Flat out in the new Range Rover of the sea | Arksen 30 sea trial review | Motor Boat & Yachting

What happens when a specialist adventure firm gives a tough Nordic pilothouse cruiser the expedition treatment? Alex Smith heads for Lymington to drive the Arksen 30...
Sponsored by: www.sleipnergroup.com/
Arksen 30 specifications
LOA: 31ft 7in (9.50m)
Beam: 8ft 2in (2.50m)
Draft: 3ft 0in (0.90m)
Displacement: 3.6 tonnes
Fuel capacity: 2 x 225 litres
Engines: Single 350hp to twin 250hp outboards
Top speed on test: 38 knots (single 350hp)
Fuel consumption: 38.6 lph at 21 knots
Cruising range: 187 miles at 21 knots
Noise: 84dB(A) at 21 knots
RCD category: B for 6 people/C for 10 people
Price as tested: £339,824 as tested
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[@jacktyler7599]

Quite a fascinating concept, the marriage of a quality builder with an 'expedition' mindset. From our Scandinavian cruising, we know how popular it is to take groups to a warm rock somewhere and mostly cook and socialize ashore. But this boat seems to confuse things a bit, as there is gobs of room for socializing but little room for the inevitable weekend practical details of stowing gear, having a locker for food and cooking utensils, and a usable loo. In short, it's a 'weekender' more in name than execution. Excellent review!

[@ironichumorist]

with the second table you could seat 10 to eat with food prepared on your portable camp stove that you place in the slotted area of the non-cooking area cooking area. do you want 10 people on a 30 foot boat? i want to seem them all moving around in those walking areas. two people camping in the tent on the back which cannot be taken down and put into the nonexistent storage? i want to see even 6 people taking turns in and out of that head. best not call this an ultimate anything yet. it seems it is not yet even at the pre-production stage, more like concept. and i think they need to tamp down the concepts a bit.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

As ever the designers don’t live in the real world of boating… They are selling dreams to those who think it might be nice to try…

[@Dogasaurus]

On the water, no, but 10 for dinner in a nice marina; heck yeah. Order delivery , enjoy a boat picnic, & an adult bev ....or 3. No safety worries & marina power, water & restrooms.. Sounds great to me. About 50% I've gone out with hated the actual smaller boat experience; reality vs dream. Hosting them dockside better for all.

[@bravofighter]

I think a young couple who are really into adventure might enjoy it, but that’s it.

[@Gentleman...Driver]

I think thats a missunderstanding. It is rated for up to 10 people, but you obviously wont take 10 people with you on longer trips. Maybe some transfers to an island or something for up to an hour at most. Having a few people come over for dinner at a Marina is also a possibility.

[@FLGurl]

Excellent review of this boat. You sure have given loads of material for the builder to work with!

[@barryg.291]

Sorry, very rarely do I comment on boat videos...and I watch plenty. Background, we have owned several boats up to 35ft in length, and I have crewed as first mate on yachts up to 80 ft in length. This boat is classic example of a builder attempting to make a boat accomplish several missions and doing none of them well. For its 30 ft length it's to narrow. There is no storage pretty much anywhere. Want to fish, your going to need 1 or 2 good size coolers taking up precious cockpit space. Seating in the cockpit, looks comfy doesn't it? Sleeping... 2 adults on that dinette table ...hahaha, I don't think so. Sleeping in the cockpit...not a chance at least if you want guests to be speaking with you in the morning. Watching our test captain trying to screw himself into the head was painful to watch. Not even enough space to swing to door open...what a joke and have to actually use the head while either bent over or your own head bent over to the side is terrible ergonomics. Forget about actually closing to door to the head while in there, your wife or GF will love that! The forward "cabin" is like sleeping in a coffin. Again no storage. What if you wanted to bring a change of clothes? The helm ergonomics were not well thought out. The test captain made polite references to this. For starters, the the cabin house roof height needs to be taller. Ease of entrance from the cockpit into the cabin would be much better. Sight lines from the helm position would be drastically improved. Enlarge the head in all dimensions. Add storage. This is obviously a work/ patrol boat manufacturer looking to capitalize on the recreational market with a look similar to the Axopar which began the trend, at least here in the US. Strip out the interior, place 4 shock seats inside, mount a 50 caliber machine gun on the bow and stern a you have a harbor patrol boat as it was likely originally designed for. This boat annoyed me. Just my 2 cents!

