Cormate Explorer 35 review: a rakish offshore sports boat with a T-top

You might be thinking you have seen the Cormate Explorer 35 before. Well, if you went to Düsseldorf last year, you may have spotted its close cousin, the 35 Chase, upon which it is based. Basically, the Chase has been fitted with a T-top to create the Explorer, as well as a couple of other additional features. This is a wise move, as although the open design of the Chase certainly matches its rakish lines and retro appearance, the practical implications of a T-top are hard to ignore.

There are two T-top options: a fixed and an adjustable one. The latter, state-of-the-art T-top can be adjusted from sitting in a forward position, providing cover for the helmsman and those immediately behind, to giving shade when seated in the aft section. The windscreen has grown slightly in height compared to the screen fitted to the Chase – a wise retrospective move for a boat capable of speeds close to 80 knots. Being fitted with a T-top also enables Cormate to offer the Explorer with a canopy to partially or fully enclose the cockpit, making it more realistic for UK waters.

Like the Chase 35, the Cormate Explorer 35 features the latest development of Egil Ranvig’s monostep technology hull, having grown a foot from the previous Chase 34. The length-to-beam ratio is a super-slim 4:1, inspired by the offshore race hull designs of the 1970s. The transom deadrise angle, in keeping with the design concept, is a sharp 24.5 degrees, exceeding the deadrise used on most leading offshore RIBs. The hull design provides good forward buoyancy and hydrodynamic lift, with excellent wave-cutting potential. The narrow beam and the use of vinylester resin, unidirectional fibreglass, high-quality core materials and infusion technology make the boat rigid and light.

The reverse-rake windshield on the Cormate Explorer 35 is claimed to give better wind and weather protection, especially when driving half-standing in the offshore seats. The helm design is exceedingly driver focused: facing the helmsman are two 16in Simrad MFDs and an adjustable wheel, and the dividing section separating the two helm seats houses race throttles and a joystick. The whole set-up creates an enclosure for the helmsman, with controls just in front of their right hand, and with perfect security as there is nowhere they could fall to in rough weather. Both seats have seat bases that can fold up for secure standing, which, given the height of the dash, is a good idea.

Immediately behind the helm seats sits a wet bar with a double hob, drawer fridge and sink. The cockpit area comprises two opposing bench seats (the forward bench is reversible to face forward) and a drop-in table between. Like the helm, this area is enclosed by very tall bulwarks, so security and weather protection are first rate. The seat back of the aft bench seat can be slid forward to create an aft-facing sunbed, or alternatively, it can be folded fully forward and flat to provide an even larger sunbed.

Forward deck access is via a starboard side deck, enclosed by an ankle-height bulkhead. The teak foredeck area is recessed and can create further sunbed space if needed, while the coachroof houses a substantial solar panel array. Below decks there is a simple double V-berth with a heads on the port side. One thing that strikes you when you go below is the high standard of mahogany joinery that wraps around the heads compartment.