Designed by Beneteau and styled by Andreani, the Flyer 750 Cabrio is a modern incarnation of classic Med-style dayboats of decades past. But those boats of the 60s and 70s didn't run on stepped hulls, didn't benefit from powerful, reliable outboards, and didn't have all the mod cons that Beneteau will add to the standard-issue Cabrio. The round portlight is a nod to past designs, but otherwise the Cabrio is 100% 21st century.

Penser en Dehors de la Boite

We couldn't resist: that headline means "thinking outside the box" in French – at least, we think it does. And that's what both the Beneteau Powerboats Research Department and Andreani Design did when creating the Flyer 750 Cabrio. It would have been so easy just to knock out a slightly fancier version of an earlier boat, but this team went beyond that to add several very interesting touches to what is, really, a straightforward type of boat.



The after end of the Flyer 750 Cabrio hides some secrets, and the Bimini top. A 300-hp outboard is maximum rated power, but should be plenty for a boat this size. Given the height of the swim platform, we suspect the three-step ladder is too short. (Photo: Mike Jones)

First, there's the Bimini stowage. Aboard most runabout-style boats, when the Bimini's folded it rests forward of, or atop, the windshield, or across the aft end of the cockpit. In either case it has to be lashed down somehow so it doesn't bounce. But when you drop the top in your roadster, it's hidden in a covered compartment, so why can't the same thing happen on a boat? It can, apparently: The Cabrio has a covered auto-style stowage pocket under the aft bench seat that the Bimini drops into. It's out of the way, doesn't have to be tied down and nobody will trip over it. Why has it taken so long for someone to think of this?



The folded Bimini lives in a dedicated compartment built into the back of the cockpit lounge. There, it's protected and out of the way. When the sun gets too hot, open the top...



... and pull up the Bimini. Close the top and you have a spacious lounge seat once more. We think this is a very cool feature, after years of wrestling with how best to corral a collapsed Bimini.

Duplex Swim Platform

But there's more. Most outboard boats suffer from swim-platform envy: The motor typically takes up the middle of what could be a platform, denying folks the chance to stretch out in comfort with a hand or foot dangling overboard. The Flyer 750 Cabrio improves this situation with a two-level platform: The upper level, although narrow, is continuous; it doesn't look wide enough for sunbathing, but at least several folks can sit side-by-side. The lower level is as unencumbered by the outboard as possible, achieved by decking-over the outboard well.



Outboard-powered boats aren't the best for swimming, but Beneteau managed to improve the Cabrio's platform by making it two-level – several adults can sit side-by-side on the upper level without the motor getting in the way. But how do you tip-up the motor with the well decked over? (Photo: Mike Jones)



Simple: Lift a deck hatch to open the well. Hydraulic struts will hold it open. There's a locker inside for fenders, usually the most bulky items that have to be stowed. Now that so many outboard boats are kept on trailers, or dry-sailed, or serve as tenders aboard megayachts (the Flyer 750 Cabrio would be ideal), motors aren't tipped-up as much as they used to be. Note the three-step swim ladder – we're surprised it's not stowed under cover. (Photo: Mike Jones)

Accommodations, Above Deck and Below

The Flyer 750 Cabrio's cockpit is, again according to Beneteau, "easily adaptable" to serve as a sundeck or salon. We don't see that much adaptation will be necessary: There's a wide U-lounge aft, served by a table that will fold in half for dining a deux, or drop down to create a sunpad. A console aft of the helm can be fitted with a refrigerator and gas grill; the grill will be handy, but for a boat like this we prefer an old-fashioned icebox – it doesn't drain the battery and gets cold instantly.



In this accommodations plan, the table is lowered to form a sunpad, and it's clear how the companion helm seat is really one end of the wraparound lounge. There's no transom door, which means climbing over the seat to reach the swim platform. Below, there's a V-berth big enough for two with a toilet under one end.



The companion-seat is part of the lounge; its back flips to face forward or aft. The table can be folded in half to improve access to the lounge, or lowered to create a sunpad – what's a Med boat without one? The windshield runs way aft to provide wind protection to most of the cockpit. (Photo: Mike Jones)



The helm has a single swivel seat to starboard and a wider companion to port. In between, and adjacent to the companionway, molded steps lead through the opening windshield onto the foredeck. (Photo: Mike Jones)



The Cabrio's cabin is basic, but will be fine for napping out of the sun, or camp-cruising for a night or two. There's a head under cover at the after end of the starboard berth. A hatch and round hullside ports will provide cross-ventilation. We could live here for a night. (Photo: Mike Jones)



Note the stainless rails on deck, higher next to the stemhead to make anchor handling more secure despite the open section; a remote-controlled windlass is optional. Multiple strakes and wide chines should knock down spray and keep the boat dry under most conditions. (Photo: Mike Jones)