“Round”, “cute” or simply “wow”. The trade journalists who had travelled to Gdańsk for the test stood on the pier at the shipyard harbour in early June, their eyes wide with wonder, gazing at the first model in Galeon’s newly launched Explorer range, which, at first glance, looks anything but ordinary. According to the shipyard’s promises, this vessel – with a total length of just under 14 metres and a hull length of 11.6 metres – is designed to appeal to owners who travel far and wide without wanting to compromise on comfort and flexibility. Consequently, Tony Castro’s design – which can certainly be described as bold – focuses on suitability for long-distance cruising and maximising living space. So is this semi-displacement yacht the perfect floating home?
No matter which angle you look at it from: the boat doesn’t really fit into any of the conventional categories. Above, there’s a large flybridge with a lounge area and living space spanning the entire width of the hull. Beneath this, the deckhouse is offset asymmetrically to port; when the balconies are raised, there is unobstructed passage from stern to bow only on the starboard side. Below deck, two luxurious, spacious cabins await four guests. The engine and technical compartment in the stern is the size of a ballroom. And thanks to a variety of sliding and folding glass elements, the living spaces on deck merge seamlessly, with no discernible transition between inside and outside.
The photos do not deceive: from the outside, the boat looks like a much larger explorer yacht that has been compressed along its longitudinal axis. “Somehow too short,” the eye says, thrown off by the design elements typical of a galleon and the characteristic lines of the window panes. But as soon as you step aboard, the countless well-thought-out details spark a sense of excitement.
Huge balconies expand the living space
Two solutions in particular catch the eye when viewed from the stern: the folding bulwarks on both sides, when lowered at the touch of a button, become mega-sized balconies. Measuring over 5.5 metres in length and 1.5 metres in width each, these living space extensions are larger than those on the 60-foot sister ship. The gain in space is enormous, especially as Galeon has come up with some good ideas for making the most of it: on the starboard side, three bar stools with stainless-steel legs can be slotted into matching brackets in the floor. This transforms the outside of the galley into an open-air bar once the large window is hydraulically opened to form a ‘serving hatch’. In addition, table tops can be pulled out and folded up, for example for a morning coffee. On the port side, however, a large window unit swings outwards and upwards. The backrest of the saloon sofa behind it is pushed inwards, instantly creating a double sofa seat with a roof just above it and a side view of the anchorage.
Aft on deck, between the living and lounge areas and the height-adjustable bathing platform, there is a U-shaped sofa that can be rotated through 180 degrees. Whilst underway, guests sit here facing forwards; in the bay, this area becomes a panoramic seating area with a symmetrically folding table and an unobstructed view of the sea. The surface can be folded back towards the large dinghy garage. At the very stern, the hydraulically retractable platform with recessed steps invites you to take a dip and, whilst underway, serves as storage space for additional tenders and all water sports equipment.
Overall, the designers have paid a great deal of attention to the living area. The boundaries between inside and outside are fluid. The saloon, with its huge galley on the starboard side, opens aft onto the cockpit, which features a wet bar with a barbecue that connects almost seamlessly to the interior galley. On the port side are the steps leading up to the flybridge. Upstairs, alongside the second helm station in front of the sturdy, fold-down equipment rack, there is a large sunbathing area on the starboard side. Aft of this is another wet bar with a barbecue, fridge, sink and ice maker, and a second seating area with a dining table, over which a bimini can be stretched if required.
The saloon on the main deck is divided into several areas: right at the bow on the starboard side, slightly raised above the forward cabin, is the helm station with a large, sliding bench – there is plenty of space here for at least two adults. Opposite on the port side, beneath the forward-sloping windscreen, there is a lounge sofa, behind which is a square, fold-away table and an armchair. On both the port and starboard sides, a door opens onto the bow area, where a bench seat spanning the full width of the deckhouse is recessed, offering a forward view.
Two cabin layouts for longer journeys
At the aft end of the saloon, on the port side opposite the galley, there is a cosy U-shaped sofa with a height-adjustable dining table. In front of this, a television can be extended upwards from a sideboard. The kitchen unit itself is well over three metres long, though the sink, with just a single bowl, is a bit on the small side. The induction hob has two burners and there is no room for a dishwasher. So on long voyages, you’ll have to wash up yourself – if that’s all it is. Everywhere you look, the almost lavish use of natural light is striking, as is the attention to countless details. Important to note: every fitting, every hinge, every piece of upholstery and every detail is produced in-house by Galeon.
Forward below deck, the living area is flanked by two cabins. Owners can choose between two layouts: the classic option is the large owner’s cabin with an island bed in the forepeak and a wet room to starboard behind it, featuring a shower with a seat. On the port side is a second berth, the rectangular sleeping area of which extends aft and is partly situated beneath the saloon floor. The headroom there is only 1.41 metres. Aft, in the centre, is a room housing a washing machine and enormous storage spaces. The alternative version features two symmetrical double cabins with two wet rooms in the bow, a large living area with a dressing or work table, and double berths aft where one lies across the direction of travel.