[@The_Arby]

They do make other boats, so not just a work/ patrol boat manufacturer, a 45 that looks great and also Explorer series of a 65, 75 and 85 🙂

[@BR0SE1DON]

Great write up - it's just so compromised - it fails at everything it tries. Sleeping? Nope. Usable toilet? Nope. Storage? Nope. Cooking? Nope. Fishing? Nope. I'm sure it handles and cruises well but I wouldn't want to try staying on it for more than a single night with a wife and 2 children. So what's the point of it? Looks cool, but that's about it.

[@dtutssel]

I'm a shortarse and I don't think I'd even fit in that 'heads' probably easier to go over the side

[@nickwebb9290]

What a good review, totally honest and straightforward 👍

[@thebigguy8306]

Thank you for the detailed tour of a great-looking rig. Aluminum hull boats are all the rage in the Pacific Northwest, Wooldridge, Kingfisher and Duckworth. A weekender, for 2-6, stove, sink, fridge, bed, hoping for a head for an adult (6ft 300lb) and not a child (5ft 130lb)

[@official_dplanet]

The heads compartment is the stuff of nightmares.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I sold a Nimbus Nova 26 (2002 model) a couple of years ago as I couldn’t close the heads door when I went to sit on it. The stand usage required a double jointed neck. Are all boat designers 5’4” tall???

[@alderwickjason1544]

Good review. This boat is clearly a work in progress with much progress to make. Glad you got out of that heads compartment!

[@andrewburnett2552]

They have to be joking with the heads.......and they're going to add a shower 😆 🤣 😂 for hobbits

[@pageant1fd]

An excellent polite review. My thoughts are “it’s back to the drawing board “ .

[@ijoseluis]

I held my tolerance during 6 minutes. An objective and clear presentation is what I wanted, not what I got. I'm going somewhere after the boat points of interest.

[@cookiemonster2299]

I quite like this style of boat, ideal for some exploring. 👍❤️🇬🇧

[@nicbennett6554]

Sterling job with a very honest review Alex, thank you. If I was trying to promote a boat, I’m not sure I’d let MB&Y near it with that level of work still required. I’m also not sure it’s worth the extra over the standard XO for what it’s capable of.

[@walley2637]

Nice boat and nice job! on what i assume was your first review walkthrough?

[@Kestrel222]

Hopefully these ride better than the XO DFNDR 8. I spent a few days on one of those and in 8 years of working commercially on small powerboats, that was the most uncomfortable and roughest-riding vessel I've been on to date. Had high hopes for it as well after doing a lot of skippering on an XO360.

[@stippolyte]

To add to all the changes & improvements required they could do with a car type roof box to fit all those cushions in, if only the driver has shock mitigation you're going to have some pretty rattled passengers fairly soon.

[@fishtigua]

Bit of a mess isn't? May be okay for a couple to stay for an overnighter but that's about it. Not sure how it betters others on the market for it's price.

[@rickyanthony]

What are some competitors of this size in the market please. Boats with a good hull that can go couple 100 niles off shore.

[@fishtigua]

@@rickyanthony Nimbus, Quarken, Axopar,

[@matthewmartin1970]

Perfect boat for the adventurous person providing they are no taller than 5’5” and don’t need to take anything with them.

[@coalitionperformance5901]

To be fair honest critical boat reviews are non existent online so fair play as I appreciate there’s a risk builders won’t let you film. But…this approach didn’t do a bad job for top gear in the naughties

[@patterdale4332]

It's more of less the same price as a princess v40 which would you have?

