Fleming 58: Review

Whether one is a traditionalist or not, it is impossible to view the new Fleming 58, or indeed any of their models, without being quite simply dazzled by the quality of the vessel, its finishes and fittings, and the superb attention to detail, which set it apart from virtually all new boats.

OVERVIEW
 - The Rolls Royce of long-range boats
Perhaps it was Rolls Royce who claimed that “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts”. This adage is reflected in the Fleming motor yachts, too. From stem to stern, as well as sniffing about in every nook and cranny, the quality leaves such a lasting impression that one cannot have anything other than the highest respect for the boatbuilder.

After a career with American Marine (Grand Banks) in Hong Kong, Tony Fleming, launched his first Fleming 50 in Taiwan 31 years ago. Expanding the original model to the hugely popular 55, he then developed a 65 and a 75. In 2014, the new 58, an all-new design from the keel up, was launched. The 300th Fleming was sold soon after in 2015.  

With this 58, Norman Wright and Sons in Brisbane was commissioned as naval architects to design, tank test and provide a new vessel which would instantly be identified as a Fleming, but be all new in so many other respects.

Despite the traditional and familiar styling, one may be fooled into thinking that these boats are the same old thing from way back. However, and unlike most other builders, Fleming has made a separate life for himself touring the world in his Fleming 65 Venture, with some 65,000 sea miles covered and every piece of equipment and potential modification thoroughly tested before entering the production specification.

As Fleming claims: "most boatbuilders include equipment necessary to sell their boats, whereas Fleming includes equipment to make their boats safer, better or more convenient." Rather a nice maxim for those heading to sea.

This certainly struck a chord with Australian Fleming distributor Egil Paulsen, who has owned and cruised his 55 in Norway for over 25 years. Just like the razor blade man who was so impressed he bought the company, Paulsen decided to enjoy the pleasure of business and boats as well as the long-standing owners camaraderie of what they accurately term ‘the Fleming Family’.

The new 58 we drove is Egil’s personal vessel, but you might be able to twist his arm and buy it. Perhaps. If he like the cut of your jib. For he is over the moon with it. "It’s easily the best boat I have experienced," he enthuses. One can reasonably accept this as the biased but honest truth. As we discover, the 58 is a superb vessel in virtually every respect.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT.
- A $5m-plus cutting-edge Fleming with the works
Quality like this costs money, but it is easy to see where it has been spent. Despite a base price of around $4.8m, depending on the extras, one really needs to experience the extraordinary amount of equipment and see how it is installed. The engineering is a highlight, but so too the quality of the hull, gelcoat and joinery, and the superb ‘minor’ details that are so thoughtfully presented and hugely appreciated at sea.

The test vessel was very lavishly specified with the standard twin MAN i6 800hp common rail diesels, which are the latest award-winning 12.4lt MAN engines to hit the market, coupled to the Twin Disc Express Joystick control system which harnesses the engine and gearbox control, along with the bow and stern thrusters, to provide simple and perfect control of the vessel.

The GPS hold system is remarkable to see in operation, particularly in the engine room as the gearboxes shift imperceptibly from forward to reverse, proportional hydraulic thrusters variably operating to hold position, without clunkiness. The remarkable Twin Disc is the smoothest station-holding system we have experienced.

Equally dazzling is the Boning monitoring system which controls virtually every operation aboard, reporting on engines, generator, chargers, lights, tanks and electrical systems, all operated by simple and luscious touch-screen pads. This highly sophisticated system is paired with the latest in Raymarine technology, with radar, navigation and multiple camera systems detailing the vessels progress.

Lifeline batteries, Stidd helm seats, Kahlenberg horns (upgraded Buell horns on 59 #19), ABT Trac stabilisers, Electro hydraulic steering, and international voltage converters are a glimpse of some of the standard specifications.

Other extras include the extended boat deck (flybridge hardtop), Swift tender, hydraulic and electric winch systems, cockpit wing doors (a must), Oceanair electric interior blinds and so much more.

