English
The Viator Explorer 54 DS is a project conceived and designed in Germany and built in Holland. Tried and tested build methods are successfully combined with the latest technologies and are executed with outstanding build quality and craftsmanship.
An uncompromising approach to her design is evident throughout. She is designed to explore the world’s oceans securely and in comfort. The design puts the owner at the centre of attention and creates a platform to satisfy the demands of the most demanding and discerning of yachtsmen.
The Viator Explorer 54 DS can withstand pack ice but is capable of 250 nm a day of sparkling sailing. Her outstanding sailing ability sets her apart from ordinary explorer designs and is one of many factors that deliver pleasure as well as safety. The aluminium construction and hydraulically powered lifting lead keel are fundamental and deliver key attributes. The design envisages an owner who will demand the benefits of a carbon mast and an interior designed for their comfort and enjoyment and finished to the highest of standards.
Safety is paramount, there are water-tight bulkheads fore and aft and all her skin fittings are above water level, systems and ergonomics are designed to the most exacting standards and the very best equipment has been specified. Dual electric motors, high-capacity solar and closed-circuit cooling for the generator and heating systems all deliver tangible benefits and create value.
The Viator Explorer 54 DS liberates the owner from geographical restrictions and is for those who embrace new technologies such as electric propulsion and who want to ensure their adventures treat the environment with the respect it deserves.
The innovations inherent in Viator Marine designs is evidenced by her smaller sistership being nominated in competitions including "European Yacht of the Year 2021", category Bluewater Cruisers; Finalist "Gustave Trouvé Award", category electric sailboats; Finalist "Dutch Yacht of the Year 2021".
The specification describes the performance version of the Viator Explorer 54 DS which can be delivered in 2025 for a price of €2.340.000 ex tax including high-quality laminate sails. The construction allows some flexibility and customisation with a base price starting at €1.710.000 ex tax, excluding sails
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Conceived and designed in Germany, built in Holland
- Aluminium hull capable of resisting pack ice
- Lifting keel with lead bulb gives draft from 1,54 to 3,20 metres
- Outstanding sailing performance, realistic potential for 250 nm days with carbon mast version
- Dual electric motors – redundancy and efficiency
- Generous solar, generator with sealed cooling circuit and water maker for autonomy
- Owner-focused layout with superb cabin and bathroom, extremely comfortable saloon
- Outstanding quality equipment from Andersen, JEFA, Victron etc
CONSTRUCTION
Hull, Deck and Superstructure
- All plating of the hull, deck and superstructure are built from aluminium alloy (AlMg4,5Mn)
- Hull plating at keel and bow is 12mm
- Hull plating below waterline is 6mm (waterline reinforced against ice pressure)
- Hull plating above waterline is 5mm
- Deck and coachroof plating is 4mm
Keel and Ballast
- Fully retractable hydraulic lifting keel with a 3,5t lead bulb
- The draft is variable between 1.54m and 3.20m
Insulation
- Thermal and acoustic insulation above the waterline by PU foam with a thickness between 50 to 100mm
- All floorboards are insulated with 32mm Armaflex
- Bilge and all internal aluminium surfaces are varnished with thermo-paint to reduce condensation
Surfaces
- The hull (down to the waterline) is fine sanded to provide a perfect look
- No varnish or coating is used as it often causes corrosion problems with aluminium
- Bare aluminium is a great choice and will protect itself with a thin layer of oxide
- If a different colour of design is wanted – wrapping is recommended
- The below the waterline is protected by epoxy primer and hard antifouling
- Side decks, cockpit floor and transom can be covered with artificial teak (highly durable polyurethane), or an anti slip vinyl or paint – subject to customer preferences
Cathodic protection
- Sacrificial anodes are placed on the hull, lifting keel and propellers
Exterior Fittings
Windows, Hatches, Portholes and Deck Fillers
- All windows from 10mm glass
- Blinds for all windows
- Frameless flush portholes in the deck house windows: two opening forward, one opening portside (saloon), one opening above the galley and two opening to the cockpit for optimum ventilation
