Arksen 55An adventure boat in a class of its own

Ralf Marquard

 · 24.09.2026

The Arksen is built from high-quality marine-grade aluminium.
Photo: Arksen
British yacht builder Arksen is unveiling the Arksen 55, the first model in its new Adventure Series – setting new standards for active cruising enthusiasts and explorers.

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This 17.3-metre-long aluminium boat combines excellent performance with practicality: a range of 350 nautical miles at 25 to 30 knots and a top speed of 50 knots make the Arksen 55 something of an expedition platform. It is powered as standard by four Yamaha F450 XTO outboard engines – alternatively, three Mercury V12 600 outboard engines or three Volvo D6 440 PS inboard engines are available.

Thoughtfully designed down to the last detail

Designed for heavy-duty use, the Arksen 55 accommodates up to eight people in two cabins, a spacious saloon with easy access to the outer deck, and a practical utility area with a galley and workshop below deck. A bow ramp, an on-board crane and modular equipment mounts allow for the transport of diving gear, kayaks or even motorbikes. Thanks to a unique four-door layout and access points on both sides, crew members can move about on board freely and without hindrance.

The spacious helm station on the main deck combines navigation and dining in a single space and can be flexibly reconfigured from a U-shaped to an L-shaped seating arrangement. Below deck, skylights and sea views in almost every area create a bright, comfortable atmosphere – unusual for a vessel of this size. A washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher are housed in the utility area to save space, freeing up the living areas. Optional extras include an electric skylight system, additional solar panels or even a roof tent.

Finnish craftsmanship for generations

The Arksen 55 is being built by the Finnish specialist Kewatec, renowned for high-quality professional vessels designed for the most demanding operations – from rescue cruisers to Arctic ships. The design is by Jarkko Jämsén, whilst the development work is being carried out jointly by Arksen and the design studio Aivan. The Finnish specialists Fixafell and Riskas, who have over 75 years’ experience in shipbuilding, are responsible for the interior fit-out and joinery.

The double-stepped Deep-V hull, made from marine-grade aluminium, complies with ISO standard 12215 and is designed to last for generations. The hull is available in a choice of bare aluminium, a classic paint finish or a robust Raptor coating.

Arksen founder Jasper Smith sums up the philosophy behind the new range: “The Arksen 55 offers exceptional speed, range and comfort, whilst remaining true to our commitment to sustainability and functional design.”

Technical Specifications

  • Length: 17.30 m
  • Width: 4.70 m
  • CE category: B
  • Fuel tank: 3,200 l
  • Engine power: max. 1,800 PS

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Ralf Marquard

Ralf Marquard

Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE

Ralf Marquard discovered his enthusiasm for boating on the tranquil Aller, first with inflatable boats and later with a 6-meter cabin cruiser. His electrical engineering studies at HAW Hamburg took him from the southern Heidekreis (Lower Saxony) to the Hanseatic city. Ralf Marquard has been working for the BOOTE editorial team since 1997, where he trained as a test editor. He tests both small inflatable boats and larger yachts. His personal boat is a 4.50 meter long, self-built wooden boat with a 50 hp outboard motor. In 2007, he was appointed deputy editor-in-chief at BOOTE.

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