ULTIMATE LUXURY
The Ocean Alexander 28E and the 27R share the same moulded length and while the smallest boats the company builds, come across as vessels that belies their size. The world debut of the 28E was at the recent SCIBS, where it proved a star attraction. Barry Thompson went aboard a few weeks after the show.
The Ocean Alexander 28E is essentially a coastal cruiser with passage making capabilities. Based on a semi-displacement hull desi68gn by Giuseppe Arrabito, and overall design by Ev an K Marshall, the 28E has the long-range capabilities to cross the Tasman or cruise the Pacific Islands in total comfort. It is a boat that provides immense volume with the uppermost amenities in a fabulously presented package.
In 2018 Ocean Alexander went to market with the 90R, which evolved to be the 30R, and was their first plumb bow design. This was the beginning of the Evolution Series, of which the 28E is the latest offering.
The 28E shares the same running profile hull as the 27R and is effectively a scaled-down version of the 30R. A very family orientated vessel, the 27R proved extremely popular worldwide, with one sold into Australia last year.
There are a number of differences between the 27R and the 28E, such as the latter has a full-beam on-deck master, something that, while certainly not unique to Ocean Alexander, is the piece de resistance of the boat. It is a standout feature of the yacht, and when it comes to on-deck accommodation in boats of this size, Ocean Alexander has set the benchmark. They and taken the concept to a new level of style and perfection. The R Series also have a typical stern and high/low swim platform, while the E series have the supersize swim platform and a fold-down side.
My first impression when I stepped into the master stateroom at SCIBS was that I wanted to stay here and look at the vista of the night sky through the massive clear roof panel. But there is more to this luxurious suite than that. To port is a lavish en-suite with heated marble floor, electric popup mirror, shower stall, double vanity bowls, plus his/hers walk-in wardrobe. Frameless side windows with opening ports enhance the restful ambience with light Oak timbers and soft tone fabrics, enriching a calm relaxing feel. Ocean Alexander refers to the finish as Novus Mist. While there are very few options in the actual layout of the boat, you do have a choice of colours, timbers and fabrics.
FOUR-FIVE CABINS
Below decks, the accommodation area is impressive with a four or five-cabin option, something rarely seen in a boat of this size. Boat #1 features a four-guest cabin configuration with the optional fifth cabin turned into a gym and laundry. Each suite has an en-suite, zoned air-con and TV.
Forward is the VIP stateroom with an island berth and walk-in wardrobe, with the three (or four) guest cabins on either side of a central companionway. Again, Ocean Alexander has made great use of space in high traffic areas. There are concealed storage compartments throughout and cabins that are generous in size and inviting. To starboard is a twin cabin with singles that slide together and aft matching guest suites with queen berths. Large windows are a feature of all the cabins, and each has opening ports for extra ventilation.
Aft of the engine room is the crew quarters with private access and a similarly high standard of finish and appointments as the rest of the yacht. You would expect nothing less from Ocean Alexander.
SKYLOUNGE OPTIONS
There are two options for the 5.73m wide flybridge; a fully enclosed sky lounge found on boat #1 or what Ocean Alexander refers to as the NGP, the anacronym for the New Generation Pilothouse. Essential, the pilothouse is shorter by about 50%, thereby maximising the external deck area, making it an immense outdoor space. With the NGP option, the rear lounger and spa bath can be moved forward to allow a larger tender stowage and a crane. Or you can leave them out altogether in both options.
The electronics are all configured on Garmin products, utilising triple 27″ Hatteland touch screens with Octoplex control systems. The large dash has ample real estate for all the necessary controls and displays, with triple fully electric Italian ARAS helm seats catering for the skipper and guests. To starboard is a large wet bar, one of a number on the OA28E, with all furnishings both inside and on the aft deck free-standing and the owner’s choice.
COCKPIT
There is a harmonious integration from the cockpit to the saloon with an electric door dividing the two zones. Like the rest of the OA 28E, the loose furnishings in the cockpit are the owner’s choice. There is the flexibility to add fixed seating, such as a full-width lounger, should you prefer. There is another drinks bar and wet locker, tailing winches on either side and a see-through glass transom offering a seamless flow from the cockpit down to the expansive aft deck.
Across the internal transom is a fixed unit with a live bait tank, secondary access door to the crew area and a sink unit. To port is an Ocean crane to help bring the jetskis and tenders aboard onto a 3m long platform. This is fitted with a high/low platform that drops a deep 2m. A very cool feature is the fold-down bulwarks on the starboard side.