[@Davejohnpeel]

This and axopar are still miles behind the Wellcraft 355 which provides more luxury, 3 forward bucket seats, cushions built into rear seats and full stand up shower and capable of 50 nots with luxurious front sunbed seats.. That's what I've pick over these.. This one drops down in cabin and noticed you stopping alot under rear of cabin when stood outside. Wellcraft you stroll in same height which I like and is the craft I'll be getting instead

[@jchill5229]

Very good review, I just hope that when they add a shower and sink they also add 1 or 2 more sqft. 🤓

[@andrewbeale2585]

When I watch this video, I really miss my Botnia Targa 30, now sold as I moved inland. The Botnias are a well sorted boat, able to do everything this boat can, but to a far better standard. Alex, you are a great presenter and reviewer, but you need to develop a more critical angle to your work, and call out rubbish ideas when that is what they are - ie that heads compartment. Or even just a knowing glance at the camera, without saying anything, your silence speaking volumes :) Warm regards, Andrew

[@Lowereast61]

I really can’t see this being more than an overnighter for couple and moored in a marina. There isn’t anywhere near enough storage and that heads needs a rethink. Sit on it for more than few minutes and you are going to have a nasty crick neck. Performance wise it’s brilliant.

[@terrywalker1624]

Great review, but there are so many better options for less than that price.

[@user-hc6mp6kt3g]

Definitely priced very high for the size of the boat!

[@RoundTripWorld]

Are these just like a brabus xo?

[@TokkroosSafari]

For 10 pax?)) 😂 noo, its not enough even for 6! But very quality review, thanx Alex

[@TradeWindgng]

First thanks for the great review, but the boat needs a lot of work and modifications, a reupdated manufacturer as Arkensen is expected more from not this!!!!. Thanks for a good job stay safe

[@tigerlancer]

That washroom was basically 1/2 of a washroom.

[@RichardGeorgeJamesJackson]

Great boat and very well built; however, all the living zones of the boat seem cramped.

[@kayned47]

Think I'd prefer the axopar 37 xc with twin 300s over this boat

[@ianscott3180]

£350K sound a lot to me for a boat that makes it almost impossible to spend a penny. Enjoyed the video but not a boat for me.

[@realBkay]

I’d buy an Axopar before I’d buy one of these.

[@akisakis665]

I think the axopar 28 is better, and simplistic. This boat has no storage and I think it has a identity problem. And it is a lot more expensive.

[@tomharris8036]

I like the concept but they didnt make it across the finish line... It tries to be a sargo but just isnt.

[@nicholasruss4411]

I thought XO were all about adventure all on their own. From your report seems ARKSEN just managed to turn a good boat in a bad one with a higher price?

[@bernaduskailemakurfishing]

salam hadir dari indonesia kepulauan aru

[@marklong8608]

With that flat bottom it's the furthest thing from a 4x4, I've seen lake boats with a better angle of attack.

[@Davejohnpeel]

Far too crampt compared to the Wellcraft 355

[@DrClumber]

Great review, gotta be honest, I'd hate this boat. It looks really appealing but the complete lack of space anywhere is unacceptable in my opinion. There's much better rugged Scandinavian boats than this on the market imo.

[@nbmrbluesky3688]

Storage seems very poorly thought out. Bet you could get a older nordharvn for similar money

[@Meboeb80]

🔥🔥🔥🖐️

[@pcwjcw]

The concept here is all year round boating hence the Scandinavian hemisphere origins but enclosed boating is not for me but my wife could find a place for a tomato gro bag in the glass houe, sorry, wheelhouse.

[@BoxsterPB]

Great review, but this boat is pretty annoying. It didn't seem to do anything particularly well and although it is not complete, I have no idea how they expect the head to be usable. The cabin is pretty ridiculous, the seats seem very flimsy and the roof line was far too low. Test captain was constantly dipping his head down to be able to see.

