Orion 49 / Explorer

The Orion 49 / Explorer has the same hull, keel, rudder and rig as the Orion 49 / Cruiser (design 169). This version has a different deck, cockpit, deckhouse, interior and a different transom with a scope. The assignment was to design a robust and fast family cruising yacht, with a small deck saloon and suitable for sailing in cold regions.

Also for this version, we have chosen aluminum, partly for its robust looks like (this aluminum is unpainted) and partly because aluminum is an extremely solid and lightweight construction material.

Design no	173
Design name	Orion 49 / Explorer
Length	15.40	m
Beam	4.50	m
Displacement	15.00	t
Type of yacht	Cruiser
Building material	Aluminium
Boatyard	Alubouw Fryslan
Status	Under Construction

Orion 49/ Explorer
In order to anchor close to the shore, to sail a nice river, or to allow the mooring in a nice harbor, we have choosen for a retractable keel. Because of the keel is vertically retractable, it’s possible to sail with various drafts, wherein said steering characteristics remain the same.

Exterior
This version of the Orion 49 has a smaller cockpit with one pedestal. Two winches are in the centre of the cockpit for tne main- and jibsheet. The seats have a good backrest and sit comfortably. The entire cockpit is kept as low as possible, to give the crew in heavy seas security. For that reason, there is also created sufficient space behind the helm. The mainsheet is attached to the deck saloon, so there is no maintrack in the cockpit.

Interior
The deck saloon has a settee on the starboard side and on the portside a card table.