Who is building explorer yachts?

What Defines This Category of Explorer Yacht?

For this discussion, we’re focusing on a very specific type of explorer yacht: long, narrow hulls with high length-to-beam (L/B) ratios. The simplest description, and one that helps people visualize the concept, is that these boats are essentially sailing yachts with the keel cut off.

Unlike conventional motor yachts, which often rely on higher horsepower or semi-planing hull forms, these high L/B designs achieve range and performance through low resistance and efficient geometry, not brute power.

This article highlights yards that build, or intend to build, small production series rather than one-off customs.

FPB: A Benchmark That Is No Longer in Production

If you’re looking for a new FPB, you won’t find one; the line is no longer being built. Fortunately, several excellent used FPBs appear on the market. The best starting point is Sue Grant at Berthon International, who represented the FPB program (Sue.Grant@Berthon.co.uk).

Berthon also maintains video tours, including one of the largest FPBs currently for sale.

Launching their new 24M design at Circa Marine in NZ. Credit: Circamarine.co.nz

Circa Marine (New Zealand)

Circa Marine in New Zealand (circamarine.co.nz) was the exclusive FPB builder and remains a leader in efficient alloy explorer yachts.

They are now producing their own 24-meter explorer, shaped by decades of FPB experience. Anyone visiting New Zealand and interested in true long-range design should consider Circa a mandatory stop.

Dickey Boats – LRC58 Series (New Zealand)

Dickey Boats (dickeyboats.com) builds the LRC58, designed by Artnautica (artnautica.com). This design is known for being practical, clean, and remarkably customizable. Owners can specify:

• One, two, or three cabins

• Additional insulation packages

• Single or twin engines

• Multiple interior arrangements

The first hull, LRC58-01 “Koti,” was built by the designer Dennis Harjamaa himself.

European Builders: A Smaller Market, but Strong Examples

Europe has fewer of these high-efficiency hulls, but several Dutch yards have contributed notable examples.

Steeler, Van Nunen, and Aluboot

These yards have produced multiple long, thin alloy hulls, although typically with higher installed power than FPB-style boats.

Aluboot recently completed:

• LRC58-03 “Britt” (single-engine), currently for sale (artnautica.eu)

• LRC58-05 “Aldania” (twin-engine), launched in April 2021

Arksen (United Kingdom)

The Isle of Wight Shipyard is building the Arksen 85, designed by Arksen (arksen.com). As of mid-2021, the first hull was well into production. Arksen has announced a range including 65-, 75-, and 85-foot models.

They aim to dominate the “intelligent explorer motor yacht” segment—and may very well achieve it.

Naval Yachts (Turkey) – XPM Series

Turkey has a significant number of capable metal yards. Naval Yachts is building the XPM78 series designed by Artnautica.

• Hull No. 1: XPM78-001 “Mobius,” launched Q1 2021 (mobius.world)

• Hull No. 2: “Vanguard,” currently under construction

These are true long-range, high-efficiency explorers with an emphasis on survivability and robust engineering.

United States—A Higher Power Interpretation

The U.S. tends toward higher-horsepower expedition vessels, often with military DNA. Metal Shark (metalsharkboats.com) is a good example of serious alloy construction, aggressive lines, and occasionally armed foredecks.

Not a match for the high L/B category, but undeniably impressive machines.