Greenline 45 fly boat test

When it comes to making a clean getaway, Greenline’s 45 Flybridge is perfect for going long distances on relatively little fuel, while being big on style and comfort.

It’s about focusing on what matters and working smarter rather than harder, which is something that European boatbuilder Greenline understands well – the cruiser offers a unique and eclectic choice of propulsion systems, ranging from all-electric, to hybrid electric, to diesel shaft-drive and IPS.

Harnessing nature’s energy, twin 300W solar panels are embedded in the coachroof while an additional 600W can be mounted on an optional T Top. Space efficiency is equally notable, with the 45 managing a full-beam amidships cabin and a light-filled VIP suite.

For the 45’s naval architecture, Greenline again collaborated with compatriots J&J, a design house hailed for its work with Fairline, Swan and others. Italian designer Marco Casali was responsible for the interior mood.

Stepping aboard, you get a 1.3m-long hydraulic swimplatform and twin boarding gates. The centre moulding hinges to reveal a spacious toy and fender storage garage. There’s also an optional outdoor barbecue and sink unit.

The whole aft cockpit is shielded from above by the bridge overhang, providing welcomed shade for a teak table and four-seat transom lounge. The flybridge stairwell is external, and you also get easy sidedeck access.

The open bridge provides a commanding view over the bow and, Greenline says, is also the largest in its class. It encompasses a wetbar, convertible sunlounge and an alfresco dinette with lots of seating.

It’s certainly refreshing to feel the fresh air on your face when driving from the upper helm with two-person seat. Sensibly, the station is port-side whereas the lower helm is to starboard, thereby covering both docking scenarios.

The main cabin integrates with the aft cockpit via a sizeable outwards-opening door and awning window that together draw light and air inside while also beckoning occupants. Marco Casali’s décor is warmly inviting with its muted biscuits-and-cream accents.

The aft galley, while compact, is right in the entertainment sweet spot and has a fold-out leaf to create a servery and bar for the cockpit. The saloon deck is two steps up, essentially to allow more headroom for the lower accommodation.

There’s a big C-shaped dinette with a solid, roughly hewn timber table on twin pedestals, while opposite is a 32in TV that raises from a sideboard (a settee is optional).

Downstairs, the accommodation plan allows for a VIP cabin in the vee, with wraparound windows and lower opening ports. The berth is queen-sized, plus there’s 2m of headroom and a vast amount of light.

Another nice touch is cut-outs in the bulwarks that allow glimpses of the water.

The master suite is amidships, where you have the least amount of rocking motion. There’s 2.1m headroom as you enter, then about 1.8m elsewhere and 1m over the king-sized bed. That’s impressive for a 45-footer and evidence that J&J has really thought about the internal ergonomics while also keeping the centre of gravity low.

The test boat, which was destined for Papua New Guinea, sported the upgraded 370hp Yanmar diesels – 320hp is the base power. Performance-wise, the Yanmar 370s achieve just under 24 knots (44km/h) at 3800 revs.

Fuel burn at that pace (147 lt/h) somewhat defies the 45’s logic. Dial back to 19 knots (35km/h) and you’ll extract 40 extra nautical miles (74km) from the 1500lt tank.

Prices correct as of February 2023

• Priced from: $1.3 million
• Price as tested: $1.7 million

• LOA: 14.43m
• Hull length: 12.9m
• Beam: 4.49m
• Draft: 1.15m
• Displacement (light): 13,500kg
• Fuel: 1500lt
• Water: 660lt
• Berths: 6
• Power as tested: 2 x Yanmar 370hp

Read the full review in the Vol 37.6 December-January Club Marine Magazine.

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