Explorer yachts are designed for those who wish to venture into remote and challenging waters without sacrificing luxury. These vessels combine robust construction with comfortable amenities, making them ideal for long-range cruising. While many explorer yachts are large, several smaller models offer impressive capabilities. Here are eight top small explorer yachts to consider:
8 Best Small Explorer Yachts
1. Bering 77
The Bering 77 is a 77-foot (23.5 meters) steel-hull yacht known for its rugged design and long-range capabilities. It is built to handle various sea conditions, making it suitable for adventurous voyages.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 77 feet (23.5 meters)
- Beam: 21 feet (6.4 meters)
- Draft: 6.5 feet (2 meters)
- Displacement: Approximately 200 tons
- Range: Up to 4,000 nautical miles at 8 knots
- Cruising Speed: 8 knots
Features
- Hull Construction: Steel, providing durability and strength
- Interior Layout: Spacious with multiple cabins and a large salon
- Deck Space: Ample outdoor areas for relaxation and equipment storage
- Propulsion: Single engine with a fuel-efficient system
Analysis
The Bering 77’s steel hull ensures resilience in harsh conditions, while its extended range allows for extended voyages without frequent refueling. The spacious interior and deck areas enhance comfort during long trips.
2. Arcadia A96
The Arcadia A96 is a 96-foot (29.2 meters) yacht that blends modern design with eco-friendly technology. Its innovative features make it a standout in the small explorer yacht category.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 96 feet (29.2 meters)
- Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)
- Draft: 6.5 feet (2 meters)
- Displacement: Approximately 150 tons
- Range: Up to 3,000 nautical miles at 10 knots
- Cruising Speed: 10 knots
Features
- Hull Construction: Fiberglass with a high-tech composite structure
- Interior Design: Open-plan layout with panoramic windows
- Deck Features: Large sunbathing areas and a beach club
- Propulsion: Hybrid system for reduced emissions and fuel consumption
Analysis
The Arcadia A96’s hybrid propulsion system offers an eco-friendly cruising experience without compromising performance. Its open-plan interior maximizes natural light and space, enhancing onboard comfort.
3. Numarine 22XP
The Numarine 22XP is a 72-foot (22 meters) explorer yacht that combines luxury with practicality. It’s designed for owners seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 72 feet (22 meters)
- Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters)
- Draft: 5.5 feet (1.7 meters)
- Displacement: Approximately 100 tons
- Range: Up to 2,500 nautical miles at 9 knots
- Cruising Speed: 9 knots
Features
- Hull Construction: Steel, ensuring strength and stability
- Interior Layout: Three cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Deck Space: Spacious aft deck for tenders and toys
- Propulsion: Single engine with a fuel-efficient system
Analysis
The Numarine 22XP’s steel hull provides durability for extended voyages. Its spacious aft deck is ideal for carrying equipment, enhancing its exploration capabilities.
4. Cheoy Lee 120 Discovery
The Cheoy Lee 120 Discovery is a 120-foot (36.6 meters) yacht that offers a blend of luxury and ruggedness. It’s designed for serious explorers who value both comfort and performance.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 120 feet (36.6 meters)
- Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
- Draft: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
- Displacement: Approximately 200 tons
- Range: Up to 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots
- Cruising Speed: 10 knots
Features
- Hull Construction: Steel, providing strength and stability
- Interior Design: Luxurious accommodations with multiple lounges
- Deck Features: Multiple outdoor areas, including a sun deck and beach club
- Propulsion: Twin engines for enhanced maneuverability
Analysis
The Cheoy Lee 120 Discovery’s steel hull ensures durability for long-range cruising. Its twin-engine setup offers better maneuverability, which is beneficial in remote areas.
