The Sanlorenzo 500Exp range has spawned some impressive yachts, and M is a perfect example. Naturally, the headlines are grabbed by the fact that it is capable of carrying both a helicopter and a plane, but there is more to M than her part-time airport status.
Her interior was done by London-based firm Studio Indigo, and it is an absolute delight; at odds with the bluff exterior in the best kind of way. The owner's cabin sprawls across the forward end of the main deck and has a private balcony, while guests are catered for in four beautiful cabins on the lower deck. M is a fiercely capable exploration machine, too, with a cruising range of 5,000nm and a steel displacement hull.
Review Video
M is the eleventh hull in Sanlorenzo’s 500Exp series, but it's not a repeat. Built over 30 months, this 47-metre explorer yacht sits on a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure, just under the 500GT threshold. The owner worked closely with the shipyard, shaping a layout for serious ocean cruising with the comfort that would stand up to long passages and high guest expectations for charter.
The design builds on the 460Exp before it, but with a longer aft deck that now supports helicopter operations, large tenders, and amphibious aircraft, all serviced by a 7.5-tonne crane. There’s a purpose-built hangar for the Icon A5 seaplane, complete with custom runners and a cradle system that slides straight out through the transom. The clearances are razor-tight - about half an inch on either side of the plane - which gives you a good sense of just how carefully the whole system has been engineered.
There’s a full-length service tunnel that runs from the beach club right through to the bow. It links the garage, engine room, pump room, laundry, and stores, giving full behind-the-scenes access - something you rarely find on a yacht of this size. That infrastructure means smoother circulation for the crew, better maintenance access, and far less compromise in daily running.
Externally, the 500Exp carries the rugged aesthetic you'd expect from an explorer - dark grey hull, industrial lines - but it's paired with some refined detailing. The exterior was drawn by Francesco Paszkowski, and the balance between toughness and finish feels spot on. Inside, Studio Indigo handled the interior design for M, with over €3 million spent on detailing and AV alone.
The look is clean, modern, and neutral enough to suit both charter and private use, with curved architecture, natural light, and layered textures used to soften the volume and create a sense of flow.
It comes as no surprise that the interior has been nominated for an award: Design & Innovation Awards 2025 nominee (Best Interior Design 499 GT – 40m+).
The saloon opens with a relaxed seating area, flanked by sliding doors on both sides, bringing in a natural cross-breeze and offering alternative access points beyond the usual aft entry.
Rather than a centrally dominant dining setup, the dining table sits off to port - a good size, but not overwhelming the space. That frees up the starboard side for a more informal setup: a small drinks or games table tucked beside the window, paired with some bold furniture choices that carry through the rest of the interior. The lighting, in particular, stands out - original, layered, and clearly part of a wider design intent.
And then there’s the bar - a proper focal point. With bar stools in place, it feels like a natural gathering spot. The TV above means it works well as a casual viewing area too - ideal for catching a match or winding down with a drink. It’s the social hub of this deck, and it’s been handled with a lot of thought.
The guest lobby connects neatly with the rest of the yacht - steps lead up to the bridge deck and down to the guest accommodation, with a convenient sliding side door opening onto the starboard side deck. Further forward is a dedicated crew access point into a pantry, linking down to the galley and crew quarters.
There’s also a well-placed day head on the starboard side - practical for guest use, and it even comes with a decent view.
Upper Saloon
The upper saloon is another lovely space, designed with real versatility. These areas often get used as studies or informal lounges, but here, the setup is particularly geared towards cinema viewing. There's a projector that neatly drops down from the ceiling, creating an almost full-width screen, turning the area into a private cinema room. Comfortable sofas line one side, while movable chairs can be repositioned or swivelled around as needed.
During the day, it’s equally appealing as a cool, comfortable spot to sit. It's a bit more intimate than the saloon below but still feels bright and airy, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides. And because it connects directly with the areas nearby, it doesn't feel isolated, managing to offer cosiness without sacrificing openness.
Owner's Cabin
Inside the owner’s cabin, there’s plenty that makes it feel special. Just inside on the starboard side is the toilet compartment, thoughtfully separated from the main bathroom to free up space elsewhere. Nearby is the owner’s study, and it's an impressive setup - a large marble-topped desk, generous storage, a TV, and a big window for views while working.
Moving further in, there’s a neatly positioned bar area, giving the owner the option to make their own drinks or coffee without needing crew assistance. The sleeping area itself features a spacious bed surrounded by generous headroom and an abundance of natural light, particularly from the extensive glazing on the starboard side, that helps the space feel airy and open.
At the forward end is the main bathroom, and this is where the earlier design decision really pays off. By placing the toilet separately, the shower space becomes genuinely expansive. It's large enough to comfortably include twin rain showers and even features a section of hull window for views while showering.
A large walk-in wardrobe sits nearby, finished with unique pink panelling and matching marble that stands out nicely. But perhaps the standout feature is the private owner’s terrace. At the touch of a button, the side drops down and railings rise automatically, creating an ideal spot to take in the surroundings, perfect for a morning coffee in a quiet anchorage.
