Ocean Alexander 36L (2020-)

Brief Summary

The Ocean Alexander 36L (formerly the 118 Tri-Level Motor Yacht) has accommodations for 10 guests and six crew. The Ocean Alexander 36L stands somewhere between its smallest and largest motoryacht, and has taken some good ideas from both directions and melded them into this outstanding vessel.

Key Features

• 10 owner/guests and six crew
• Dining table with seating for 10
• Full height windows and electric glass sliding double paned doors
• Galley with appliances included
• Cedar-lined hanging lockers are standard, as are private en suite heads

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	116' 6'' 35.5 m
Beam	24’ 6'' 7.47 m
Dry Weight	324,500 lbs. 147,191 kg
Draft	6’ 3'' 1.91 m
Fuel Capacity	5,500 gal. 20,820 L
Water Capacity	1,060 gal. 4,013 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	N/A
0 to 30	N/A
Ratio	2.773:1
Props	N/A
Load	5 persons, 1/2 fuel, 1/2 water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	84 deg., 83 humid.; wind: 10-15 mph; seas: light

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 2600-hp MTU 16V 2000 M94
Std. Power	2 x 1900-hp MAN V12

Captain's Report

The Ocean Alexander 36L weighs in at just under 159 tons, with a maximum draft of 6’3” (1.91 m) and a beam of 24.5’ (7.47 m). Capable of sleeping up to 10 guests, plus six crew members, the 36L brings the heritage of Ocean Alexander's into the megayacht class and is a logical choice for an owner who seeks a yacht suited for global cruising and "fly-in" capability, along with the flexibility to charter.

Mission

The Ocean Alexander 36L is a megayacht by design, providing the comparable amenities, luxuries and appointments one would expect to see in a totally custom motoryacht 20 to 30’ larger. With living emphasis clearly evoked in her main level master stateroom, the 36L creates added useable space for enjoyment through efficient engineering and detailed ergonomic design.

Major Features

Tri-Deck Configuration.

The 36L offers an accommodation deck, main deck, bridge deck, and atop all of that, is what can best be described as the Jacuzzi/observation deck.

While the main salon is more than inviting, the bridge deck and sky lounge, with its near 500 sq. ft. (46 sq. m) of the enclosed entertainment area, opens to the outside where a covered bar and settee add to the entertainment value of the level. Abaft is the boat deck which is large enough for both a tender and a PWC with room to spare.

Jacuzzi/Observation Deck.

Above the skylounge/bridge deck is an observation deck complete with raised Jacuzzi and settee with coffee table. This leisure area atop the yacht, covered by the fiberglass hardtop, takes the party to the fourth level of the 36L. By day or night, this exclusive (and private) space for relaxing and enjoying the view, is sure to be a draw for the owner and guests alike. Obviously the Jacuzzi and hardtop can be eliminated, making a simply a sun deck. (The boat is highly customizable.)

Main Deck Master Stateroom

The master stateroom of the 36L would be minimized were it to be on the accommodations deck. Instead, it is on the main deck in the forward part of the superstructure, just as one might find on a 150-footer costing nearly twice as much. On the same level as the salon and dining area, it is separated from the common areas by a long passageway to starboard around the galley (and past the day head and stairs to the pilothouse, which makes it an oasis of tranquility).

Room with a View

Upon entry, the first thing one notices are the large, full-size windows and light, both across the front of the cabin and along the sides. Having what amounts to a four-part windshield in the owner’s stateroom is a spectacular departure from most megayachts that we’ve seen which have a solid bulkhead here. It must be seen to be appreciated. The effect, and the view, is captivating. The king-sized bed is on the centerline, facing forward. A desk/vanity is to starboard, with a bureau forward and there is a 46" fold-down LCD TV in the overhead. A sofa is built into the forward starboard corner with a dresser aft. All of the windows are virtually the same size as in the salon and have retractable shades.

Master Head

On the centerline forward is the descent into the master head, a remarkable feature that eliminates the head from the high-priced main deck real estate and places it below in more private surroundings. (A small water closet and wash basin is tucked into the port aft bulkhead to use at night.)

When descending the four steps into the master head, no detail has been omitted. The marble Jacuzzi tub forward on the centerline frames the space, with his-and-hers above-counter wash basins to port and starboard. A water closet with a bidet is to port, and an oversized shower with seating is to starboard. To starboard is a large, totally marble-lined shower stall for two with bench seat and glass door. In addition to LED lighting, the head is naturally lit by an overhead skylight from the foredeck.