The most fastidious yachtsman would be very hard pressed to find fault with the specification sheet, the inclusions, or the brands selected. It is an extremely impressive roll-call of top spec industry products, all thoroughly trialled and tested by Mr Fleming himself in proper cruising usage.

LAYOUT AND ACOMMODATION
- A huge amount of volume with famous Fleming stability
Those familiar with the 55 will be rather startled that the 58 has 30 per cent more interior volume. This was further highlighted by the display at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show, where both models were back to back and the dramatic difference was immediately evident.

In fact, the 58 is nearly 63ft stem to stern. I am a tad puzzled why it is called a 58, however, this also explains the price variation rather more clearly. It is a much bigger boat and particularly agreeable with the full-beam master cabin.

Fleming have formerly strictly adhered to a central companionway from the saloon to the accommodation forward, firstly to keep passengers out of a properly managed bridge, and also to maximise safety in rough conditions. Naturally, it eliminates full-beam cabins, however, with Option B selected, the forward companionway commences from the wheelhouse, down beautifully crafted stairs to a lower ‘lobby’ and the various cabins leading off that.

Forward is the VIP guest cabin with either a centre mounted queen-sized island bed or very generous king-sized singles (as per test boat) with their own robes and storage. A huge atrium-styled ceiling takes its space from the foredeck trunk cabin and dramatically improves the already generous height and feel of this cabin. Wonderfully, in fact.

Aft to port is a twin cabin with upper and lower berths, the upper bunk folding over to give extra headroom if the cabin is being used for a single occupant. Fleming can offer this as a dedicated office if required, but generally one would deal with those duties at the pilothouse table and sofa.

Both of these cabins share a beautifully appointed guest head and shower. Tasteful white marble features against a backdrop of satin teak panelling, highlighted by luxury chrome taps and fittings as well as beautiful bevelled-edge mirrors with some clever features to make them adjust for shaving and make up usage.

The ‘lobby’ area has a cupboard-mounted washer and separate dryer (Miele, of course), and they are so much nicer that those very ordinary dual-purpose units. A pullout cupboard exposes two laundry baskets, (light and dark if you please), and nice to see such attention paid to a real cruising issue.

Aft from the lobby one enters the full-beam master suite with the centre queen bed, private en suite with separate head and shower, and a massive walk in wardrobe to starboard. A small sofa and writing desk are nearby, the desk opening with Hollywood lighting to assist Madame with her make up application.

Two large stainless steel portholes on either side allow the gentle breezes to waft through at anchor, and one can only delight at all the portholes in each cabin, all of which can be opened in the rain for natural ventilation and a soft sleep with no air conditioning or generators running. Bliss in the right weather and so rare on many modern offerings. ED: We didn’t miss the Missoni designer soft furnishing touches either.

SIGNATURE PILOTHOUSE
- More great living spaces above deck
The pilothouse is a superbly executed navigation station to suit all ‘would be’ captains and admirals. The optimised dash layout comes from years of testing at sea, the equipment spec the envy of other builders, and the vision is superb. Aft and to port is an L-shaped sofa and table for companionship while cruising or a nice spot to do paperwork, have a romantic and cosy dinner, or simply be a guest and join the crew as she glides along. A central stair leads up to the flying bridge, as another stair leads down and aft, past the day head, to the main saloon...

The very spacious saloon incorporates the large settee and dining table with either a smaller sofa opposite (or casual chairs if specified), all very smartly decorated in ‘Ralph Lauren’ style. Nothing nicer that to entertain looking across at guests, particularly with the bar, icemaker and wine chiller in full operation.

Forward to port is the chef’s galley with superb finishes, clever storage features such as a full height pullout pantry cupboard, double door SMEG refrigerator and freezer, and proper Miele oven, plus convection micro as well. Chrome fiddles will secure pots on the ceramic cooktop, while the benchtops, sinks and detailing are simply first class. All budding chefs will delight in this space and the high-class appliances and fittings.

