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The Bénéteau (Flyer) Flyer 8 SPACEdeck is a large bowrider built in moulded fibreglass by Bénéteau (Flyer) of France, a builder trading since 1884. On our measurements it works out at roughly 26 ft 3 in (8.00 m) of hull with a beam near 11 ft 2 in (3.40 m), which places it squarely in the trailerable family bowrider class: one vehicle, one trailer, one afternoon of prep, and the boat is in the water. European outboard bowriders built for Mediterranean-style day boating.
Layout is classic bowrider and that is the whole point of the boat. Twin lounges run forward of the windscreen with a walk-through to the anchor well, the helm and companion seats sit amidships behind a wrap screen, and a full-width lounge spans the transom for sunbathing and socialising. Around 13 people fit aboard comfortably in sheltered water. Cushions lift out, backrests fold and filler pads convert the cockpit from a conversation pit into one long sun bed in a couple of minutes.
On the water the Flyer 8 SPACEdeck is easy to like because nothing about it is demanding. Trim it out, settle into a mid-throttle cruise and it holds course with a finger on the wheel. Turns are progressive rather than sharp, wake crossings are soft, and the boat is forgiving of an inexperienced driver — an underrated quality in a family bowrider.
Power is a 245-370 hp four-stroke outboard package, and that suits both the hull and the way these boats are used. Keeping the machinery outside the hull frees up stern storage, simplifies servicing and removes the bellows and gimbal wear items that punish neglected stern drive boats. It also lifts the swim platform clear of the exhaust.
Watersports are well covered. A tow point is standard on almost every boat in this class, and Bénéteau (Flyer) owners regularly add a pylon or a folding tower for wakeboarding. A healthy outboard package pulls a slalom skier out of the water cleanly and tows children on an inflatable biscuit all day without protest. Skis, ropes and vests live in the under-floor and under-seat lockers so nothing sits underfoot while the boat is loaded.
Anglers do well out of the Flyer 8 SPACEdeck. The bow converts to a casting deck once the cushions are stowed, there is room to swing a rod without hitting the screen, and lockers swallow tackle, nets and a cooler. It is not a dedicated fishing boat, but it catches fish and it still takes the family out the next morning — which is the entire argument for owning a bowrider.
Build and finish sit where you would expect for a premium boat from France. Bénéteau's Flyer range is the European interpretation of the bowrider, and it approaches the brief differently to the Americans. Rather than deep sunken lounges, the SUNdeck and SPACEdeck layouts use convertible seating, generous sunpads, walkaround side decks and clever removable tables, so the same boat works for a family swim stop, a fishing session or lunch for eight at anchor. Air Step hull technology channels air beneath the running surface to reduce drag and soften the ride, giving better fuel figures and a notably drier passage in Mediterranean chop. Outboard power keeps the cockpit clear and simplifies servicing, and the boats are set up for European use with proper bathing platforms, anchor lockers and often a small enclosed head compartment on larger models. Build quality is solid production-boat standard from the world's largest boat builder, which means excellent parts availability and dealer coverage across Europe, Australia and Asia. Resale is dependable thanks to strong brand recognition.
Options worth having on the Flyer 8 SPACEdeck are the practical ones: a bimini for shade, a decent bow and cockpit cover so the upholstery survives being stored outside, an upgraded sounder if you fish, and a stereo package that can be heard over the engine. On fibreglass, a ceramic coat or a good polish once a season keeps the gelcoat looking new and protects resale.
As a used buy, check the same things you would on any bowrider in this size band: transom firmness, stringer and floor soundness, hours and service history on the engine, steering and trim function, and the state of the upholstery seams, which are the first thing to fail on a boat that lives uncovered. Boats from this builder hold their money well, so a tidy example will not be cheap, and that is usually a sign you are buying the right one.
Our price guide for the Flyer 8 SPACEdeck is US$95,000 - US$125,000 new, which moves with engine choice, trailer, tower and how recently the boat was refreshed. Judged as a whole, it does what people buy a bowrider for: cruise, tow, swim, fish and entertain in one boat, without asking the family to compromise on any of them. Bénéteau (Flyer) has been refining that formula since 1884, and the Flyer 8 SPACEdeck is a straightforward, well-judged expression of it.
The world's best selling bowrider size, Light, simple and easy to tow.
US$38,000 - US$52,000 new
The refined mainstream benchmark: quiet, dry, and beautifully finished for the money.
US$72,000 - US$95,000 new
A premium 25-foot bowrider renowned for its deep seating, convertible lounges, refined ride and exceptional finish.
US$155,000 - US$210,000 new
Featured Boat of the Week
This week we are putting the Bayliner Bayliner DX2000 in the spotlight, and it earns the spot. At 20 ft 2 in (6.16 m) long on a 8 ft (2.44 m) beam, this is a bowrider that reads the water well and still feels roomy enough for a full day out. A 20-foot deck-boat-width bowrider with outboard power and a huge social cockpit. Power comes from 115-150 hp mercury fourstroke outboard through a outboard package, and the fibreglass hull keeps the ride settled when the afternoon breeze puts a chop on the surface.
Seating is rated for 8 people, so there is space for family, friends, towels, eskies and the tow rope without anyone climbing over gear. Owners tend to buy it for family, water ski, leisure — which is exactly where it shines. Fuel is 30 us gal (114 l), and on the second-hand and new market you should expect to land somewhere around US$42,000 - US$58,000 new depending on hours, trailer and options.
Our full deep dive covers the layout in detail: bow lounge comfort, helm ergonomics, the rear entertaining area, storage that actually swallows a weekend, plus standard features, popular options and honest notes on where the boat compromises. If the Bayliner DX2000 is on your shortlist, start there — and check back next week, because the featured boat changes every week as we complete more full model reviews.
Featured Bowrider Article
Ownership
More boats are damaged sitting still than being used. A weekend spent laying up a bowrider properly prevents frost damage, fuel problems, flat batteries, mildew and cracked vinyl — and makes the first trip of the next season a pleasure rather than a repair bill. Flush thoroughly with fresh water, then change engine oil and filters while the oil is warm so contaminants leave with it. Change the gearcase or lower unit oil too, and inspect what comes out for water or metal. In freezing climates, drain all raw water from sterndrive blocks, manifolds and hoses, or fill the system with the correct concentration of non-toxic antifreeze. Fog the cylinders if the manufacturer recommends it, grease all fittings, and store outboards in the fully down position so water drains out of the leg. Fill the fuel tank to around ninety per cent and add a quality fuel stabiliser, then run the engine long enough to draw treated fuel through the whole system. A nearly full tank limits condensation, and stabiliser prevents the gum and phase separation that ruin injectors and carburettors. Drain freshwater tanks, showers, ballast systems and toilets completely, and pump antifreeze through where freezing is possible. Remove drain plugs, clear scuppers and leave…
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