Inspection and Features

Noise Abetment.

Ocean Alexander controls sound and noise through multiple insulation barriers including reflective, absorptive, and dampening materials, plus air pockets and flexible and isolation mounts. Equally as important, it has separated the owner’s stateroom from common areas, other staterooms, and mechanical rooms with space and numerous bulkheads. There is nothing like solid material to cut down on noise. Contributing to this are the four decks and separation of entertaining areas.

Construction.

Ocean Alexander follows best practices in the industry on the lamination, using resin-infused vacuum molding techniques to achieve a high-glass to resin ratio – something that is not easy on a hull this size. Use of cross-knit directional carbon fiber in high-stress areas for added structural integrity and longitudinal strength also sets this boat apart from many others in class. Marine-grade aluminum beams are utilized in the decks, bulkheads and overheads, providing greater rigidity and a monolithic structure. This helps to prevent structural movement while underway, further eliminating long term stress on the yacht and the "creaking" sounds.

Painted Hull.

The gel coat is covered with epoxy-based primers then polyurethane paint. This gives the yacht its high-gloss and long-lasting color retention. Because gel coat oxidizes relatively quickly to keep fiberglass looking her best requires compounding and buffing three to four times a year in southern latitudes. Polyurethane paint drastically reduces maintenance and stays looking glossy for ten years or more in most cases.

Bronze thru-hull fittings are bronze and SonicShields protect the hull, props, and shafts from algae, barnacles, mussels and other growth. The yacht's bonding and grounding systems, like most systems aboard are to ABYC, ABS or other yacht certification standards.

Decking is of solid wood planks, interior wood selections are matched and custom-made for Ocean Alexander with spans of over 8'. Outside, the deck is teak and glued down.

Aft Deck and Side Decks.

Access to the 36L is generally from the swim platform. As seen from the photo below, the platform provides ample room for the loading and staging of luggage, gear and supplies. The aft deck is accessed from staircases to both port and starboard. External hatch access to the crew quarters and engine space is positioned centrally on the transom. 2” 316 stainless rails are outboard of each staircase up and through the transom doors. The aft deck abounds with stainless steel hardware and the U-shaped settee provides seating for 10 guests for outdoor dining.

The stainless rails, which begin at the stern, run all of the way forward above the bulwarks to the bow along the side deck. The full height of the bulwarks runs all the way forward to the pulpit and with the stainless steel rails, they exceed ABYC and CE requirements for height. At the bow, there is an expansive sun pad that can be covered by a Mediterranean shade. The flare of the bow is in keeping with expectations of dry operation.

Boat Deck and Flying Bridge

Accessed via the stairwell from the aft deck, the exterior portion of the flying bridge (detailed in the Interior Inspection), can be utilized for the stowage and securing of a tender, and up to two PWCs. The hydraulic davit has a lifting capacity of 3,000 lbs. and is located on the port side.

When the tender and PWCs are deployed, the area opens up for a gathering, entertaining and sunbathing. The covered bar and grill, full dining settee, and outdoor galley provide full service to the owner and guests. The Jacuzzi/observation deck is just a few steps above.

Portuguese Bridge.

Accessed from both port and starboard from the watertight doors leading out of the pilothouse, the Portuguese bridge has a longitudinal settee and table, well suited for privacy and sightseeing at anchor or underway. The Portuguese bridge permits transit from one side of the boat to the other in a secure way in most sea conditions.

Interior Inspection and Features

Main Deck Salon.

Throughout the main deck, all entry doors provide electric opening with a push-button control.

There is no absence of natural light thanks to the “picture windows” in the side of the superstructure, which encompass the salon. A 60" hinge-down LCD TV along with a cabinet is on the starboard side and there is a granite countertop wet bar with a Sub Zero wine cooler. The wrap-around sofa and coffee table complete the space, creating comfort within while keeping the space clean and ergonomic.

Dining.

Full formal dining for 10 is located just forward of the salon, with light from the four paned electric sliding glass doors to port, which accesses the optional fold-out bulwark. A divider console fitted for storage complements the space along with a bar with a sink, and a Jenn-Air drawer refrigerator and a Sub-Zero wine cooler under the counter. It can be used as a side board.

The day head is located just forward and to starboard in the hallway leading to the master stateroom.

Fold-Out Bulwark.

A midships there is an optional fold-out balcony on the port side. This instant terrace is positioned just outside of the main dining area through the polished stainless steel doors, and when deployed, provides enough room for a café table for two for a romantic cocktail in the evening or a sunrise cup of coffee.

