Galeon 430 Skydeck (2017-)

Specifications

Length Overall	43' 6” / 13.25 m
Beam	13' 8” 4.16 m
Dry Weight	26,698 lbs. 12,110 kg
Draft	47" 120 cm
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	N/A
Bridge Clearance	14'05" 4.40 m
Weight Capacity	N/A
Person Capacity	N/A
Fuel Capacity	291 gal 1,100 L
Water Capacity	119 gal 450 L

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test numbers
Std. Power	Twin Volvo Penta D6-435

Captain's Report

Mission

The mission of the Galeon 430 Skydeck is to appeal to people who want an express cruiser and like the sleek look of a boat with low tophamper, but who also like the piloting and sunning advantages of a flying bridge. It is also designed for people who will be doing a lot of entertaining of different kinds -- sunning, cocktail parties, al fresco dining, swimming from the boat, and just cruising -- so owners can do all of these things in a relatively small package.

With lots of out-of-the-box thinking, Galeon has created an innovative yacht that serves a variety of needs in one easily managed vessel. By making the cockpit remarkably adaptable, plus providing a small flying bridge, Galeon has packed in the functionality of a much larger boat in the 430, making it attractive to people who really don’t want to invest in a larger boat.

Major Features

• • Skydeck. Big enough to offer seating for three people and a great view, but small enough not to overwhelm the relative size of the 430 Skydeck.
• • Massive Sunroof. Not a skylight, mind you -- a sunroof. A series of overhead, compound curved panels in the roof that extend forward of the skydeck, which are made with carbon fiber.
• • Modular Cockpit Design. Easily one of the 430 Skydeck’s design highlights, the modular design on the cockpit seating can be reconfigured for many purposes.
• • Extended swim platform. The 430 Skydeck’s swim platform acts as an on-deck beach. Generously sized, it brings a great deal of utility and entertainment to the design.
• • Three Staterooms/Two Heads. Relatively few boats in this size range have three staterooms below.
• • Solid wood doors below with rubber gasket around the door frame eliminates rattles while underway and makes cabin’s more sound proof.
• • Air conditioning is provided by Domatic and is 44,000 BTUs.
• • Stainless Steel Tanks. Both fuel and water tanks are stainless steel, something we rarely see in class.
• • World-Class Joinery Work. The Dark Walnut joiner work throughout the vessel is top quality.
• • Fit-and-Finish. The build of this boat from bilge to the radar arch abaft is virtually all best in class.

Inspection

Stern/Cockpit

The 430 Skydeck is an eye-catching boat, and that all starts with the aft deck and cockpit spaces. Its ability to transform depending on the event or function feels something like a Swiss Army knife.

The swim platform extends 4’2” out from the cockpit deck, and if it weren’t for a 3” (7.62 cm) step -- which will likely catch nearly everyone off-guard at least once -- it would be flush-level all the way forward to the sliding glass doors into the salon. Two 10” cleats are mounted outboard of the cockpit sofas, with two more located outboard and behind the sofas, with storage compartments nearby. A reboarding ladder is to port on the swim platform, under a teak-lined lift hatch.

The cockpit is a great deal of fun and features a fascinating design. It begins with two opposing seats to port and starboard. The seats are upholstered in weather-resistant fabric, have aft-facing backrests forward with a small grab rail on top and large aft-side stainless steel grab rails on each. These are to aid in adjusting the position of the seating, which is mounted on tracks and can move toward the center table or away toward the bulkheads.

The wood table in between the two seats elevates and scissor hinges, and even folds out or up depending on how much space is needed. When the table is lowered down flush in its center console, it can be covered with a filler cushion, the seats slid toward it, and a large sunpad suddenly materializes. The center console, when decked out with the filler cushions, has an aft-facing “lip” that turns into a backrest, joining up with those on the port and starboard seats, creating an aft-facing bolster/backrest on the sunpad. The rails on the aft side of the seating provide safety if the sunpad is in use while the boat is underway.

Skydeck

Just above the cockpit table center console is a ladder, which can be folded up and out of the way or brought down where it rests comfortably in its dedicated spot at the forward end of the center table console in the cockpit. This provides access to the skydeck.

The Skydeck has a helm mounted directly in the center and forward the space, flanked to port and starboard by couch seating, ensuring your guests can enjoy the captain piloting this vessel from such a great view. The couch seating lifts to reveal storage space, and both have a versatility feature that can turn the forward-facing seats into an aft-facing lounge. Stainless steel grab handles sit forward, aft, and to the outside edge of both seating spaces.

