Sept 19, 2023

Finnish boat manufacturer XO Boats takes on a new frontier by launching its first entirely aluminum-made boat, the fiery and agile XO DFNDR A8. Made for trailblazers and serious boaters, this practical speedster is the perfect companion for the ones with active lifestyles.

The XO DFNDR A8 is a modern, enclosed walkaround T-top boat made of 10/5 mm marine aluminum. The boat can be equipped with 2×200 hp and 1×400 hp motors, reaching up to +50 knots in speed.

“We wanted to create a boat with XO’s edge, durability, robustness, and lightness for the sportboat segment. During the design process, we took a close look at boats of different categories, from rib boats to powerboats, and pondered how we could combine all the best features of action-made boating to one aluminum-hulled craft”, says XO’s CEO Erkki Talvela.

XO DFNDR A8 features several intelligent design choices for multipurpose use. The raised foredeck serves as a platform for sport fishing or can be covered with a comfortable sunbed. The carlike windshield goes from the deck level towards the glass roof, giving both UV-light protection and fantastic panoramic views. Seating is set for 8 passengers in three rows, with all the seats facing forward. Pilot and Co-pilot seats can be chosen as full shock-absorbing seats to keep pilots in control, even at the roughest conditions.

The XO DFNDR A8 also has space for overnight stay with the head and a berth for two under the foredeck. A RIB-boat style bumper is set around the boat for ultimate protection and comfort.

Combining modern, Scandinavian minimalism with Italian-inspired design and the best aluminium alloys out there, the XO DFNDR A8 is a completely unique boat with no match from anywhere else.

“When we began the design of A8, our goal was to create a boat so stylish that you wouldn’t believe it’s full aluminum. We are proud to have been able to combine aluminum and high-end design – we pushed our creative abilities to find and create the right methods to produce aluminum boats like this,” says Jaakko Kantola, Design Lead for XO Boats.

The innovations behind the creation of XO DFNDR A8 also make the mass production of aluminum design boats easier. This newcomer will have an excellent quality-price ratio regarding its class, size and excellent material choices.

”Aluminium is not just the material of superyachts, but also increasingly popular material for electric vehicles, such as Teslas. We have always been at the forefront of designing aluminum boats, and we still aim to keep our boats as durable and sustainable as possible.” continues Talvela.

The XO DFNDR A8 premiered at the Cannes Boat Show 2023 last week.
PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Overall Lenght (exc. engine) – 8.1 m
Beam – 2.67 m
Draft to Props – 1,05 m
Passengers – 8
Fuel capacity – 375 liters
Construction – ALU
Classification – C
Max speed range – +50 knots
Outboard engines – 2×200 hp / 1×400 hp
Deep-V Aluminum hull

More Information: www.xoboats.com