XO Boats EXPLR 44 — New Flagship Adventure Yacht
XO Boats has introduced its new flagship, the EXPLR 44, which debuted on a private island in the Finnish archipelago just outside Helsinki. Built as an out-and-out adventure yacht, the EXPLR 44 measures 43 feet overall, with a beam of 12 feet 1 inch and a shallow draft of 3 feet 5 inches. Its dimensions and layout are designed for comfortable cruising, extended coastal exploration, and flexible use in varied sea conditions.

Design and Interior Layout
The EXPLR 44 follows a clear Nordic design philosophy: functional, light-filled, and focused on comfort. The forward owner’s cabin features a large double bed, generous natural light from large hull windows, abundant stowage and a private head with a dedicated shower compartment. Belowdecks glazing provides panoramic views and helps create an airy, inviting interior.
The versatile aft cabin offers multiple configurations to suit different owners and cruising styles. It can be set up as an open atrium space, configured with two single berths, or converted into a larger double berth with its own private head. The flexibility of the layout makes the 44 suitable both for longer family cruises and for owners who want separate sleeping quarters for guests or crew.
On deck, the boat provides generous lounging areas. Sunbeds are fitted on both the bow and at the transom, giving multiple places to relax under the open sky. Interior and deck spaces are designed to flow well together, and fittings such as a wetbar aft of the helm and a convertible dinette enhance liveability and social use of the cockpit.

Propulsion, Performance and Acoustics
The EXPLR 44 offers two main propulsion packages to match different owner preferences: a triple 450-hp outboard setup or twin 600-hp outboards, with a total maximum output of up to 1,350 horsepower. During builder testing the vessel reached a top speed of 50 knots. In addition to speed, attention was paid to onboard comfort: measured cockpit noise during trials registered about 72 decibels, a level comparable to or lower than typical automobile noise levels, improving comfort during higher-speed passages.
Construction and Sustainability
Both the hull and superstructure of the EXPLR 44 are built from aluminum. That choice contributes to long-term durability, corrosion resistance, and a lightweight but strong structure suited to the northern waters where the model was unveiled. Aluminum construction also supports sustainable use over many years, and the design accommodates practical deck layout options such as hardtop space that can be fitted with solar panels or used to stow bicycles and other sports equipment.
The helm station
A wetbar aft of the helm
A convertible dinette
Bow sunpads
Transom sunpads
Convertible dinette
Below decks
Forward owner’s suite
Aft cabin
Liveaboard and Adventure Capabilities
The EXPLR 44 has been conceived for owners who want to combine comfortable onboard living with the ability to explore coastal and island territory. The flexible cabin arrangements, extensive deck lounging areas, and practical storage solutions support long weekends away or longer exploratory cruises. The option to fit solar panels on the hardtop offers owners a route toward increased energy independence while at anchor, and roomy deck layouts allow for carrying water toys, bikes, or other gear for active coastal adventures.
Summary
XO Boats’ EXPLR 44 presents a thoughtfully designed adventure yacht with an emphasis on durable aluminum construction, flexible living spaces, and strong performance options. Its combination of comfortable owner and guest accommodations, adaptable deck configurations, and available high-output propulsion packages make it a compelling choice for owners seeking an all-purpose exploration platform that retains a distinctly Nordic sensibility in design and function.