Fleming 65

The Fleming 65 was introduced in mid 2005 in response to a strong demand for an intermediate Fleming between the 55 and the 75. Her layout is very similar in concept to the 55 but the 65, being around 70% larger in displacement, offers much more interior and deck space than her smaller sibling. Fleming Yachts decided to retain hull number 1 to evaluate her design performance as a well-found cruising yacht as well as providing a test bed for new equipment. Since commissioning in 2005 Tony Fleming has cruised “Venture” more than 50,000 miles along the West Coast of North America from La Paz, Mexico to Juneau, Alaska, back down the Coast to the Sea of Cortez, to the Galapagos Islands, through the Panama Canal, up the East Coast into the Hudson River, Erie Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Along the way Tony has provided the yard with valuable feedback and suggestions that have been incorporated in the 65 production line.

The flying bridge is easily and safely accessed by the 5-step stairway from the pilothouse. The upper helm, located on the port side, is slightly raised to enhance visibility forward and features a built-in double helm seat and a console for full instrumentation and electronics. A U-shaped settee with storage underneath and dining table that seats 6 to 7 is standard. A number of different arrangements and equipment can be ordered, depending on the owner’s intended use of the area. A large deep freeze, various types of barbecue grills, a wet bar, icemaker, refrigerator and extra seating are popular options. Also optional is a hardtop with a canvas-glass enclosure, which creates additional all-weather living space. Aft of the flying bridge area is the boat deck, with space for a 16-foot inflatable yacht tender. A 1500-lb. capacity Steelhead hydraulic davit system is standard as is a freshwater hose bib and 230 VAC outlet for keeping the tender’s battery charged. The stainless steel safety rail has a removable section for launching a life raft. Typical of Fleming’s obsessive attention to details, the boat deck drains to a series of built-in, stainless steel drains connected to a drain manifold system that exits just above the waterline to prevent streaking of the cabin sides and topsides.

The large, spacious main salon can be built with a number of different arrangements. A dedicated dining area can be located to starboard with a large settee area to port. In place of the dining area, a second settee can be located on the starboard side opposite the main settee. Or, a large, built-in cabinet can be built on the starboard side with lounge chairs facing the main settee. A teak hi-lo dining/coffee table is standard. A soft, ultra-suede headliner provides a sense of warmth and style, and there is space for a 42″ flat panel home entertainment centre. In the aft, port corner, the owner has a choice of a wet bar with refrigerator and wine cooler or more cabinet space with glass doors. Wooden blinds recessed into the window frames are standard. LED lighting is used throughout, including on the inside of most cabinets. The galley features a 23-cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator/freezer on the starboard side and a built-in dish cabinet and pantry space. Granite counter tops, a double sink, instant hot water dispenser, waste disposal, convection microwave, flush induction cook top are standard. There is room for an optional dishwasher.