VIP Cabins
The lobby area down is worth noting first, as it highlights the yacht’s overall interior style. At first glance, it appears relatively muted and subtle, but there’s some genuinely impressive detail in this space alone. The blue cabinet, with its matching marble top and fascia, is a real standout feature, paired with distinctive lighting fittings on either side and some well-chosen artwork to tie everything together.
But it's not all about the lobby area - further forward are two identical VIP cabins. These are beautifully executed spaces, fitted out similarly to the owner’s cabin but with their own distinctive touches. For instance, pop-up TVs aren’t something you often see in guest cabins, neatly disappearing when not in use, and the vertical hull windows make a refreshing change from the usual horizontal design, flooding the cabins with natural light. There's also eye-catching detailing behind the bedhead that adds depth and character to the design.
Practicality is good, with plenty of storage available, including a sizeable wardrobe featuring an integrated safe and internal drawers. The en suite bathrooms run behind the beds and follow the luxurious style found elsewhere - drenched in marble and featuring generously sized shower cubicles with rain shower heads. Again, large portions of hull windows are included to enhance the natural lighting, and the sinks and fittings continue the yacht's consistent, high-quality finish.
Double and Twin Cabins
These two cabins offer slightly different setups. On one side, there is a cabin arranged as a double - and a good-sized one at that. There's plenty of room on either side of the bed, making it easy to climb in and out. There are Pullman berths as well, providing space for an extra guest if needed. The design mirrors the style we've seen elsewhere, particularly with those familiar portholes, although each cabin has subtly different bedhead panelling, adding a nice touch of individuality. It also has a drop-down TV, plus a private bathroom very similar in size to the forward VIP suites, so guests certainly won’t feel short-changed.
Across on the other side is the twin cabin, featuring two good-sized single beds. There's still generous floor space between them, ideal for moving around or getting changed comfortably. Storage is neatly arranged, matching the double cabin in layout, along with another drop-down TV and two large portholes providing plenty of natural light. And naturally, this cabin also benefits from a private bathroom.
Crew Accommodation
Another useful space accessed from this area is the crew quarters, which can be reached from the port side deck on the main deck or directly from the guest accommodation via an internal door. A standout feature of the crew mess is just how bright and airy it feels. Often, crew areas can be a bit gloomy, but on M, it’s different – three large portholes bring in plenty of natural light and even offer decent views out. This area is where the crew will relax, dine, and socialise, complete with a TV and screens displaying system controls and onboard cameras, helping the crew stay aware of what's happening around the yacht.
Crew accommodation aboard M is set up for nine people. One cabin, typical of the bunk-style arrangement, includes twin berths, storage behind the door, some useful shelving, a small desk area, and direct access to an en suite bathroom. The captain, meanwhile, enjoys a dedicated cabin located separately up on the bridge deck.
Adjacent to this mess area is a compact galley space – fridge, prep area, and basic facilities. But the real galley is just around the corner, and it feels very professional. Stainless steel worktops, induction cooking, and a sizable oven are complemented by powerful extraction overhead. Twin sinks and generous refrigeration complete the setup, along with a dumbwaiter for efficiently sending food directly to the pantries above. Even here, the chef benefits from pleasant views and ample natural light.
This yacht is a proper explorer, built to cover some serious distances. Powered by a pair of 1320hp Caterpillars, it’ll cruise at 10 knots for an impressive 5,800nm, topping out around 15 knots. So, it’s not just called an explorer - it genuinely is one, and the helm reflects that.
There’s a leaning post that easily converts into a seat if you want to settle in, and the comprehensive suite of screens offers navigation, systems monitoring, sonar, radar, and cameras - the lot. The helm sits well forward, so visibility is excellent, especially valuable if ploughing through heavy seas.
Something thoughtful about this design is the dedicated seating behind the helm. Somewhere for guests who enjoy experiencing serious cruising first-hand, as well as providing comfortable watch positions for crew. Visibility from here is clear and commanding.
To port, there’s also a practical desk area with comms equipment and a large space for paper charts. Easy deck access on both sides leads directly to the foredeck, particularly useful given the wing stations located there. Equipped with repeaters for throttles, thrusters, and rudder controls, these stations offer clear sightlines forward, along the yacht's sides, and aft, making them invaluable during close-quarter manoeuvres.
At water level, you’re stood on a large transom hatch that doubles as a smart bit of multi-purpose engineering. When it’s closed, it seals off the area and the hanger where the plane lifts, but drop it down, and it becomes a generous extended bathing platform. So it's ideal for getting in and out of the water, going for a swim, having a shower, or relaxing right at the edge.
Down at the aft end, there’s a full hangar space built to take an Icon A5, or when it's not onboard, a rescue tender, using the same cradle. The cradle runs on sliding tracks, so it can be rolled out for launch and brought back in when it’s time to get moving again.
It’s more than aircraft storage, though. There’s room for SeaBobs, plenty of extra kit, and space set aside for a small gym. It’s well placed too, as it's right next to a drop-down platform with steps into the sea. If you’re going to squeeze in a morning workout, this is not a bad spot for it. There’s a staircase by the deck shower that leads straight up to the main deck, or you can head up from inside the hangar itself.
