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Galeon 640 Fly

The Galeon 640 Fly boasts innovative features and a standout interior design that sets it apart

Built in Poland and recently imported by the Alexander Marine Australia, Galeon isn’t such a well-known brand in Australia. Established in 1982, the company produces around 100 motoryachts annually from 30 to 78 feet from their modern facility in Gdansk.

The 640 is the latest to hit our shores, as we saw on the Gold Coast recently, it boasts many design features and innovations that combine to give much more liveability than its length might suggest. Since its launch, the 640 Fly has won numerous awards including the prestigious 2019 World Yacht Trophy in Europe for innovative design in the 60–80 feet category.

English designer Tony Castro penned the sporty lines of the deep-V hull as well as the interior layout and continues a relationship with the company that goes back over several models. Innovations include side decks that fold down, a walk through from the saloon to the bow and moveable seating upfront all of which support Galeon’s claim that the 640 is a transformer yacht.


The exterior profile is ultra-modern, and I especially liked the flow of dark windows and superstructure, giving the illusion the flybridge floats on glass. A sharp entry soon widens to a fuller beam where a mix of opposing black glass and flowing fibreglass mouldings keep the overall impression light and sporty.

With a splash of European one-upmanship the rear platform on the Galeon is a hydraulic bath (rather than a swim) platform and while it might serve the same purpose the steps that appear as the platform lowers are a preview of the new ideas further forward. 

A watertight door to starboard of the platform leads through to the crew quarters with bunks, generous windows, refrigerator,washing facilities and a wet head. Crew should be happy here, and younger family members will enjoy the special space on owner-driven boats.

Another door from the crew quarters opens to the full height (1.83m) engine room. Fitout is clean and professional with easy access to filters, strainers and around the twin shaft drive D13 Volvo diesels. Electronic systems are neatly displayed on the forward bulkhead and to the rear are the 29kW generator and air conditioning units and an access ladder to the cockpit. 

Because provision has been made for the option of a tender garage instead of the crew cabin, a small hull shape is part of the deck mould and protrudes into the engine room at ceiling height. On the review boat, it makes a large storage pod accessed through the cockpit sole, but it’s an incongruous sight nonetheless. 

OUTSIDE ENTERTAINING

Steps to starboard take you up to the asymmetric saloon with a U-shaped lounge wrapping around a large fibreglass table set on two heavy-duty pedestals. A rear-facing twin lounge against the saloon bulkhead takes seating to ten in this roomy entertaining space. Did I say roomy? The next trick is the Galeon’s ‘beach mode’ layout where one metre of side deck folds out each side on hydraulic rams for an extra two meters of beam. Stainless steel stanchions and ropes quickly slot into place to secure the space.

This impressive deck of glass and teak introduces a wow factor and very welcome extra space. Large doors each side of the saloon slide forward and benches rise from their travelling position. Meanwhile, stools slot into the deck inside and out making breakfast bars each side for mornings and sundown bars for later on. 

Another large electric hopper window opens the saloon to the cockpit, integrating the whole aft area as a welcoming open-air entertaining space. And as if the cater to every option, a 60in rear-facing television pops up on a ram for guests out the back to enjoy with another one inside to entertain the youngsters, or for when the weather is less pleasant.

Side decks are relatively narrow to the bow, but as we will see, there’s a reason for that. Upfront is the second outdoor entertaining space with more smart thinking from the design team. Moulded lounges each side of a central walkway are comfortably upholstered, and the backrests fold neatly away into the lounge for travelling. Also nifty is the way two fibreglass tables raise on electric rams from their stored positions. There’s room to seat five each side or convert the area into a large sunpad. This is a true ‘transformer’ feature, especially when the whole seating structure can be moved forward to allow access between the side decks and front windscreen. 

But the standout in the bow is the central section of the front windscreen that opens between the saloon and the bow to give unfettered access for guests from the transom to the pulpit. The mechanism allowing the large square window to recess so seamlessly and neatly into the roof reflects bold design from the Galeon team.

THE INTERIOR

Greeting guests inside the saloon is an aft galley and forward dining and entertaining space styled in a contemporary post-nautical theme with strong European influences. Countertops are stone, bench facings are ornate patterns with backlighting, and the ceiling is an intricate pattern of black beams and grey Atacama suede finishes.

Windows drop below the furniture, and because the side decks are also partly glass, the views are enormous, and the interior is exceptionally light and open.

If cooking on board is something you enjoy, then you are going to love the galley. The walk-in arrangement gives wrap-around C-shaped benches with loads of preparation space and quality appliances including an electric cooktop with extractor fan above, convection microwave, a full-height refrigerator as well as a smaller under bench version and a dishwasher. Storage is generous with drawers and cupboards in the benches and overhead cabinets all around. 

Moving forward, it’s a step up to the formal dining area to port with a roomy lounge wrapping around a beautifully crafted timber table that can drop to make an occasional bed by adding a diamond-patterned infill.

To starboard is the first of two companionways to the accommodation below. Timber cabinetry protecting the stairwell is complimented again by black panelling with backlit patterns and includes another 60in pop up television for guests at the lounge.

The lower helm sits in the starboard front corner alongside the opening window to the bow but with enough room for two. Opposite are the second access to the accommodation below and a cabinet with fridge and sink, handy to bow passengers. 

Having two stairways to the accommodation delivers an unusual and innovative ‘Super Master’ layout, where all three cabins are full beam. And while two companionways mean a loss of floor space in the saloon, I think it’s a worthwhile compromise.

Other available layouts give choices of four cabins and different options in the size of the suites.

