XO Boats – your new adventure

Following the design principles of XO’s DFNDR series, the soon to be launched DFNDR 8 is expected to gain wide success and become another bestseller for the range

The Finnish boat manufacturer XO Boats, which is known for its aluminium hulled boats and boats of excellent driving qualities in rough conditions, has once again reached a new milestone in its product development. The latest addition to the XO fleet, the XO DFNDR 8 is set to be launched early next year at Boot Düsseldorf 2023 in January.

With its completely new concept, the XO DFNDR 8 is a true innovation, pushing the ideas of adaptability and configuration to the next level. With the various options, you can semi-customise the boat for your unique needs. For example, the open version can be configured to a more enclosed cabin boat by choosing the fixed side windows and fixed aft wall as extras. The XO DFNDR 8 can be adjusted for sport fishing, day cruising or for superyacht tender use.

XO DFNDR 8 comes in two different versions, one with open safari walls and another one with fully enclosable side screens, plus a hardtop aft wall to maximise the versatility of the boat. The seating area of DFNDR 8 follows the principle of a walkthrough boat layout, with a raised mid-level deck on the bow that can turn into a full-sized sun bed.

Passenger seats in the saloon can be easily converted into a bed for two, and there’s also a possibility to install a toilet, enabling overnight use during longer journeys.

Powerhouse for adventurous boaters
With twin engines, the agile XO DFNDR 8 can reach +50 knots of speed. Although the boat is smaller than other recent XO models, the DFNDR 9 and EXPLR 9, it still maintains the uncompromising attitude and resilience of a true XO. This boat is the perfect entry to the group of XO trailblazers for those who want to take their boating to the next level.

Optimal engine recommendations start from 300 hp, but the boat can easily handle 450 hp, single V8 or Twin 225 V6 engines. Overall length of the DFNDR 8 is 8m with beam of 2.37m, the boat weighs 1900 kg, and it has fuel capacity of 400 l. The XO DFNDR 8 can host up to 8 passengers for day trips and fun expeditions.

Inspiration derived from superyacht design
Following and adapting the design philosophies of yacht design, XO’s model range consists of boats which are made of aluminium, just like some of the most prestigious superyachts of the world. This makes DFNDR 8 an excellent choice for tender use alongside superyachts, since it has the same spirit and DNA of the yachts as its core. Like superyachts, the DFNDR 8 is also aimed to serve as a light, yet durable vessel, and also as a chase boat.

XO boats enable the exploration of the most remote corners of the sea – ensuring that every time you head out, you return with unforgettable stories. Like its widely acclaimed sister model XO DFNDR 9, XO DFNDR 8 is also expected to reach both test and award success.

Aluminium hulled boats – light, strong and ready for anything
Just like all the XOs, the new XO DFNDR 8 uses military-grade marine aluminium in its hull. The core of the boat is the Deep-V hull, which makes DFNDR 8 great to drive on rough seas. Aluminium is rigid, robust, and an extremely light material, that does not require constant maintenance. These are some of the qualities that make it the best solution when you want to excel in challenging conditions.

Aluminium hulls don’t need moulds in the production, which gives almost limitless possibilities for customisation, development and fine-tuning of the boat’s performance for individual owner needs. This is the key to XO’s unique driving qualities and excellent endurance abilities.

Reaching new shores, this time behind the Atlantic
During 2022, XO Boats has expanded its dealer network towards USA and now XOs are available on the east coast of United States as well. With the versatile, all-round boats, XOs have been highly requested and sought after especially in sunny Florida, where the latest dealerships have been established. In the future, more new dealerships can be expected from this up-and-coming Finnish brand.

The XO DFNDR 8 will also make its USA debut at the Miami Boat Show in February 2023.

For more details contact: info@xoboats.fi or visit www.xoboats.com