The Galley.

A choice of granite or marble surfaces are offered for the deck, countertops and backsplashes which run up to the overhead cabinets of the galley. We recommend granite because it is far harder than marble for all countertops. We’d like to see a synthetic wood on the galley deck because stone is too slippery when wet, and synthetic wood is easy to maintain and repair. These days some of the finest yachts employ it in problematical areas. The Blanco stainless steel sink is under-mounted along with a Wolf 36" induction cooktop and mounted range hood and dinette makes a convenient setting for casual meals. Additional appliances include:

• Sub-Zero 36" household-size stand-up refrigerator/freezer
• Thermidor microwave
• Wolf 36" electric oven
• ASKO dishwasher
• Sub-Zero icemaker 
• Whirlpool trash compactor
• In-Sinkerator instant hot water dispensers

Of course, since this boat, except for the hull, deck and structural bulkheads, is custom-built, owners can have any appliances and brands that they want.

Sky Lounge.

The spiral staircase at the starboard side of the dining area leads to the sky lounge and forward to the pilothouse. A day head, refrigerator and icemaker, built-in sofa and a fold-down 60" LCD TV make this what can best be described as the "den" of the 36L. Designed and laid out for casual relaxation and enjoyment, there are full height windows to maximize the view. Electric sliding double glass doors open the space up completely to become one with the rest of the flying bridge and the boat deck.

Pilothouse.

Forward of the lounge, the pilothouse provides a raised shaped settee to port, well suited for crew or guests to help the captain keep any eye out forward, and for lunch for the off-watch.

At the helm, a single mechanical (electric optional) Stidd seat with armrest operating controls, provides clean operational access to all engine controls, autopilot and navigational displays. The space is appointed with wood decks and bulkheads, giving a traditional nautical feel. Each of the five panes of the forward windshield are equipped with individual wiper-washers and the sight line over the bow is unobstructed. To starboard is a navigation station and the ship’s office space with file drawers, book cases, ship's phone and outlets for a computer and fax machine along with all of the ship's alarm panels for fire, smoke, bilge and tank levels.

Pilothouse and helm electronics include:

• Three sets of GMM 190, Ultra-thin 19" multifunction displays XGA touchscreen
• GMR 1226 xHD2 open array radar
• Autopilot- GHP reactor Solenoid core pack
• Sounder and transducer- GSD 25 premium sonar module with Garmin - GT51M-THP and Airmar DST800
• AIS 600
• Four sets Garmin GC 10 marine camera
• WSO100-01 Maretron Ultrasonic wind/weather station
• KVH- TracVision HD7
• VHF- Furuno FM8900S GMDSS VHF
• SSB- PR850A GMDSS SSB
• Navtex- NX700 GMDSS Navtex
• Transas M3 AIS
• GPS- Furuno GP150D
• Handheld VHF- ACR 2828 GMDSS VHF
• EPIRB- ACR 2846
• SART- ACR 2717NH

Accommodations Deck and Guest Staterooms

A staircase, just forward of the day head on the main deck, leads down to the accommodations passage which accesses the staterooms. All the way forward is the laundry, freezer and hotel service room. The accommodation level consists of four guest cabins, two double and two twin, all with en-suite heads, all with large portholes. There is a refrigerator under the counter in the passageway, allowing guests the availability of refreshments at night.

VIP Guest Staterooms.

At the aft end of the passsageway, to port and starboard, are the double cabins, which are mirror images of each other. A queen-size bed with an innerspring mattress and storage, a love seat, nightstand, vanity and LCD TV provide stately accommodation for an overnight or long term stay aboard. There is a large walk-in closet. Perhaps the most important features of these two nearly identical staterooms are the three large vertical hull side windows which allow guests to watch the sea slide by.

The VIP head of each cabin is located aft with selected marble flooring. There is a vessel washbasin and the tempered glass shower is faced in stone. All of the water closets on the 36L are PLANUS and ECOMAR EC8 Marine Sanitation and includes an 800 gallon (3,028 L) per day chlorine waste treatment system.

Guest Staterooms - Twin Cabins.

Forward of the VIP staterooms are the two twin guest cabins, also to port and starboard. Two single-sized berths are in each with innerspring mattresses and storage, along with a nightstand and LCD TV. Because the boat has a 24’6” (7.47 m) beam, the builder does not have to skimp on the width of the debs or the aisle between them. The carpentry appointments and quality fit-and-finish continue in the cabins, as well as in their en-suite heads, which though slightly smaller, provide the same features as those found in the VIP heads.

