St-Barth 85 Fly Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The St-Barth 85 Fly is a Dutch-built, all-aluminium yacht brimming with clever design touches. At the stern, the boarding platform is a standout. It doubles as a passerelle and can lower for water access or raise to meet the quay. It also works as a jet ski lift, with room for two jet skis. The steps retract into the platform when not in use, allowing the whole transom to sit flush. Tender storage is tucked underneath this space.

The beach club sits right at water level, creating a welcoming, informal spot. Here, a dedicated toy lift stores two sea bobs, neatly colour-coded and ready to deploy. Pop-up deck lights add a subtle, useful touch for evening use. Moving forward, the foredeck hosts a hot tub flanked by sunbathing spaces and a flush-fit anchoring system. When activated, the anchor mechanism lifts out and over the bow, then stows away.

Up top, the flybridge is a large, versatile area. It features wrap-around glass screens for safety without feeling enclosed. The radar arch supports domes, antennas, and lights, with an option to power it down for bridge clearance. There’s a fridge drawer, a barbecue, and relaxed seating areas for socialising. Powered cleats, activated by discreet buttons, are another clever detail. The flybridge helm mirrors the lower helm, complete with Garmin displays and a surround camera system that gives a 360-degree view around the yacht.

The aft deck is raised for privacy, with height-adjustable tables that slide into the corners for flexible layout options. This area connects back to the saloon through wide sliding doors. The exterior walkways are full-access, wrapping around both sides of the yacht to link all spaces without needing to pass through the interior.

Stepping into the saloon through large doors, the space opens up into a welcoming lounge. The bar, finished in liquid metal, sits to starboard with refrigeration and a wine cooler. Opposite is a utility room providing laundry and storage space. The interior is rich with design details - bronze lighting sourced from Portugal, textured doors that shift in the light, and sculptural fittings that catch the eye.

The galley, located off the main deck, is fitted out for serious cooking. It features ample refrigeration, a hob with integrated extractor, a tapenaki, steam oven, dishwasher, trash compactor, and plenty of storage. The layout suits both owner-operator use and a professional chef.

Forward of the galley is the dining and lounging area, where a daybed at the aft end creates a cosy spot to retreat. The liquid metal finishes continue here, adding a refined touch. The design also includes rounded corners throughout the passageways, a detail that softens the feel and adds to the flow.

The lower helm station provides excellent visibility, with low window lines and a full suite of Garmin screens for navigation, engine data, and system management. There’s a joystick for the IPS drives and stabiliser controls at hand. The forward lounge by the helm is a great place to relax while underway, with another screen so guests can keep an eye on the route.

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s cabin sits aft for privacy and occupies the full beam. It’s a generous, light-filled space, with bespoke shelving, a dressing table, and a wardrobe. A hatch in the floor leads to service spaces housing inverters, chargers, and additional storage. There’s plenty of room for large travel bags, with storage neatly tucked away.

The ensuite bathroom is a standout feature, with a sink crafted to mirror the reverse silhouette of the St. Barth’s mountain range. The rainfall shower is large, finished in real stone, and paired with more storage and wardrobe space. The layout feels private and separate from the guest areas, giving the owner a true retreat.

Guest Accommodation

The guest cabins sit forward of the saloon and helm, with two VIP suites mirroring each other in layout. Each has storage, a wardrobe, and an ensuite with a rainfall shower and unique sink. Pocket doors slide away to keep the space open, while the bronze lamps and textured doors add a distinctive design touch.

A third guest cabin is located further forward, alongside an additional cabin that can be set up as a single or twin bunk room. These share a bathroom with a separate shower, sink, and toilet. Storage is placed in every available space, from wardrobes to shelves, and the cabins carry the same high finish as the VIP suites.

Crew Accommodation

The forward section can function as either additional guest accommodation or dedicated crew quarters, depending on the owner’s preference. The layout includes a single-bed cabin, a twin bunk cabin, and a shared bathroom. A direct access point to the deck ensures crew can move around without disturbing guest spaces, maintaining a practical flow through the yacht.

The engine space is accessed without needing to lift the tender garage deck, thankfully. The tender garage itself is fully concealed, and features a built-in crane system to lift and lower the tender. Drain holes prevent water build-up when storing a wet tender.

The yacht is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350s, each delivering 1,000hp. The pod-drive system pushes the yacht to a top speed of 28 knots, with a cruising speed of 18 knots and a range of 500 miles. At a more economical 10 knots, fuel burn drops to just 65 litres (14.3 gallons) per hour, extending the range to over 1,000 nautical miles. The engine room houses the main generator, a smaller auxiliary generator, and all systems are laid out for ease of access, with bright lighting throughout.

The St-Barth 85 Fly is packed with clever touches – powered cleats, flush-fit anchoring, sculptural sink inspired by the mountains of St Barts, and smart storage throughout. It’s a yacht that feels different because it’s been thought through, from the practical layout to the solid build. A boat designed by people who know how to make things work.