[@brianunderwood3109]

I give this boat a 3 out of 10. Too many wonky pieces to fiddle with, they are trying to fit to much in too little a space (toilet compartment). It's a nice try, but this one needs to go back to the drawing board to define its identity, it's not a weekender if you're sleeping in the fetal position, and not quite an adventure boat with the lack of storage room to move around.

[@sambananas4513]

My wife in that head compartment not going to happen. Otherwise nice vessel indeed.

[@chipdouglaschipdouglas]

Finally got a cameraman! Your views will go up.

[@andyvankerkhove6902]

Ashame its to heavy for the trailer... from Spain

[@naiboz]

I’m not quite sold 😂

[@origin178]

Range Rover? Does that mean overpriced, very inefficient, often unreliable, and never actually used in challenging conditions? It reminds me more of a Matra Rancho!

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Now you’re taking me back. Little skylight windows in the back, later stolen and used in the Disco 1

[@forevr2wheels]

I wouldn’t compare my product to a Range Rover if you want sell it to people who really know what reliability is. Land Cruiser fits

[@nothingsurprisesmeanymore]

£330k for a cramped impractical boat, 🤔

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Dear god…. I’ve just seen the price in the small print, £340,000.00 Who in their right mind would pay that?? Buy an Axopar 37 at a year old and have berthing and fuel costs for five or more years or so out of this money.

[@andersh6227]

Looks like a copy of Axopar.

[@bravofighter]

Boat manufacturers have really lost the plot… One cabin, one settee that folds down into a spare berth. One decent head. A vertical transom shower that uses the sunshade pole, hot and cold running water. Electric motor, plenty of battery, and solar on the coach roof, no adventure rack. A wetbar with a single electric induction burner and a quiet genset.

[@patterdale4332]

It's just a basic expensive day boat it's rubbish compared to a lot of others.A range rover is the king of 4x4 how's this boat a range rover

[@sirmurf]

Range Rover is the king of sod all. Their unreliability is legendary, and anyone with any wit wouldn’t touch one with a barge pole. Buy which ever of the VAG clones (Urus, Bentayga et al) floats your boat, to use a particularly apt expression.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@sirmurf you’re certainly making me smile today. I’d follow your review channel, and if you ever needed crew…..

[@jestersage8700]

Give likes everything I watch a video. First dislike I've had to give that heads compartment was absolutely dumb

[@DB.KOOPER]

"Range Rover" huh... so that must mean it breaks constantly and needs to be towed in by better craft??? If you mean reliable and capable then you meant to say the TOYOTA of the sea.

[@TheLoxxxton]

I'm not liking it! I think the company should have kept the unveiling until they had a better product. Six people spending the night !! 10 people on a day out??? NO. A lads day out fishing maybe but, you could get that at less than half the price. 350 grand! Really?

[@edenhunter9904]

tried to be too many things in one boat ...

[@alimitchell5346]

Bring your own sarnies....and piss pot...trying to be a lot of boat but falling desperately short.

[@glenpenrose1834]

My 1967 27ft fibreglass/Hemp composite canoe, with cracked hull and broken seat, has better features than this rust bucket! 😡 Like, when the weather starts getting rough, and my tiny ship gets tossed, if it wasn’t for the courage of the fearless crew, (me) the Minnow would be lost! The Minnow would be lost!

[@mcliffordgoo]

This is the worst lay out of a boat. Great looking boat but....

[@jamie3731]

Ummm, ‘The Range Rover of the sea’? A Botnia Targa strap line rip off methinks. Come on, think of something original people, naughty naughty.

[@filippettersson7359]

Awful cheap wooden seats in the back, folds up and stay there fully visable? Awful

[@dimitriosadamopoulos7288]

Sorry but this boat,,, is tragic.

[@lavernejones1973]

Jesus is Alive he love us all your heard the loud voice that you couldn't see get white and look up to heaven

[@vlachyna]

Si zase prekopanej?