With the Loxo 30 Open, Pogo Structures is expanding its motorboat range to include an open model in the 9-metre segment. At the The shipyard’s product page The boat is described as a versatile platform for maritime professionals and recreational skippers. Among other things, it is mentioned in connection with passenger transport, fishing, diving, surveillance and leisure trips.
The Loxo 30 Open is set to be 9 metres long and 2.55 metres wide. It is designed to accommodate outboard engines of up to 150 PS, but the platform is also intended to be compatible with electric propulsion systems. The market launch is scheduled for January 2027.
The Loxo 30 Open is designed to sail efficiently at speeds of between 15 and 20 knots
Pogo does not market the Loxo 30 Open as a high-performance boat, but rather as an efficient work and leisure boat designed for moderate speeds. According to the shipyard, the hull is primarily designed for speeds of between 15 and 20 knots.
The design calls for a hybrid hull that is intended to plane with relatively little power. In this context, Pogo claims fuel consumption is up to 40 per cent lower than in comparable boats. This is set to become the key selling point. After all, rising fuel costs affect not only commercial operators but also private owners who keep a close eye on their range and annual budget.
Hybrid hull, sandwich construction and small engines
According to the available information, Pogo employs a composite sandwich construction. The Loxo 30 Open is manufactured using vacuum infusion, with fibreglass and polyester layers moulded around a foam core. According to the shipyard, the advantage of this construction lies in its combination of low weight and high rigidity.
This approach is intended to enable the use of a comparatively small engine. For the same task, less weight potentially means lower power requirements and, consequently, lower fuel consumption.
With regard to handling characteristics, the shipyard highlights several design features. A narrow waterline is said to improve handling in choppy water, a stable stern is said to enhance overall stability, and a small keel is said to improve course stability.
Open deck for passengers, divers and dock work
A second key point is its versatility. The Loxo 30 Open is designed as an open and modular platform. Configurations are mentioned for passenger transport, diving operations, maritime surveillance, port operations, commercial fishing and yacht clubs.
The boat is designed to carry up to twelve passengers and a skipper. This would give the Loxo 30 Open a total capacity of 13 people. For many coastal transport and excursion operations, this would be a significant figure.
With regard to passive safety, Pogo mentions watertight bulkheads and buoyancy chambers integrated into the structure. These are designed to maintain the boat’s buoyancy even in the event of severe damage.
2.55 metres wide and set to enter service from 2027
The width of 2.55 metres is particularly practical. This means the Loxo 30 Open remains within a range where road transport would be possible without the special permits usually required for wider vehicles. This can be just as important for commercial users with varying operating locations as it is for owners who wish to organise winter storage and maintenance flexibly.
The first vessel is due to be delivered to Bleu Evasion from January 2027 and will carry passengers in the Calanques National Park near Marseille.
The approach adopted by Pogo Structures is not entirely new. It was already evident at the Loxo 32 The shipyard opted for a sleek, lightweight hull and a modest engine. The Loxo 30 Open now takes this concept a step further, this time with an open deck and a clear focus on professional and semi-professional use.
For the time being, the key details needed to make a definitive assessment remain unclear: price, CE category, fuel tank capacity, range with a combustion engine, battery configuration for the electric drive, and reliable consumption figures. Ultimately, these factors will determine whether this interesting concept will also prove to be a convincing boat in practice.
What do you think of the hybrid approach? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
