The New Technohull XPD: Risking It All & Hitting A Bullseye
The rookie expedition-style cruiser that just won BEST LAYOUT at the World Yacht Trophies—and why it trumps the category veterans.
If you don’t recognize the term “expedition-style” it’s okay, because you will recognize the brands who have built the category: Axopar, Nimbus, Saxdor, Brabus, XO, etc. What you may not have expected is for a RIB-titan like Technohull to join the party. Fresh off winning Best Layout at the 2026 World Yacht Trophies, the Technohull XPD has expedited its rise to the top and looks like a formidable challenger.
Technohull built their reputation exclusively on performance RIBs, so when I was initially shown the XPD project, I was skeptical. But after digging into the XPD's design and engineering, and seeing the boat in real life, I'm a skeptic no longer. This isn't just a RIB company trying something new, it's a valid player amongst the best.
Where the XPD Fits in the Market
Technohull’s new XPD will compete in the relatively new expedition cruiser space, a saturated battlefield: Axopar 45 XC, BRABUS Shadow 1200 XC, XO EXPLR 44 and the Wellcraft 44 Explorer to name a few. The XPD is the first boat I've seen that truly rivals the XO44, my favorite boat in this segment to date.
But where the XO44 succeeds, the XPD does it all with just a bit more space. And with boats, “a little more space” usually does the trick.
What Makes The XPD Different
No matter who’s looking, everything must pass the “eye test”. Want to play a game? Scroll down, look at the XPD in the image, and take note of the very first thing you think when you see the boat in its entirety. And don’t look for something good, your initial thought might be negative. Find my initial thought by scrolling under the image.
Among the XPD in its entirety, I was drawn to something I haven’t seen among any of the blue bloods: a large, comfortable cabin AND a sizable aft cockpit with comfortable seating. With the competition, you can usually get one, but you’re not getting both. Sometimes a tight technical space, sometimes an underwhelming bench seat, sometimes an uncomfortable picnic table. Never the comfortable sunpad and lounge seating you see in the XPD, plus its airy-spacious cabin.
The convertible touches of the central superstructure (cabin) are all class: fully retractable and motorized sliding doors, a sliding roof, and an aft window that opens completely. The space transforms from buttoned-up cruiser to open-air lounge without compromise.
Those double sliding doors deserve special mention. They stack on the exterior walls, which saves interior space while creating a larger-than-expected open-air area.
The subtle gunwale flare opens up the walkways significantly, making movement between bow and cockpit genuinely comfortable.
The Smart Storage Story
Here's where the XPD subtly shines: storage. The island sunbed opens from both sides: a classic access to the technical space from the bow side, plus an aft opening that offers sizable storage for sea bobs, water toys, inflatables, fenders and lines. Combined with the roof racks, you can keep all your daily toys completely out of the way.
This matters more than you might think. Most expedition boats either lack adequate storage or force you to choose between seating and storing gear. The XPD gives you both without the usual compromises.
The Technohull Performance Advantage
I’ve tested everything from the T9 to the Omega and I’ve never been disappointed. Technohull’s deep keel with ventilated steps delivers a quick plane and a very high-performance ride. Their “Dynastream” hull technology (that’s what they call their hull) is certainly a bit of marketing speak, but whether they anoint the hull with a name or not, it’s a great experience.
Carrying that same quality ride experience to the XPD is a big advantage. Whether your Technohull is flanked with tubes or protected with rubber bumpers like the XPD, the ride is sure to be sporty, low-profile and feature loads of grip.
The Question Marks
Nothing is perfect, and knowing the shortfalls is exceptionally important prior to signing that build contract.
The twin engine setup works well to maximize the space of the swim platform, but I'm curious if a triple 400 configuration (vs. the twin 600) would yield better handling characteristics. The engines are extremely tight which can limit the impact of joystick and split-stick maneuvering. Overall, the swim platform size is such an exceptional comfort that some buyers may not care, especially since you’ve got a bow thruster.
Moving to the bow, the forward storage is genuinely useful, but when they start calling it a sleeping space, I'm concerned for anyone who agrees to spend the night up there. It's storage, folks.
The Interworkings of the Cabins
How many people will sleep on it? Likely none, but the interior quality is a good sign of how much the builder cares about the project. With Technohull’s larger projects, I am always impressed with the interior quality. On the XPD, the space is tighter than direct comps like the XO44 and Axopar 45, but I’d put finishing amongst the best. Padded interior walls do a lot for sound control and provide a calming energy.
The lone head on the boat is an en-suite for the master, and matching the styling of the lower cabins.
Overall, for what the cabins provide to the average American boater, they are more than sufficient.
Will It Work?
Technohull's timing is premium. The expedition market has been waiting for someone to solve the entire equation, and the XPD does it best. The World Yacht Trophies recognition gives them immediate credibility in a segment where they'll have to prove themselves beyond RIBs.
I expect early interest to be strong, yet the combined impact of the Euro to USD conversion and tariffs will not help the cause.
The XPD should be the new cool toy among a category that has made kings of multiple competitors in a single category. The market is huge, and has room to grow at the top. These expedition-style boats are not susceptible to region or weather, hence their huge market, leading to expansive success in the United States and around the world.
The XPD will be the premium upgrade, competing with the XO44 for the top spot.
XPD vs. XO44
We’re talking about it so much, why don’t we highlight some differences between the XO44 and the XPD.
The major construction difference is aluminum (XO) vs. fiberglass (Technohull), and although the XO44 is lighter, shorter and has the same power, the XPD performs 10 knots faster. There’s the Technohull performance for you. The XO44 has a more substantial cabin layout, with both cabins having an ensuite, and the master sporting more headroom and walkable space.
When it comes to similarities, both aft cockpit’s have that leisure seating I love, and the bow areas offer seating options but nothing complete (if you’re looking for great bow seating arrangements, check out the Skipper brand).
The most impactful difference, in my opinion, is the upper cabin size and how it impacts the layout. The XO44 has a neat track seat that moves forward and back to maximize space: forward to create a full seating area while at anchor, and aft to open the helm seats. Unfortunately, you can’t have both at once. With the XPD, you can. This yields a larger indoor seating area, which is expected considering the XPD is at least 4 feet larger.
Cabin of Technohull XPD
Cabin of XO EXPLR 44
Just The Facts
· Length Overall: 48 feet (14.65m) Outboard / 49 feet (14.85m) Inboard
· Beam: 14.2 feet (4.32m)
· Light Ship Weight: 26,500 lbs (12,000kg) excluding engines
· Fuel Capacity: 528 gallons (2,000L)
· Water Capacity: 92 gallons (350L)
· Berths: 2+2+Bow storage
· Cabins: 2
· Engine Options: 2 x Mercury 600, 3 x Mercury 600, inboard TBD
· Maximum Power: 1,800 HP
· Speed: Cruising 40 mph / Max 65 mph
· Hull Design: Dynastream Deep-V with ventilated steps
· Base Price: $1,300,000
· Well-Optioned MSRP Landed USA: ~$1,550,000
Interested in learning more about the Technohull XPD? Contact us at hello@rnmarine.com to discuss how this award-winning expedition cruiser might fit your adventure boating plans.
Want to learn more about the Technohull XPD from an unbiased source?
GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
305-908-1504
ON THE HUNT FOR YOUR NEXT BOAT?
Let’s use the value-based approach in this artcile to find your next boat.
To get started, email me at Reed@RNMarine.com.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
Get Started with Reed
