When LP Design calls the EXO 144 yacht proposal a compact explorer, it’s for good reason. “We felt that an offering in the smaller end of the explorer superyacht market is essential,” explains Richard Liebowitz, the studio’s owner. In her 144 feet (44 meters) of length, she provides strong volume and capabilities for crisscrossing oceans.
The studio behind projects like the Ocean Xplorer 71 conversion, LP Design began with the notion of purity of purpose. Consequently, nothing is purely for aesthetics. That explains why the EXO 144 has a breakwater bow and integral stern platform, for instance, which along with other features are structurally proven. Her steel hull bears engineering for a range up to 4,000 nautical miles, too. The twin Caterpillar engines should allow regular speeds between 11 and 14 knots as well, additionally complying with IMO’s Tier III emissions regulations.
With a volume of 420 gross tons, the 12-passenger EXO 144 yacht re-emphasizes her compact-explorer purpose in other ways. Firstly, the wheelhouse, on the upper deck, isn’t exclusively a captain and crew area. In fact, just like conventional yachts in her size range, it’s likely the owners and captain will have more than a few conversations here. Owners of smaller projects tend to be more interested in navigation than simply the luxury onboard, Liebowitz rightfully notes. This helps explain why the master suite is on the upper deck, too. (It also benefits from more floorspace there than on the main deck.)
Secondly, the tenders are oversize for a conventional yacht, but on target for exploration. The boat deck can accommodate a 23’6” (7.2-meter) tender. Notably, Liebowitz says the overall design process started with the engine room, then the master suite, and then the tenders. “The rest of the spaces can generally be fit around those,” he notes. Additionally, he says, while tenders can go on the main aft deck, “the current ‘Boat Deck’ position, a traditional one, is frankly a more economical solution.”
As for the interior, the EXO 144 compact explorer naturally is for clients to tailor. For starters, LP Design frees up more space for the formal dining room on the main deck thanks to the above-mentioned master. The idea is to afford guests a dedicated area separate from the saloon to get together. In fact, it can serve multiple purposes throughout the day, like a library or internet lounge. Come nighttime, the formal china and five-star meal service sets the scene.
With a 28-foot (8.5-meter) beam, the EXO 144 yacht provides a beach club as a lounge and a practical tender-arrival area. Further practical, the superyacht proposal calls for an observation deck, atop the sundeck. The eight-person crew should find it especially helpful for keeping an extra-watchful eye on the waters. Similarly, the deck makes servicing the mast’s equipment easier and more comfortable.
LP Design anticipates revealing a collaboration with a shipyard soon, for further development and benefit to buyers.
LP Design lpdesignuk.com
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