The Norwegian builder of fine family cruisers has a fleet of its unique and innovative designs at the Palm Beach International Boat Show this week as they launch Marex USA with American partner Chris Hughes.
In the fleet at Palm Beach, the Marex 330 Scandinavian is a perfect example of what makes the Marex line so special. First of all, at 35-feet overall, the 330 packs a huge amount of living space and relaxing areas into a relatively compact envelope.
This is accomplished in a number of subtle ways. The hull form has full sections forward and fairly high freeboard so the volume inside the cabin would be comparable to a 40-footer from another builder. The side decks are wide enough to be safe when moving fore and aft, yet narrow enough to allow the builder to expand the salon to maximum width.
To enhance this sense of space, the 330 has large retractable sunroofs over the salon and cockpit which, when open, expose the whole living space to the sky, sun and breeze. And, the huge salon windows fill the cabin with natural light.
There is a sliding door between the cockpit and the salon. When open, the two spaces become one. When closed and with the salon sunroof closed, the salon becomes a sanctuary from the weather or the damps of night.
The salon has the galley along the starboard side and a four-person inside dinette to port. Forward the helm has a single slightly raised seat for excellent sight lines forward and to both sides. Marex has added a second instrument dash above the helm for a second glass panel screen and other instruments. A useful touch rarely seen on boats of this size is the side door next to the helm that will facilitate the handling of docking lines with only a couple onboard.
The cockpit/dinette, where you will spend a lot of time when at anchor, is U-shaped around the dinette table and is separated from the large swim platform by a low bulkhead. This not only creates two distinct living spaces, it also allows the builder to create one of the most comfortable cockpits we’ve ever sat in. The door to the aft platform closes to secure the whole space.
This last detail is important because Marex has created one of the most innovative soft cockpit enclosures we have ever seen. The side curtains that secure the cockpit are hidden away in the aft ends of the salon trim. Flip open the small doors and you can simply grab the curtains and pull them by hand around the cockpit, where you can join the two together and secure the bottom edges to the cockpit sides. It takes less time to do this than to read about.
Other innovations in the Marex 330 Scandinavia include a neat folding seat on the swim platform and the option to put either solar panels rated at 900 watts on the cabin top or mount a rack for bikes and water toys.
There are two sleeping cabins with the master cabin in the fore peak with a large double berth. The second cabin is tucked neatly under the salon floor and has a large double berth. Plus, there is a raised single berth beside the double. Two couples will be very comfortable in these cabins or the aft cabin could easily sleep three children.
Marex offers four engine options on the 330 starting with a single 380-horsepower Volvo DPI drive. This can be upgraded to 440 or 480 horsepower Volvos. Or you can opt for twin 270-horsepower Mercury Diesel SDs. The boat has a top speed of 38 knots.
It is good to see Marex, which was founded in 1973, expanding from its Norwegian, Scandinavian and European roots to North America where the builder’s innovative approach to boat design and dedication to excellence will be appreciated by American families.
