Steeler’s Ocean Explorer 88: small gain, big change

A mere 70cm of extra length hides a wider beam, a third deck and double the fuel capacity aboard Steeler’s new flagship explorer yacht.

Steeler Yachts has revealed the design for its new Ocean Explorer 88, and the number that stands out isn’t the one in its name. At 26.7m, the yacht is only 70cm longer than the existing Ocean Explorer 85. What that figure hides is a considerably different boat.

How a wider beam gave the Ocean Explorer 88 a third deck

The real change is in width, not length. Beam grows to 7.5m, up from 6.9m on Steeler’s current Ocean Explorer 85 specification (the first 85 hull, delivered in 2025, carried a narrower 6.45m beam). Together with a revised layout, that extra beam has helped Steeler and Dutch designer Pim Dijksman create the first tri-deck model in the Ocean Explorer range, with the bridge deck now carrying the wheelhouse, captain’s cabin, a spa and wellness area and a dedicated work deck for two tenders, roughly 7m and 5m. Once those tenders are launched, that space converts to a second outdoor guest area at anchor. The main deck holds the principal living areas, a separate service galley and dedicated crew routes that keep staff out of guest spaces, while the sundeck above is purely social, with alfresco dining, a sun lounge and a bar. Below, accommodation runs to eight guests across four suites: a full-beam owner’s cabin forward on the main deck, then a VIP cabin and two guest cabins on the lower deck, with four crew berths and a separate captain’s cabin.

Fuel capacity, range and performance figures for the Ocean Explorer 88

Fuel capacity climbs to 40,000 litres, more than double the 19,400 litres carried on Steeler’s current Ocean Explorer 85 specification (the first hull carried around 18,900 litres). Freshwater capacity is 3,500 litres, and draft at full fuel load is 2m. Twin MAN D2676 LE474 engines, 368kW (500hp) each, provide propulsion. Published performance figures currently vary: YachtBuyer cites Steeler’s own figures of 10 knots cruising and 12.5 knots maximum, while at least one other report puts cruise and top speed closer together, both around 12 knots. Steeler projects a range beyond 5,000 nautical miles, though as with any newly unveiled model, expect the finer numbers to firm up as the design moves toward build. Construction follows the rest of the range: a round-bilged steel displacement hull with an aluminium superstructure, built to RINA Pleasure Yacht classification.

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Specifications vary between individual Ocean Explorer builds and configurations.

Steeler’s Yorrith Joosten said the 88 marked a step in strengthening the shipyard’s position in the explorer segment, tying its development to the company’s acquisition of a new production facility in Meppel.