Ocean Alexander 28E (2023-)

Brief Summary

With its plumb bow and 20'8" (25.5 m) beam, the Ocean Alexander 28E offers more interior space while not compromising on the sea-kindly handling characteristics that the brand is known for. Designed with long-time OA collaborator Evan K. Marshall, she offers five staterooms with ensuites. The master is fully forward on the main deck.

Specifications

Length Overall	94' 7" 28.83 m
Beam	20' 8" 6.3 m
Draft	4' 1.22 m
Fuel Capacity	2,980 gal. 11,280 L
Water Capacity	450 gal. 1,700 L

Engine Options

Std. Power	2 x 1,650-hp MAN V12

Captain's Report

Ocean Alexander 28E: The Explorer Class is Reborn

Captain's Report by Capt. Steve

Mission

Ocean Alexander's mission with the 28E is to satisfy the needs and desires of its customers that not only love to travel but travel in luxury.  And taking that luxury along for the trip certainly has its rewards.  The "E" in "28E" stands for "Explorer," which is a specific type of yacht that has increased in popularity in the last 10 years. Typically, this means that the vessel is intended for long-distance oceanic cruising to isolated places with a large crew. As such, these boats generally carry more fuel and have redundant critical systems. In the case of the 28E, she also has a huge aft deck that is designed to easily launch tenders, PWCs and underwater devices.

Construction

From a construction standpoint, the 28E is constructed using high-density closed-cell structural foam. This allows for high temperature and advantages in thermal and acoustic insulation.  Fiberglass with Vinyl Ester/Epoxy infusion lamination manufacturing technology increases strength by 20% and reduces weight by 18% compared to hand-layup. Longitudinal and lateral fiberglass foam-core stringers are laid in and bonded to the hull.  Then a collision bulkhead is laid in and reinforced.  Cross-knit carbon fiber in high-stress areas is utilized to increase structural integrity and torsional strength.  OA creates water-tight bulkheads with soundproofing for the engine room.

Additionally, Ocean Alexander employs various techniques to reduce sound and vibration. Some of these techniques include multiple insulation barriers including reflective materials, absorptive materials, dampening materials, air pockets and flexible isolation mounts for controlling sound and noise transmission.

Painted exterior surfaces are finished with professional-grade epoxy-based primers and Alexseal polyurethane paint resulting in the highest gloss retention compared with gelcoat or other paint brands.  All exterior hardware is 316 stainless steel.  Aluminum components meet marine grade 5052 or 6061 specifications.

As for the engine foundation, the main engine stringer is constructed from stainless-steel plates custom formed to encapsulate over engine structural stringers. The result is industry-leading support and isolation.

Inside the 28E, we notice frameless windows and all exterior ceiling panels are removable for easy service of navigational electronics and plumbing runs.  OA uses CPVC instead of PVC in both potable water system and chiller A/C system. CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200°F (93°C), while PVC peaks at 140°F (60°C). This translates into reducing the risk of joints and pipes failing, and therefore, failure of the plumbing system. CPVC piping is also extremely resistant to corrosive chemicals. CPVC can handle salts, caustics and acids better than metal and other thermoplastics. There is no pH limitation either, which means that it can hold up to large pH swings with no damage.

Major Features

• Plumb bow design gives more room to the VIP stateroom
• Enormous windows in salon
• Massive sliding doors flank the dining room
• Enclosed sky lounge with a protected helm frees up space on main deck
• Full beam forward master with single piece forward window
• Disappearing mirror in master head.
• 2,980-gal (11,280.53 L) fuel capacity
• More than 3,500 ft² (325.16 m²) of deck space
• Approximately 2,200 ft² (204.39 m²) in interior space
• Huge boat deck for storing and launching water toys
• Five staterooms

Performance

BoatTEST.com has not tested the 28E, but extensive tests have been done by Ocean Alexander’s in-house testing staff and they report that she has a top speed of 19.8 knots at 2350 RPM.  The range increases linearly as the throttle is reduced, and as such, there’s no “best cruise” setting.  With that said, with a setting of 13.1 knots at 1600 RPM, OA reports a range of 707 nautical miles.  If distance cruising is the goal, back her down to 1200 RPM and just under 10 knots where she burns 24 GPH and will keep going for 1215 nautical miles. 

