Fjord 36 Xpress: First Look Video Sponsored by Close Brothers

Fjord, renowned Nordic-German builder of robustly avant-garde pleasure boats, has used the Southampton Boat Show as the showcase of choice for the debut of its new outboard-powered 36 ‘xpress’—and for those of us who go boating in the Med, that was exciting news. Like the established 36, the huge 12-foot beam of the xpress model generates a strikingly broad and open inboard space. That is used to create a reverse C-shaped seating area in the tapering bow, ahead of a broad central helm console, with a spacious single-level cockpit deck and wide-open walkways all round. It also features the same below decks arrangement, with a double cabin, a heads with shower and a sparsely luxurious fit-out. However, as the name suggests, the outboard compatibility of the new boat also brings with it a fresh level of performance. Powered either by twin Mercury Verado 300 HP or 350 HP outboard engines, the manufacturers claim a top end in excess of 45 knots, exceeding the figures of the existing models by four of five knots. It also brings with it a lower purchase price and a greater ability to access shallow water regions; plus a fuel tank more than a quarter larger than those on the sterndrive models to help preserve the platform’s range, despite the inevitable reduction in running economy. In the aft part of the cockpit, the use of outboard motors also brings some extra versatility. The new 36 features the option of an alfresco galley built into the backs of the helm seats beneath the shelter of the T-top, allied to a further option for a six-man dining station in place of the standard forward-facing bench. When supplied with the electric lift-and-lower table, that enables the entire dining space to be converted into a large sunbathing platform, without inhibiting any of those precious walkaround decks. Subscribe to our boats.com channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/boatsdotcom For more boating videos, visit http://www.boats.com. boats.com features boat reviews, how-to videos, special features, and information about new boats, boats for sale, and boating products—usually with a dash of fun. Our reviewers test the features, performance, and specifications of each boat, searching out the hidden details for a critical evaluation. If you're shopping for a boat, we want to help you make the best choice. And if you're just looking, we'll try to make it fun too. Subscribe to receive notification of new videos.