guess, and this is without any insider information, is SR will sell several L650's, L590's and the new 470 at this week's FLIBS.

For those interesting in semi-displacement yachts.. this is an interesting article on Fleming's 78.
http://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/boat-tests/fleming-78

Tony Fleming produced some excellent documentary-style videos from his 45,000 mile journey around the world on his Fleming 65. If you want to really see some long range cruising check these out on their YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FlemingYachts
Click to expand...

But why not offer at least (1) traditional style yacht in size class, to support thier american customer base? Seems to me, I've always heard to, never put all your eggs into one basket. I thought Sea Ray would be diverse enough to offer two styles, or maybe I'm wrong as usually is the case.

Marlow, Flemming, etc are enjoying Sea Rays decision I'm sure.
 
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Maybe that is what they are using Meridian for?
 
HUMPH said:
Maybe that is what they are using Meridian for?
Click to expand...

Bingo! This is what I was told when I toured Palm Coast last fall.

Also, a company like Fleming makes a technically fine product and a yacht designed to handle just about anything on the open seas. But they sell very few bosts. I think I read they've made about 75 65's. The boats been around for nearly 10 years. That's about 8 boats a year in that class. One other distinction, while Fleming is an American company, their boats are constructed in Taiwan. SeaRay makes all of their hulls sold in the US in the USA. (this has nothing to do with quality, just pointing out SR is American made for American consumers. More than 60% of their yachts are sold in the US, according to Brunswick.)
 
HUMPH said:
Maybe that is what they are using Meridian for?
Click to expand...

That may be, but I just can't see a true blue Sea Ray owner, buying or "trading up" to a Meridian.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have a problem, but there are an aweful lot of Sea Ray snobs out there, that have spouted off about Bayliner or Meridian quality, that they would have to eat an aweful lot of crow if they came riding up in a Bayridian!!! haha

Humph, I understand the west coast is alot more tollerant of the Bayliner brand. So, it may work in the PNW.
 
islandhopper00 said:
That may be, but I just can't see a true blue Sea Ray owner, buying or "trading up" to a Meridian.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have a problem, but there are an aweful lot of Sea Ray snobs out there, that have spouted off about Bayliner or Meridian quality, that they would have to eat an aweful lot of crow if they came riding up in a Bayridian!!! haha

Humph, I understand the west coast is alot more tollerant of the Bayliner brand. So, it may work in the PNW.
Click to expand...
Trust me, the Bayliner jokes come early and often here. Meridian is a bit of an upscale Bayliner but not quite a Sea Ray. Brunswick can turn it up a notch easily and make Meridian to Sea Ray quality and people can still buy a more traditional style of bridge boat. If you want a 40' or so bridge new, it will be a Meridian not a Sea Ray from what I hear.
 
Coming to the Ft. Lauderdale Show (FLIBS) ??....you will see the 650FLY, the 650 Express and the brand new 590FLY. Also at our dock will be the 350SLX (way cool boat), 510DA and FLY, 470DA, 410DA and the 540DA.....and you and I can talk right on the dock, about every model and option you see. I too had preconceived notions about these new models but after running them everywhere now, I have grown very fond of the new style and amenities. These boats are sharp and they do love to run!

Hope to see you there!!

Capt. Rusty
 
Capt. Rusty Higgins said:
Coming to the Ft. Lauderdale Show (FLIBS) ??....you will see the 650FLY, the 650 Express and the brand new 590FLY. Also at our dock will be the 350SLX (way cool boat), 510DA and FLY, 470DA, 410DA and the 540DA.....and you and I can talk right on the dock, about every model and option you see. I too had preconceived notions about these new models but after running them everywhere now, I have grown very fond of the new style and amenities. These boats are sharp and they do love to run!

Hope to see you there!!

Capt. Rusty
Click to expand...

Rusty thanks for the preview. I'm kicking myself because I won't make it this year.

Out of curiosity does the L650 run comfortably at 8-10knots if you wanted to extend your range? Or is it really meant to cruise on plane.
 
Heck Ryan, we will be doing 7 knots just by putting her in gear. You can certainly run at 10 knots all day long with comfort and ease..... driving the FLY from the bridge on a nice day at 10 knots is pretty close to heaven for me, until I get on open water then 27 knots becomes the cruise speed.

Capt. R
 
Bet you need to take her in and out of gear around the dock one side at a time ? Otherwise you throw a wake ?
 
Joe, I'm sure the 650 throws a wake at idle....your new boat does too!!!

Havana Shamrock said:
Bet you need to take her in and out of gear around the dock one side at a time ? Otherwise you throw a wake ?
Click to expand...
 
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