Prestige builds family flybridge yachts. Motor Boat & Yachting's used boat report on the Prestige 420 Fly, the shaft-drive version that replaced the earlier IPS boat, includes a surveyor's list from Chris Olsen.
Cored hull: storage on chocks
The 420 Fly's hull is cored. Olsen asks buyers to inspect the undersides carefully for signs of repair, particularly where the boat has been lifted and stored on chocks, because cored hulls can be prone to cracking if stored badly. He also asks for the undersides to be hammer sounded by an experienced surveyor to make sure the core hasn't delaminated, while calling that unlikely on a boat of this age.
Where to look. Out of the water, the hull bottom at the chock and cradle points for cracks, filler and repairs, and sound the bottom panels for dull areas.
Engines and electronics
Olsen calls the Cummins engines usually reliable and strong, and asks for proof the service schedule was kept, including the cooling system and anode replacement as well as oils and belts. He also asks that all the electronic control boxes and cabling are dry, clean and secure.
Where to look. The service record, anodes, and the control boxes and cabling for damp and loose connections.
On the sea trial
Olsen suggests buyers check they're at home with the helm seating, controls and steering, and with the low flybridge seating and rails, which can feel disconcerting in a seaway. He also warns that some saloon furniture has sharp corners.
What to check on a Prestige
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| Hull bottom at chock points | Cracks and repairs | Olsen, 420 Fly |
| Hull core | Delamination on sounding | Olsen, 420 Fly |
| Engines | Service record, cooling, anodes | Olsen, 420 Fly |
| Electronics | Control boxes and cabling dry and secure | Olsen, 420 Fly |
| Flybridge | Low seating and rails | Olsen, 420 Fly |
Writing it up
"Hull bottom: star cracking in the gelcoat at two former chock positions on the port side, dull on sounding over about 0.2 m². Recommend moisture readings and an assessment of the core by a repairer before purchase." Give the positions and the sounding result.