Marlow 70E Mk2

Marlow is a passionate, literally “hands-on” builder who has an intimate knowledge of his products. And he should, as each one has his name on it.

That brings us to the new Marlow 70E Mk2: A second generation, “new and improved” model. The original 70E has been in production for 19 years. But the Mk2 is different in several big ways, thanks to Marlow’s determination to build the next one better. As we tour the 70E, he tells me, “Things work well — I want to make them work better.”

Starting on the main deck forward, the 70E’s country kitchen galley/dinette area is entirely redesigned. On many models you may find the dinette nestled under the forward windshield next to a lower helm with the galley just aft, but Marlow took the bold step and flipped it around. 

With a U-shaped counter workspace design under the windshield, the dual-basin ceramic sink is forward, just left of center, with the five-burner Schott Curan induction cooktop with pot guides to the right. The countertop runs along the starboard side, over the four Sub-Zero fridge/freezer drawers. Additional fridge/freezer drawers are found portside and/or to the front of the large walk-around center island, which houses a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. There’s no lower station thanks to the enclosed flybridge with an access staircase inside to port.

Part of Marlow’s thought process for this design is to give the chef, who typically would be an owner or family member, the coveted panoramic forward view. I feel it also keeps the work area segregated from the other social places onboard if desired, but also lends itself to become a socializing area, thanks to the great open space, voluminous counters and island. Everyone can pitch in for meals. 
Setting the forward-facing U-shaped dinette just aft, those seated can still take in the forward view without being the centerpiece in the window.

Throughout the yacht is rich teak matching-grain cabinetry with satin finish, teak and holly flooring, carpeting and white ceiling panels. Doors have Schwepper hardware from Germany. Understand that as a custom builder, Marlow can arrange most areas like the galley/dinette to your liking.   

Marlow’s way of making things work better may not always be noticeable, but it’s there. Case in point: The salon. Sure, there’s a starboard-side sofa, twin port chairs and a high-gloss teak coffee table with drawers built into the base and ample room to navigate the room, but there’s something else — the buildout behind the seating is much narrower than before. That’s due to the way Marlow has redirected the flow of air in and out of the engine room. Instead of having a series of vent ducts running along the outside of the house and essentially behind the seating, Marlow turned them 90 degrees and created a vertical plenum just forward of the wing doors at the aft deck to handle all the air flow. Inside, the ducting is piped behind the aft corner curio cabinets, thereby increasing the salon’s usable footprint without changing the dimensions of the yacht or stealing inches from the side decks.

Another aspect to keeping the crowds together is the Portuguese bridge and foredeck. The deck is full non-skid, so wherever you walk, there’s good footing. Ample space allows for a few deck chairs, too. The deck is slightly crowned with holes in the aft corners for proper drainage. Access to the Lewmar windlasses, anchors and chain lockers is on a raised deck at the peak. 

Previously, the Portuguese bridge had a center doorway that led to the foredeck, with separate seating on either side. Now, Marlow designed two smaller doorways to either side, allowing for a large center settee to be the focal point, along with twin split fiberglass tables, keeping the group together and creating an open-air lounge and dining area.

More innovation can be found below on the lower deck. There are four watertight bulkhead doors from the engine room aft, so any holing of the hull should only impact that compartment (as long as the doors are closed). Why four doors? Marlow created a new home for the two Cummins Onan 21.5 kva generators onboard. It’s a separate mechanical room on the port side, with tempered glass observation window for crew, whose stateroom is adjacent, to see the hardware. A secured workbench and table vise fits it out.

Aft is the lazarette, with access to the steering gear, deck drain manifold, and twin Glendinning Cablemaster shore cable systems, which feature custom Marlow-built metal guide channels to ensure the cables run true.

Access to the outside world is via the transom door with hydraulic actuators. Due to the curve of the transom, Marlow’s system has two beefy embedded arms that extend from the hull structure before the ram actuates and tilts the door upward. It’s a large door, and thanks to the solidly built arms and pumps the door is sturdy and does not shake. 

Forward is the stand-up engine room that houses the fully accessible CAT C18 diesel engines. These powerplants give the 70E an impressive ride and cut of speed. Spinning at 1800 rpm, the 70E clocked in at 17.7 knots, with a burn rate of 30 gph on each block. Nudge up 3000 rpm to 2100 and the results are just over 23 knots at 48 gph per engine. Wide open will get this 110,000-pound yacht up to 26.4 knots at 93 percent load and 112 gph combined. Flexible drive couplings reduce any vibrations. Marlow’s own Veloci-Jet Strut Keels protect and support the shafts. 

A Seakeeper gyro is housed mid-ship in its own, as Marlow states, “condo” box. It’s forward of the engines on the centerline, with a glass insert for viewing. Marlow feels he can get better results with it positioned as close to center on both axes. To remove, the ceiling of the box is the salon floor, and there’s a lifting block and slide in the salon ceiling to get it up from its base and out the aft doors. Now that is some forethought.

Accommodations can be reached by the forward port curved staircase to a roomy hallway. Underneath the staircase is space for a washer and dryer.

Aft is the full-beam master stateroom, with centerline king berth, vanity/desk, drawers, lockers and a flat-screen TV. An ensuite head has a large shower stall with seat and his/hers sinks. A large mirror, opening portholes and a glossy ceiling add to the head’s brightness.

Forward is the VIP stateroom with center island berth, overhead hatches and ensuite head with shower stall. Two additional staterooms are included, one with side-by-side berths and the other with upper/lower bunks. A large hatch in the hallway deck offers access to some machinery, the hot water heater and plumbing, and works well as a dry storage area for provisions or suitcases.

Not to be remiss, up top is the enclosed command bridge with twin helm seats, room for three multifunction displays and space for charts. Aft is the observation seating with an L-settee and high-gloss teak table. Included here is a captain’s cabin (a first for Marlow Yachts) with head, shower and a desk area. Out the aft door is another L-settee, table and fridge. Store a tender or other water toys on-deck thanks to the sleek davit.

For long-distance cruising, fast speeds to beat the weather, and roomy accommodations for family and friends, the Marlow 70E Mk2 is a serious contender. This may be Marlow’s best yacht yet.  

DEALER
Marlow Marine Sales, Inc.
marlowmarine.com 
800-362-2657