- Watertight aluminium door to the cockpit, sealed with two handles
- Aluminium hatch with lock for the anchor locker (with access to the anchor chain)
- Aluminium hatch with lock for the rudder compartment and aft storage
- Aluminium hatch with lock in the cockpit for access to the generator
- Large aluminium hatch with lock in the starboard cockpit bench to access the storage area and machinery below the cockpit
- Two aluminium hatches with locks at the aft benches
- Two deck hatches above the deck saloon (620x620mm)
- Deck hatch above the front cabin (620x620mm)
- Deck hatch above the bathroom (500x500mm)
- Deck hatch above the guest cabin (500x500mm)
- Deck hatch above the toilet (450x320mm)
- Blinds and mosquito nets on all hatches
- Opening porthole in the aft guest cabin towards the cockpit
- Two portholes in the front cabin
- Porthole in the bathroom
- Porthole in aft guest cabin
- Porthole in starboard storage area
- Deck filler for fresh water
- Two deck fillers for diesel
- Deck outlet for black water
- Large bimini for sun and rain protection that covers both steering positions and the entire cockpit; removable sides for additional weather protection at anchorage or in marinas
- Large bathing platform with access to the storage aft; electrically powered with remote control
- Bathing ladder and deck shower available at bathing platform
Sailing Hardware
The layout of the cockpit is optimized for single handed sailing or a small crew. All winches can be handled in an excellent ergonomic position, standing with best view to the sails.
- 4x Andersen 58 FS winches in the cockpit, optional for electric
- 2x Andersen 46 FS winches at the mast
- 2x 6 Spinlock jammers for all running rigging going to the cockpit
- 2x Spinlock jammers for the running backstays
- 2x Genoa tracks on the side decks
- Mainsheet on the deck saloon roof – German system
- Track for the self-tacking jib on foredeck
Mooring and Anchoring
The flexible combination of anchors, mooring lines or landlines offers a suitable solution for all situations and an easy setup. The windlass can be controlled from the helm at starboard or radio controlled with the Dockmate remote control.
- Double bow roller for main anchor and secondary anchor
- Lofrans 2700W electric windlass
- Ultra stainless steel main anchor (27kg)
- 80m 10mm Cromox Duplex stainless steel chain
- Stern roller for secondary anchor at transom – removable
- Kobra secondary anchor (16kg) with 20m 12mm chain + 40m lead line
- Electric Maxwell drum in starboard transom locker for anchor chain or 100m 16mm landline (easy switch between the two dependent on requirements)
- Manual drum in port transom locker for 100m 16mm landline
- Two 100m 16mm Polypropylene floating lines for both drums
- 12 aluminium mooring cleats welded to deck
- Two aluminium mooring cleats welded on each side of the transom
- Mooring lines and fenders
Safety and Protection
Safety is the main priority at sea. There is always a handrail in reach when moving in the cockpit or on the side decks. All lifelines are midships.
- Self-draining cockpit
- Two pushpits, two pulpits and stanchions in stainless steel
- Two boarding gates for port and starboard side access
- Lopolight LED navigation lights on pushpits and transom
- Cockpit handrails at deckhouse and helm
- Handrails along the deckhouse to safely move on the side decks
- Anti slip surface on all walking areas (cockpit, side decks, foredeck)
- Four safety harness pad eyes in the cockpit
- Two lifelines fixes on the cockpit roof midships
- Two lifelines fixed on the foredeck midships
- Welded aluminium toerail
- Easy access to the side decks from the cockpit with two steps
- Courtesy lights in the cockpit and on deck for safety at anchor or in the marina when moving around at night
- Two strong LED spotlights at the transom arch that can be used at night as search lights or when accessing an anchorage or marina
- Lee cloths or lee boards for sea berth
- Key lock safety box for documents or valuables on board
- 3x 2kg foam ABF fire extinguishers
- 1kg 3M Novec 1230 fire extinguisher (residue-free, no contamination of electronics like with powder extinguishers; perfect to extinguish small electrical fires without “collateral damage”)
- Fore and smoke detectors with automatic alarm throughout the boat
- Fire blanket
Safety is provided by the strong hull, watertight bulkheads and the watertight cockpit door, that seals the living area as a “safety capsule” at sea. The aft sections are also water-tight and with two rudders, give reassurance in light of increasing orca activity.