5. Sanlorenzo 500Exp
The Sanlorenzo 500Exp is a 47-meter (154.2 feet) explorer yacht that combines luxury with exceptional range and capability. Designed for owners seeking both adventure and comfort, it offers a robust build and advanced features.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 47.00 meters (154.2 feet)
- Beam: 9.6 meters (31.6 feet)
- Draft: 2.75 meters (9.1 feet)
- Displacement: Approximately 510 tons
- Range: Up to 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots
- Cruising Speed: 11 knots
- Maximum Speed: 15 knots
- Fuel Capacity: 60,000 liters
- Guest Accommodation: Up to 10 guests in 5 cabins
- Crew Accommodation: Up to 9 crew members
Features
- Hull Construction: Steel hull with an aluminum superstructure
- Deck Space: Extended aft deck capable of accommodating a small helicopter
- Garage: Indoor garage for a tender up to 7 meters
- Beach Area: Additional openings to increase the beach area, enhancing connection with the sea
- Interior Design: Luxurious accommodations with multiple lounges and dining areas
- Propulsion: Twin CAT C32 engines
Analysis
The Sanlorenzo 500Exp’s steel hull ensures durability for long-range voyages, while its extended aft deck and garage provide ample space for exploration equipment. The luxurious interior and advanced features make it a top choice for those seeking both adventure and comfort. (sanlorenzoyacht.com)
6. Numarine 22XP
The Numarine 22XP is a 22-meter (72 feet) explorer yacht that offers a blend of luxury and practicality. Designed for owners seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort, it features a robust build and modern amenities.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 22 meters (72 feet)
- Beam: 6.1 meters (20 feet)
- Draft: 1.7 meters (5.5 feet)
- Displacement: Approximately 100 tons
- Range: Up to 2,500 nautical miles at 9 knots
- Cruising Speed: 9 knots
- Maximum Speed: 12 knots
- Fuel Capacity: Not specified
- Guest Accommodation: Three cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Crew Accommodation: Not specified
Features
- Hull Construction: Steel, ensuring strength and stability
- Interior Layout: Three cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Deck Space: Spacious aft deck for tenders and toys
- Propulsion: Single engine with a fuel-efficient system
Analysis
The Numarine 22XP’s steel hull provides durability for extended voyages. Its spacious aft deck is ideal for carrying equipment, enhancing its exploration capabilities. The interior layout offers comfortable accommodations for guests, making it a practical choice for adventurous owners.
7. Nordhavn 41
The Nordhavn 41 is a 12.5-meter (41 feet) explorer yacht known for its seaworthiness and long-range capabilities. Designed for serious explorers, it offers a robust build and efficient performance.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 12.5 meters (41 feet)
- Beam: 4.2 meters (13.8 feet)
- Draft: 1.5 meters (4.9 feet)
- Displacement: Approximately 15 tons
- Range: Up to 3,000 nautical miles at 6 knots
- Cruising Speed: 6 knots
- Maximum Speed: 8 knots
- Fuel Capacity: Not specified
- Guest Accommodation: Two cabins
- Crew Accommodation: Not specified
Features
- Hull Construction: Fiberglass, providing strength and durability
- Interior Layout: Two cabins with a functional galley
- Deck Space: Ample space for storage and equipment
- Propulsion: Single engine with a fuel-efficient system
Analysis
The Nordhavn 41’s fiberglass hull ensures durability for long-range cruising. Its efficient performance and spacious deck make it suitable for extended voyages. The interior layout offers practical accommodations for guests, making it a reliable choice for serious explorers.
8. Bering 77
The Bering 77 is a 23.5-meter (77 feet) explorer yacht known for its rugged design and long-range capabilities. Built to handle various sea conditions, it offers a robust build and comfortable accommodations.
Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 23.5 meters (77 feet)
- Beam: 7.2 meters (23.6 feet)
- Draft: 1.9 meters (6.2 feet)
- Displacement: Approximately 165 tons
- Range: Over 4,000 nautical miles at 8 knots
- Cruising Speed: 8 knots
- Maximum Speed: 11 knots
- Fuel Capacity: 26,620 liters
- Fresh Water Capacity: 4,400 liters
- Guest Accommodation: Up to 6 guests in 3 cabins
- Crew Accommodation: Up to 4 crew members
Features
- Hull Construction: Steel hull with an aluminum superstructure
- Deck Space: Full-beam flybridge with a solid hardtop, large boat deck for tender and crane storage
- Interior Layout: Spacious saloon with built-in outboard seating and a large dining table
- Propulsion: Twin Cummins QSM11 355 HP marine diesel engines
Analysis
The Bering 77’s steel hull ensures durability for long-range voyages, while its extended range allows for extended voyages without frequent refueling. The spacious interior and deck areas enhance comfort during long trips. The full-beam flybridge and large boat deck provide ample space for entertainment and storage. The twin-engine setup offers better maneuverability, which is beneficial in remote areas.
Conclusion
These eight small explorer yachts offer a range of options for those seeking adventure without compromising on comfort. Each vessel combines robust construction with luxurious amenities, making them ideal for long-range cruising and exploration. When choosing the right yacht, consider factors such as size, range, speed, and interior layout to find the perfect fit for your adventurous spirit.