Boat Inspection

Water Toy Platform

We’ll start our tour of the 28E at what the most innovative area might be, the water toy platform.  It measures 16’ x 14’ (4.88 m x 4.27 m) and includes dual fold-out bulwarks on the port and starboard sides that, when deployed, extend the beam from 20'5" (6.22 m) to 26'10" (8.17 m).  This means 332 sq. ft. (30.8 sq. meter) of teak-covered space allows for a private beach experience without leaving the vessel.  Because this open area lends itself to storing two full-size PWCs, two SEABOBs along with a 16' (4.8 m) owner-supplied tender, there’s a crane to the port side with 2,500 lbs. (1,134 kg) lift capacity in addition to the hydraulic 1,000 lbs. (453 kg) capacity swim platform.  And as most yachts are towing a tender in addition to the stored water toys, the 28E includes an aft-deck transom structural reinforcement per Froude Friction Evaluation for towing an approximately 45’ (13.72 m) tender with a 13’ (3.96 m) beam and a 25,000 lb. (11,339 kg) displacement.  There’s also an electric passerelle.

Forward there’s an outdoor refreshment center with a sink, open counter space, refrigeration and storage.  This can serve double duty when having a cocktail party or used as a bait prep station when fishing.  Right alongside that is an entrance to the engine room.   

Aft Deck

The aft deck is the first of the many relaxation zones aboard the 28E.  It consists of opposing seating in the form of dual loveseats with a stone-surfaced coffee table in between.  All are free-standing rather than built-in.  A glass partition protects the aft section of the deck while maintaining sightlines to the stern.  Decking is all teak and there’s an ornate overhead 6’8” (2.03 m) off the deck. 

To both sides and just ahead of the stairs to the aft platform, there are two 1,500W, 24VDC capstans with foot switches.  Boarding gates are just ahead of those. 

Bow

The bow has dual areas to gather.  The upper level consists of a sunpad that spans the area between the two side decks.  Beverage holders are to both sides and the pads are in a fixed position.  Add pillows to sit up and enjoy the scenery forward. 

Steps continue down where there’s a U-shaped settee wrapping around a stone table on fixed pedestals.  Just behind this seat is the massive single-piece window to the master stateroom so be aware of the privacy issue when this seat is occupied and close the curtains. 

Fully forward, the ground tackle consists of dual hydraulic vertical anchor windlasses with remote control switches.  These will handle the dual 220 lbs. (100 kg) anchors with 200’ (61 m) studless anchor chain to each side, attached to the anchors with stainless steel high-tensile swivels.  OA provides a hands-free anchor chain wash system for freshwater cleaning of the chain during anchor retrieval.

Salon

One of the things that makes the salon so spectacular is the deck to overhead windows and sliding doors that pour natural light into the space and provide remarkable views when underway. 

The sofas are also freestanding so they can be moved about based on the current needs of whatever function may be taking place.  The furniture and coffee table are designed by Poltrana Frau but an owner can choose from any preferred designer and OA has a generous decorating allowance built into the purchase. 

To starboard, there’s a wetbar with stone countertops, a sink and refrigeration.  Above the aft cabinetry is a drop-down 50” (127 cm) TV.  All windows include electric shades. 

Dining Room

Just ahead is the dining area. In keeping with the open space floorplan, there are no divisions separating the salon from the galley, not even a separate overhead design scheme. 

The table is large enough to seat 10.  To both sides, there are full-height, electrically-actuated sliding glass doors to the side decks that are offered as an option to manually operated doors. 

A mirrored bulkhead is ahead.  A hidden door to the left of the mirror allows access to the galley.  To the starboard side there are stairs to the flying bridge deck and just ahead is a day head. 

Galley

The galley has a door leading to/from the dining room, but this is an option.  Standard is a pantry that would go in this position and then the main access will be via a watertight door from the port side deck. 

