MBM gets an exclusive look inside the new 40ft flybridge star from Sealine
MBM is the first magazine to clap eyes on the new Sealine F42, and we’re still buzzing after seeing it.
Without doubt, the F42 is the most complete flybridge launch from Sealine to date. The F42 takes the big, bold and very bright theme of the F46, smoothes it out, tunes it up and actually manages to improve on its big sister in quite a few ways.
The finish and design work across the boat is impressive. From the moment you board you get razor sharp mouldings across the transom. The side decks are excellent with shoulder high stanchions leading you forward from the smart cockpit and deck stowage is another major plus.
It’s the same story with the vast flybridge. If the Fairline Squadron 41 is going to have a class-leading fly it’s going to have to go some to beat this. The central two-seater helm is particularly good with a swinging backrest allowing it to join the seating and sun-lounging aft.
The test boat is shown in the base walnut cabinetry with plum upholstery and it looks superb. Sealine has clearly listened to its owners and really made an effort with the 42’s cruising spec, storage is excellent, way better than the F46, and there is much more quality detailing and finish such as the chunky timber fiddles.
Sealine told us that the forward sections of the boat would be the same as the F46, so we knew we’d get that huge separate shower compartment, what we didn’t know was that the forward master would actually be bigger than the F46. Surpassing even this is the mid-cabin. Quite simply it’s the best designed, most versatile and stylish mid-cabin in this class, offering up to three berths and an en suite that is nothing short of remarkable.
We couldn’t persuade them to let us take the 42 out for a spin but we did find out a few interesting facts from Sealine’s naval architect Richard Crocker. The hull design is the same as the F46, but this is no cut and shut job. The original hull design was based on this 42 model so in effect this is the ‘real’ hull and the 46 is an extended version. Initial test data shows a top speed of 34 knots from the twin IPS 600 (435hp) pod drives with the test team waxing lyrical about the boat’s ability.
Initial pricing is still set at £367,775 with the IPS 600 engine option, that’s around £10k more than the old 42/5.
Look out for the full test in MBM very soon, and in the meantime, check out our gallery of exclusive photos.
