Six Boats Built for Adventure

Historically, Scandinavians have been oceanic adventurers. Love of the water, sailing, and navigating open oceans is a basic element in their Nordic DNA. This is, after all, the land—and the waters—of the Vikings.  

Recently, a burgeoning class of boat hails from Nordic waters. Dubbed “adventure boats” for the ability to fish, cruise, carry ­kayaks, run in rough water, and more, an adventure boat delivers equal parts performance, entertainment, and weather protection. It serves as a seaworthy commuter and basic overnighter brimming with versatility. Distinguishing features include a long and narrow variable-V running surface, with some builders opting for twin steps. In contrast to the Viking longboat with its dramatic figurehead, most of these models adopt a straight, aka plumb, bow stem. The striking design turns heads at the marina. 

Traversing the docks at this past fall’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, I counted over a dozen US and international boatbuilders offering models that ride the adventure-boat wave. For this roundup, we’re presenting you with a summary, photo, price and specs of six leading adventure boats. These are not all exactly comparable. The boats presented represent models in the same size range, as offered by the major boatbuilders in this category. 

Wellcraft 355

The Wellcraft 355 boasts a running bottom crafted by Michael Peters Yacht Design. Its shape is similar to many of the Euro adventure boats with its plumb bow and angular lines, but different in that it is based on a classic ­20-degree aft deadrise variable-V hull, sans the category’s typical twin-stepped format. With noted designer Camillo Garroni working his magic on the 355’s interior, the roomy cabin offers more cushioned comfort than most adventure boats. It features both upper and lower berthing arrangements, a stand-up head, plenty of galley and entertainment space, and sexy good looks. Convenient cockpit doors port and starboard make boarding easy at the marina, a waterside eatery or the sandbar. Triple cushioned lounges up front let your crew sunbathe in style. Wellcraft recently launched a larger adventure boat, the 435, for 2024.

Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin

The de facto OG of this category, Axopar’s 28 won Boating’s prestigious Boat of the Year award in 2020. The 37 XC Cross Cabin is one of Axopar’s most versatile and functional ­models, and depending on how owners might accessorize it, this boat is as close to the ultimate magic-carpet ride as you can get on the water. Flexible layouts include twin or quad berthing arrangements for overnighting, and weather protection for 10 to 12 crewmembers when underway, with the ability to open up the boat and enjoy the fresh air and favorable weather on ­demand. Axopars are designed in Finland, manufactured in Poland, and enjoyed worldwide.

Nimbus W11

The Nimbus W11 features flowing Scandinavian lines and a twin-stepped, 20-degree aft deadrise running bottom that eschews the plumb bow typically found on adventure-style boats for a classic angled rake in the stem. The W11 satisfies the need for both performance on the water and social gathering for friends and family, doing it all in style and comfort. It is equally adept at hosting sunset cocktail parties at the marina as it is getting lost for the weekend at your favorite beachside getaway. The asymmetrical cabin gives it a unique look, puts the driver closer toward the centerline for increased situational awareness, and offers a wide walkway to starboard that makes it a breeze to get to the bow for anchoring or catching some rays on the huge sun pad. Notably, Nimbus recently acquired EdgeWater boats, which facilitates its ­distribution and support in North America.  

NAVAN S30/C30

Designed at Brunswick’s Boat Technology Center in Edgewater, Florida, Navan comes in two versions. The enclosed-cabin C30 suits buyers desiring more weather protection. The S30 sports an open walkaround cabin ­arrangement, with a digital dashboard courtesy of CZone that makes operation and navigation easier. Notable options include air conditioning powered by a dedicated LiFePO4 battery bank; an inverter to operate the electric grill when anchored out, or a shore-power setup for dockside; and dual sun lounges with collapsible backrests. The generous cabin includes a double berth and an enclosed head with an electric toilet and shower. With two rows of quad bench seats, you can take up to 10 people. The middle row flips over to reveal an optional Exterior Prep Center with electric grill, sink, and refrigerator drawers. It runs on a stepped bottom, and performed nicely in Mediterranean chop and swell when we ran it off France. 

Jeanneau DB/37 OB

Also available with sterndrive power, and with a hull designed by renowned naval architect Michael Peters, the DB/37 OB offers exhilarating performance. With interior design crafted by Camillo Garroni, it, like the Wellcraft, provides more finery in its creature comforts than other dayboats. The DB/37 OB offers exceptionally fluid movement on board. I found easy access to the bow sun deck via recessed side decks. At anchor, the side terraces can be deployed for even more space on board. Water access is facilitated by its roomy aft swim platform. When it’s time to sit and enjoy a bite, guests can gather around the cockpit table in the salon, enjoying an uninterrupted field of view, open to the scenery and the horizon. If you like the concept but need something larger, the DB/43 OB will take you to the next level.   

Read Next: Adventure Boating on the Colorado River

Saxdor Yachts 400 GTO

The Saxdor 400 GTO offers plenty of weather protection for a large crew for a day out on the water. What separates this Saxdor model from the pack is a unique pair of electro-hydraulic “wings” that convert the vertical inwale ­cockpit and aft cabin coamings into a completely ­horizontal entertainment platform, effectively increasing the boat’s usable cockpit beam by almost 6 feet. It’s like creating your own island in the middle of nowhere. The helm area can be enclosed to offer protection from the elements when the weather turns, and down below, it offers a private stateroom, enclosed head, kids’ sleeping area, plus an upper twin berth. Rigged with a pair of 400 hp Mercury V-10 ­Verados, the Saxdor 400 GTO hits 50 knots.