Fleming 75 Review
Power & Motoryacht July 2001
As on the 55, the 75's traditionally inspired lines describe the classic long-range cruising yacht fundamentals. The raised pilothouse and the flying bridge form a purposeful brow above a semi-displacement hull with a sharp entry and substantial flaring at the bow that keeps her nose up and her decks dry in a head sea. Aft of a foredeck guarded by stainless steel rails, topsides are protected by high bulwarks beginning at the Portuguese Bridge, stretching the length of the 24-inch-wide side decks along the saloon level, and wrapping around the transom.. (Such security will be appreciated by anyone on board, but especially cruisers with children.) Altogether, her profile is at once sturdy and urbane - elegance with a backbone.
And literally so. Her solid FRP hull is stiffened with full-length stringers and athwartships frames of fiberglass laminated over foam and features a long keel that aids tracking and extends below the running gear for protection in case of grounding. Engine beds are steel encased in fiberglass and then dressed with mirror-finish stainless steel.
The engine mounts, however, are marvelously soft. So soft that Tony Fleming was able to brace his arms against one of the 800-hp Caterpillar 3406E diesels and wobble it in place. Using such flexible mounts, which greatly reduces the transfer of noise-producing vibration to the hull, is only possible because Fleming employs Aquadrive vibration-isolating systems. The Aquadrives' stout thrust bearings transfer propeller thrust directly to the hull, not the engines, and constant velocity joint shafts - while conveying engine power to the thrust bearings and prop shafts - permit engine movement in all directions.
Freed from prop thrust and the need for precise alignment, engines can hover relatively hushed atop the pliant mounts.With noise further contained by lead-composite sound insulation covered with perforated aluminum, the 75 is quiet. During seatrials off Newport Beach, my decibel meter registered only 62 dB-A as we ran at 1250 rpm, making a range of more than 2,150 miles. Even at wide-open throttle (2250 for 19.4 mph), the meter read just 70 dB-A (65 is the level of normal conversation). As we made our way in three-foot seas quartering off the port bow, the engines seemed no more audible than the rush of water.
The pilothouse's layout is nearly identical to the 55's, although it is a good deal larger and has a day head to boot. And it truly is the boat's nexus: Companionways aft come up from the saloon and down from the flying bridge; one forward to starboard winds from the accommodations below; and the doors port and starboard lead to the side decks.
You'll find examples of the 75's more lavish scale no matter which passage you take. Below forward, where on the 55 accommodations include a master in the forepeak with guest staterooms side to side aft, the 75 has room for a VIP forward, a guest midcabin to port, and a master stateroom aft that, with en suite head and shower (all three staterooms are so equipped) stretches almost full beam.
Three steps down the aft companionway takes you to a galley with wraparound black granite countertops above conveniences such as a Broan trash compactor, which can be a real godsend on a long cruise. Farther aft, the high quality of the hand-rubbed teak joinery found throughout can be fully appreciated in the light that pours through the saloon's large windows. Beyond the teak-framed sliding glass doors, a California deck, furnished with a settee and table to starboard under the extended boat deck, offers shaded outdoor comfort forward of the cockpit.
Climb to the flying bridge and you'll find that the topside amenities include a Euroflaire double barbecue, comfortable seating for more than a dozen, and enough table space for eight to dine al-fresco. The helm itself features an electrically retractable electronics console that made me wonder if Tony Fleming is any relation to Bond creator Ian. Not only is it stylish, but it will also keep instruments out of the weather and away from prying eyes at marinas.
Fleming firmly believes that a combination of systems aboard the test boat - such as warping winches at hawsers for easy adjustment of lines, a bow thruster, and optional remote steering and engine controls - can enable just a couple to run the 75. Nonetheless, crew's quarters for two, including a head and shower, are tucked in neatly between the engine room and the lazarette.
Reprinted Power & Motoryacht July 2001