The Marex 440 has already been decorated with awards - but at Boot Dusseldorf 2025, we had the world premiere of the Scandinavia version, which introduced a new main-deck layout.
It’s also the two-cabin setup, a configuration that’s had very little spotlight so far. The real question is whether this new arrangement pushes an already strong design even further. Let’s take a closer look.
Marex 440 Scandinavia Key Facts
- LOA 44.948ft
- Model Year 2025
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 35 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Cruiser
- Use Type Weekending
Review Video
Marex has built its reputation on practical, user-focused cruisers that hold up in real conditions, and the 440 carries that same DNA into a larger format. It’s the Norwegian yard’s flagship, but it doesn’t stray from the brand’s core strengths - smart layouts, solid build quality, and a focus on how the boat gets used. From the wide, easy side decks to the canopy system that encloses the cockpit in seconds, everything is designed with everyday usability in mind.
The 440 was developed to feel like a bigger boat in terms of onboard living, without losing the handling and efficiency Marex is known for. Storage is generous, systems straightforward, and the layout supports both short hops and longer cruising. The galley is set up for proper cooking, not just coffee and sandwiches, and optional solar panels can keep fridges running off-grid. The overall feel leans toward practical luxury - comfort driven by real use, not design trends.
Scandinavia vs Gourmet Cruiser
There are two versions: the Scandinavia and the Gourmet Cruiser, both built on the same hull but tailored to different cruising styles. The Scandinavia is aimed at cooler climates, with a fully enclosed salon, indoor dinette, and compact galley to starboard. It’s a layout designed to stay warm and sheltered through the seasons, while still opening up to the cockpit when the sun does come out.
The Gourmet Cruiser pushes the galley aft and across both sides of the saloon, linking straight to the cockpit using sliding doors and a drop-down window. The result is an open-plan setup that turns the galley into a social space. Options include expanded refrigeration, a dishwasher, and dedicated drinks storage - all geared toward owners who spend their time cooking and hosting outdoors.
Both layouts, however, keep the core Marex features - safe decks, twin helm doors, and strong attention to materials and system reliability. The Scandinavia is best suited to all-weather cruising and extended stays, while the Gourmet leans into sunshine, open-air cooking, and sociable day-to-day life on the water.
Below decks, the 440 comes in either a two or three-cabin layout, depending on what suits your needs. On the three-cabin version, the amidships space is split to add an extra cabin, which is great if you want to maximise sleeping capacity for family or guests. But if it’s mostly going to be a couple onboard with the odd visitor, the two-cabin layout works well.
You get a generous owner’s cabin forward and a spacious guest suite amidships, and the extra room makes both cabins feel a bit more comfortable. Each has its own bathroom too, which is a real plus for privacy as no one’s creeping past anyone in the middle of the night. The forward head also gets a proper shower cubicle, which just rounds things off nicely.
The interior is where the layout shifts noticeably. On the Gourmet Cruiser version, this entire space is dedicated to the galley - great if you're really into food, but on a boat this size, it's arguably more galley than most would need. The Scandinavia version rebalances that by introducing an extra indoor seating area, which feels much more practical. The drop-down window connects this space to the cockpit next door, still keeping the social layout flowing.
The galley itself is still well-specified. The cooling capacity, often a weak point in compact galleys, has been given good attention. You’ve got two deep Vitrifrigo chest fridges, with additional fridge space below as an option too, so cooling is covered.
Appliances are high quality - Miele induction hob and oven, twin sink, and clever detailing where it counts. The removable sink covers slot neatly into a rail above the galley, doubling as splashbacks when you're washing up.
Storage stools rotate under the table, and the seating layout can adapt depending on use. In dining mode, it’s sociable, but when underway, the table flips, a removable panel stows (though arguably could be better integrated), and the mechanism reveals a double navigator’s seat. It slides back and lifts to give two more guests a raised forward-facing position.
There’s a small counter area beside the seating, with fold-out legs that turn it into a place to lean. Great for setting out drinks or snacks, or even propping up a laptop if you’re mixing business with leisure. It’s finished in beautiful wood - no plastic here - and there’s more neatly arranged storage below. Very Marex in feel: functional, attractive, and well-considered. And for ease of access, there are side doors on both sides, making circulation around the boat even easier.
Owner's Cabin
Forward is the owner’s cabin, which sees clear benefits in the two-cabin version. The space is largely unchanged from the three-cabin configuration - a big double berth, raised but easy to access thanks to steps on both sides, with storage integrated around the outside. Behind the mirrors, more lockers are installed for added stowage.