Deck Hardware and Stowage
- Transom arc for electronics and use as davits
- Swimming ladder and shower on the transom
- Life raft stowage in locker accessed from transom
- Bow sail locker with access to the anchor chain
- Large locker in rudder compartment to store all kind of water toys, bicycles or diving gear
- Large storage room below the cockpit used as engine room for generator, heating and air condition. Storage for supplies or spare parts and workbench. Access through the cockpit bench on starboard. Sound insulated towards the living area.
- Two transom lockers at the helm seats
- Cockpit table with locker
- Lockable under floor lockers in pantry (sized for standard drink crates)
Interior Fittings
General Characteristics
For a good performance it is important to keep the weight down. For the interior, we are therefore using plywood with a foam core or plywood from poplar. This allows for a very stable but also lightweight interior. The design can be fully customised following the customers preferences.
All surfaces are from Resopal or Marlan in order to reduce maintenance. Resopal also offers hundreds of different colours and surfaces, so customisation is very easy. We are using “real wood” only as a design element and to create a cosy atmosphere on board.
All hardware is marine grade and built for maintenance free use over many years. All installations can be accessed easily through floor openings in case of repairs. All floor openings are secured and cannot open accidentally in case of a capsize.
We consider lighting also an important design element on board. As LED lighting has a very low energy consumption, we are able to have numerous high quality lamps and LED strips from Prebit throughout the boat. The crew can enjoy different lighting profiles, from bright lighting when working in the kitchen to cosy indirect lighting for relaxing in the evenings or red lighting for night-watches.
Companionway
The design allows ease of movement between cockpit and there are just two small steps making movement comfortable and safe.
- Watertight aluminium door (completely seals the living area)
- Handrail
- Courtesy lights in the stairs
Deck Saloon
Located to starboard on an elevated platform with a 360-degree panoramic view
- U-shaped bench to starboard with comfortable upholstery, backrests, large storage area under bench and four large drawers
- Bench can be used as sea berth when on watch
- One large central table (can be lowered to have a large relaxation area)
- Four dimmable LED spotlights above galley
- Four dimmable LED spotlights above saloon
- Red/white dimmable LED spotlight
- Dimmable reading light with USB charger
- 230V socket
- Heating and air conditioning control with a touch screen
Large wet locker forward of deck saloon with integrated hot air heating and a seat next to it to comfortably dress and undress
Chart Table
Elevated forward facing chart table to starboard with a 360-degree panoramic view
- All control panels for main switches, instruments, on board PC, etc.
- Storage area inside chart table for notebooks and maps
- Storage below bench
- Red/white LED lamp at the chart table
- Two 5V USB sockets, 230V socket
Galley
Located to port
- Stainless steel sink integrated into Marlan worktop with mixer tap
- Gimballed four-burner induction stove with electric oven
- Vitrifrigo DRW180A double drawer fridge/freezer with 150 litre capacity
- Two storage units with three drawers each and with Marlan worktop
- Storage unit with door below sink
- Storage units behind worktop along hull
- Central cupboard with several drawers and bin opposite kitchen
- Locker with DeLonghi fully automatic coffee machine
- LED lamp above sink and LED strip above worktop
- Indirect LED lighting at the skirting board
- Two 5V USB sockets, 12V socket, three 230V sockets
Owner’s Cabin
The forward cabin offers a comfortable space with abundant storage for clothes at sea.
- Double bed with comfortable 160mm mattress – can be sprung or foam
- Four large horizontal non-opening hull portholes on each side with blinds
- Deck hatch (620x620mm) with blind and mosquito net
- Large ventilated storage space under the bed
- Shelves on each side along the hull
- Two large drawers under the bed
- Four cabinets with shelves and a hanging locker
- Settee with upholstery to starboard and with storage space inside
- Dimmable LED spotlights in the ceiling
- Dimmable LED strips under each shelf
- Indirect LED lighting at the skirting board
- Two flexible dimmable LED reading lamps with USB chargers
- Two 230V sockets
- Heating and air conditioning control with touch screen
Guest Cabin Aft
Below the cockpit to port there is a comfortable guest cabin with a double berth. The cabin is accessible from the saloon.
