In 2015, Galeon launched a small nautical revolution with the release of the 500 Fly. Its cockpit was equipped with tilting bulwarks! A cutout in the structure installed on hydraulic or electric cylinders opened sideways to create a sort of terrace on the water and enlarge the cockpit space. The idea was welcomed by all! With this gain in space, Galeon created a real open-air bar by installing stools on this unfolded part.
However, we have to go back many years, to the early 2000s, to find the origin of this system. Indeed, the 118 WallyPower the 39-meter futuristic superyacht from the Wally Yachts shipyard has already been fitted with this feature. And it is not the only one, since this layout is rather common in the world of large yachting, especially on large motor yachts. Nevertheless, it is becoming more and more popular in the yachting industry and allows for different uses of the space gained.
In 2015, the Italian brand Evo Yachts made its appearance on the daycruiser market. And there too, the first model, the Evo 43 was the talk of the town! Here, the bulwarks are not tilting but telescopic. The latter open in less than 30 seconds to enlarge the cockpit space by 40% and offer a surface area of 25 m2.
In 2017, Sea Ray is also trying its hand at the tilting bulwark craze by equipping its 400 SLX with this system, but only on the starboard side. This additional platform is designed as a "pool ledge" and allows you to enjoy the joys of anchoring.
In 2018, the idea of tilting bulwarks was declined on smaller models such as the 470 Skydeck by Galeon (14.35 m) or on Open boats the IconCraft (34 feet), a boat designed as a true water recreation platform and capable of carrying toys, whose tilting bulwarks create a huge swimming platform.
While this trend is growing in the yachting world and is a smart idea to take advantage of extra space at anchor, this system is not new to the professional market. In fact, some work boats are equipped with this type of bulwark to provide easier access to the sea.
