XO Boats unveils all-aluminium ‘adventure yacht’ XO Explr 44

The boatbuilder says the 13.4-metre aluminium adventurer is inspired by superyachts, with ‘premium materials and naval architecture’.

The XO Explr 44 is the first adventure yacht launched by XO. The yacht, made of 10/5 mm marine aluminium, can be equipped with 3×450 hp or 2×600 hp motors, reaching up to +50 knots in speed.

”For a long while, XO Boats has had a number of passionate fans, who appreciate XO’s driving features, safety and high quality,” says Erkki Talvela, CEO of XO Boats. “As we have discussed with our customers and listened to their feedback, we saw that there was demand for a yacht-sized craft from XO. With this launch, we aim to meet the needs of more demanding and quality-conscious boaters, who also appreciate the elegance of Explr 44.”

The XO Explr 44 benefits from the rigidity of aluminium, which helps handle vibrations from rough seas and offers good durability, resistance to corrosion and repairability.

“With the design, we wanted to find ways to maximise the interior space,” says Jaakko Kantola, lead designer of XO Boats. “As a result, we created two cabins which are equal in size – so there’s not just one owner cabin, but more like two luxurious suites. We also wanted to give extra stability to the yacht while maintaining the sporty outlook of an XO, which is why we lowered the centre cabin.”

The interior design is inspired by Nordic aesthetics. In the front is the owner’s cabin with a large double bed, shower compartment and good headroom with ample light, space for changing and stylish detailing.

The aft cabin can have a comfortable atrium, two single beds or a large double with its own head. Together with the additional bunk in the pilothouse, the Explr 44 accommodates up to six people overnight.

”We believe that we have created something unique again by placing the second suite under the aft deck. No other yacht in this class seems to have an innovation like this,” adds Kantola.

Explr 44’s air conditioning and heating ensure comfort by providing an inviting shelter or an open-air ambience. There is space for solar panels on the roof, along with rails for roof racks to accommodate bikes and sports gear. Sunbeds in the bow and aft transform into lounging areas.

In September, XO Boats introduced its first aluminium-made boat, the XO Dfndr A8, at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival.

The XO Dfndr A8 is a modern, enclosed walkaround T-top boat made of 10/5mm marine aluminium. XO says the boat can be equipped with 2×200 hp and 1×400 hp motors, reaching up to 50 knots in speed.