- Comfortable 120mm mattress
- Opening porthole towards the cockpit with blind and mosquito net
- Large portlight with blinds
- Flexible dimmable reading light for each berth with USB charger
- Red/white LED spotlight + white dimmable spotlight in the ceiling
- Indirect LED lighting at the skirting board
- Shelves and cupboard for storage of personal items
- Heating and air conditioning control with touch screen
Guest Cabin Port
A guest cabin with two berths is located between the galley and the owner’s cabin. The location is perfect to sleep in a rough sea, as the head is located near the centre of gravity with the least amount of motion on board.
- Comfortable 120mm mattress
- Upper berth with porthole with blinds
- Deck hatch above the sea berth (500x500mm) with blinds and mosquito net
- Flexible dimmable reading light with USB charger for each berth
- Red/white LED spotlight + white dimmable spotlight in the ceiling
- Indirect LED lighting at the skirting board
- Lee cloths or lee boards for sea berth
- Shelves for storage of personal items
- Heating and air conditioning control with touch screen
Bathroom
Care was taken to design a comfortable and large bathroom for a boat of this size, including a large shower compartment. Everyone on board will love this bathroom.
- Vanity unit with Marlan worktop, mixer tap and storage
- Electric marine toilet with freshwater flush
- Shower compartment with mixer tap, rainforest shower and handrail
- Cosmetic mirror with LED lighting
- LED strip above vanity unit
- Red/white dimmable LED spotlight in the ceiling
- Two LED strips in the shower
- Indirect LED lighting at the skirting board
- Heated towel rail (230V or water heating)
- 230V socket
- 5kg washer/dryer
- Large laundry bag
- Black water tank (100 litres) with sea valve above the waterline
- Deck hatch (500x500mm) with blind and mosquito net
- Porthole with blind
- Heating and air conditioning control with touch screen
All waste water from the toilet, sinks, shower or washing machine is collected in the large blackwater tank allowing the boat to be completely sealed off. This is an important feature as stricter environmental laws are expected in the near future.
Day Head
A day head was installed as a second toilet for guests when sailing. Designed for ease of use and a good hold even in rough seas. It can be either manual or electric.
Storage and Technical Room
In the design, one aft cabin was sacrificed for the benefit of a 360-degree deck saloon and a better cockpit layout with optimised ergonomics. As a result, an additional watertight bulkhead is incorporated into the design as well as a large storage and technical room below the cockpit. All technical equipment is installed in this space to reduce noise in the living area.
- Huge storage space to starboard including a large workbench
- 15kW generator in the centre with an access hatch through the cockpit floor for maintenance or easy replacement
- Strong 8kW Kabola diesel heating (hybrid version, can also heat using electrical supply
- Central water heating in all cabins (no radiators; chiller units for hot or cold air)
- Central Dometic air conditioning (no noisy units in each cabin)
- Schenker 24V watermaker with 100 litres/hour capacity which will run off the solar panels via the batteries
- LED lamps
- All diesel and water filters are easily accessible
- Sea valve above waterline as intake for the water maker
Aft Storage and Rudder Compartment
The large transom is also a generous storage space which is separated from the rest of the boat by a watertight bulkhead. It is accessible from the bathing platform or from a large hatch in the cockpit. The use of the storage space can be fully customised.
The bathing platform can be opened electrically with a remote control, so you can easily board your yacht when coming back with the dinghy.
Systems
Propulsion
The Viator Explorer 54 DS is using a sophisticated hybrid propulsion system that combines the benefits of electric motors with the range of diesel propulsion. Electric motors are perfect for manoeuvring in marinas, as they provide high torque even at low RPM. It is also possible to switch between forward and reverse gear without causing damage to the gearbox – there is no gearbox! There is also no maintenance or winterisation required of the motors.
When the Viator Explorer 42 DS was introduced in 2020, it was the first serial production yacht with a hybrid propulsion system. During the following three years, a challenging test program of the propulsion system was undertaken in demanding conditions – in the English Channel with strong tidal currents, frozen in ice and long motor passages through the Kiel canal. The new 54 benefits from the experience gained experience and the technical innovation over the past years.