The galley includes painted paneled cabinetry with positive-latch doors and stone countertops.  Appliances include a 32” (81.28 cm) Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, a 30” (76.2 cm) Jenn-Air Over-the-Range microwave, a 30” (76.2 cm) Jenn-Air electric cooktop, a 30” (76.2 cm) Jenn-Air electric oven, a 15” (38.1 cm) Whirlpool trash compactor, an Asko dishwasher and a Scotsman Brilliance gourmet clear ice maker.

Master Stateroom

The master stateroom is fully forward and on the main deck.  It’s at once a study in elegance and functionality.  The berth is mounted on the centerline and facing aft. It includes independent sections to ensure minimal transfer of movement.  Above is a massive, single-piece window to the bow. Being on the main deck, it’s in an elevated position to afford a modicum of privacy. Lengthy nightstands with stone countertops are to both sides and a desk/vanity is to the port side under a large hullside window.  Walk-in closets are to starboard including an owner’s safe.  With so much glass, it’s understandable that there are two layers of electric shades, one opaque and one blackout. 

Sky Lounge

Much like the salon, the sky lounge has furnishings designed by Poltrana Frau.  All window mullions and overhead treatments are custom designed.  Seating starts with a sofa to the port side with large ottomans that can be moved in and out of position.  A coffee table has a stone surface.  Two freestanding chairs provide opposing seating. 

Across to starboard is a wetbar with stone countertops.  Above that is a 50” (127 cm) drop-down TV.  Abaft of the wetbar is a day head. 

Aft Flying Bridge Deck

Moving out through the large sliding glass door we come to the exterior social zone on the bridge deck.  A sofa is to the port side and it wraps around a stone table on dual fixed pedestals.  Directly across is an outdoor grilling station with an electric grill, storage and refrigeration.  Stairs just behind lead to the aft deck below.  Further aft on this deck is a full-width sunpad with a Jacuzzi in the middle.  Sunshades can be erected to protect all, or half of, the deck. 

Accommodations

VIP

The VIP stateroom is in the bow and thanks to the plumb bow design there’s more available space here.  Even more space is created by mounting the berth against the starboard hullside rather than square against the center of the bow.  Now we can access all sides of the berth without having to utilize steps to the sides.  A settee is to port under a hull side window and there are accommodations for storage in a walk-in closet.  An ensuite is just abaft and to port. 

Guest Staterooms

The remaining guest staterooms include two models located aft.  They’re mirror images of one another with large berths, nightstands, a vanity/dressing table, hanging lockers with automatic lighting and a custom settee.  The matching heads include marble counters. 

To the starboard side of the deck is another guest stateroom with twin berths that include storage beneath.  The berths can slide together to form a large berth.  An ensuite is just forward. 

Exercise Room/Utility Room

The exercise room to port is basically an open space that can be populated with an owner's desired equipment.  There’s a hull side window to enjoy while exercising and a TV is mounted to the forward bulkhead. 

A utility room is just ahead and if the Extended Cruise Package is ordered, this room will then include an additional washer/dryer to supplement the units in the crew’s quarters, as well as an additional refrigerator and full-height freezer. 

Engine Room

The engine room is accessed from the crew’s quarters.  It is 17' (5.18 m) fore and aft and more than 340 sq. ft. (31.59 m²). That means it is larger than we often find on motor yachts of this length and there is adequate room to get outside the engines to easily check and repair all of the auxiliary equipment found here.

The main engines are twin 1,650-hp MAN V12 and include “MAN Gold Standard Warranty” with a 60-month warranty on main components (crankcase, crankshaft, connection rods and flywheel). There are stainless-steel engine stringer caps and stainless-steel removable rails on the sides of the engines.

The entire room is temperature controlled by Delta T intake/exhaust fans with variable frequency drives that facilitate the intake and/or exhaust of air through the machinery spaces providing a high air exchange rate. Air intake & exhaust ducts also have fire dampers installed with manual and automatic triggering that shall be tied into the machinery shut-down circuits.  Additionally, OA installs Delta T moisture eliminators installed at front of intake and exhaust ducts.  Most importantly, the Delta-T fans are located on the superstructure, inside the bulwarks, versus being on the hull side.  This maximizes water protection and reduced salt spray intrusion into engine space, extending life of engine room components.

