Genesis 400 Flybridge

A contemporary take on the flybridge cruiser, the Kiwi-built Genesis 400 Flybridge makes all the right impressions. Her sleek lines, cheerful interior, and engineering are based on sound design principles. Thus, there is no need to ask the brains behind Genesis what this or that is for.

On first impressions, the 40-footer also appears to make a statement about style. Its soft moulded curves, tasteful furnishings in homey hues and abundance of natural light are partly due to a professional decorating team. Add an open-plan layout and you, too, might see the resemblance between this boat and a modern apartment.

While other floating abodes may boast more floor space, the Genesis 400 Flybridge certainly rates as a sophisticated 40-footer. It isn't designed to pack a party aboard but is comfortable for a close-knit family of four or a discerning couple who choose to entertain small groups.

Based on the company's sportscruiser hull, the flybridge has been kept in check. The resulting low centre of gravity equates to a surefooted ride at sea. When pushed into the swell with the bow tabbed down, the hull cut a path in a most inspiring way.

The fine entry and chines stop spray from blowing back aboard and, compared with big-volume 40-footers, it's a remarkably dry boat. Running modest 285hp Volvo diesel engines with V-drives, it's a beauty for affordable weekend cruising. The internal helm makes it an all-weather boat, too.

FUN IN THE SUN
The transom is equipped with an integrated boarding platform that mostly sits atop the hull proper. Many trans-Tasman buyers go for the factory-fitted dinghy-carrying clips and tote an Aquapro tender on the tail of their 400s. Outboard storage exists underfloor.

But it's the company's signature amenities centre that takes the cake. It was a perfectly sunny day, we were swinging at anchor in a quiet bay in the Broadwater, and I imagined standing in my togs wielding the tongs.

The idea is that you stand on the boarding platform, facing the guests in the cockpit and saloon. Under the lid, which lifts on hydraulic struts, are a moulded sink with hot/cold water, soap dispenser, handheld shower, gas-powered Magna barbie and handrail so you don't fall in while flipping the snags.

Alongside are a handy transom rope locker, shorepower locker, and lots of grabrails. The boarding platform, which is teak-lined and big enough for chairs or a towel, also conceals a telescopic swim ladder. Optional wet bins give somewhere to keep the dive gear and bait.

Marlin doors either side turn the amenities centre into an island, helping prevent congestion in the cockpit. The inboard side of the amenities centre contains a storage locker, an exhaust/water separator for the genset, and a gas-bottle locker.

You can't fault the idea of having a fridge (a listed option) up against the saloon bulkhead. I also noted courtesy lights, two rodholders in the gunwales, aft cleats that sit proud of the deck, and moulded steps, which double as impromptu seats, leading up to the sidedecks. Mum shouldn't have trouble tossing the mooring lines.

While it isn't huge, the teak-topped cockpit has room to assemble a loose table and chairs for al fresco entertaining. There are also innovative padded stools that fold out from either side of the cockpit. Their bases double as covers for the sidepockets. Inside were fenders, a boat hook, fishing rods and suchlike. The moulded bridge overhang helps shade both indoor and outdoor seating.

INTO THE ENGINEERING
A lot of equipment was packed underfloor in this boat. The engine room, accessed via two big lift-up hatches on gas struts, runs the entire underside of the cockpit. With both lids up, you can walk down a central aluminium girder and spot-check the fuel filters and seawater strainers.

There was a Lombardini 6kW genset purring away (we had the air-conditioning running), unfettered access to the Sea Star power-assisted hydraulic steering system, and spare storage areas either side of the motors. The Volvo KAMD300s produce 285hp a side, an upgrade from the base 260hp motors. Either way, they come with Hirth V-drives, hence the motors are mounted aft.

The V-drive arrangement lends itself to the creation of a central utility room. Amidships isn't a bad place to carry weight, thus the aluminium water and fuel tanks, 2.5kW battery charger/inverter, hot-water service, Crusair unit, six batteries and a eutectic fridge unit, which was a bit hard to reach.

All the plumbing lines are colour-coded, while the floor of the utility room is carpeted and user-friendly. There was plenty of room left over for storing provisions and loose tubs with spares, dive gear, and so on. Two small hatches led back to the V-drive gearboxes.

I resurfaced from the utility room, wandered outside and stepped up to the sidedecks. These decks slope outwards and are backed by a splayed bowrail without an intermediate wire, which is a little disconcerting. However, there is enough flat area on which to place your feet, and grabrails aid your passage forward.

There is provision for an optional sunpad between the two low-profile handrails mounted parallel on the foredeck. Full marks for the (optional) fender baskets, Maxwell windlass, factory-supplied anchoring hardware and double chain locker. But the foredeck cleat is set back from the bow, so you will need chafe-preventers on the mooring lines.

From the bow, the distinctive raked lines of the Genesis 400 Flybridge are most evident. Though the moulded hardtop (with clears) adds $12,000 to the bottom line, it is racy and embodies the modern, modular styling that distinguishes this flybridge cruiser from many others.

SPORTY BRIDGE
Seven teak-topped steps lead up the cockpit ladder to the Genesis 400's flybridge.

Although it is short on standing room, two low-profile lounges flanking a central swivel helmseat provide seating (subject to state regulations) for four guests and a skipper. The lounges are long enough to be used as daybeds. Offshore, their backrests felt a tad low to me and, take a tip, keep you noggin clear of the solid stainless-steel stanchions supporting the hardtop. Back aft, a rocket launcher can hold six fishing outfits.

