Galeon 640 Fly
The word transformer is used to describe a lot of boats these days as more of them hit the water with convertible features that instantly switch up the look and function of living spaces. But one motoryacht appears to have more of these clever conveniences than most. When the Galeon 640 Fly debuted at a show recently, a shopper who saw it at the dock initiated a swift purchase and then promptly made plans to paint the name Optimus Prime on its transom.
That buyer has a sense of humor, but he was also impressed by all of the ways this boat can dramatically change appearance and layout. Galeon did its most interesting work at the bow. Here, you just push a button and the big center section of the windshield lifts up via a whisper-quiet motor and slides back, disappearing into a compartment the company says is watertight. With this panel of glass removed, the cabin is open to the breeze, and passengers with wobbly sea legs don’t have to tiptoe down the sidedecks to get to the party at the front of the boat.
You can organize a good-size get together in the bow, as there are three lounges and two teak tables. And yet, there’s more here than meets the eye. When it’s time to pull anchor and ask guests to join you on the bridge, the lounges and tables lower electrically, seatbacks collapse and all components slide aft so that covers can be dropped over the whole arrangement, turning the bow into a giant sunpad. “It has to be one of the largest and most versatile foredecks in its size range,” says Bob Burke, brand manager for Galeon at MarineMax
Features like these have industry insiders wondering if the 640 Fly has an innovation award in its future. They’re coupled with other space-expanding components, including balconies at the port and starboard sides of the cabin that fold out to boost the boat’s beam from 16 feet 5 inches to 23 feet. (Combined, the balconies add 108 square feet of entertaining space.) The cabin is surrounded by large windows, which isn’t a big deal, but the glazing is notable as panels on all three sides slide open. Other moving parts on board include the “teak beach” hydraulic swim platform equipped with a staircase that dips deep into the cool water.
Galeon is a Polish brand that’s been offered stateside for a few years. MarineMax became the exclusive dealer in 2016, and it now offers models from this builder ranging from 40 to 68 feet. Galeon owners have access to MarineMax’s 62 service providers around the country, and its considerable inventory of spare parts. The 640 is made overseas, but it’s been Americanized with brands U.S. boat owners recognize, including Raymarine at the helm and Onan under the deck. For propulsion, the 640 Fly has a pair of Volvo 1,000-hp D13s with straight shafts. To enhance maneuverability, the boat comes with standard thrusters.
The 640, which has three staterooms, is fully found as it’s equipped with all the systems, components and comforts you need to start cruising the day you get the keys. You’ll have to pay more for some of the really cool stuff—balconies, for instance, and the optional crew’s quarters, which could boost resale value—but there might be room in the budget for a few splurges since the Galeon is priced pretty competitively at $2,995,000. (Boats from Prestige are typically direct competition for this brand.) In return for the investment, you get one tricked-out cruiser.