XO EXPLR 44

One of the most serious adventure craft money can buy.

The XO EXPLR 44 is the first adventure yacht to be launched by XO. Made of 10/5mm marine aluminium, this boat can be ordered with either 3x450hp Mercury 450Rs or 2x600hp Mercury Verado V12s. Realistically, it has a 50-knot top speed in either form, and with a deep-vee tough aluminium hull, it will be a no-nonsense go-anywhere boat, the likes of which this company is well known for.

The dash has a superb full-width Glass Bridge MFD set-up.

It is XO’s flagship – the largest of the five-model EXPLR range, and with an 1800L (400 gal) fuel tank it aims to satisfy the needs of those who need to clock up some sea miles. In truth, you can expect to get around 300 miles from the EXPLR before the tank runs dry, so a 240-mile range with a 20% reserve would be a safe bet. With an overall length of 44ft, this boat benefits from the rigidity of aluminium, as well as the reduction in displacement compared to a similar-sized GRP vessel. With the design, XO wanted to maximise interior space. As a result, they created two cabins equal in size – so there’s not just one large owner cabin and a smaller one squeezed in under the cockpit sole. However, needing to provide as much lateral stability as realistically possible, while also maintaining a sporty exterior, the aft cabin’s position has been kept as low as possible, and without encroaching too much on headroom in the process. The forward cabin is accessed in the traditional manner via steps on the port side of the helm, with the en suite heads sitting under the dash area. The second cabin is an aft cabin in the true sense, as it is accessed through the rear settee in the wheelhouse. Lifting a section of this seating area reveals steps down to the aft cabin located under the cockpit. The en suite heads sits at the forward end of this cabin, taking its headroom from the wheelhouse aft seating above. There is plenty of natural light courtesy of glazed deck hatches in the cockpit floor, and it appears that a large window section runs under the port-side section of the cockpit galley, throwing in large amounts of light.

All galley facilities are external.

This aft cabin is cleverly designed.

The aft cabin has its own en suite.

The interior design is inspired by practical ‘Nordic aesthetics’, but without forgetting luxurious touches and extra comfort in the process. Forward, you can enjoy everything you’d expect from an owner’s cabin: a large double bed, plenty of headroom, a generous shower compartment, ample lighting and stylish detailing. The aft cabin has the option of two single beds or a large double. Together with the additional bunk in the pilot house, the EXPLR 44 can accommodate up to six people overnight.

The forecabin has plenty of headroom

Providing either an enclosed passage or an open-air ride, the EXPLR 44’s air conditioning and heating are designed for a variety of weather conditions. There is space for solar panels on the roof, along with rails for roof racks to accommodate your bikes and water toys. Sunbeds in the bow and aft provide perfect lounging areas, while deck movement is typically Scandinavian, thanks to tall bulwarks and wide side decks. The first boats should be in the UK this spring. Price on application.

All-round visibility is very good.

Typically innovative – sunbed or dining table.

Plenty of shade or sunbathing space.

Built for abuse – this level of construction is reassuring.

Specifications

LOA: 13.4m
Beam: 3.7m
Draught: 1.05m
Displacement: 8.3 tonnes (exc. engines)
Fuel capacity: 1800L
Berths: 4 plus 2
CE rating: B for 12
Engine options: Triple 450hp Mercury 450R V8 outboards or twin 600hp Mercury V12 Verado outboards