Marlow Explorer 86 Cockpit M/Y

Although it’s been less than a year since Marlow Yachts introduced its first 82-foot Cockpit Motoryacht, the top-flight Asian builder is already well into construction of an 86-foot version that will become the company’s new flagship. While it may seem like an additional four feet is not such a big deal, the 82 versus 86 designation is a bit deceiving; the latter is almost a full six feet longer overall and is nearly eight feet longer on the waterline. Those differences will provide lots more elbow room inside, and with an open bridge deck (rather than the enclosed bridge on the 82), she projects a whole new image: She’s still all business but with a lower, more pleasing profile and an expansive upper deck where guests can better relish the pleasures of sun and sea breezes. A partial hardtop caters to those who enjoy the open air but not so much the sun.

Certainly one of the more novel aspects of this design is the placement of her three crew staterooms: Rather than being aft or in the bow, they’re amidships on the lower deck with a circular staircase that lets crewmembers go about their business without intruding on the guest areas of the yacht. The owner’s full-beam suite is placed a bit farther forward, offering his and her en suite facilities and (of course) a full complement of luxury amenities.

Located in mainland China, near Xiamen, Marlow Yachts resoundingly debunks the myth that Chinese-built yachts don’t offer the same level of quality as those built in other regions of the world. For example, all Marlow Yachts are built using RIVAT (resin-infused vacuum-assisted transfer), a proprietary system developed by the yard in which Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforcements are laminated with epoxy resin over a foam core to produce a strong, light structure. Even more notable is the yard’s commitment to the environment; to offset its use of prime teak and other wood varieties, Marlow aims to replant ten trees for each one harvested. And to fully utilize the resource, wood shavings are used as fuel, and the ash is used as fertilizer for the richly landscaped facility.

Intricate hand-crafted joinery will adorn all guest areas and entertainment spaces throughout the 86; dovetailed drawer joints, tambour doors, and beveled glass cabinets are typical of the details that will distinguish this yacht, the first of which is slated to debut in the fall.


Marlow Yachts
(800) 362-2657

Specifications

  • Boat Type: Megayacht (> 80′)
  • LOA: 87’9″
  • Draft: 4’5″
  • Beam: 20’4″
  • Weight: 125,000 lbs.
  • Fuel Capacity: 4,000 gal.
  • Water Capacity: 450 gal.
  • Standard Power: 2/835-hp Caterpillar C15 diesel inboards
  • Top Speed: 18 knots
  • Cruise Speed: 16 knots
  • Construction: foam-cored Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforcements laminated with vacuum-infused epoxy resin
  • Designed By: Marlow Yachts Design Team
  • Interior Design: Marlow Yachts Design Team

This article originally appeared in the July 2007 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.