Hard coating with Al6XN alloys on exhaust, provides higher corrosion resistance, especially in the forms of pitting, crevice, and stress cracking. Lastly, engine raw water-cooling uses cupronickel 90/10 which offers superior corrosion resistance and inherent bio-antifouling.

As for the stabilizers and thrusters package, OA went with Sidepower Vector Fin 15 ft² (1.39m²) hydraulic stabilizer fins with zero speed stabilization functionality.  These fins have a “curved” fin design that not only provides lift underway it is also unique in the industry with active “predictive” inertia control.  Studies have shown they are up to 50% more efficient than flat fins at anchor and up to 30% more efficient than flat fins underway.  There’s a 42.6-HP bow thruster and 23.3-HP stern thruster, both hydraulic and driven from PTO (Power Take Off) units on the main engines.

Optional Equipment

EXTERIOR/INTERIOR DÉCOR OPTIONS

• Full-height electric glass sliding door x4
• Electric shades with remote control for salon and master
• Electric helm seat (3x)
• In-glass portlight for master stateroom (2x) and guest staterooms (4x)
• Starboard guest stateroom side-by-side berths can slide together and convert to single queen berth.
• Heated stone floors in master bathroom
• TOTO toilet for MSR x1

MAJOR MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL OPTIONS

• Thruster/Stabilizers package
• Headhunter sewage treatment system. (600Gal/day)
• Dometic 1200G/Day water maker w/ auto freshwater flush operation and commercial pre-filter
• Mechanical/electrical convenience package (Lube oil change system for engines and generators, Gulfcoast Fuel polishing system, Compressed air in engine room, aft deck and boat deck, Francis searchlight and spreader lights for swim step and boat deck, Dimmer package for interior and exterior main ceiling lights, USB outlets in lieu of Panasonic intercom system, Onboard intranet driven by 4G SIM card capable Wi-Fi router allows outside 4G Internet card and/or intranet net connection via supplied iPad to Systems monitoring, and other onboard video/audio apps)
• Add plug-in engine wired remote at aft deck and boat deck
• Entertainment system (Apple TV multi-zone distribution experience system)
• Salon: Electric flip-down 50” TV with A/V system and subwoofer
• Aft Deck: Electric flip-down 43” TV with AV system
• MSR: Wall mount 43” TV with A/V system
• Skylounge: Electric flip-down 50” TV with A/V system and subwoofer
• Port and Stbd VIP stateroom: Wall mount 43” TV with A/V system
• FWD VIP stateroom: Wall mount 43” TV with A/V system
• Stbd Guest stateroom: Wall mount 32” TV with A/V system
• Crew Mess: Wall mount 32” TV with A/V system
• Captain: Wall mount 32” TV with A/V system
• Custom Global Cruise package (50/60 Hz Power Converter, electrical transformer allows for automatic marina connection irrespective of 110V/60 Hz (USA) or
• 220-240V/50 Hz (European/Australia) standards, swappable wall plugs convert between 110V/220-240V and 50/60 Hz, true global yachting and global resale capability)
• Spare parts package (Spare: Bilge pump, LED light, Engine/ Generator filter, Wiper blades, Touch-up paint, Fuses, Engine manuf. Spare parts kit, Generator manuf. spare parts kit, Float switch, Vimar outlet, GFI outlet, Vimar switch and Wood veneer)

EXTERIOR OPTIONS

• Metallic paint hull #M7905 stardust silver
• Exterior convenience package
• Hydraulic 1,000 lbs. capacity hi-low swim platform
• Aft-deck transom structure reinforcement for tender-towing up to 15,000 lbs. with capstan
• Teak decking Package
• 4-person jacuzzi on the bridge deck with sunpads surround
• Aft-deck custom ceiling feature with indirect lighting

Observations

Over the years, we have tested and inspected hundreds of motor yachts and the Ocean Alexander 28E has one the best uses of space and the best divisions of indoor and outdoor space we have ever seen.  For those looking for a coastal cruising yacht, or a dock queen to show off behind the waterfront home, best look elsewhere.  But for those looking for a “do anything and go anywhere” yacht, the all-new OA 28E deserves serious consideration.