Neptunus 750SL—Skylounge

By Andy Adams

Photos by Neptunus Yachts

Carpe diem!

A few years ago, I travelled to the Neptunus Yachts facility in St. Catharines, Ontario to review their newest 750 model, the 750F. At a total length of 75’6” and a beam of 18’11” it was a large and extremely accommodating yacht with many remarkable features, not least of which was a flying bridge the size of a dance floor! The 750 Series is currently the largest yacht Neptunus offers and the 750F remains a current model.

Later, I learned that the owners of the new 750F we reviewed had not taken it home. They are Canadians who do their yachting from Newfoundland and part of the purchase agreement was that the spacious, open flying bridge that is so enticing for the Caribbean or for summers on Georgian Bay would be converted to an enclosed bridge over the winter. That would make for much more comfortable boating around Newfoundland and Labrador.

The brand new Neptunus 750SL seen slowing as it comes in the harbour. The lines are striking and the boat has the performance to match its sleek looks

Guided by noted Canadian naval architect Gregory C. Marshall, who originally designed the Neptunus 750, the craftsmen at Neptunus went to work to convert to an enclosed bridge version of the 750F, dubbed the 750FX with a fully enclosed skylounge and exterior stairs only. The result was both attractive and much more comfortable for the owners’ boating adventures. Delighted with the result, they logged hundreds of hours in their first cruising year, realizing their boating dreams. Great story, right? Not over yet.

Last July I was invited back to the Neptunus facilities for the launch of the newest 750, the 2026 model, 750SL.

One of the first things I noticed when I saw the new boat was the name. It was the same name as the 750FX we had reviewed earlier, the one that had been modified with the enclosed bridge. Was this the same boat?

The upper deck is a grand loft for enjoying the scenery. With a maximum beam of 18’11” even this upper level is very spacious.

After extensive cruising aboard their enclosed bridge version of the 750FX the owners were totally sold on Neptunus Yachts, but their cruising goals had evolved. They spec’d out a totally new 750SL (‘SL’ for Skylounge) with Gregory C. Marshall. They had rarely used the lower helm on the 750FX, preferring to run the boat from the upper deck. Also, the 750FX layout featured a spacious main deck level full-beam master (an amazing feature), but they decided on a lower deck king-size master suite with a guest suite in the bow and a quarter berth with two singles, all with ensuite heads. And they wanted more power.

At the launch party last July, I had the opportunity to meet the owners in person and ask them about their experiences and their decision to commission a new boat.. My first question was, “Why another 750?”

Without hesitation, they said they felt the 750 was as big as they wanted to handle on their own. And, while they loved friends and family visiting, they wanted to cruise together, just the two of them most of the time. Canada, the Loop and lots of coastal cruising is the plan, but by themselves—no crew. So, seize the day!

Neptunus calls itself a boutique builder, or a semi-custom builder, and their incredible team of craftsman can build just about anything with quality you would rarely find at any price. Hence, a totally new Neptunus 750 SL was created!

The view looking forward in the salon, with a genuine leather upholstered couch to port, two reclining armchairs to starboard, custom coffee table and expansive glass areas to bring the outside in.

Layout Changes

The first big change is that the 750SL floorplan is opened up. This couple doesn’t need or want separate living areas. Having seen the first 750FX, I would say the new 750SL is more open, more spacious, yet somehow feels more intimate.

Starting at the stern, the normal fully-appointed crew cabin is now finished as a custom lazarette, or utility room and workshop. It has a full head, lots of storage, and easy access to wiring, mechanical systems and the impressive engine room with its 6’6” headroom. The cabin entrance is by a waterproof articulating door that moves with one finger smoothness. After a swim or tanning session, use this head to shower off and change. Also, it’s handy when service people come onboard.

Glorious real teak decks start at the swim platform and run to the salon door and side decks. There are transom stairs up either side of the huge aft seat that has storage inside. The side decks are fitted with 14” cleats and a slot to lower excess line into a rope locker, eliminating deck clutter. The same attention is given to the huge shore power cable to keep it secure and out of the way.

The salon view looking aft. The glass bulkhead doors are custom made with stainless-steel frames and elegantly curved glass, and they slide beautifully!

The 750SL aft deck features a high-gloss mahogany table with two classic deck chairs and a refreshment bar on the port side. The whole aft deck area is shaded by the bridge overhang, making it a very nice place to relax.

The side decks and rails are substantial and have high bulwarks for secure footing, but the owners requested the standard deck sun pad be omitted, so less need to go forward. The starboard aft deck has a set of exterior stairs leading to the upper deck and Skylounge.

