The Bray 42 metre Ocean Explorer motor yacht is a long-range luxury yacht which is the solution to the specific needs of an intrepid aviator/yachtsman, who not only required a helicopter landing deck on board, but a hangar as well. Bray Yacht Design accomplished this and more with their wide-body superyacht design that has spacious accommodation for 10 guests and up to 10 crewmembers.
The Bray 42 metre Ocean Explorer Superyacht
To be able to fit an EC 135 helicopter on a superyacht this size is a tall order; to hangar it away in a fully-enclosed stowage space without folding the rotor blades (for the ultimate in convenience), adds a whole new dimension to the project. The innovative solution is a system that lowers the helicopter down into the hull and provides shallow trough-hatches for the blades. In this way the owner’s helicopter can be protected from the ravages of salt-water corrosion while providing an open adventure deck for onboard activities – or a landing space for other friends flying in for a visit.
The hangar system on the Bray 42 m Ocean Explorer motor yacht places the helicopter into what would typically be the central engine room space, but in this case the below-decks area is split into port and starboard mechanical bays either side of the hangar. Through the use of diesel/electric propulsion we were able to fit a standard-shafted drive system with the electric motors mounted on the prop shafts below the sole plates. A standard diesel propulsion system utilizing aqua-drive couplings is also an option.
To further enhance the outdoor space on the expedition yacht, Bray has added a fold-down transom beach that, when lowered, reveals the full-width stairs to the main deck. These stairs are split on the centreline and may be lifted individually to access the large dinghy garage positioned aft of the hangar.
The lower deck accommodation space on the expedition motor yacht is made up of four comfortable guest staterooms, each with full ensuite heads. Forward is the two-deck crew accommodation with separate cabins and heads as well as a crew lounge. This area has its own stairway from the lower deck up to the bridge with access at all three deck levels. The guests have their own three-deck stairway further aft. Across from the main deck crew lounge and crew stairway is a large commercial galley. Directly aft are the owner’s stateroom to port (featuring closet-wall and spacious ensuite) and the dining room to starboard, both of which enjoy spectacular views from the oversize hull windows. Aft, the full-width salon features comfortable lounge areas with 270-degree views through the expansive windows and sliding glass doors, which lead onto the aft adventure deck.
The upper deck has a large captain’s cabin with complete head and direct access to the bridge. There is a settee for crew (or guest appearances) and a well-appointed helm with four flat-screen monitors. Starboard and aft past a semi-circular bar the space opens into a large skylounge that again takes advantage of oversize windows port, starboard, and aft to take in exceptional views. There is considerable open deck space both fore and aft.
The flybridge is left open for portable furniture with a hot tub/plunge pool and sunpads located forward. There is also a curved bar and bench seats for storage. Up a ladder will take you to the observation lookout also fitted with a bench seat, great for watching whales or spotting reefs.
Range for this vessel exceeds trans-Atlantic at 12-knot cruise, and she is easily capable of higher speeds for local cruising.
The super fuel-efficient, semi-displacement hull form of the luxury Bray 42 metre Ocean Explore yacht (a progression of our extensively tank-tested hull technology) ensures superior powering characteristics and seakeeping, giving this vessel double the range of stability of average vessels. Both bow and stern thrusters allow for dynamic positioning of the motor yacht and the fixed/active stabilizers provide zero-speed stabilization capability.
The hull is a conically projected, double-chined form with wide spray knocker, flared bow, and a transom stern. The longitudinal framing system, with its wide-spaced transverse webs, gives maximum strength and ease of construction. Advanced technology appendages, including a bulbous bow, midship bulb, stern bulb, and propeller bi-foils, combine to further reduce resistance. This efficiency allows for a wider beam that results in a more spacious interior for the size of the superyacht, and makes her quite unique.
The Bray Ocean Explorer Yacht Deck Plans
PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS (approx.) of the Bray 42m Explorer Superyacht:
Length Overall 42m (137′-10″)
Length Waterline 37.85M (124’-2″)
Beam 10m (32′-10″)
Draft 2.75m (9′-0″)
Displacement (S.W.) 340 M Tonnes (750,000 lbs.)
CONSTRUCTION
Hull Construction Steel
Superstructure Construction Aluminium
Class ABS, MCA
TANKAGE
Fuel Capacity 37,850 L (10,000 US gal.)
Fresh Water Capacity 5,675 L (1,500 US gal.)
Grey & Waste Water Capacity 1,900 L (500 US gal. each)
New & Used lube oil storage 375 L (100 US gal. each)
Jet Fuel 5,000 L (1,320 US gal.)
MACHINERY
Main Engines (electric) 2 x 700 HP Intermittent rating
Gensets (diesels) 4 x 280 kw, 1 x 55 kw
Watermakers (reverse osmosis) 2 x 1,000 US gal. per day
POWERING PREDICTIONS (estimated)
12 knots: 2 x 220 HP fuel consumption 25.0 gal/hr range = 5000 knt. miles
14 knots: 2 x 490 HP fuel consumption 53.0 gal/hr range = 2600 knt. miles
15 knots: 2 x 640 HP fuel consumption 69 gal/hr range = 2000 knt. miles
STABILITY (half loaded, intact, estimated)
Positive righting arm past 160 degrees
Downflooding point past 60 degrees
GM = 4.5 ft.
Explorer yachts available for charter around the world.
