Flying Cruiser B Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Flying Cruiser B behaves with the agility of a heavyweight dinghy rather than a sluggish keelboat. With a displacement of approximately 400 to 450 kilograms and a sail area of roughly 14 square meters, the boat possesses a relatively high sail area-to-displacement ratio for its class, allowing it to move well in light airs. Handling is characterized by high initial stability provided by its round-bilge hull form, though as a centerboard-equipped vessel, it remains responsive to crew weight positioning.

Owners frequently report that the boat tracks surprisingly well for its length, a trait attributed to Streuer’s balanced underwater profile. While it lacks the sheer speed of a racing dinghy like a 470, the Flying Cruiser B excels in "sea-kindliness" within protected waters, absorbing chop without the jarring motion typical of flatter-bottomed daysailers. The boat was offered in both a centerboard version (Schwertzugvogel-style) and a keel-centerboard variant; the latter provides an additional 70 kilograms of ballast, significantly lowering the center of gravity and making the boat more forgiving for solo sailors or those navigating larger, more exposed bodies of water.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Flying Cruiser B is a study in functional minimalism, designed primarily for "Sitzhöhe" (sitting headroom) and weekend utility. The cabin features a classic V-berth arrangement that can accommodate two adults, with specialized shelving along the hull sides for gear storage. Because the boat was designed as a "Wanderjolle," the centerboard trunk is a prominent feature in the cabin, though the designers at SUDPLAST cleverly integrated it into the interior molding to serve as a base for a small removable table.

The "B" model is part of a broader family of hulls. While the Flying Cruiser B focused on providing a fully enclosed cabin for overnighting, its sibling, the Flying Cruiser A, often featured a more Spartan or open layout favored by day-sailors. The subsequent Flying Cruiser S and the modern Flying Cruiser F models evolved the concept further, with the "F" model offering a updated deck layout and refined ballast ratios. In all variants, the use of mahogany or teak trim against the white GRP shells provides a classic maritime aesthetic that has aged better than many of its 1970s contemporaries.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Flying Cruiser B with a focus on its structural "sandwich" construction. While the foam-filled hull ensures buoyancy, it presents specific technical challenges after five decades of use.

1. Waterlogged Foam: The most significant "gotcha" for this model is the potential for the buoyancy foam between the hull shells to absorb water if the outer skin has been compromised or if deck fittings were improperly sealed. A "heavy" boat that sits low in the water or feels sluggish despite clean bottom paint is a primary indicator of this issue.
2. Centerboard Pivot and Trunk: Like many trailer sailors of this vintage, the centerboard bolt and the trunk itself are prone to wear. Inspect the trunk for stress cracks at the forward and aft ends, and ensure the board operates smoothly without excessive lateral "clunking," which indicates worn bushings.
3. Mast Step Compression: The mast is deck-stepped, and over time, the internal support structures can settle. Check for any sagging in the cabin overhead or cracks in the gelcoat around the mast base.
4. Rudder Gudgeons: The transom-hung rudder assembly is robust, but the gudgeons and pintles can develop play. Given the boat's dinghy-like handling, a loose rudder significantly degrades the sailing experience and should be checked for ovalization of the bolt holes.

Community & Resources

The primary technical authority for the Flying Cruiser B remains the manufacturer, BWC Illmensee GmbH, located in Baden-Württemberg. They continue to provide parts and technical guidance for the legacy "Flying" fleet, a rarity for boats of this vintage. While there is no singular international class association, the boat has a massive presence in German sailing forums and regional lake clubs, where technical wikis and restoration blogs are common.

The Verdict

The Flying Cruiser B remains one of the most successful European trailer sailors ever built, offering a rare blend of safety, simplicity, and genuine cruising capability in a five-meter package.

Pros

• Ease of Transport: Its light weight and retractable centerboard make it an ideal candidate for single-handed trailering and launching.
• Safety: The double-hull, foam-filled construction provides a level of security rarely found in 1970s-era small boats.
• Legacy Support: Continued existence of the original builder (as BWC) ensures access to technical knowledge.

Cons

• Limited Headroom: The cabin is strictly for sitting and sleeping; those seeking "standing room" will be disappointed.
• Aging Foam: The risk of water absorption in the hull core requires a careful pre-purchase inspection.
• Performance Ceiling: While agile, it is a cruising boat first and will not satisfy sailors looking for a high-performance racing platform.