The test boat has electrically controlled blinds, which all closed at once, while the television raised and one could settle back for some entertainment. Sonos sound systems, internet streaming, Foxtel to most cabins, and again, the list rolls on and on. With a Fleming one expects nothing less and there never seems to be a disappointing moment when one finds something missing.

Double doors open to the superb aft deck with laid teak and a central table. Engine room access is via and electrically operated hatch and there are dedicated lockers for fenders and lines and all sorts of necessary items. A place for everything and everything in its place.

Walk around side decks lead forward and up to the Portuguese bridge, a superb opening door displaying the most beautifully engineered hinge, one of so many cunningly conceived and brilliantly crafted details that abound on this boat.

The foredeck has a central raised trunk cabin, which conceals more storage opportunities, and forward is a magnificent pulpit with twin Maxwell winches and dual stainless steel anchors. Another feature rarely seen on other boats are the excellent fairleads with Herreshoff cleats at either side. So beautiful to use and so thoughtfully installed.

When one sees these items it become very obvious that this is a serious cruising vessel, not some ‘blinged up’ gadget ship made to lure unsuspecting buyers. The deck hardware and layout is second to none. Full stop.

Up top on the open flying bridge (thank heavens for that), the wind is in your hair, there’s the smell of the sea, as the Fleming steams through the water at a vibration-free 10 knots. A double Stidd helm seat makes for companionable cruising with an L-shaped sofa and table, with another sofa opposite with the guests behind you. Always a bonus on a boat to have guests out of the way and not impending the skipper.

A fridge and BBQ await the chef and bartender, a Swift tender with Yamaha outboard can be easily launched with the hydraulic crane, and there’s an aft helm station on the aft boat deck to provide a perfect spot to manoeuvre into even the most difficult spaces.
All told, there are four helm stations including the flying bridge and pilothouse, plus aft and side deck cameras, which also scan forward and aft. Who could get it wrong?

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- Norman Wright and Sons in Brisbane design the 58 hull
Through a long-standing connection between Australian agent Egil Paulsen, Norman Wright and Sons in Brisbane was chosen to design the new Fleming 58 from the keel up. The object was to raise the design technology and performance to the very highest specifications to match the build quality. The boat had to look unmistakably Fleming and, of course it does, as buyers don’t want to veer away from this very successful and timeless styling theme.

 The results are virtually flawless, the vessel running beautifully through the water at all speeds, handling with dexterity and designed to provide the crew with real confidence when Mother Nature has a nasty mood on. The deep V-bow with sharp entry and generous flare deals with heavy seas with confidence, while the full keel and flattened sections aft provide directional and natural roll stability at all cruising speeds.

The solid fibreglass laminate is reinforced with an interlocking matrix of frames and box section stringers, all designed to comply with most worldwide regulations for Category A Ocean Class. She is a proper sea boat with collision bulkheads, additionally reinforced sections around the bow, chines, stabiliser sections as well as extra laminations below the waterline. Vinylester resin is used in the outer laminations and five layers of epoxy are applied to the gelcoat below the waterline to make those sections impervious to blistering.

Naturally, the running gear is a full foot above the keel which is further protected by a stainless steel shoe which defends it in case of grounding. Fleming specify the Seatorque Shaft System, which transfers the thrust from the propellers directly to the hull allowing the use of much softer engine mounts, also eliminating the need for stuffing boxes and cutlass bearings. This is then coupled to the Twin Disc gearboxes and then the MAN i6 800hp diesels. All as smooth as silk, particularly the gearbox system with its joystick control, and anywhere from idle to 21.7 knots at full power.

Meantime, a Cummins Onan 13.5kW generator is supplied, accompanied by a Mastervolt inverter and charging system, connected to Lifeline AGM battery banks for both start and house power. Worldwide power can be connected to the isolation boosting transformers with soft start capabilities and this whole electrical installation is superbly executed and second to none.