The Helm Station. The captain’s pedestal seat is mounted directly on the centerline. The dash panel has a single 12” (30.48 cm) Raymarine hybrid touch display right in the center, just above the steering wheel. The Volvo Penta display is to the port of the wheel, which is mounted to a fixed base.

To starboard of the wheel is the Raymarine autopilot, directly adjacent to the digitial throttle. Trim tab rockers are just ahead so they can be operated while keeping the hands at the controls. Large lift-hatch storage compartments are to both sides of the dash panel.

Salon

Forward of the cockpit are the three sliding glass doors leading to the salon. These doors are smoked glass and open 5’3” (1.60 m) wide with 6’ (1.83 m) of headroom.

Just inside the doors is a versatile dining and relaxing space with a U-shaped dinette to starboard wrapped around a high-low pedestal table, across from from a portside loveseat. The pedestal table is a stunner, beautifully inlaid in the rich dark wood with a cream-colored compass rose. When food is served, the table rotates and expands, with the aft half of the love seat detaching and sliding forward to provide round-the-table dining.

TV. Just behind the loveseat to port a 30” HD TV elevates from a compartment below. Just aft to port is the ship’s main electrical panel in a handsome cabinet.

Let There Be Wood. The salon is where we first encounter the ship’s beautiful woodwork -- which comes in black walnut with a standard matte finish with an option for high-gloss. Placing a ruler at the cabinet, we can see a clear reflection 6-8” (15.2-20.3 cm) away because of the high gloss. We even noted reflection that read the logo on our hats back to us from 6’ (1.83 m) away.

The seating is upholstered with double-stitched diamond stitching. The headliners and bulkheads are all upholstered in Alcantara suede. The joinery work is nearly robotic in perfection, with perfectly straight lines and no caulk needed to hide imperfections that just aren’t there.

The ship’s main electrical panel is to a cabinet just aft to port.  Headliners and bulkheads are all upholstered in Alcantara suede.  

Galley

The galley is elevated up a 9” (22.9 cm) step. The galley is L-shaped, with a dual basin sink that has a notched cover that, when removed, stows in a recess in the counter; when in place, it provides increased counterspace. The faucet is an elegantly designed fixture, and the aft end of the counter has a clear acrylic border to prevent items from sliding off while underway. A single wastebasket is to the rear.

Below the sink are four storage drawers that ride on self-closing sliders. They don’t close completely -- an added push to the “closed” position locks them in securely.

Along the top of the Corian countertop are two more storage compartments, with frosted sliding glass fronts that give the galley a traditional “kitchen” feel while providing space for food or anything else. A two-burner stove is flush into the counter, and just below it is the microwave, which sits just above an icemaker and refrigerator/freezer (4.8 cu. ft./130 L).

Massive curved windows throughout the salon give a nearly unobstructed view, save for the large valence running the length of the bulkheads. At the galley and helm area, the windows slide down by activating a switch at the helm.

Additionally, there is a massive opening skylight, all of which combines to bring the outdoors into the main deck. There is an abundance of glass on the 430 Fly, and it is loaded with compound curves and large single pieces.

The windshield is a perfect example -- offering unobstructed views via a 9’ (2.74 m) by 5’ (1.52 m) single-piece space.

Helm

The helm dash has black inserts flush-mounted into rubberized bronze color panels. Front-and-center is the 12” Raymarine display, with two air-conditioning vents to either side. The Volvo Penta EVC display is on the panel just beneath this, to the portside of the steering wheel, along with the Raymarine autopilot.

On the flat bronze panel to port of the wheel are the rocker switches, which sit right next to the side power bow thruster control. The Volvo Penta digital throttle controls are to the starboard side of the helm and include its host of optional features.

The captain’s seat and the companion seat are wide have head rests, three arm rests, and flip up bolsters. The same soft touch ultra leather-like material with diamond-stitching upholstery is found in the aft part of the salon can be found here as well, along with custom embroidery in the head rests. Just below the helm itself is a flip-down footrest, which gives a boost to the captain’s view and increases overall comfort when navigating.

Bow

 

The bow can be accessed via 18” (45.7 cm) side decks to port and starboard. The rail height on these side decks comes up to 21” but doesn’t really take effect until 4’ up toward the bow. Before they reach their full height, handrails on the side of the cabin fill in for increased stability and safety. There is also an opening gate on the rails to both sides that easily opens by sliding a coupler aft.