The lithium batteries provide about 10 hours full electric propulsion at cruising speed. About 50-60 Nm is a sufficient for most day trips, for docking or undocking manoeuvres or for anchoring. If the batteries are low, the generator will kick in automatically and will provide over 1000 Nm range with the 700 litres of diesel on board.
The use of electric motors with their small size allows us to introduce a twin propulsion system. This adds safety with a redundancy, but also allows for much better close quarter handling. As with a catamaran, the Viator can swivel within the length of the vessel. An optional bow thruster is still available. When docking, the prop walk is neutral as each motor cancels out the other further easing close quarter handling.
Another great benefit of electric motors is their use as hydrogenerators when sailing. On long passages, with a speed above 7 knots, they will always keep the batteries full. This will then provide another 10 hours of range when approaching a new coast or marina.
Due to the manoeuvrability under engine only and without using the rudders, allows for a remote control to be used to steer the boat. The remote control with a joystick is an ideal solution when sailing short-handed and having to handle the yacht in a marina or a tight anchorage. It is even possible to control the boat from a pier or tender up to a distance of 50m. The remote control is also used for the anchor windlass and the horn.
- 2x 50kW Molabo Aries i50 48V (limited to 35kW electronically)
- Shaft drive
- Lithium 48V battery with 93.6 kWh
- MaxPower 48V bow thruster is optional
- Two stainless steel propeller shafts with shaft seals
- Two 3-blade Flexofold folding propeller
- Cooling of the electric motors via a closed circuit with a keel cooler
- Double control level at the helm
- MASE VS 15kW generator
- 40 litre diesel day tank
- Diesel fuel polisher
- Cooling of generator via a closed circuit with a keel cooler
- Total fuel capacity: 700 litres
- Two 350 litre fuel tanks welded into the aluminium structure with individual fillers and vents
Rudder and Steering Gear
- Two white fibreglass steering wheels from JEFA
- Rudder steering using torque tubes and gearboxes (the best system you can get; no friction of play, any rudder pressure is reproduced at the helm similar to a tiller)
- Two profiled rudders mounted on self-aligning JEFA roller bearings directly welded to the hull structure; the rudders will support the boat when it is beached
- Two solid aluminium rudder stocks
- Strong autopilot electric motor unit with 200 Nm
Ventilation
- Natural ventilation via multiple hatches, portholes and air vents under protected areas
- Forced ventilation throughout the boat to reduce humidity and supply fresh air
- Four vents that can be closed from the inside
- Two vents in storage room
Electricity
The design of the electric system is especially important on an aluminium yacht. The high loads and battery capacity offer the opportunity to run many systems not possible on standard yachts such as the induction stove without the use of the generator.
This supports the idea of self-sufficiency, which is most important for an exploration yacht in very remote locations. The necessity for water, food, diesel, gas and electricity is reduced to food and occasionally diesel. Electricity is made on-board via the solar panels, hydrogenerators or diesel generator and water via the water maker. This makes long distance cruising much easier to manage.
- 2x 230V 16A / 115V 32A shore power sockets (SmartPlug) with 25m cable
- 2x Victron isolation transformer 3600W with automatic adaption to 115/230V
- 2x Victron Quattro 48V/10000W/200A Inverter/Charger with 10kW power for 230V
- Control panel for Victron Quattro including max. shore power adjustment
- MG 48V lithium main battery bank (93.6kWh)
- Victron AGM 4kWh 24V service battery back acting as a buffer battery for all 12V/24V systems to keep navigation instruments running if main battery bank fails
- Victron AGM 1.3kWh 12V starter battery for generator
- Victron Cerbo GX system controller
- Victron Cerbo GX touch screen for tanks, temperature, battery bank
- SOLBIAN high quality solar panels on deck saloon with approx. 2.3kW capacity
- Main switchboard with two-pole circuit breakers for all electric equipment on board
- Electrical leak detector (essential to detect stray currents)
- Control panels for heating, generator, watermaker, air conditioning
- 5V USB / 12V / 230V sockets throughout
- All lighting is LED
Fresh Water