The Boning Monitoring System allows sophisticated observation of all the on-board systems, everything available at the touch of any of the multiple screens. Even an iPad can be linked to control systems from the comfort of a deck chair. Quite a unit indeed.

Steering is the latest fly-by-wire system, the helm unit signalling a hydraulic pump in the lazarette for precise and dextrous handling. Twin fresh-water pumps, oil change pumps, Cruisair reverse cycle air-conditioning, Racor fuel systems, oil change pumps, Sidepower 15hp bow and stern thrusters, the list rolls on. Beautiful equipment and superbly conceived and installed.

ON THE WATER
- Latest MAN power for smooth and purposeful performance
Our photographic chase boat (the editor’s 42-footer borrowed for the job) gave the perfect opportunity to see the Fleming go though her paces, finely slicing through the waves and chop, the graceful bow looking elegant and purposeful. On the plane, she looked even more commanding, ready to deal with the worst the ocean might deal out, and all in a super smooth and super quiet fashion. All that engineering and design work has paid off big time.

The MANs are soft yet purposeful and she slips through the water at 1000rpm at 9 knots with a combined 23 litres/hour and a range of 2147nm. Very impressive. Stirring the pot a little to 1600rpm sees 11.5 knots and 107 litres combined and a range of 592 miles, which is all perfectly efficient (crossing the ocean or long passages are best dealt with at lower speeds). Push the levers all the way forward and she is up and off, a top speed of 21.7 knots being rather impressive for 48 tonnes. Super smooth all the way through the ranges.

The Flemings have a very enviable reputation for their seagoing prowess and while we had dead calm conditions for our test, a previous outing on a 65 across Sydney Heads in huge seas displayed the safe and secure capability which one would expect. She ran down the face of big swells without a hint of broaching, punched back into them with power and surefooted confidence, the big bow and deep V forefoot parting the biggest waves without crash or crunch.

VERDICT
- Set up for a lifetime of safe and secure cruising
With so many of their boats having made serious trips all across the world, not only the Tony Fleming expeditions, the fine tuning of these tried-and-tested vessels will install real confidence, particularly for the first time, long range sailor.

Unlike so many manufacturers who chop and change models so often, do little practical heavy sea testing and cut corners to build to a price rather than to a standard, the Fleming will set you up for a lifetime of safe and secure cruising.

The quality will be remembered long after the price is forgotten — a perfect example of this was the Fleming 65 displayed at the 2017 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show which looked new and yet was 11 years old. A stunning tribute to a builder who spares no expense or detail to bring you the best.

Another lovely feature is the traditional styling, which still looks handsome and purposeful, then, now and well into the future. The Fleming people should be very proud of this outstanding 58.

LIKES
>> Spectacular quality finishes as an industry leader
>> High technology engineering and equipment
>> Traditional styling that won’t date.
>> Supremely capable vessel in the worst conditions
>> Comfort, range and autonomy

NOT SO MUCH
>> Perhaps a spray rail on the bow to deflect the bow wave
>> I am very fussy and I couldn't find another fault

Specifications: Fleming 58
Price as Tested: $5.375 million with standard twin MAN I-6 800hp, Twin Disc system, tender, extended roof, thrusters, hydraulic winch, Ralph Lauren décor, Missoni bathware and bedding and more.
Priced From: $4.8 million.
LOA: 19.94m, 65ft 9in
Hull Length : 19.1m, 62ft 9in
Beam: 5.33m, 17ft 6in
Displacement: 48,000kg fully loaded, 40,000kg light
Draft: 1.52m, 5ft
Air Draft: 5.18m, 17ft
Fuel: 5488lt in two tanks.
Water: 1211lt
Black Water: 625lt
Sleeping: 6 + 2
Engine: Twin MAN i6 800hp

Supplied By:
Fleming Yachts Australia Pty. Ltd.,
Unit 6, 1 Bradly Avenue,
Kirribilli. NSW. 2061.
Phone:  02 8920-1444
0412 864 443
info@flemingyachts.com.au
More at Fleming Yachts Australia.