The real difference is in the bathroom. Without the third cabin, what would have been a lobby area gets absorbed into the shower, and the result is impressive - easily on par with what you’d expect on a 15 to 18m (49–59ft) boat. It's a large, enclosed space, so the water stays where it should, leaving the rest of the bathroom - toilet, sink, and generous storage both above and below - dry and usable. The glass doors are a nice touch too, helping to pull natural light through even when everything’s closed off.
With the two cabin version, the guest cabin comes with direct access to its own bathroom, just behind the door. It's positioned under the saloon, so headroom is tight - you're crawling into bed rather than walking around it. But the bed itself is huge, and the finish down here holds up well. Backlit mirrors, smart use of materials, integrated reading lights, and large hull windows mean the space still feels bright and considered.
There’s a sofa alongside the bed, so you’re not confined to sitting on the mattress for everything. It doubles up as a useful spot for bags or folded clothes, and there’s proper storage overhead as well. You won’t be getting fully changed in here as standing space is limited to the lobby area, which is just enough for one person. Compact, but it works.
At the helm, all the controls are close together on a little pop-out panel, so you’ve got everything you need within easy reach. The seat slides, there’s a bolster, and the raised platform means you can stand with your head clear of the windscreen - just what you want when mooring.
The joystick has also been lifted, so you don't have to reach down or twist awkwardly. Visibility is good, communication with the crew is straightforward, and whether you’re creeping into a berth or cruising at pace, the whole setup works well.
Drive options are another interesting point. You can spec shaft drive, stern drive, or IPS, which is rare these days. Top speed is around 35 knots with IPS or stern drives, a bit less with shafts - closer to 30 knots - but if you like the feel and simplicity of traditional gear, it’s nice to have the choice. The disparity in top speed does show the efficiency benefits of IPS and sterndrives.
Above, there’s a manual sunroof - useful for adapting the space depending on the weather. Closed, it’s sheltered for cooler days. Open it, and you get some natural ventilation when you’re in warmer waters.
The aft section mirrors the layout of the original Gourmet Cruiser, with the hydraulic bathing platform, finished in teak. When lowered, the built-in deck steps extend to form a clear path into the water. There are pop-up tender chocks built into both sides of the platform - flush when not in use, so there’s nothing to trip over.
Storage is tucked neatly beneath the deck sections, all on gas rams, and there’s plenty of space for fenders, lines, and cleaning gear. The transom lockers extend far enough to work as bench seating, so you can sit back with your feet in the water. From there, it’s an easy move forward into the cockpit, past the teak handrails that give this whole area a solid, finished feel.
The cockpit is very well-protected, enclosed by Marex’s curtain-style canopy system. The panels tuck into the structure and draw around like curtains, enclosing the space in a couple of minutes without the usual faff.
Overhead, there’s a manual sunroof, which is quick and easy to operate. You can open it up for airflow or close it for shade, depending on how the day’s going. The seating is well thought out, with tall backrests all the way around to make sure it’s comfortable no matter where you sit.
At the centre is a high-quality table, finished in beautifully worked timber, and the storage beneath the seating is spot on. No need to move cushions - just lift the lids, which are lined and supported by gas struts for smooth, easy access. It’s all been done with a clear focus on usability and comfort.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The side decks give plenty of room to move around, and the teak decking continues all the way forward, complete with teak-capped bulwarks for that extra touch of finish.
The foredeck is wide and flat, but the guardrails rise high enough to keep things feeling safe. Forward, there's a retractable anchor, where a flap lifts, the anchor extends out, then stows back into a deep locker for a clean look when not being used. The locker itself is spacious enough for chain and spare fenders, though most of the fender storage is located aft.
Centre on the foredeck, there's a sun pad flanked by more wood detailing and cupholders - Marex always makes sure there’s no shortage of timber. And there’s a clever twist to it: the cushion lifts off, floats, and doubles as a float you can tether to the transom.
The engine room uses a split hatch arrangement, but even the day-to-day access hatch is a good size. There’s a ladder at the forward end, but there’s also a step mounted on top of the engine for easy entry aft. The headroom is tight, as you’d expect on a boat this size, but the space is exceptionally tidy.
With sterndrives, the engines sit right at the back, leaving plenty of open space ahead. It’s neatly sectioned, so any storage boxes stay put, and the chequer plate flooring is tough and easy to clean - if a bit hard on the knees.
The engineering work is sharp, with clean cabling runs and good visibility throughout. Filters and raw water strainers are in sight, dipstick access is easy, and there’s nothing buried or awkward to reach. It’s the same deal with other engine configurations too. If more headroom’s needed, the table can be adjusted and the upper hatch opened, but for everyday checks, this should work well.