The sporty centre console comes with a cool carbon-fibre wheel, fingertip EDC controls and gauges for the twin Volvos. This boat also had a Raymarine ST60 Tridata display, push-button anchoring thanks to a Maxwell control pad, and room for a 7in colour screen (not the 10in size that is all the rage today).

Essentially, however, the flybridge is a day driving position rather than a primary helm. Probably it's best suited to no more than three people. Having said that, the boat's sharp hull makes travelling in the bridge more comfortable than on boats carrying more floor space, less stability and a harder-riding hull.

OPEN-PLAN BEAUTY
A giant sliding door brings the outdoors indoors on the Genesis 400 Flybridge. The abundance of natural light creates a warm and welcoming interior in which two to three couples or a family can spend time. An open-plan layout assists with crew movement, so you aren't tripping over each other's toes.

To starboard is a two to three person lounge opposite a three to four person lounge - a layout that encourages social discourse. While they are quite upright, the lounges grant views out picture windows and back aft to the water lapping at the transom. They are also within earshot of the two-person helmseat, so you can cruise in company.

The lounges are topped with a thick navy fabric which matches the navy carpet, buff-coloured Macrosuede soft liners and white ceiling liners. Available are four different woodgrain veneers and three soft-furnishing combinations, all devised by Martin Hughes Interior Design.

To port is an oval high-gloss cherrywood table with a neat stainless rail along its outer edge to help in a seaway. The dinette converts to a double berth in case that extra couple decide to stay over.

Headroom is a high point, and the finish and mouldings are in keeping with an upmarket import rather than a small-nation boatbuilder. Euro-styling comes via chrome-rimmed 12V downlights, a wetbar with a wine rack, and brushed stainless locks on the moulded built-ins, which are finished with two-pack.

Other nice details include a small AC/DC television in a nook, two air-conditioning outlets, dedicated CD storage in a drawer under the Clarion sound system, and drinkholders. Giant voids behind the lounges plus various drawers and lockers can store a vacuum cleaner or a case of wine - that sort of thing.

The galley to port is down three steps but close enough to serve guests gathering hungrily indoors or out in the cockpit. Part of the open-planned layout, the galley too is within earshot of the skipper. Chefs can cook for a crowd, with ample Corian bench space with grabrails so you can cook at sea (the stove needs fiddle rails). There is also a useful amount of floor space, so guests can help in the kitchen or flash past to the loo.

Amenities are sufficient for extended cruising and stay-and-plays. They run from a two-burner electric stove and convection microwave to twin sinks and a separate 115lt fridge and 85lt freezer.

Storage exists in four drawers, six overhead lockers and an underfloor hold.

Up one step from the saloon is the lower helmstation, another part of this open-plan interior. On the moulded wall alongside are the start buttons for the generator and the air-conditioning, and a volts indicator. There are sliding windows for fresh air and wipers in case of rough going or rain.

The big moulded dash had plenty of room for a Raymarine L760 combo nav unit. The carbon-fibre brow looked cool and harboured engine, fuel and water gauges. Optional sight gauges for the Bennett trim tabs help you find the perfect ride. Chart storage hides under the helm lounge. And there is a spotlight with remote and AC/DC panel nearby. The chain counter was an option.

SLUMBER PARTY
Innovation certainly exists in the split bathroom that forms a bulkhead or division between the owner's forward cabin and the guests' cabin amidships. There is a separate moulded shower stall to port and a Raritan electric loo with vanity opposite. Thus, two people can use the amenities at once.

Owners are treated to an island double berth in the bow or optional four-bunk layout. While the island bed isn't long, its shape means it will be comfortable if slept in acrossways. A privacy curtain is the only thing between the bed and the saloon, which reflects the fact that this boat is primarily a home-away-from-home for a couple.

Having said that, the guest's cabin will appease big and little kids. The lower bunk is almost double-bed sized. There is headroom over the pillows, a porthole and a hatch, six storage lockers, and a separate moulded hanging locker.

All the bedspreads have a tropical island sailing scene to remind you that you are finally free of the shackles of work. The artificial suede wall liners are latte-coloured, pretty on the eye and soft to touch, while the carpet is overlocked to prevent fraying. The hatches in the cabins and bathroom need privacy screens.

KIWI IN FLIGHT
The Genesis 400 Flybridge is a sprinter that likes to be given its head. The boat is as comfortable running into a headsea as it is tracking back down the swell, which augers well for passagemaking and Sunday afternoon dashes back to dock when the wind gets up.

With the bow buttoned down, the 40-footer could be sent to windward at mid-20kt without banging. The twin 285hp Volvo engines delivered 17.5kt at 2700rpm and a top speed of 29.7kt at 3900rpm. Fresh from the factory, the boat is a 30-knotter. In between the full noise and slow cruising settings were several slippery mid-20kt cruise speeds.

This flybridge version of the Genesis 400 hull with shafts isn't as nimble as the 400 Targa sportscruiser fitted with sterndrive legs. However, the ride offshore is terrific and, unlike a sportscruiser, this means a lot more to flybridge drivers with their sights set on coastal cruising. The 1000lt fuel capacity isn't huge, however.

While most of the 20 boats that Genesis Marine builds each year are sportscruisers, their first flybridge model in Australia could be the company's most significant yet. Sure, it costs about $40,000 more, but it offers a fresh perspective on the common flybridge formula and familiar sportscruiser theme without being over-designed.

Highs

Lows