This makes access correspondingly more difficult for those sleeping in the ‘inner berths’. Regardless of the area or the layout variant, light, functionality and comfort define the atmosphere below deck and in the saloon. The cabins and the bathroom are bright; large windows dominate the view, and decorative panels with indirect lighting are recessed above the headboard of the owner’s berth. The layout appears well-organised, with clearly defined living and lounge areas.
Overall, the impression is confirmed: the yacht was designed from the inside out. The focus was on providing owner families with as much living space as possible for long periods on board in all sailing areas.
Shaft drive and two Volvo D6 diesel engines
Access to the engine compartment is via a large hatch in the cockpit floor, with a stainless steel ladder. The generator, electrical system, tanks, auxiliary units and the test vessel’s two Volvo D6-480 diesel engines are housed here, with ample working and storage space for further installations, and are exceptionally easy to access. Beneath various other teak-covered floor hatches, the shipyard has very cleverly concealed the filler necks for all the tanks, as well as additional storage spaces for fenders, ropes and other equipment.
On the day of the test, only the wide stretch of river in front of the shipyard is available for the trial run. The speed limit is interpreted very loosely, and the shipyard captain puts his foot down – at least briefly. The Mini-Explorer effortlessly reaches the stated top speed of 20 knots in the shallow water at just under 3,760 revolutions per minute, consuming 194 litres of diesel per hour in the process. At a leisurely 2,000 rpm, the display shows just under 9 knots, and the Explorer makes do with 50 litres.
The hull, which is deliberately wide above the waterline behind the very rounded, almost flat bow, is constricted below the waterline and quickly tapers; furthermore, the underwater hull is flat. When manoeuvring, the skipper, as expected, feels the yacht’s high displacement, which causes it to list noticeably in sharp turns. From around 15 knots, it leaves displacement mode and rides the wave. The bow wave remains far ahead for a long time, which is also due to the hull shape. Unfortunately, it was not possible to test its behaviour in waves and rough seas in the sheltered river waters. Unlike what is now standard for vessels of this size, there were no Volvo IPS systems has not been fitted; instead, the shipyard has opted for a rigid shaft system. The manoeuvrability offered by the two 480-PS engines, including bow and stern thrusters, was impressive. Even in tight harbours, we do not view this choice as a drawback.
The helm station, featuring two large Raymarine displays alongside the Volvo engine screen in the top row and the steering and control elements below, is exemplary in terms of visibility and ergonomics. From here, the skipper also has full control over winches, pumps, lights and other electrical appliances on board. The all-round visibility is excellent thanks to the huge glass surfaces. From the helm, the skipper can reach any part of the yacht in no time at all if required.
From the upper helm, however, which is set back a good distance towards the stern, there is no direct view of the bow. This is blocked by the forward section of the deckhouse. The shipyard has therefore fitted the vessel with a forward-facing camera; nevertheless, in tight situations, one is inclined to steer from above whilst standing on tiptoe.
BOOTE review of the Galeon 430 EXP
The aim of fitting as much living space as possible into a vessel of limited length, incorporating every comfort and building a long-range yacht capable of travelling almost anywhere has been a success. Much like attempting to combine a Ferrari with a motorhome, compromises have to be accepted here too: in the case of the Galeon 430 EXP, these certainly include its unconventional look and the sacrifice of that last bit of sportiness when underway. However, this yacht is not intended to be a sports boat, but rather a living space offering every comfort. And the designers and shipyard have clearly succeeded in this task.
