Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence: New dayboat aims to distill superyacht essence

Cannes 2019 will see the superyacht yard strike out into the dayboat market with the Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence

Divergence is right. Ocean Alexander is striking out in a new direction with the 45, the smallest boat in its range and the first to be powered by outboards.

We shouldn’t be surprised given the rate that big outboard-powered craft are coming to market at the moment and this one will be a direct competitor for the Boston Whaler 420 Outrage.

Ocean Alexander traditionally occupies a grander space than this (the flagship is a 155), but if it can distill the quality of its superyachts into this versatile day boat then it could be on to something.

There are two versions available, one focused on fishing and the other on diving but really this is the one to choose for leisure use. It has a fantastic cockpit with opposing benches that can be re-arranged depending on whether you want to use it for dining or to seat guests on passage. Folding balconies on each side add useful extra space and grant uninhibited access to the water directly from the cockpit.

The purposeful helm station is protected by a substantial T-top that connects to the top of the windscreen for maximum protection. That will come in useful when you’re haring along at 43 knots with the quad 350hp Mercs at full chat.

Slip forward of the helm, guided by towering bulwarks, and there is a sunken seating area with a table and deep, comfortable recliners.

Although day boating is the main agenda, there is a convertible double bed and spacious bathroom below. The Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence will make its European debut at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Specification

LOA: 47ft 4in (14.45m)

Beam: 13ft 7in (4.19m)

Engines: Quad Mercury Verado 350hp

Top speed: 43 knots

Price from: Approx €800,000 (ex VAT)