Galeon's Mini Transformer

Making its Asia debut in Hong Kong in November, the new Galeon 400 Fly is the yard’s smallest model offering its iconic folding balconies, opening a new chapter for outdoor living on a 41-footer.

- Mike Ellis

It takes all of five minutes aboard the 400 Fly to banish the notion that its balconies are just a gimmick, designed to lure people in at boat shows. The balconies are half of the story when it comes to creating the best cockpit in class, because it’s how the designers have used the spaces around the balcony to really make the most of them.

The way the saloon opens to the outside spaces is very intelligent. The doors slide all the way across to port and expose the aft end of the saloon dinette, which has a two-way backrest so two people can sit facing aft and join in with those sitting around the cockpit table.

Better yet, this double bench pivots and locks in place to straddle the threshold between cockpit and saloon to create a more sociable seating arrangement.

Two other key options that improve the aft deck are the hydraulic bathing platform and the transom wet bar. The platform includes built-in steps that open as the platform descends into the water, so you don’t have an awkward scramble between the main deck and lowered platform.

The transom bar features a barbecue grill, chopping board, sink and drained cooler, and these two additions in tandem with the balconies create a genuinely outstanding outdoor living space that quickly become the social hub of the boat.

The balconies can either be left open and used to drop into the water from either side of the cockpit or set up with the poles, ropes, a table and chairs so you can have a drink overlooking the water.

FOREDECK AND FLYBRIDGE

With all this trickery on the main deck, it’s easy to forget that there’s also a flybridge to make use of. It’s a good one, too, sensibly laid out and deep enough that you feel well protected even with the bimini down.