Is it worth €160k? We Tested It... | XO DFNDR 8

If how a boat drives is important to you then this sea trial and review of the XO DFNDR 8 demands your attention.

It’s a boat whose design includes a few flaws and compromises but as a pure driving machine, there is very little at this size that can compete, as Jack Haines discovered during this in-depth tour and sea trial.

The DFNDR 8 is the smallest boat in the current XO range and clearly takes inspiration from its bigger sister, the DFNDR 9. There isn’t room for a sleeping cabin but the benches in the wheelhouse convert to a double berth that can be called into occasional use.

There’s even a (very) small head compartment tucked away in front of the navigator’s seat. The helmsman and co-pilot are treated to shock-absorbing bucket seats whereas passengers aft have to make do with flat bench seats, which face sideways.

Forward, the well of a foredeck is lined out with cushions and a good place to chill out with a drink. Underneath, is a large lined storage void perfect to chuck all sorts of kit.

There are single and twin engine options up to 450hp and the 8 will crack 50 knots flat out with the largest motors. It’s its ability to cruise 30 knots, sipping just 1.5l/nm with the knife-like hull parting the chop that makes this such a capable fast cruising machine and one which punches well above its weight out on the water.

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Performance & Specification:
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LOA: 8.03m (26ft 3in)
Beam: 2.53m (8ft 3in)
Displacement: 1.9 tonnes (excl. engines)
Capacity: C for 8 persons

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Performance
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Engines: Twin Mercury 200hp outboards
Top Speed: 45 knots
Cruising Speed: 30 knots
Range: Approx. 200nm

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Timestamps
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00:00 Intro
00:30 Driving
00:50 Performance & Range
05:56 On Deck
06:45 Technical Area
08:19 Sunroof
08:50 Helm Station
09:40 Foredeck
10:26 Our Verdict