Marlow 62E

Let’s admit it, no one needs a yacht, but we do want them. And when we get a chance to have one, we usually want to make it our own in some aspect.

The ability to customize your ride is a necessity nowadays, so finding a builder to help you realize your desires is paramount.

Color me this

This is evident in a new 2023 Marlow Explorer 62E. The very first thing that grabs your attention is the hull color. It’s not the standard deep blue that Marlow is known for. No, it’s a departure from that and Marlow’s other typical colors on the paint palette. It’s a brand-new color from Awlgrip, created specifically for Marlow and this owner. Going by the name of “Speed Blue Pearl,” it’s a light, metallic pearl blue finish that seems to glow in the evening lights and pop out during the day. It attracts attention. It grabs your eye and pulls you in. You want to see more.

The point is not so much that the hull has a different color, it’s the fact that the builder is willing to work with the owner and vendors to deliver the dream.

Selection of colors, fabrics and finish are pretty standard choices. Furnishings may be another factor. In this 62E’s salon, the owners opted for the starboard Ultraleather L-sofa and two swivel barrel chairs to port. It would have been easy for Marlow to just put another sofa here, but that’s not what the owners wanted. A custom coffee table has twin ottomans, which also double as storage units. Recessed lighting is a given, but having it in assorted colors like blue, red, green, etc. satisfied the owner’s requirements.

Interior concepts

You would think the salon would be impassable with all of the furnishings. Marlow has made some engineering changes over the years to maximize living space. The builder redesigned the duct chases for the engine room to run in the aft corners; this eliminated the ducting behind the sofa, allowing Marlow to push the sofa as far outward as the salon wall, taking advantage of every inch of the 19-foot, 6-inch beam. Building a pop-up lift for the 55-inch LED TV on the port side allows for comfy viewing and hides the TV when not in use.

Up a few steps is the galley, dinette and lower helm. I have seen so many different layouts of this area on various Marlow yachts, so you pretty much are only limited by your own imagination. Offering up ample counterspace by design, the U-shape galley also allows for plenty of overhead cabinets that are slightly set back to prevent head bumps.

Four undercounter Sub-Zero fridge and freezer drawers, a full-size Dacor oven, a four-burner Dacor induction cooktop, an overhead vent, a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher and a stainless steel sink make this galley the envy of some homeowners.

Forward to port is the L-shape dinette with fold-out teak table. With the lower helm in close proximity, it keeps the operator near family and guests and is beneficial on long runs.

Situated between the dinette and lower staircase to starboard, the lower helm is fairly compact but contains all the controls for safe passage. Twin 17-inch Garmin multifunction displays are housed in an angled dash for enhanced viewing. Throttle, joystick and thruster controls are neatly placed together for one-handed operation. An overhead console houses breakers and displays that don’t need constant monitoring but are great to have nearby.

Slumber land

That lower staircase leads below to the accommodation area with three staterooms, including a full-beam primary suite midship with a king berth. Here the owner decided against the typical vanity or lounge sofa but opted for two 10-drawer curved dressers, as they intend to cruise and need space for clothes. Add in four cedar-lined hanging closets and you could live here full time.

The Jack and Jill head has a toilet and a sink in each, separated by a central shower stall. In the forepeak is a VIP stateroom with cabinets and teak planking with a matte finish. A third stateroom to port has double berths.

Lower accommodations are all finished in maple interior wood with a matte finish. Trim and accent pieces are in teak.

Must-have

One owner-driven request was to power this 62E with a Volvo IPS package. Understand that this is the first application of the Volvo IPS system in a Marlow yacht. It was a large undertaking from the design changes to make sure it worked. The owner was very familiar and comfortable with the Volvo system as his previous boat had it. And being a hands-on owner/operator, he wanted the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), trim controls and everything else he used prior. Considering that the engine room is midship, this IPS installation used lengthy jackshafts to get the power back to the pods. I must say that Marlow did a yeoman’s job in delivering not just the unique installation but efficiency. A Marlow rep stated that they “were pleased with the results.”

Sure, the 62E has the power to get up to approximately 25 knots, thanks to the 1,000-hp IPS 1350 engines, but these yachts aren’t made to be speed demons. Spend the time cruising and enjoying the journey. Set it at 11.3 knots for a fuel burn of 22 gph and a 1,074 nm range. Or see a 2,174 nm range at 7.8 knots and 8 gph. Even at higher speeds, the 62E responds with impressive numbers.

Topping it off

Taking the wheel at the flybridge helm station is a delight. With the integrated hardtop and three-sided semi-enclosed bridge with aft door (side windows can be open or glassed in), the vantage point is exceptional. Twin Stidd helm chairs are comfortable and allow a companion to join the operator. Twin 22-inch Garmin displays along with engine monitors and others keep this dash uncluttered.

Aft is an L-shape settee with hi-gloss teak table to starboard and a cushioned bench seat to port. The owner opted for five electric fans to circulate the air on those warmer days.

On the aft deck is a propane grill station with a sink and a corner fridge to port. Add in a davit crane and store a tender up here, or keep it open for more lounging room.

With main walkaround decks, you can be from stem to stern in no time, allowing guests to roam from the Portuguese bridge seat on the foredeck to the eight-seat teak dining table on the aft deck.

Aft in the transom is a beach club that could have multiple uses. It has two berths for any crew that might be along or for extra guests. There’s a head and shower for cleanup, a fridge and a 19-inch TV. If you’re planning on enjoying water activities, it’s easy to cleanup without walking through the yacht all wet. Or this space can be used as a storage area for gear or provisions.

When you see an owner’s dream come together with a boat builder who doesn’t like to say no (even if they have to at times), you can then decide if a Marlow yacht is for you. You may not need it, but you will want it.