Arksen, the British builder known for its Explorer yachts up to 85 feet and the Adventure series of smaller recreational boats, has expanded its lineup with two new models. The Arksen 28 and Arksen 30 join the company’s Adventure range and will both be exhibited at the Palm Beach International Boat Show this week.
The Arksen 28 and 30 are produced in collaboration with Finland’s XO Boats, a manufacturer recognized for rugged, go-anywhere vessels built from military-grade aluminum. The partnership elevates the XO platform: Arksen adapts the base XO hull with premium finishes, bespoke fabrics and higher-end fit and finish, positioning these boats as semi-custom Adventure models that blend XO’s robust engineering with Arksen’s expedition-minded appointments.
Erkki Talvela, CEO of XO Boats, emphasizes the shared priorities behind the collaboration: “We are delighted to partner with Arksen, who not only consider performance, safety and onboard amenities as a priority, but also the environmental impact of the vessels; a vital factor that is sadly often overlooked.” That environmental focus informs materials choices and operational expectations for these Adventure boats, aligning with Arksen’s broader mission.
Founded approximately two years ago, Arksen builds expedition and explorer yachts ranging from 65 to 85 feet and aims to produce vessels capable of reaching some of the planet’s wildest, most remote places. The company also works to inspire a new generation of explorers, scientists and conservationists through its boats and programs. In the Adventure series, the Arksen 45 serves as the flagship model and is produced by Ring Powercraft, a British builder known for performance sport boats and RIBs.
The new Arksen Adventure models are designed for serious on-water versatility. Both the Arksen 28 and Arksen 30 feature a protected pilothouse and a deep-V hull intended to handle rough offshore conditions, offering improved ride comfort and confident handling in variable seas. These features make them suitable for coastal cruising, weekend exploration and light expedition use where seaworthiness and practicality are essential.
Modeled after the XO EXPLR range, the Arksen 30 is configured to sleep four as standard, with an optional canvas sleep pod expanding capacity to accommodate up to six. Power options include a single 350-hp outboard or twin 250-hp outboards; with twin engines the Arksen 30 can exceed 45 knots. The design emphasizes daylight visibility and ventilation, with wraparound windows and a large opening sunroof. Practical storage and active lifestyle capability are provided by a roof rack sized for water toys, while the aft cockpit and the pilothouse portside table each seat six, supporting social onboard life and flexible use of space.
Interior layout on the Arksen 30 is compact and practical. The helm and driving position are forward with a single driver’s seat; an aft starboard galley supports meal preparation without sacrificing circulation. Below deck, a berth for two and an electric head provide essential overnight accommodations, and the pilothouse seating converts into an additional berth for two. These arrangements reflect the boat’s dual role as both a day boat and a small cruiser for short-term stays aboard.
Arksen is actively establishing its own distribution network in the United States. The Adventure models shown at the Palm Beach show are scheduled to travel to Arksen’s inaugural U.S. dealer in Seattle, marking the brand’s initial retail presence on the U.S. West Coast and supporting prospective buyers interested in hands-on inspection and demonstration.
The collaboration between Arksen and XO Boats mirrors similar arrangements in the industry where a specialist builder partners with an established platform to create a branded, upgraded variant—an approach comparable to the relationship between some Finnish builders and high-performance aftermarket tuners in other markets.
Recognizing that not all buyers want the full responsibilities of sole ownership, Arksen offers syndicated ownership options. The Adventure Syndicate is promoted as a way to retain the advantages of boat ownership—access to a well-equipped Adventure vessel and shared usage—while reducing the financial burden and administrative hassle associated with owning 100% of a boat you may only use part of the time. Dominic Bryne, Arksen’s sales and marketing director, describes the syndicate as a way to deliver the “good bits” of ownership without the frustration of underused assets.
Arksen 30
Arksen 30
Arksen 30
Arksen 30
Arksen 30
Arksen 30
Arksen 30
Arksen 30
Arksen 28
Arksen 28
Arksen 28
Specifications (Arksen 30)
LOA: 31’2”
Beam: 8’2”
Draft: 2’11”
Displacement: 7,200 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 118 gals.
Power: single 350-hp outboard or twin 250-hp outboards
For additional information, visit the Arksen website or contact an authorized Arksen dealer for details on configurations, options and U.S. availability.