Review: Marlow Explorer 57' RPH

Marlow 57' Raised Pilothouse​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy

Marlow’s rugged, stylish, raised pilothouse motoryacht combines the best of all breeds in luxury trawler styles, making it a sought-after and admired member of yachting’s go-anywhere and do-anything genre of motor vessels.​

Carrying on David Marlow’s vision, the 57 joins his proud line of excellent expedition yachts, boasting a brawny comfort level with speed, range, and adventure for the skipper who treasures his time on the world’s oceans. The 57, Interestingly enough, is next to the smallest version in Marlow’s inspired stable of robust, masculine sea-going vessels. His first venture was a 65-foot long range cruiser, which was so successful it produced more than two dozen orders, and a growing troop of followers. Then as time and customer preferences dictated, there were the Marlow C-models: 53, 61, 65, 70, 72, 78 conventional trawler models; plus as many E-models – those with a European transom and just a foot or so longer; then his largest, at 82-ft. – actually the 78E, with an extended bow pulpit.

Each new model, now built in his state of the art, four year-old, 25-acre Norsemen facility in Tainan, Taiwan, holds every yacht title in manufacturing, including Lloyds Certification Ocean Class Category One classification; LRQA, ABS, ISO9001, DNV, NMMA, and AFYC. All models feature strict yacht architectural criteria, using his brainy application of “Strut Keel” technology, a design which employs twin keels at the stern, in addition to a shallow single centered keel. “Like a feathered arrow,” he says.

Only three major vacuum bagged, fiberglass components – Kevlar reinforced – are used to mold each hull, (many builders require 40 to 50) promoting safety by eliminating extra joints and potential leaks. The engineered Velocijet Strut Keel technology involves tunnels which accelerate and shape the propeller thrust to significantly lower drag. This innovation allows Marlow yachts – while performing in top shape offshore – to also sport a draft of less than 5’, which means they are able to cruise shallower inshore waters not favorable to many other large vessels.

Up top on the open flybridge, the helm utilizes control instrumentation and monitors built for less-than fair weather navigation. The flybrodge afffords a full 360 degree view. As you look behind, built-in couches offer congregating and party room for guests, while the rear deck provides space for the 15’ RIB tender and its swing-out launching crane. Decks are Burmese teak. Overhead, the built-in full Bimini hard-top also provides support for the hinged radar arch.

As the Explorer reaches hull speed, a “hollow” forms amidships, which cancels out the stern wave and effectively increases speed. Getting technical: the parasitic drag component of the hull is lessened by the twin keel appendages, which in turn results in a reduced roll/yaw moment and greatly improves performance.
The tunneling effect improves directional stability, requiring less effort from the helm to follow a pre-set course. In plain terms, the engineering efficiency is increased to a level of 50-60 hp per engine, without extra fuel consumption.

Marlow stresses that his designs are fashioned and engineered to handle sea conditions such as a steep chop and tricky breakers; the kind of seas that send most yachts running for the nearest sheltering port. Reports by experienced seamen have the Marlowe trawler-yachts plunging obligingly into green water with spray as high as the fly-bridge, then tracking like a subservient warhorse downwind before six to eight-foot rollers, or across four to six foot seas as though they didn’t exist. No question, this boat is built for “walkin’” across that wide, wide water.

While cruising in a trawler-yacht usually means a top speed of 9 –12 knots, Marlow builds his Pilothouse yachts for the capability of a 20-25-knot cruise, with transatlantic range. Major components sport names such as Lugger, Caterpillar, Cummins, Northern Lights, Franke, Grohe, Ultraleather, Bosch, Sub Zero, Asko, Opacmare, Cantaluppi, Besenzoni, Dacor, Vulcan, and other top brands the ordinary yachtsman may or may not recognize, but they are premium suppliers in the field.

Marlow’s standard salon layout is identical across the fleet for all sizes. Finishes, too, and fabrics reflect the same efficient design components. The 57 cleaves to that plan, with a teak and holly sole, gulfstream-blue Ultraleather sectional sofas and deep-cushioned side chairs. A curved/rectangular cocktail table fits the length of the couch. The design – clean and well arranged, with overhead teak valance tube lights plus end-table lighting – is reminiscent of a sporting gentlemen’s hunt club. Its entertainment center sports a 38” plasma TV. Slatted teak/cherry drapes cover the wide windows. As a far-ranging adventure yacht should, it sports overhead, all-weather handrails.

A birds-eye view of the salon shows the bar and seating arrangement on the port side, as well as rear windows, and doors opening onto the aft deck. A slight variation in décor shows a short couch, in lieu of the built-in book case with entertainment system, plus a different choice of easy chairs and area rugs. These alterations are of course open to the owner’s preference, though major design decorating themes and components remain standard.