Main Salon

In the centre is a magnificent set of curved stainless-steel and glass cabin doors leading into the salon, now one grand open space. A pair of big reclining armchairs and table are to starboard and a sumptuous leather couch stretches up the port side. A custom coffee table sits in front of the galley cabinet, which houses the big-screen TV in a piano black-finish surround. The ceiling is open and features recessed pot lights. The wood floor is easy to care for.

The forward end of the cabin features a rich, leather-upholstered dining area, a centre island for storage and serving and a pair of matching leather-upholstered chairs that can be moved to the island for a casual breakfast.

The galley and dining area is up one step. On starboard is a dinette booth reminiscent of a fine restaurant with comfortable seating for eight and great outside views. In the centre is a small island for serving. A pair of movable breakfast stools divide the dining area from the galley to port. The scale is very much “home-size” with Fischer and Paykel appliances, double door refrigerator, stove and oven with a big deep sink and, of course, a dishwasher.

All the little things are looked after as well. There’s a gorgeous range hood, a Jura coffee system that makes cappuccino and far more. On the starboard side, aft of the dining area, is a beautiful floating interior staircase in high-gloss walnut and stainless-steel that leads up to the Skylounge. An added feature is the Napolean gas fireplace to keep things cozy.

Going forward, the centre companionway takes you down to a spacious atrium under the natural light of three huge windshield sections. In the atrium cabinets are a built-in washer and dryer, lots of storage, plus access to the day head and the mid-cabin.

The Skylounge helm is spacious. climate controlled and laid out with massive screens and highly logical controls for serious navigating.

This mid-cabin on starboard is finished with two single berths, access to the day head, hanging locker, TV and other amenities. It’s actually a very comfortable cabin, not an afterthought by any means.

The guest cabin is forward in the bow and features an ensuite head with large shower stall, two hanging lockers and a proper queen size berth in the centre. There are side windows, a deck hatch and opening ports.

Moving Aft

Compared to their 750FX, the biggest difference was to change the main deck master suite for a full-beam midships master with a king-sized bed. This is surrounded by leather and walnut accents, good headroom and special features like another Napolean gas fireplace, big television and huge side glass on port and starboard, each with an opening section for fresh air. Bureaux on both sides and hanging closets add to the storage in the walk-in, cedar lined closet. You can cruise for ages with a huge and versatile wardrobe.

The master head features his and hers sinks in a vanity, toilet and, as the owners ordered, a bathtub and shower combination with glass doors. The 750SL has all the comforts of home!

The galley is very spacious and features all high-end home quality fixtures, appliances and equipment. The lucky chef gets numerous drawers, storage areas, overhead lockers, double door fridge, big, deep sink and perhaps best of all, glorious exterior views.

The Skylounge

Accessed either from the salon or the aft deck, the Skylounge has a commanding view in all directions, full climate control and an opening sunroof panel and direct access to the upper sun deck and refreshment area. The helm console is spectacular, with a highly logical layout including a comprehensive range of status lights for fast checks, four large MFDs and every navigation system you could desire from radar and sonar to engine room cameras and more. It’s super yacht style in every way!

Performance and Engines

Supporting the owner’s extensive cruising plans, the 750SL has high speed fuel fills on both port and starboard for all three tanks. The center tank holds 544 US Gallons, and two “wing tanks” hold 522 gallons each (total 1588 gallons). The owners upgraded to twin 2025 HP Caterpillar ACERT C32B engines(standard model twin 1825 HP CAT C32 engines) and also went to twin 20kW CAT generators from the standard model’s 20kW Northern Lights generators.

I did not have an opportunity to run the 750SL, but detailed performance evaluations show that at 1,900 RPM, the engine load is only 65% for each engine, the vessel is running at 26.0 knots (cruise), and the range is 280 Nm. At 1,500 RPM the speed was 18.1 knots at 51% engine load, 347 nm range with a 10% reserve. At 900 RPM, the engines are at 34%, the speed is 10.0 knots, and the range is over 800 Nm. The sea trial results show 37.0 knots wide open throttle. Very impressive for such a substantial yacht!

Anybody who thinks “you can’t take it with you” hasn’t seen the master suite aboard the Neptunus 750SL. With port and starboard hanging lockers, half a dozen bureau drawers on either side and storage in the night tables, this yacht has liveaboard capacity for clothes, and that’s not counting the cedar lined walk-in closet!

This boat runs beautifully!

This Neptunus 750SL earns the Category A—Ocean designation. It is defined as the “category of boats considered suitable for seas of up to 23 feet (7 meters) significant wave height and winds of Beaufort Force 9 (41-47 knots) or less but excluding abnormal conditions such as hurricanes.”

Pick your destination and seize the day!

ENGINES: Twin Caterpillar C32 B ACERT @ 2,025 hp each