Crew Accommodations.

The crew quarters of the 36L are stand-alone, and sleeps up to six personnel. A four-person settee with an expandable table is located in the crew galley, which has a sink, microwave and refrigerator.

There are three crew staterooms, one for the captain and two hi-lo bunk cabins. The captain's cabin has a double berth, and includes a desk with storage and N2KView linked to an Apple IPad to monitor all systems while off watch. Each cabin has a full height hanging closet.

The crew quarters are accessed through a hatchway on the port side, or through the watertight transom hatch, where, upon entry, there is a dedicated stainless workbench with vice and Snap-on tool chest. In addition, a wet locker and storage compartment are provided in this space leading into the crew quarters. Through the crew quarters forward is access to the engine room.

Engine Room, Mechanicals and Tankage.

The 36L is powered by twin MTU 12V2000 M94 1925 horsepower engines turning props in tunnel drives. A 55 horsepower bow thruster and 40 horsepower stern thrusters provide lateral control for maneuvering and docking.

The vector fin stabilizers receive power take offs from both engines to provide a redundancy feature. The engine space offers convenient and easy access to all major components and systems, to include the two Kohler 65 kW generators. A Seagull water purifier and a Sea Recovery 900 gallon (3,407 L) per day water maker with automatic freshwater flush operation, PH neutralizer, UV sterilizer and commercial pre-filter keep the freshwater flowing.

Three 40-gallon (151 L) hot water heaters with high-density fiberglass insulation and a high-efficiency heating element accelerate heating efficiency by 50%, according to the builder. A separate 36 kW commercial water heater is provided for the Jacuzzi. She carries 1,060 gallons (4,012 L) of water, while her fuel capacity is 5,500 gallons (20,820 L) and black and gray water holding capacity is 540 gallons (2,044 L).

High Technology

Sidepower Vector Fin Hydraulic Stabilizers.

The 36L's stabilizers are an important feature, which unlike standard fins are convex in shape, providing a greater degree of lift-off of her center of gravity while also reducing roll. This better suits the hull form of the 36L and improves both stability when cruising, as well as at anchor.

Larger fins provide more stabilization force, but also create more drag which results in higher fuel consumption as speed increases, to say nothing of reduced top speed. Larger fins also require larger internal components, sometimes making it difficult to install them in an optimal position. This new design has created a simple solution to the problem, which, according to Ocean Alexander, has an appreciable and positive result in the yacht's performance.

Optional Opacmare "Transformer" multi-use stem platform.

The 36L offers two options that are worth considering. The first is the "Transformer" multi-use stem platform with a hydraulic handling system. It can be used as a gangway, swim ladder, tender lift and lifting platform. Its load capacities range from 660 lbs. (299 kg) up to 3,637 lbs. (1,649 kg), depending on the unit specified.

Octoplex NMEA 2000 Monitor R Electrical Control System.

Based on aerospace technology for remote activation, control and status reporting of all AC and DC breakers, Octoplex monitors all power sources for voltage, frequency and amperage abnormalities and provides visual and audio alerts. Octoplex provides information on main access doors, tank levels, bilge levels and battery monitoring of current, voltage and temperature and much more. Captains love it and owners will, too, because the readouts can be placed several places around the yacht and all lights can be controlled from one pad.

Crestron IPad Interface Entertainment System.

Crestron integration with Apple is the marriage of content and technology to create a state-of-the-art yacht entertainment system. In addition to audio and video, the operator can also control lights, shades, and thermostats directly from an IPad. Go to their website to discover more.

N2KView Vessel Safety and Security Monitoring.

N2KViews allows monitoring of the yacht’s systems while underway or from a remote location, providing information on navigation, tank levels, AC Systems, DC Systems, main engines, generators, fire alarms, environment and engines. The system is comprehensive and goes far beyond simple monitoring, but that alone is worth the price of admission for most owners we know. It’s comforting to know where the yacht is and what is going on aboard when the owner is not around.

Observations

The Ocean Alexander 36L offers the features, accommodations, entertaining and utility of any “megayacht” on the market, in our opinion. Highly adaptable to the way an owner prefers to entertain, the 36L blends her builder's reputation for rugged durability with an elegance highly sought in this class of yacht. Her fit-and-finish is world-class. The functionality of design and ergonomics demonstrates that both designer Evan K. Marshall and Ocean Alexander have been creating large motoryachts for a long time – 43 years in the case of the builder and 31 years for Marshall – know what they are doing. And this yacht shows it.