PRESTIGE 460 Flybridge Review
By leveraging existing hull molds and adding new layouts, PRESTIGE continues to impress with their new 2018 model, the PRESTIGE 460 Flybridge.
The PRESTIGE line has been around for over 20 years during which time they’ve built over 2,500 yachts. This kind of longevity is no accident. It takes practicality as well as market appeal, both of which PRESTIGE demonstrates by leveraging existing hull molds and adding new layouts—thereby stretching existing investments.
An example of this is the new PRESTIGE 460 that’s based on the previous 450 hull but sports a new deck and interior, both of which are sure to make buyers take notice. The French builder’s smarts definitely work to the market’s advantage. Our team was at the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and was able to catch a glimpse of PRESTIGE's newest models. Take a look at the 460 Flybridge's sister model, the PRESTIGE 460 S—a coupe style cruiser.
Similar to the coupe, the new 460 Flybridge model has larger windows, a fabulous swim platform that submerges 32-inches below the surface for easy tender loading, a transom galley and a new bow sunpad that is a pad only in name since it has a few hidden features. Inside the layout has been reconfigured for more room and better traffic flow. But let’s not rush ahead. It’s better to take a good look at the changes to fully appreciate the new model.
Overall, the Garroni design aspires to look and feel more like her larger siblings, the 630 and the 680, rather than the previous 450 from which she sprang. As time marches on, PRESTIGE continues to up the ante in terms of fit and finish by adding the touches of luxury that are so in demand today. Matte white cabinet faces complement grey oak wood surfaces and fabric panels grace the bulkheads to dampen sound and vibration. With all this attention to detail, it’s hard to believe these boats come from a high volume production builder.
With the new 460 Flybridge, PRESTIGE continues to up the ante in terms of fit and finish by adding the touches of luxury that are so in demand today.
On Deck
The swim platform mentioned before actually serves triple duty: It’s a way to board from a dock or dinghy, it carries a large tender or PWC, and it’s the place to stand when cooking at the new outdoor transom galley. Both the galley and the hydraulic platform are options totaling about $40,000, but that’s a rounding error when the fully tricked out model is $1.1 million. Besides, they’re both not only practical, but also irresistible.
In the re-design, the aft cockpit was made to seem larger with a new L-shaped settee. There’s also an option for crew quarters in the enormous lazarette. The captain’s comfort will be assured here since the cabin has a bed, a head and its own air conditioning. If this option holds no appeal, it also makes an exceptionally large stowage space for fenders and water toys.
Steps lead up from the cockpit to the flybridge—they’re steep but have good handholds. Up top, the helm is to port. The dash holds a Raymarine display, engine throttles, a Volvo Penta screen and a joystick because the PRESTIGE 460 is a pod-driven vessel powered by twin 370 HP IPS 5s. Our test boat had the upgraded 435 HP IPS 6s that cruised comfortably at 24 knots and topped out at 32.5 knots and 3600 rpm. At cruise, expect a range of over 200 nautical miles, depending on sea and wind conditions.
The bow got a revamp too. The previous sunpad morphed into more of a comprehensive lounge. The cushions now have built-in cup holders, manual popup headboards and a cabana awning that lifts up from the deck. If guests go missing, you may want to start by looking here to see if they’re just lost in a good book.
PRESTIGE has changed their interior layout design by removing the second staircase that normally leads down to the master stateroom.
Interior
The PRESTIGE 460 is a twin helm boat and the command center inside is to starboard – opposite the one up top. Twin 12-inch touchscreen Raymarine MFDs provide navigation information and camera feeds. The engine and bowthruster joysticks as well as the throttles are to the right on a separate outboard pad, below an opening window. The dash is painted with a specially-formulated, glare-dampening coating to cut glare. Two air vents and cup holders mean the driver and her companion will be comfortable and have drinks at hand. A third joystick may be added in the aft cockpit and it’s an option worth serious consideration because that’s the easiest place from which to drive when docking.
The galley is aft which is now almost standard on these types of yachts. Its location at the transition between the outside and the inside, makes it handy to both the cockpit and interior seating and keeps the chef with the party during meal preparation. Everything needed to turn out substantial meals is at hand with a ceramic cooktop and a separate oven at knee level, a standup fridge and freezer, a single sink and a decent amount of countertop space.
The salon has an elevated, U-shaped settee to port and a straight love seat to starboard. The windows were enlarged from the previous model so there are great sightlines to the horizon even when seated and that will put even those most prone to seasickness and claustrophobia at ease.
The interior layout was also changed. The second staircase that normally leads down to the master stateroom on every PRESTIGE was removed. This enabled the designers to make the master 30% larger and give it a centerline bed as well as a vanity on one side a lounge on the other. Only one set of steps now leads below to the two-stateroom and two-head accommodations but it works well with minimal loss of privacy and separation.
There are three different uses of the swim platform: it's great for boarding from a dock or dinghy, it can carry a large tender or PWC, and it’s the place to stand when cooking at the new outdoor transom galley.
Thoughts
The 460 may share a hull with her predecessor but that’s about where the similarities end. PRESTIGE’s smart approach to refreshing its line means they can offer this stylish new cruiser at a price point that is hard for the competition to match—and that’s definitely to your gain.
For more information, visit PRESTIGE Yachts.
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| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length | 46'9" |
| Beam | 14'1" |
| Draft | 3'5" |
| Displacement | 24,983 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 328 gal. |
| Water capacity | 138 gal. |
