Most manufacturers don’t include a thruster when the boat is equipped with pods, like the Volvo Penta IPS powering the Sessa Fly 45 I tested. The joystick system lets you put the boat wherever you want to. But Sessa’s approach is that the bow thruster gives you that much more control.
The bow thruster is part of a package that also includes a larger generator, air conditioning, a hydraulic swim platform and a Bimini top and entertainment center with a sink, grill and refrigerator on the flybridge.
The full length of the Fly 45’s flybridge is dedicated to comfort instead of sacrificed space for tender stowage. About 11 feet abaft the upper helm, lounges with stowage in their bases wrap around a large table. Forward, the backrest for the companion seat is removable. This allows the area to be converted into a huge sun lounge.
Sessa offers the Fly 45 with two cabin plans. The galley-down arrangement provides two larger staterooms while the galley-up version, which my test model sported, has three cabins belowdecks and the galley on the salon level. I liked that there was a second refrigerator and freezer in the salon to complement the cold stowage in the galley. For engine access, there’s a day hatch in the salon as well as a cockpit hatch. The genset’s forward, and the air-conditioner, water heater and hydraulic pump for the swim platform are outboard to starboard.
Back in the salon, the galley boasts a three-burner stove and a refrigerator. To starboard, the lower helm has the instruments logically placed and the controls are within easy reach.
The head is belowdecks and aft. You’ll discover staterooms with twin longitudinally positioned berths and hanging lockers. One converts to a queen, and the cabin to starboard has access to the day-head.
In the master stateroom, you’ll find an island berth with twin stowage drawers plus a pair of hanging lockers. Like the day-head, the master head has a shower door and a hinged cover that folds down over the commode so you can sit while showering. Bathing is as easy as docking aboard the Fly 45.
Comparable models: Azimut 45 flybridge, Sea Ray 450 Sedan Bridge
