Prestige 460 Fly

It’s the little things.

by Chuck Warren

There are some boats and some boat rides that stay with you long after you’ve departed for your next destination. When I met the crew from Spring Brook Marina in Chicago to test ride the new Prestige 460 Fly, I expected to go for a nice cruise on a beautiful boat. I didn’t expect to be thinking about that boat three months later.

It was breezy when I reached Chicago, and Lake Michigan was rough. I met Zach Mann and Kyle Stenzel from Spring Brook Marina at Burnham Harbor, where we prepared for a quick run up to Navy Pier. On our way up the Chicago River we would pass through the harbor lock, where the 460 Fly would be displayed along The Riverwalk.

While Mann got ready at the helm and Stenzel ensured everything was secure for our trip, I inspected the boat. That’s when I started to notice the details that set the Prestige apart from other flybridges.

Thoughtful details

It takes a lot to stand out from the fleet in the current sea of fly and coupe-style boats offered by many manufacturers. Quality can be the obvious difference; however, in this case, quality was matched with sensible, functional details.

Built on the same hull as its 45-foot predecessor, the 460 Fly includes design improvements, an updated layout and many new options. The boat feels like a larger vessel and has the features to match.

The 460 Fly has beautiful lines without the stocky appearance some shorter fly models have. Approaching from the dock, it appears that the hullside windows form a continuous line from fore to aft. Although the V-berth and main cabin windows are separate, Prestige used black gelcoat between them to create the illusion of a single window.

Stepping aboard, the huge swim platform shines, providing easy cockpit access from the port side. Instead of offering dual entryways, Prestige uses the starboard space to create more cockpit seating. Optional hydraulics and teak decking are available for the platform.

In the cockpit, standard teak decking is a beautiful touch. The L-shaped aft seating comfortably accommodates six or more people and converts into a sunpad with an optional adjustable table. Convert yet another sunpad at the bow into lounge chairs and pop up the available cabana cover for lazy afternoon naps.

The first cockpit cushion hides an optional lazarette large enough to double as the captain’s quarters and complete with its own head, again making the 460 Fly seems like a much longer boat. Without the crew quarters, the storage space is big enough to house lots of water toys and safety gear.

Commanding views

A ladder leads up to the bridge, which seems like a strange choice on a newer boat until you notice the amount of cockpit space gained by its smaller footprint.

On the bridge, the portside helm allows the captain to operate the boat from either side. Starboard docking? Drive below for better visibility. Portside tie-off? Head up top for a better view. At both stations, Raymarine glass panels and Volvo joysticks provide the captain with the necessary information and digital controls to keep the boat pointed in the right direction.

The bridge provides the perfect space for entertaining, with wraparound seating surrounding a large dining table. To starboard, another sunpad alongside the helm easily converts into additional lounge chairs. An outdoor galley option is available for the bridge as well.

Back downstairs, the L-shaped salon seating to port includes a moveable ottoman, while a loveseat just aft of the starboard helm hides a pop-up TV. Plenty of storage lies hidden beneath cushions and access doors.

A split galley aft of the salon features a stand-up fridge/freezer instead of the more common cold storage drawers. There’s ample counter space for food or drink preparation, and an additional outdoor galley option can be added to the transom where the large platform makes grilled food preparation a breeze.

Below, Prestige broke tradition and went with a single stairwell for both cabins. An optional washer/dryer can be hidden below the stairs, making great use of available space. Forward, the V-berth and private guest head are both roomy and well lit by the hullside windows. The space is airy enough to make guests feel like VIPs, and the scissor bunk can convert into twin beds for kids.

By removing the second stairway, Prestige was able to substantially increase the size of the main stateroom, yet again making the 460 Fly feel like a bigger boat. Light pours in through the hullside windows, and opening portholes provide fresh air. Even with a king-size mattress, the stateroom has plenty of headroom and more than enough room to walk around the perimeter. Hidden features — like a built-in dresser, flip-up mirror and lounge seat along the starboard side — pack more surprises in the stateroom.

Take her for a spin

As we got ready to leave the dock, I surveyed the white- capped waves outside of the harbor and asked if we would be able to get the boat up to speed.

Mann replied with a grin, “Oh yeah, she can handle it.”

Handle it she did. The twin 435-hp Volvo IPS 600s pushed the Prestige across the nearly 3-foot waves at 22 knots during our 15-minute run to the lock. The boat reaches a top speed of 32 knots but cruises best at 24 knots (with a 212 nautical mile range). If a boat can’t handle a 2- to 3-foot Lake Michigan temper tantrum with reasonable comfort, you’ll be spending a lot of time enjoying your vessel at the dock.

As we cruised, I noticed how nicely the Prestige 460 Fly rode in rough water, something people tend to take for granted in a larger vessel. The second thing I noticed was how quiet the boat is; there were no rattles, machinery noise, and no need to raise our voices as we talked. The boat was smooth and really quiet in rough seas.

The Prestige 460 Fly is a beautifully-equipped, great riding boat with enough optional features to fit the needs, desires or budget requirements of any buyer. It’s the little things that make the Prestige an easy choice — the features that were included with comfort and entertainment in mind, without compromising on storage, ease of access or performance.

My personal favorite feature: The carpet in the salon is installed using high-end carpet squares. Replaceable carpet squares. In other words, spill a glass of red wine and you just need to pull up one or two sections instead of the entire cabin flooring.

It’s the little things. And with the Prestige 460 Fly, those little things add up to create one big, beautiful boat.