Taking up a very economical space is the galley, though it easily displays all the conveniences to make a cruising chef happy. There is ample storage above and below, while food prep areas are always handy; the cook needs very few steps to access all the appliances. An Amana upright refrigerator, combination microwave and convection oven, plus a Dacor four-burner cook top and granite counter, and Franke stainless steel double sink w/Grohe faucet, add up to a complete, first class facility for memorable menus. Overhead is a vaulted and mirrored panel, just above the louvered cabinets and adjustable shelves. Below is teak and holly flooring. Other amenities include tube lights under the counter, spice racks and cutting boards.

From the command post in the pilothouse, the captain – from his fully adjustable pedestal-mounted leather chair – faces a well designed though compact steering station, over a hefty, hand crafted teak wheel. Hydraulic and gear controls, power systems monitors, a 6” Ritchie compass, plus radar and navigation screens spread before him, with gear and throttle levers in easy reach. Full 180 degree visibility is provided in this comfortable setting, with matte finished window frames plus teak and holly sole. To his left is a curving Ultraleather couch easily seating four; and a fitted pedestal table. To his right, a lighted stairway leads below to the forward cabins and night-time relaxation.

As expected, the master stateroom enjoys copious room, with a king or queen size island berth, centered on the teak and holly flooring, carpeting optional. Built-in storage adds an advantage under the wide berth. The entire room sports wall coverings of fine woods, plus twin cedar-lined, full height hanging lockers, each with its own auto-lighting system.

There are also tube lights in the overhead valence as well as under and behind the bed. A bureau/chest of drawers holds plenty of incidentals for the change of seasons. The large vanity is equipped with a framed mirror. Full beam width for the master stateroom allows for a private bath with separate tub shower. Entertainment is provided by a CD-stereo.

In the master head a wide counter with windows above and plentiful cabinetry for accessories, is accented with either granite or Corian countertops. China oval sinks are deep, with Grohe faucets. A large English beveled mirror is well lit, while a mirrored ceiling makes the entire room visually even larger. Shower doors are teak-framed.

Forward, the VIP stateroom boasts a nicely designed haven for the favored guest. Its queen size berth nestles into the space, yet offers plenty of room for climbing in and dismounting. Following the ship’s décor, all wall coverings are well finished teak. There are twin cedar-lined hanging lockers, situated port and starboard. Its chest of drawers is built in under the berth. An English beveled mirror hangs over its wood vanity. Head/shower are furnished with a granite countertop and china sink. There is a 15” LCD TV. Stainless steel port lights on each side are furnished with screens.

Furnished with Pullman over-under berths, the third stateroom also offers a double drawer dresser with a large, lighted mirror. The head and shower are handy, as is the cedar-lined hanging locker and washer/dryer. Flooring is also teak/holly. Draperies cover the windows. A 15” LCD TV adds other-world contact.

A close-up shows the attention to detail which is incumbent in Marlow yachts. Note the finely merged woodwork and glistening teak, as well as the heavy chrome/stainless steel. It is a fine example of the care which Marlowe takes with its products, which include Schwepper German hardware, ducted air conditioning and heating, dovetailed Douglas fir drawers on stainless steel slides, gas cylinder lifts on berths, and top drawer fabrics for draperies and bedspreads.

Down below, the workhorses that spur this husky globe-trotter reside in their own luxury, with walk around space well organized for maintenance. The list of equipment is several pages long, and includes details for Aquadrive-Centa couplings, Lexan sound shields, FRP fuel tanks and SS water tanks. There are four 3700 GPH bilge pumps, polished steel engine beds, riser and manifolds, an underwater exhaust system, HD watertight engine room doors, as well as engine-generator-gears and fresh water system; and on ad infinitum.

All that said, the Marlow Explorer 57 is indeed a superlative trawler-yacht; one that is built to transport a dedicated wanderer anywhere in the world the audacious heart may desire. <end>

Story by Chuck Gnaegy.

SPECIFICATIONS:

LOA: 57’10”
Beam: 18’2”
Draft: 4’2“
Disp.: 64,000 lbs.
Fuel: 1400 gals.
Water: 100 gals.
Power: 2x Lugger 6140A 500 hp
Generator: Northern Lights 20k
Speed Cruise: 19 knots
Speed Top: 22 knots
Alt. Power: 2x CAT 3406E
Speed Cruise: 20 knots
Speed Top: 24 knots


For more information, contact:

Marlow Marine
4204 13th St, Court West
Palmetto, FL 34221
http://www.****************