Passagemaker Interview On The New Fleming 85
This interview originally aired on the Passagemaker Magazine website on December 16th, 2020 and was conducted by editor Andrew Parkinson. Fleming's own Duncan Cowie and Adi Shard discuss the all-new flagship model, the F85, and what's unique about its design. For more information on the Fleming 85, please visit: https://www.flemingyachts.com/model/Fleming-85
Fleming Yachts has long billed its product as the "ultimate cruising yacht,” and if mouths agape on the docks at your favorite TrawlerFest location is any sort of measure, the Taiwan-based shipyard may be on to something.
Yet it’s not everyday that Fleming unveils a new model. The Fleming 55, for example, was first introduced in 1986, and while it has undergone hundreds of changes since then, it remains among the most popular hulls today for trawler and long-range cruising enthusiasts.
According to the Fleming team, the shipyard takes pride in making adjustments to its designs when a need is identified, rather than changing out its models year after year. That consistency benefits Fleming owners in a number of ways, beginning with the re-sale value of their vessel.
With the announced construction of an all-new Fleming 85 model comes true ocean-crossing range, and the new offering will be available in two distinct versions—Open Flybridge, for those who prefer the wind in their hair, and Enclosed Flybridge, where the pilothouse is moved to a fully enclosed, fully outfitted upper deck. (The space gained down below is thus opened up for flexible dining and entertaining.)
Fleming 85 Open Flybridge Walk-Through
Fleming 85 Enclosed Bridge Walk-Through
“Our aim here with the 85 is simply to build the finest possible ocean-going pilothouse motor yacht, in every respect,” said Adi Shard, Fleming Director and Design Engineer.
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Penned by naval architects Norman R. Wright & Sons, the Fleming 85's semi-displacement hull is designed to be highly efficient and classically stunning.
The designers employed Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD software to fine-tune the hull design, ensuring the most efficient hull possible and optimal behavioral characteristics in all sea states.
According to the architects, composite engineers designed the optimum strength/weight ratio of the structure, retaining the brand's traditional robust construction, but with less weight—and verified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) standards.
The builder anticipates that the 85's hull design and engineering will result in the best fuel economy and range of any semi-displacement boat in the world, and with the highest specification of standard equipment available, redundancy and access for maintenance in mind.
STYLE
The interior will offer numerous options from traditional to contemporary, with a foundation of elegant, warm, comfortable and practical. Double glazing as standard throughout maintains a consistent onboard environment, whether warm- or cold-weather cruising.
On the exterior, the lines and profile are unmistakably classic Fleming. Exterior details have been refined and simplified to create a cleaner look with flush and hidden hardware throughout.
DECK SPACES AND FEATURES
Foredeck: Hydraulic and electric Maxwell windlasses, Ultra anchors and s/s chain. Huge storage lockers for all shapes and sizes of gear. Fold away seating alcove.
Flybridge deck: Everything you need for cruising, entertaining and relaxing, as well as space for a 17-foot tender that can be launched on either port or starboard sides via the 2000 lb. crane.
Cockpit: Easy access, ample storage for all the dive gear and fishing equipment you may need. Warping winches to help take the load off.
Aft deck: Raised and sheltered seating and dining for 10 with sheltered gull-wing door access to engine room and crew’s quarters below.
Swim platform: Expansive enough for all uses, and hydraulic lowering option makes it easy for additional tender or PWC storage and launching.
Easy boarding: Multiple side boarding gates make accessibility from fixed or floating docks easy and safe.
To view more of the Fleming 85, please visit our model page here. If you would like to know more about pricing and availability, please use our dealer locater page.