Boat test for the 2007 Marlow Explorer 82 Cockpit with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, videos, engine test reviews, and ratings for the 2007 Marlow Explorer 82 Cockpit.

Then finally, there's performance, pure and simple. From Venwest's docks at Chandler's Cove, David Marlow and I boarded the prototype 82 (fresh off the ship from Norseman Shipyard, Marlow's boatbuilding facility near Xiamen, China) and subsequently sea trialed her in Seattle's Lake Washington. While the relatively mellifluous sea conditions extant nixed measuring rough-water capabilities, I managed to gauge other aspects of the 82's performance quite nicely.

The open-water stuff seemed solid. Visibility from one of two comfy Stidd seats on the command bridge (with snazzy blue piping and varnished teak ladder backs) was excellent thanks to the large windows and windshield panels encompassing the helm. The Hynautic hydraulic steering system was unusually responsive thanks in part to a proprietary effort-multiplying device that accelerates rudder response when the wheel is rapidly turned. And the average top speed of 31.3 mph was winsome, although a fuel burn of just 145 gph at WOT for both engines (Caterpillar specifies a total burn of approximately 161 gph at full load) tells me the wheels may have been slightly underpitched, a situation that typically shaves a knot or so off top end.

Dockside maneuvering also seemed solid. Besides excellent visibility, I found that manipulating our precisely detented Morse electronic engine controls produced prompt results, engaging the transmissions with little or no lag time and plenty of maneuvering oomph. In fact, backing down on a giant lakeside boathouse flanked by wharves with sailboats alongside went so smoothly, I simply skipped the two 48-volt, 20-hp Side-Power thrusters, one at the bow, the other at the stern. Not necessary.

"Fine boat handlin', Bill," said Marlow appreciatively when I finally pulled away, letting our test boat drift momentarily with the snow-capped mountains of the Pacific Northwest behind.

"Fine boat," I replied, thereby synopsizing the virtues I've already mentioned as well as the one I'll end with.

Not only does the Marlow Explorer 82 Cockpit Motor Yacht lend herself to lovely fish-fighting fantasies featuring far-out, faraway places, but she's designed and built to comfortably and reliably get you there.

For more information on Marlow Yachts, including contact information, click here.

PAGES:

1

2