Marlow Yachts 58E

It’s not every time that I can do a sea trial and have the owner onboard.

While touring the boat with them, you can dig a bit deeper, and the owner can tell you the whys, whats and hows of the yacht’s design, functions and features. In this case, I was also able to spend the day onboard and catch some time with the owner after the sea trial.

Fortunately for me, we tested a new Marlow Yachts 58E. More fortunate is that the owner, Jeff Saplis, was eager to expound on his third Marlow (first a 49, then a 53, now the 58). Saplis had some key features to point out, which fit into his lifestyle and desires.

Past Dictates Present

As a former restaurateur and a very social guy with an engaging personality, the 58E’s country kitchen’s layout was important. To offer more space, there is no lower helm station, but a large U-shape dinette located underneath the forward windows. With close proximity to the galley and commanding views out the windows, it’s evident that this will be a key gathering point for those onboard. Twin bar stools offer additional seating at the high-gloss teak dining table or grab one and sit at the counter. A nice touch are the electric blinds.

A U-shape galley keeps appliances within easy reach. A full-size GE oven, Monogram four-burner induction flat cooktop with pot rails, Sub-Zero premium exhaust vent and four Sub-Zero 30-inch fridge/freezer drawers allow Saplis to provision what he needs and create what he wants. Double recessed sinks and fore and aft custom Vetrostone counters offer plenty of prep space, while upper and lower cabinets and drawers provide tons of storage space. Elsewhere is a Sub-Zero ice machine and two additional freezers.

Time to chill

In the salon, the focus is on relaxation, as evidenced by the layout. Long port and starboard couches are comfortable and roomy. What may not be evident to the untrained eye is that the couches are situated right to the outer walls, offering more interior space. That’s because Marlow doesn’t run ducting and vent lines behind the seats but created vertical air lockers in the aft corners to handle the flow. This allows the seats to be pushed outward a bit more, yielding a roomier feel to the salon. Saplis opted for no dining area in the salon. “I don’t want to eat in the living room,” he explains. Central is a gloss teak coffee table/storage unit with ottomans tucked into each end. Each ottoman is movable and has storage in the base. The overhead teak handrail is a piece of art in itself. Doublewide doors open to the aft deck, extending the social aspects of the main deck.

With a central table and transom bench seating, the aft deck is protected by the flybridge deck overhang. Twin aft gates lead to the integrated swim platform. Port and starboard side gates allow for side boarding and full walkaround decks make for easy line handling.

Fun up top

While exploring the 58E, you get the feel that this is a larger yacht, especially on the flybridge deck. The three-sided enclosed helm has glass front and side windows and a removable aft curtain, with AC and heat systems for all-year cruising. An aft corner settee with table and a lounge seat to port makes this another inviting social area.

As you would expect, the yacht can be tricked out with any kind of electronics thanks to the spacious console and overhead switch and indicator banks. Saplis fitted his yacht with three 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays that handle his navigation and system needs, 20-hp Side-Power bow and stern thrusters, Naiad fin stabilizers, dual Icom VHF radios and Volvo Penta engine displays.

On the open aft deck is a mini galley with grill, sink, fridge and storage. Store the dinghy up here with the 1,000-pound davit crane or set up lounge chairs for a relaxing oasis. During our test ride, this was my favorite place to chill.

Living space

On the other end of the spectrum, the lower deck has three staterooms down a curved staircase. The full-beam primary stateroom has over a dozen drawers and lockers for clothes and supplies. The head is simple with a single sink and a tiled wall in the shower stall. Discreetly placed in the primary is a hallway with access to the engine room (a great idea for the owner-operated vessel) and a laundry area with separate full-sized washer/dryer.

One thing missing from the primary is a TV. Saplis explains that he and his wife did not want one, as this room is for sleeping and relaxation.

Forward is a VIP with centerline berth and direct access to the shared head. Midship is a double berth stateroom. An access hatch in the foyer deck is to the mechanical space that houses the bow thruster motor, pumps, piping and more. Power abounds

Speaking of the engine room, there’s also access from the large hydraulic transom door. Saplis opted for twin Volvo D13 diesel engines producing 1,000 hp each, coupled to ZF drives. These powerplants are smaller than comparative Cat engines and allow for full walk-around access to the side-mounted ancillary systems, including two 21.5 kW generators.

Punching through the seas, the 58E saw a wide-open throttle of 24.5 knots, so you know you can safely get to port if necessary. Cruise at 18.8 knots for a fuel burn of 62 gph, or really extend your range at 9 knots, consuming only 9.5 gph. The point is this is a versatile combination of hull and engine package that delivers what you want.

Just aft you will also find a space that can be designated as a beach club, creating a swim/social area off the swim platform. Or it doubles as a crew quarters, complete with a head for those trips when you need an extra hand. The big draw with the Marlow Yachts 58E is curb appeal. It has a commanding profile with gentle lines from stem to stern. A Portuguese bridge offers protection on sporty days and has gate access to the foredeck. Non-skid decks abound, and access to the ground gear is easy. Saplis opted for easy maintenance, so there’s no exterior wood. With a dark gray Awlgrip hull that accentuates the lapstrake hull, Saplis also had a ceramic coating applied to the entire yacht, eliminating the need for regular waxing. Transiting the decks is safe thanks to stout railings and handles.

Some other niceties found on the Marlow 58E include a pop-up throttle/thruster station to starboard, carbon fiber helm steering wheel (looks very cool and is solid), Clear Mate water filtration for drinkable water onboard, Stidd helm and companion seats, and more.

You can learn something from a couple who has cruised extensively, knows what to include on a yacht, has customized their own Marlows, and is happy with the outcome each time. It’s a benefit when you can hear it from an owner directly. Jeff Saplis knows what he’s talking about.