BOW CABIN

Beautifully finished tri-tone timber panelling at a stairwell clad in white carpet continues the elegant theme on the descent to the bow cabin. Ample skylights brighten the space and an overhead hatch joins with small ports on smallish side windows for a flow of fresh air.

Raised platforms give easy access to the queen island bed where a headboard has a busy pattern in dark Alketera. Dark timber cabinets include ample storage cupboards and drawers, a hanging locker and a makeup table with infinity mirror and a well-padded stool. The roomy ensuite is aft and features a walk-in shower lined in dark mosaic tiles and a vanity with wide cabinets and mirror doors.

AMIDSHIPS CABIN

The central stairwell leads down to a full-beam guest cabin with an ensuite shared as a day head. Twin beds have an infill for conversion to a double, and there are good storage options while soft white panelling and a big window give a light and airy feeling.

Rearward is the master and locating the two cabins in close proximity will appeal to owners wanting to keep an eye on younger children. 

Expansive windows each side distinguish the master from the bow cabin where the views are limited, but both places have the same minute attention to detail. The island bed is a generous 1.98m x 1.6m and features geometric patterns with backlighting at the headboard. 

To port are window lounges with a central table that can raise or lower as needed. A makeup table against the forward bulkhead has another large infinity mirror and its own leather-clad stool while overhead is 40in television. We see loads of room and views of the water in the ensuite, where a full-size shower has brown mosaic tiles and strip lighting overhead.

FLYING HIGH

Seven teak-clad open steps on the starboard side of the cockpit lead to a third open-air entertainment space and the upper helm station. A hardtop with an electric Sunbrella sunroof and a SureShade awning further back should keep the guests well protected from the elements.

The flybridge is a large full-beam space, and the designers have made sure everyone can be comfortably accommodated in two lounging and dining spaces and a large sunpad ahead of the helm. A white Sunbrella lounge wraps around the rear section where two tables open out and join up to an extended L-shape for twelve or so guests. 

A second dining area further forward seats another half dozen happy travellers who have quick access to the well-equipped wet bar just to starboard. Here, a marble servery wraps around a compact galley with an electric barbeque, isotherm fridge, icemaker and a sink. 

The upper helm commands high views of the surroundings and is equipped with a single Raymarine screen but with all necessary controls and engine readouts. 

LOWER HELM

Situated in the starboard front corner of the saloon, the main helm boasts two black leather-clad Besenzoni chairs on a raised platform. Electric movement made it simple to get comfortable, and the adjustable wheel was well placed. A side door slides open for exit to the side deck, but I felt its stainless steel frame seemed lighter than openings on similarly sized vessels. Large mullions for the opening window in the centre of the windscreen take a bit of getting used to but otherwise vision ahead and to the sides is fine.

The dash is on two levels with air conditioning vents at the top keeping things fresh. On the lower level, twin 16in Raymarine displays dominate the sweeping dash, and they can be set for navigation and all engine readouts as required. The main engine controls fall to hand naturally on the right, but I felt more comfortable standing to control the toggles for the Side-Power bow and stern thrusters which are to the left of the wheel. 

Switches and displays for the Seakeeper stabiliser, Lewmar Chain counter and Humphree Trim Tabs and Raymarine autopilot are all easy to find and operate.

THE DRIVE

Acceleration was smooth, and the twin Volvos were a quiet rumble in the background right through the revs and with only a slight vibration at mid-range. I’m told the hull has a moderate 17 degree deadrise, which helps with the quick transition to plane at just over 12kt. Handling was smooth, predictable and sporty, and there was no undue lean or wallowing into aggressive turns. 

Low-speed manoeuvring is simplified with bow and stern thrusters that hold the boat steady and will ease you into a dock without drama.

The boat felt happy cruising at anything between 17 and 23kt across the smooth conditions of the Broadwater and any large wake we could find. Sitting on 20kt and 1800rpm, fuel usage was 203L/h (combined) for a range of 337nm with 10 per cent reserve from the 3750L tanks. Wound out to wide-open throttle I saw a top speed of 31kt on the GPS at 2400rpm. 

THE WRAP

It’s not often that a boat goes to market with the many innovative features of the 640 Fly from Galeon. Everywhere you look there’s something unique and combined with a very busy interior design, on first inspection, there’s a lot to take in. 

With a price of $4,471,540 landed, the 640 will appeal to those who value entertaining and relaxing on board. It will stun guests with its hospitality, spacious flowing areas and technical wow factor. Owner-operators stepping up from a 40 or a 50 will love the room, and even new boaties will soon get the hang of driving a boat with modern navigation and docking features.

The Galeon has the qualities to make days relaxing on the water even more fun. The flow-through design, generous seating and the roomy nature of the foldout decks are all something adding to the boat’s usability and enjoyment. 


FACTS & FIGURES

PRICE AS TESTED

$4,471,540

GENERAL

MATERIAL GRP

TYPE Flying Bridge Monohull

LENGTH 20.8m (68ft 3in)

BEAM 5m (16ft 5in)

DRAFT 0.99m (3ft 5in)

WEIGHT 35,500kg

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE 8 (night) 15 (day) 

FUEL 3750L 

WATER 800L

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Twin Volvo Penta D13

TYPE In-line turbocharged six-cylinder diesel

RATED HP 1000 (735kW)

DISPLACEMENT 12.8L

WEIGHT 1635kW

GEAR RATIO 1.964:1

PROPELLER Five Blade 33inx35in 

MANUFACTURED BY 

Galeon Yachts Poland

SUPPLIED BY

Alexander Marine Australia Pty Ltd

The Boat Works Complex

Waterfront Suite 2, Building A

200 Beattie St Coomera 4209

P (07) 5618 0000

W alexandermarineaust.com.au