European day boating done properly: sunpads, Air Step hull, outboard cleanliness.
The Bénéteau Flyer 7 SUNdeck reinterprets the bowrider for Mediterranean day boating. At 7.2 m (23 ft 7 in) it prioritises sunbathing area, shade and swimming access over the deep American-style bow lounge.
The Air Step hull is Bénéteau's signature. Air is channelled through ducts to the running surface, reducing drag and cushioning the ride. In practice, the boat feels lighter on the water and burns less fuel at cruise than its size suggests.
Layout is modular. The aft bench slides and converts to an aft-facing seat or a full sun lounge, the bow becomes a large sunpad with filler cushions, and there is a small enclosed console compartment with a portable head, which is rare and genuinely useful at this size.
Outboard power from 150 hp to 225 hp keeps the transom clean and the swim platforms usable on both quarters. A single 200 hp gives a comfortable 25 knot cruise with a 38-40 knot top end.
The Flyer is aimed at owners who anchor and swim more than they tow skiers. If your boating day involves a beach, a lunch and a swim ladder rather than a slalom course, this is the layout to look at. Check hull-side gel coat around fenders and the condition of the deck sunpad cushions on used boats.
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