When you are choosing a yacht to purchase, one of the questions you’re probably asking yourself is: should I go for a flybridge or a hardtop yacht? The answer to the question is not as straightforward as it may seem at first sight.  What can be said for sure is that it really depends on how you plan to use your yacht and the preferences of you and your guests.

Some tend to think that flybridges are predominantly used by fishermen as it is easier to see fish from an elevated point. However, flybridges are often being used as a sophisticated social space for entertaining and dining as well as long-distance cruising. Many yachts with a flybrigde feature, such as Sunseeker Manhattan 66, appeal even to fans of sport yachts.

We have asked SmartYacht, a leader in fractional boat ownership in the Mediterranean, to share with us their thoughts and observations on the subject, and they admitted that often clients tend to want a hardtop yacht, as they think it looks more attractive and that they do not need extra usable space. However,  many change their mind and decide to go for the yacht with a flybridge as soon as they step aboard one.

The flybridge does have several very strong advantages, such as the addition of usable space and the great visibility that the flybridge provides. Cruising on a flybridge is an experience that you and your guests will revel in. On top of it, you can take in the views from a great vantage point, as you’ll be in a fantastically elevated position. Some say that if you are keen on water sports and plan to carry large water toys, such as kayaks, a hardtop is likely to be your best choice.  However, you can always tether toys, such as a dinghy to the swim platform, so it is possible to have both water toys and a flybridge.

On the other hand, it may make more sense to have a hardtop in an area with many bridge height restrictions. Another point to consider is that smaller flybridge yachts tend to experience a pendulum effect in adverse weather conditions, although many people comment that the rolling is less noticeable in larger crafts.

Overall, the flybridge is a popular choice for a yacht ownership purchase, as the yachts tend to be used for leisure purposes in the summer season and people generally love the bright and open air feeling. That’s not to say that hardtops should be ignored – they certainly are the right choice for many yacht owners.