At the bow there are two padded lounges to either side of the master stateroom skylight. Both have backrests that can be titled up into chaise lounge position and both have stainless steel grab rails to their outside edge.

There is a windlass mounted to a stainless-steel reinforcing plate with a cleat right alongside. Just to port are the foot controls for the windlass and to starboard there is an access hatch for accessing the anchor chain.

Below Decks

The lower deck on the 430 Skydeck is accessed by way of a center-mounted, curved companionway. Descending to the 430 Skydeck’s lower deck is where the boat’s finish work comes into full focus. It is like nothing we’ve seen -- and we’ve seen it all.

The lower foyer leads to four doors, with natural light flooding in from above via the smoked-glass that extends from the helm forward to the windshield. Three of these lead to state rooms while the fourth is the shared head. All the doors have beautiful inlaid wood with a perfect finish; they are solid and sturdy construction.

Master Stateroom

The master stateroom is forward and is the crown jewel of the accommodations. Headroom upon entry is 6’5” (1.96 m). A 7’ (2.13 m) skylight is above. The island berth is accessible from both sides of the space via a small step up, and a vanity with mirror is to port -- what looks like wood countertop lifts and flips to reveal a mirror that stands above makeup/jewelry storage space. Storage is nearly everywhere, and climate control for the stateroom is easily accessible from the berth.

The entire room is trimmed with Alacantra suede both overhead and on the bulkheads, extending even to the inside of the closets.

Reading lights sit just above the berth along the padded “headboard,” and hullside windows are to port and starboard with opening rectangular portlights on the aft end of each. 

Master Head

Just to port of the entrance to the master stateroom is the direct access to the private master head. This head features a walk-in shower with elegant, contemporary fixtures nestled into granite. The countertop is Corian, with a vessel sink mounted on top. The stunning woodwork continues here throughout.

There is a square hullside window and square opening portlight just next to it. Storage behind the sink is accessed by two frosted-glass sliding doors, much like the storage space on top of the galley countertop. Just inside the door is a full-length mirror. We measured 6’1” (1.85 m) of overhead clearance.

Port/Starboard Staterooms

Moving aft, back through the foyer, there are two staterooms sitting amidships. One to port, one to starboard.

The stateroom to port is accessed through a private door and has somewhat of an uneven geometry due to the deck above -- it can be described as feeling like a crawlspace, yet at the entrance there is a standing headroom of 6’3” (1.91 m). The clearance drops to 3’6” (1.07 m) over the berth. There are twin berths in this stateroom, with space in between that can be augmented with a filler cushion. A nightstand sits in between the berths, with lighting on either side along the bulkheads and a reading light in between as well.

Starboard Stateroom

The starboard stateroom is very similar to the port stateroom -- twin berths separated by a space that can be bridged with a filler cushion -- but it is a bit more roomy than the portside counterpart. There are large storage lockers, all with, of course, beautifully finished wood and inlaid trim. Headroom upon entry is the same 6’3” (1.91 m), dropping down to 2’11” (.89 m) just above the berths.

Day Head

The lower deck day head is accessed via the foyer and would be the boat’s main shared head. It is simply a wet head -- no separate shower. It still shares the quality fit and finish that we’ve seen throughout the boat, however. Stunning woodwork, two square hullside windows, one opening port light. 

Power

The 430 Skydeck offers twin Volvo Penta D6-435 diesel engines (2 x 435-hp), with straight shaft transmission, bronze propellers, stainless steel propeller shafts, electronic vessel control (EVC) system, hydraulic steering, a bronze rudder, and trim tabs all standard.

Performance

We have not tested the Galeon 430 Skydeck, but the folks at the company have. They report that they tested the boat in the Vistula River in 46-degree (8-drees C) weather with five people aboard and full fuel and water. We estimate that the test displacement was about 31,300 lbs. (14,227 kgs.).

Option Packages

This boat comes with a number of options as well as what Galeon calls a “Comfort Pack” and a “Luxury Pack.” The “Comfort Pack” includes most major items of electronics, among other things, and the “Luxury Pack” includes the hydraulic swim platform, among other things.

We recommend both packages as then boat then becomes “turn-key,” something that not only saves money but also eliminates aftermarket hassle.

Observations

The Galeon 430 Skydeck was designed for someone with a large family who wants to some entertaining when they are not cruising. The Skydeck and versatile cockpit arrangement is certainly a plus over most conventional express cruisers.