Since the change of CEO at the head of the Finnish shipyard XO Boats in January 2019, the manufacturer has reviewed its product strategy. "Thanks to our new Polish plant, we can increase our production volume and offer a better price/performance ratio" explains Erkki Talvela, CEO of the construction site.
And to achieve this, the manufacturer, specialist in aluminium hulls, has just launched a new model, the XO 260 Cabin, replacing the XO 250 The new system, launched in 2015, is expected to be operational by the end of the year. The Open version will be added to the catalogue.
The XO Boats models are mainly sold for day cruising, especially in Greece or Turkey where it is appreciated to sail protected, with air conditioning. Thus, the XO 260 follows the concept of the XO 270 with a glass wheelhouse in which there is a saloon facing each other on the port side, a bench seat installed lengthwise on the starboard side, the cockpit in the extension and a co-pilot's bench seat on the port side.
Now, even on this 8.1-metre model, there is a toilet, a feature that is increasingly sought after by owners. The saloon converts into a double berth and even allows for short cruising. There is a cockpit forward, accessible from a central door in the wheelhouse, which is used for manoeuvring rather than lazing around.
The XO 260 retains the aluminium hull for which the shipyard is renowned, a characteristic that allows it to sail in difficult conditions. This hull is still made in Finland, while the rest of the boat and superstructures are now made in Poland.
The XO 260 is powered by a single outboard engine of 200 to 400 HP and will be able to reach a maximum speed of 50 knots. Approved in category C, it can carry up to 8 passengers. It retains the attributes of its predecessors: providing the ultimate driving experience, inspired by professional boats.
"BMW builds cars in series, but these are quality cars. Today, that's what we want to do at XO Boats." concludes the CEO.