- 700 litre polyethylene fresh water tank with individual filler, vents and level gauges
- Pressurised water system with electronic pump 18 litres/min, 3 bar
- 50 litre hot water boiler heated via 230V or Kabola heater
- Hot/cold water circuit to galley
- Hot/cold water circuit to bathroom
- Hot/cold water circuit to shower on aft platform
- Cold water circuit to toilet
- Cold water circuit to washing machine
- Cold water circuit with high pressure pump Marco UP10/E 18 litres/min, 6 bar with two outlets at the sail locker and at the aft platform for deck washing with standard Gardena connector
- Gauge sensors in both freshwater tanks with displays at the chart table
- Optional fresh water disinfection through UV lamp or carbon filters
Black and Grey Water
- Black water tank to starboard – 150 litres
- Black water tank to port – 50 litres
- Grey water from galley is pumped into grey water collector
- Grey water from bathroom shower / sink is pumped into grey water collector
- Grey water from washing machine evacuated to grey water tank by gravity
- Grey water collector is pumped into central black water tank or directly overboard (automated sensor controlled pump)
- Black water from toilet is pumped into central black water tank
- Black water tank emptied via deck outlet or by sea valve
- Gauge sensor in black water tank with display at the chart table
Bilge Pumps
- 24V primary automatic electric bilge pump Johnson L4000 (252 litres/minute) in the bilge behind the keel
- 24V automatic electric bilge pump Whale Orca 1300 IC (80 litres/minute) in the bilge in front of the keel
- 24V automatic electric bilge pump Whale Orca 1300 IC (80 litres/minute) in the sail locker
- 24V automatic electric bilge pump Whale Orca 1300 IC (80 litres/minute) in the storage room
- 24V automatic electric bilge pump Whale Orca 1300 IC (80 litres/minute) in the rudder compartment
Navigation Electronics
Highly sophisticated navigation electronics are used for added safety and comfort. When sailing single handed, the autopilot is an important companion. The NAC-3 in combination with the HS60 GPS compass offers an extremely reliable combination, even in high latitudes, where magnetic compasses often fail causing sudden significant changes of direction by the autopilot. The JEFA autopilot is one size bigger than needed for a boat of this size. It will do the job even under extreme conditions and loads. The drive can be changed within minutes, if necessary.
- 3x B&G Zeus 9 displays – one at chart table and one at each helm position
- B&G 4G broadband radar mounted on transom arch
- B&G Triton2 Pilot at helm
- B&G NAC-3 autopilot computer
- JEFA 3600 Nm (375 kgM) autopilot direct drive unit type DD2
- Navico RF25 N rudder sensor
- Navico HS60 GPS compass (GPS, heading, pitch, roll) mounted on transom arch (essential for high latitude sailing or at any place with magnetic anomalies; greatly improves autopilot performance due to much better data input)
- B&G WS310 wind sensor at mast top
- B&G DST800-12o depth/speed/temperature sensor in the hull
- B&G ForwardScan forward looking sonar in the hull
- B&G V60 VHF system at chart table
- B&G H60 manual VHF
- Navico NAIS-500 with NSPL splitter, AIS receiver and class B transponder
- B&G ZG100 GPS antenna mounted on transom arch; back up for the HS60
- Internet via Starlink satellite (optional)
- Dockmate wireless remote control for both electric motors, bow thruster (if installed), anchor windlass and horn
- Dockmate induction charging pad at the helm
RIGGING AND SAILS
Mast and Boom
- Carbon triple spreader mast (Axxon) with a protective coating (RAL 9005)
- Mast foot with turning blocks
- LED navigation lights, steaming light, anchor light and foredeck light
- Carbon boom
- Bamar boom vang
- 2x Andersen 46ST mast winches
- Antal halyard slider (secure locking of the genoa halyward)
- Five spinlock stoppers
- Retractable mast steps at mast top
Standing Rigging and Furling System
- Rod rigging
- Running backstays (Kevlar)
- Facnor Flatdeck furler for genoa
- Facnor Flatdeck furler for self-tacking jib
Running Rigging
All running rigging in Gottifredi Maffioli DSK78 Powersprint, all halyards 12mm
Sails
We recommend high quality durable sails to take full advantage of the outstanding performance potential of the yacht and the ability to cruise autonomously for long periods in the world’s most special and remote areas.
We would expect most clients to specify the following wardrobe:
Square top fully battened mainsail
Furling genoa
Furling jib
Asymmetric spinnaker
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