New Boat: Ocean Alexander 28E
While tied with the 27R as the smallest boat Ocean Alexander builds, the new 28E feels like a much larger vessel.
Ocean Alexander 28E
A coastal cruiser with passagemaking capabilities, the new Ocean Alexander 28E is capable of both bluewater cruising and island-hopping in total comfort. Based on a semi-displacement hull design by Giuseppe Arrabito, and with overall design by Evan K. Marshall, the 28E provides immense volume with top-tier amenities, despite being one of the builder’s two smallest models.
The 28E shares the same running profile hull as the popular 27R, but there are several differences between the two models. Notably, the 28E features a full-beam, on-deck master suite, something that, while certainly not unique to Ocean Alexander, is the boat’s piece de resistance. The 27R also has a typical stern and high/low swim platform, while the 28E has a supersize swim platform and a fold-down bulwark.
My first impression when I stepped into the master stateroom at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in Australia was that I wanted to stay here and watch the night sky through the massive clear roof panel. To port in this stateroom is a lavish en-suite with heated marble floor, electric popup mirror, shower stall, double vanity bowls, and his/hers walk-in wardrobe.
Belowdecks, the accommodation area is impressive, with a four- or five-cabin layout option, something rarely seen in a boat of this size. Hull number 1 features a four-guest cabin configuration with the optional fifth cabin turned into a gym and laundry. The forward VIP stateroom has an island berth and walk-in wardrobe, and the three (or four) guest cabins are arranged on either side of the central companionway. Aft of the engine room is the crew quarters with private access.
A key space on this yacht is the 18-foot, 9-inch-wide flybridge, which can be configured as a fully enclosed skylounge or as what Ocean Alexander refers to as the New Generation Pilothouse. The pilothouse enclosure is shorter than the skylounge by about 50 percent to maximize outdoor deck space and make space for a larger tender and a crane. At the upper helm are Garmin electronics with triple 27-inch Hatteland touch screens and Octoplex control systems. To starboard is a large wet bar, one of a number on board.
On the main deck, an electric door divides the cockpit and salon. There is another bar and wet locker in the cockpit, as well as tailing winches on either side and a transparent glass transom. Across the internal transom is a live bait tank, access to the crew area and a sink unit. To port is an ocean crane to bring the jetskis and tenders aboard. There is a high/low platform that drops 6.5 feet, as well as fold-down bulwarks on the starboard side.
When you step into the lounge, the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows are perhaps the most striking feature. Loose Italian furniture allows you to interchange your seating layout. Forward is a ten-seat formal dining table, with the well-equipped galley concealed behind the paneling in the forward bulkhead. (Owners can also opt for a large opening in the bulkhead.) Forward is the day head, with side-door access to the starboard bulwark and the stairs to the accommodation area below.
In a short, confused sea off the Gold Coast, the OA 28E was a pleasure to drive. Zero-speed fin stabilizers help maintain a level hull attitude, even in the most acute turns. I was impressed with the acceleration from zero to a maximum of 2300 rpm, which saw a peak speed of 20 knots. However, this is not the sort of boat you would generally run flat out, where your range is 320 nm and fuel consumption is 8.2 gallons per nm. There is only one choice of power, twin 1,650-hp MAN V12s, connected to conventional shafts that run into semi tunnels. Cruising at 80% load at 2000 rpm, the OA 28E returns a speed just shy of 16 knots and a fuel burn of 108.3 gph for a range of 390 nm. Drop that back to 8 knots, and you can expect a massive range increase to around 1700 nm. At the helm, I recorded a very pleasant 66 dBA.
Ocean Alexander has undoubtedly created another innovative, exquisitely finished yacht with performance and handling on the water to match. Their keen attention to detail extends throughout every aspect of the build, from the clean engine room to the full painted finish. Hull number 1 proved a star attraction when it debuted at SCIBS, and six more are currently scheduled to follow.
Ocean Alexander 28E Specifications:
LOA: 91′
Beam: 20’6″
Draft: 5’9″
Displ.: 214,994 lbs.
Fuel: 2,985 gal.
Water: 450 gal.
Power: 2/1,650-hp MAN V12s
Price: $13 million
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This article originally appeared in the January 2023 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
Source: https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/cruisers/ocean-alexander-28e-boat-review
