The Flying Flipper Superfly GTO 42 is an open-roof high-speed sports boat developed by Scandinavian builder Flying Flipper in collaboration with Turkish design studio Red Yacht Design, combining supercar-influenced aesthetics with a top speed of 50 knots.
What is the Superfly GTO 42?
The GTO 42 is the open-top evolution of the Superfly GT 42, a boat that drew attention for its retractable hard roof, lightweight hybrid carbon construction and stepped hull. By removing the roof entirely, Flying Flipper created a more visceral, wind-in-face experience without compromising the clean Scandinavian design language that defined the original. The result is a 42-foot performance cruiser that looks as purposeful stationary as it does at speed.
Design: Scandinavian minimalism meets supercar proportions
The exterior draws directly from supercar design: a long, low nose, flush surfaces and a cockpit pushed rearward for maximum visual drama. The interior is deliberately minimal, with the forward cabin housing a full bedroom, a saloon, a dining table, a galley and a bathroom. Air grills along the exterior are shaped to echo organic forms and include integrated lighting systems. The material palette is consistent with the Scandinavian tradition of using high-quality, clean-finished surfaces without decorative excess.
How fast is the Superfly GTO 42?
Powertrain options include Volvo or Mercury gasoline inboard engines capable of pushing the boat to 50 nautical knots, making the GTO 42 one of the faster production sport cruisers in its size class. A diesel variant is also available, using twin 370 hp engines for a top speed of 45 knots. A hybrid version was in development at the time of the boat's introduction. The stepped hull design and lightweight carbon layup are central to achieving those numbers at manageable fuel consumption rates, a detail that sets the Flying Flipper family apart from heavier fiberglass competitors.
Where to see the Superfly GTO 42
Set to launch in 2019, the GTO 42 was targeted at the Monaco, Miami and Greek riviera market, exactly the kind of venues where open-top performance and design visibility matter as much as raw specification. For those seeking a high-performance, design-led boat in the same spirit, explore the TheArsenale boat collection, including the SAY29 Runabout Yacht and the SAY45 RIB Speedster Carbon.