The base price for the 440 in Gourmet Cruiser guise with twin Volvo D6 440s on sterndrives is £681,800 ex VAT (correct at time of writing).
Marex boats generally hold a bit of a premium when it comes to pricing but the quality is undeniable and the yard fits lots of kit as standard that you'd have to pay for with other manufacturers. Mainly items such as diesel heating, Miele cooking equipment (including a dishwasher), a bow thruster, and the Zipwake dynamic trim system.
It will cost £18,600 more to opt for the Scandinavia version, £20,900 to opt for the shaftdrive version and £65,600 to upgrade to IPS650. It's worth bearing in mind that those drive changes include the large 480hp D6 engines.
Our Options & Pick
The value for money of the sterndrive option is one reason we would opt for them but also for their efficiency, agility and the fact they can be trimmed up if you'd like to explore the shallows.
With the sterndrive and IPS versions joystick control is standard but given the owner/operator nature of the boat, we'd tick the box for Dynamic Position System for £13,600. The cabin layout is a very personal choice but the balance of the two-cabin version works in our opinion (and it saves you £9,800). Again, it's personal depending on where the boat will be kept but if it's somewhere warm then air-con will be valuable. Interestingly, Marex charges £7,470 per cabin to fit it.
Most owners will want to add the bow anchor (this being a Norwegian brand, an aft anchor is standard) and that will cost £10,460, which sounds a lot but it is an auto mechanism that hides the anchor away when not in use.
The other major extras we would add include the 8kw generator (£22,900) and the 400kg bathing platform (£27,750), which is also where you will launch the tender from. The twin Raymarine Axiom 16in MFDs are £10,960 and well worth it for the flexibility of their data presentation, be that boat systems or navigation aids.
Our Verdict
If you fancy yourself a bit of a gourmand, the Gourmet Cruiser spec on the Marex 440 is a great option - full galley setup, ready for serious cooking at sea. But depending on how the boat’s going to be used, the Scandinavia layout arguably makes even more sense. It frees up more living space on deck, adds comfort, and still keeps everything practical all-year.
The two-cabin configuration also works brilliantly as well - more generous, well-proportioned, and maybe better suited to how most owners will actually use the boat.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy to run
- Practical detailing
- Engine/drive options
- Build quality
Things to Consider
- No flybridge option
- Safe styling
Looking to own a Marex 440 Scandinavia ? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Marex 440 Scandinavia Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Marex 440 Scandinavia , customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
The Nimbus 405 Coupé also accommodates 6 guests and appeals to owners who value performance and efficiency. It cruises comfortably at 26 knots and features a shallow draft, which broadens its cruising potential in shallower waters. Its asymmetrical deck layout creates a wider side deck to starboard, improving movement and safety when moving around the boat.
The Targa 46 matches the 6-berth capacity but leans more heavily toward performance. It reaches a top speed of 40 knots, making it the fastest of this group, and suits those who want pace as well as practicality. It’s also available with a flybridge or pilothouse-only layout, giving owners more control over deck configuration.
The Nord Star 42+ is built for slightly smaller groups, sleeping 4 across 2 cabins. While it falls short on accommodation, it remains a comfortable and capable option for short trips or weekend cruising. It has walkaround decks and a full-standing-height walk-in engine room, rare for this size.
The Sargo 45 Explorer takes a different approach with its standout range of 440 nautical miles. It targets long-distance cruising and suits owners who want to venture further without frequent fuel stops. It’s also rated for all-weather use, with a reinforced hull and deep rails designed for demanding offshore conditions.
The Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser shares its sibling’s shallow draft, giving it an edge in coastal and inland cruising. Its layout is tailored toward extended living aboard, with a focus on galley space and social areas. It features the largest U-shaped galley in its class, with full-size appliances and direct access to both aft and saloon dining spaces.
Considering a new boat? Explore Marex's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Marex Boats
- Model 440 Scandinavia
- Length Overall 44.948ft
- Beam 13.976ft
- Draft 3.281ft
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Cruiser
- Use Type (Primary) Weekending
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 314 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 206 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-440/DPI
Marex 440 Scandinavia Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Marex 440 Scandinavia]()
The Scandinavia layout features more seating in the saloon and a galley kitchen to port
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Lower Deck
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Standard 2 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Marex 440 Scandinavia]()
The two double cabins with private bathrooms is a very well-balanced layout
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Optional 3 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Marex 440 Scandinavia]()
The three-cabin option incorporates a pair of twin cabins amidships
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