Developed from the platform of the Ocean Explorer 85, the new steel-hulled explorer introduces a significantly wider 7.5m beam, a 5,000-nautical-mile cruising range and extensive tender capacity for owners planning longer periods away from established cruising grounds.
Inside the New Steeler Ocean Explorer 88
At 26.7m, the Ocean Explorer 88 is only 0.7m longer than the 26m Ocean Explorer 85, but the more significant change is found across the yacht's beam. Width increases from 6.9m on the 85 to 7.5m on the new model, giving Steeler considerably more space to work with across the accommodation and principal living areas.
The main deck places the primary guest spaces on one level, with a U-shaped seating area aft and a separate service galley. Dedicated crew routes have been incorporated so crew can move between the galley and service areas without regularly passing through guest spaces, an arrangement intended to make the explorer yacht more practical during extended periods onboard.
Accommodation on board the superyacht is arranged for eight guests across four suites. The full-beam owner's suite sits forward on the main deck, separating it from the remaining guest cabins below. The lower deck houses a VIP cabin and two further guest suites. Steeler's published specification also provides two crew cabins with four berths, plus a separate captain's cabin.
Ocean Explorer 88 Designed Around Two Large Tenders
The Ocean Explorer 88's explorer yacht credentials become particularly clear on the bridge deck, where Steeler has given a substantial proportion of the available exterior space to operational use. The wheelhouse occupies the forward section of the deck, with the captain accommodated on the same level. Immediately aft is an area allocated to spa and wellness facilities, before the layout opens onto a large working deck.
That deck has been designed to carry two tenders of approximately 7m and 5m. For an explorer yacht below 27m, the ability to carry two sizeable tenders gives owners greater freedom to specify craft for different purposes, whether for guest transfers, watersports or reaching shore during more remote cruising.
A dedicated mooring deck and further equipment storage support the working areas. Once the tenders are launched, their deck space becomes available as another large outdoor guest area, allowing a part of the motor yacht designed around practical cruising requirements to take on a second role at anchor. Higher up, the sundeck is more firmly focused on guests, with a large alfresco dining table joined by a sun lounge and bar.
Ocean Explorer 88 Performance and Cruising Range
Propulsion comes from twin MAN D2676 LE474 12.4-liter engines, each rated at 368kW, or 500hp. Steeler quotes a cruising speed of 10 knots and a maximum speed of 12.5 knots.
At cruising speed, the Ocean Explorer 88 has a stated range of 5,000 nautical miles. Fuel capacity rises to 40,000 liters, more than double the 19,400-liter capacity listed for the Ocean Explorer 85, while freshwater capacity stands at 3,500 liters. Draft at full fuel load is 2m.
The figures mark a notable step from the Ocean Explorer 85, which Steeler rates for 4,500 nautical miles at an 8-knot cruising speed. The extra fuel capacity and higher quoted cruising speed give the 88 a clearer long-distance brief, particularly for buyers interested in spending extended periods away from regular marina infrastructure.
Which Steeler Ocean Explorer Is Right for You? 67 vs 72 vs 85 vs 88
For buyers considering the wider Steeler Ocean Explorer range, the 88 now provides a distinct step above the three existing models rather than simply adding another length option.
The Ocean Explorer 67 is the entry point at 21.45m, with three cabins, a 5.6m beam and a 4,000nm range at seven knots. Moving to the Ocean Explorer 72 increases beam to 6.45m, adds a fourth cabin and extends range to 4,500nm at eight knots.
The Ocean Explorer 85 sits much closer to the new flagship in overall length, measuring 26m and offering four guest cabins with a 4,500nm range. For a prospective owner, the Ocean Explorer 88's case rests less on its additional 0.7m of length and more on what Steeler has done with its 7.5m beam, 40,000-liter fuel capacity, dual-tender working deck and 5,000nm range.
Those changes make the 88 the range's most expedition-focused proposition for buyers prioritizing autonomy, equipment capacity and extended cruising.
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