Design and Concept
Innovative, unique ship design
A consistent focus on comfort and travel
A wide range of uses, both indoors and outdoors
/(-) A style that takes some getting used to
Driving and steering
Steering position and location below deck
Good manoeuvrability
/(-) Noticeable weight at the top end in tight bends
View forwards from the upper helm
Housing and build quality
Commitment to luxury and quality, entirely in-house production
Light-filled, spacious
Huge balconies, well-designed hinged and sliding windows
Thoughtful details such as wood inlays and lighting accents
Equipment and Technology
Huge engine compartment, excellent access to all systems
Extensive standard equipment
clever details such as concealed connections and fuel filler necks
/(-) Long lists of options
The Galeon 430 EXP in detail
Technical specifications of the Galeon 430 EXP
- CE design category: B / 12
- Total length: 13.95 m
- Width: 4.52 m
- Draught: 1.11 m
- Clearance height: 6.36 m
- Weight: 18,110 kg
- Minimum engine capacity: 2 x 320 PS
- Maximum engine power: 2 x 480 PS
- Fuel tank: 2 x 600 litres
- Water tank: 450 litres
- Waste tank: 125 l
- Hot water: 60 l
- Batteries: 472 Ah
- Berths: 2 + 2
- Kilograms per PS: 18.86
Engine specifications
- Manufacturer: Volvo Penta
- Type: D6 – 480
- Quantity: 2
- Performance: 480 PS
- Full-load speed: 3,700 rpm
- Cylinder: Row 6
- Engine capacity: 5,500 cm³
- Fuel: Diesel
Measurement results
| Speed rpm | Speed in kn | Speed (km/h) | Consumption l/h | Range (sm) | Range (km) | Sound level (dB(A)) |
| 750 | 4.0 | 7.4 | 5.0 | 816 | 1511 | 58 |
| 1,000 | 5.3 | 9.8 | 7.7 | 702 | 1300 | 59 |
| 1250 | 6.4 | 11.2 | 13.0 | 502 | 930 | 60 |
| 1500 | 7.1 | 13.1 | 21.0 | 345 | 639 | 60 |
| 1750 | 7.7 | 14.2 | 25.0 | 314 | 582 | 63 |
| 2000 | 8.8 | 16.3 | 50.0 | 180 | 332 | 68 |
| 2,500* | 10.2 | 18.9 | 92.0 | 113 | 209 | 70 |
| 3,000 | 12.5 | 23.1 | 143.0 | 89 | 165 | 73 |
| 3,500 | 21.8 | 40.4 | 183.0 | 122 | 225 | 75 |
| 3760 | 26.0 | 48.1 | 194.0 | 137 | 253 | 80 |
* This is the most economical range during a steady cruise. Measured during our test with five people on board, no swell and a wind speed of ten knots. 80 per cent diesel in the tank, 10 per cent water.
Reclining dimensions
- Owner: 2.00 x 1.41 m
- Guests: 2.00 x 1.40 m
Running deck
- Freeboard: 2.22 m
- Balcony: 1.50 x 5.50 m
- Decking: Teak
Sound pressure
At a cruising speed of 1,500 revolutions per minute and a speed of 6.4 knots, the boat is quieter than average. A level of 60 decibels (A) was measured at the helm.
Standard equipment
Electric anchor winch · Bow thruster · Stern thruster · Non-slip surfaces · Instrument panel · Chart plotter · VHF radio · 230-volt shore power connection · Hot-water showers · Hot-water boiler · Battery charger · Fusion sound system
Construction method
The majority of the fuselage and superstructure is made of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. Vinyl ester and polyester resins are used as the resin matrix. During manufacture, the resin is introduced into the glass-fibre structure using a vacuum infusion process.
Manoeuvring aids
Bow and stern thrusters assist with manoeuvring in port. As the boat has a fairly large wind-resistance area, this is also necessary in stronger winds. In addition, fixed shaft drives are fitted.
List of options
The list of options for the Galeon 430 Explorer is comparatively extensive. Many of the features that define the boat’s character and specification must be purchased as optional extras. Galeon does not provide specific prices, even in response to our enquiry. The shipyard quotes a total price of around 2.38 million euros. This puts the price at around a third above the base price.
Details
There is a lovely detail on the teak table at the stern: a milled-in map of the world emphasises the boat’s explorer character and gives the outdoor area a distinctive look.
Pricing and Distribution
- from €1,785,000
- Special offer price: from €2,380,000
- Sales of test boats: galeon-yacht.de
- Shipyard: galeon.yachts
Alternatives on the market
Nord Star 42+
A typical Finnish cabin cruiser with a top speed of 42 knots and exciting options such as a third cabin or a flybridge, which is not included as standard.
Marex 440 Scandinavia
No flybridge, but a large lounge area in the bow. This sleek, sporty-looking glider boasts an open-plan living area and up to three spacious double cabins.
Nimbus 495 Flybridge
The Nimbus 495 Flybridge It stands for comfortable cruising with plenty of space and a clean, Scandinavian design. Its spacious outdoor areas are a defining feature.
Book recommendations
Stress-free mooring and unmooring explains step-by-step how to cast off and moor, anchor and tie up to buoys, even in windy and current conditions. Numerous photographs and clearly marked procedures help you to plan manoeuvres with a small crew in advance and carry them out calmly.
Skipper training broadens the perspective beyond mere harbour manoeuvres: the book covers trip planning, navigation, on-board electrical systems, radar, and how to behave in fog, rough seas and storms. It is therefore aimed at skippers who not only want to manoeuvre a yacht safely, but also to navigate it prudently over longer distances. Checklists, summaries and numerous practical tips provide support with preparation, decision-making and day-to-day life on board.
Is the Galeon 430 EXP a clever space-saving marvel, or has too much been crammed into its just under 14 metres? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments.
Jörg Müller-Dünow
Freier Autor