You approach the foredeck lounging area via the starboard bulwarks, with the port bulwarks stopping about halfway at the entrance to the galley. With access to the crew quarters and engine room, this provides some separation between crew and guests when required.
PANORAMIC WINDOWS
The first impression when you step into the lounge is the massive panoramic windows, which run from floor to ceiling. Illumination throughout the boat, from the bridge to the lower cabins, is outstanding. The use of an internal alloy eye beam construction in the roof structure and mullions has been incorporated to take the loads and stress of large unsupported areas. This has allowed Ocean Alexander to integrate such large 24mm thick glass panes.
Loose Italian furniture allows you to interchange your seating layout in the saloon. There is a drop TV, wet bar and separate entertainment module. Forward is a ten-seater formal dining table, with the well-equipped galley concealed behind the panelling in the forward bulkhead. You also have the option of having a large opening in the bulkhead so that this area can blend in with the saloon. It’s your choice.
Forward is the day head, with a side door access to the starboard bulwark and the stairs to the accommodation area below. Below decks, the area is impressive with a four or five-cabin option, something rarely seen in a boat of this size. Boat #1 features the four-guest cabin configuration with the optional fifth cabin turned into a gym and laundry. Each suite has an en-suite, hanging locker, TV and zoned air conditioning. Like the saloon and flybridge, the hull windows are extraordinary in the lower deck area.
LEAN RUNNING
In a short confused sea off the Gold Coast, the OA 28E was a pleasure to drive. Zero speed fin stabilisers 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 320nm and fuel consumption of 31 lpnm.
There is only one choice of power, twin MAN V12/1650hp, connected to conventional shafts that run into semi tunnels. The draft is 1.75m. Cruising at 80% load at 2000 rpm, the OA 28E returns a speed just shy of 16 knots and a fuel burn of 410 lph and a range of 390nm. If you are serious about going a long distance, then at 1300 pm @ 10 knots, the range jumps to a very impressive 920nm. Drop that back to 8 knots, and you can expect a range of around 1700 nm. At the helm, I recorded a very pleasant 66 dBA.
OUTSTANDING
Ocean Alexander has undoubtedly created another outstanding innovative, exquisitely finished yacht and has the performance and handling on the water to match. Not only does it look exemplary from the outside, but the hull and superstructure are also finished to the highest standards of engineering. Ocean Alexander’s obsession with detail extends throughout every aspect of the yacht, from the clinically clean engine room to the full painted finish.
While SCIBS was the debut for hull #1, six more are currently scheduled to follow. Boat #1 had attracted keen interest at the show, even with the $US13m (incl GST) price tag. While Ocean Alexander Australia is eager to see the OA28E stay in Australia, it could find a US buyer, especially as it is available right now.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Model: Ocean Alexander 28 Explorer
- Year Launched: 2022
- Priced From: $US13 million (inc GST)
- Length Overall: 27.74m
- Hull length: 24.60m
- Beam : 6.25 m
- Draft: 1.75 m
- Dry weight: 97520 kg
- Gross Tonnage: 163 GT
- Fuel capacity: 11300 litres
- Water capacity: 1703 litres
- Engines: 2 x MAN V12/1650hp
- Generator: 2 x Kohler 32 kW
- Tender Crane: Ocean Group
- Platform: Ocean Group
- MFDs: 3 x 27” Hatteland Screens
- Stabilisers: SidePower Vector Fin
- Thrusters: SidePower bow & stern
- Contact: www.alexandermarineaust.com.au
PERFORMANCE & FUEL
Ocean Alexander 28 Explorer / 2 x MAN V12 1650hp
Fuel: 11280 litres
| RPM | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) |
| 1000 | 8 | 46 | 5.8 | 1700 |
| 1100 | 9 | 72 | 8 | 1200 |
| 1200 | 9.5 | 85 | 9 | 1100 |
| 1300 | 10 | 110 | 11 | 920 |
| 1400 | 11 | 142 | 13 | 780 |
| 1500 | 12 | 172 | 15 | 670 |
| 1600 | 12.8 | 210 | 17 | 590 |
| 1700 | 13.3 | 240 | 19 | 530 |
| 1800 | 14 | 308 | 22 | 460 |
| 1900 | 15 | 370 | 25 | 400 |
| 2000 | 15.8 | 410 | 26 | 390 |
| 2100 | 17 | 480 | 29 | 350 |
| 2200 | 18 | 550 | 31 | 320 |
| 2300 | 20 | 620 | 31 | 320 |
L/NM is calculated to two significant figures and rounded up.
Range is calculated to two significant figures and rounded down.
To allow for adverse conditions, range is calculated on 90%
of the fuel capacity.