M has a vast, flat aft deck - a proper utility space for those who like to bring all the toys. Whether it’s tenders, water sports gear, or even an aircraft, there’s room for it here. The 7.5-tonne deck crane handles lifting with ease, and the setup supports everything from a helicopter to a small submarine.
Once it’s cleared, the deck doubles as a serious social space. There’s space to lay out seating, soak up the sun, or roll straight into party mode - it’s large enough to work as a full-on dance floor if needed. It flows neatly down to a mezzanine level, which links cleanly into the main saloon, making this whole area feel cohesive and well connected.
Foredeck
This area is very much a practical, working part of the yacht. There's room to store two additional Jet Skis and another tender, along with a crane to handle lifting duties. Up here, you'll also find all the anchoring equipment, and it's properly heavy-duty gear. Serious hardware for serious cruising.
Bridge Deck Aft
This is a key living space on this yacht, mainly because the main aft deck isn’t really set up as a cockpit - it’s more dedicated to toys, tenders, or a helicopter landing area. This means the bridge deck becomes the natural spot for guests to gather for outdoor lunches and dinners. It’s well-equipped for it, too, featuring an outdoor dining table, another attractive bar finished off with striking green marble, and a genuinely inviting lounge area.
It’s an ideal spot for soaking up the sun, totally clear of any cover, making it perfect for warm evenings or lazy afternoons. Its elevated position also provides added privacy, particularly handy in marinas, where being slightly higher above the quay makes the area feel more secluded.
Sun Deck
At the very top of the yacht is the sundeck, and it’s only right that it has a hot tub. The one aboard M is impressive, fully heated, generously sized, and glass-sided. The design allows people inside to swim right up to the bar, sit with a drink, and easily chat with anyone standing nearby. It creates a relaxed atmosphere and conveniently places everyone close to the main bar area.
The bar is fully finished in real marble, and though there’s no grill on this deck, it is pre-wired for something a bit more exciting, like a set of DJ decks. Given that around a million euros went into this yacht’s AV alone, the speaker system, fully built into the hardtop, has got to be impressive. It makes this area perfect for parties.
Moving aft, there's plenty of space for guests to mingle, with bar stools provided and further design detailing carried through from the yacht’s interior. There’s also a cosy lounge area set slightly lower down, with a smaller table that’s ideal for drinks, snacks, or games.
Finally, at the aft end of the sundeck, there's a big sunbathing space with detachable cushions that can be rearranged to suit.
The engine room has a few access points; the one here leads directly from the hangar area. There’s an emergency escape hatch overhead that opens onto the main deck, providing another route in or out. Immediately adjacent is the engineer control room, exactly where you'd expect it, with oversight of all critical systems. It’s fully equipped, even down to a pair of throttles, so if the wheelhouse controls ever fail, the engineer can take charge from here. Screens monitor every system on board, with clear switch panels behind, and there's a convenient window overlooking the engines themselves.
Heading down a short flight of steps from the control room leads into the main engine compartment. The engines sit on either side, with plenty of room all around for comfortable inspection and maintenance. Twin generators, again placed one on each side, keep things balanced, and Naiad dynamic stabilisers (fins) are installed, which is exactly what you'd expect on a yacht of this style.
Interestingly, the floor level steps down slightly here, providing improved headroom as you move through the compartment. There's redundancy everywhere, particularly noticeable in the array of backup filters for each system.
Beneath the floor is a hatch providing access to a tank deck, running forward and linking directly to the crew area, neatly tying all the lower-deck spaces together. Additional cooling equipment is housed down there as well, adding another layer to an already impressively engineered layout.
Our Verdict
M neatly brings together genuine explorer yacht capabilities - actual cruising potential and impressive toy-carrying capacity - with genuinely luxurious interior finishes. The interior alone is reason enough to buy the yacht; it's imaginative, detailed, and distinctively different from many explorer yachts that lack such flair inside. With its steel hull and nearly 6,000nm of cruising range, it clearly punches above its weight in capability as well. Ultimately, the 500Exp feels like a yacht that’s been built with a clear brief - go anywhere, carry everything, and look good doing it.
Reasons to Buy
- Incredible range
- Can carry a helicopter and a plane
- Steel hull
- Gorgeous interior
Things to Consider
- Aft deck committed to transport
- Small TV in main saloon
Looking to own a Sanlorenzo 500Exp? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Sanlorenzo 500Exp Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Sanlorenzo 500Exp, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!
Rivals to Consider
The Tankoa Yachts T500 Tethys has accommodation for up to 10 guests across five cabins, with two additional rooms on the lower deck that can be customised as extra guest cabins, a gym, or a cinema. While the Sanlorenzo 500Exp also offers 10 berths in five cabins, including a full-beam master with his and hers bathrooms, Tethys has a bit more flexibility if those extra spaces are fitted out for guests.
On performance, the Sunseeker 50M Ocean leads the way with a cruising speed of 19 knots and a top speed of 20.5 knots. It’s a good match for those who prefer a faster passage. The 500Exp, on the other hand, cruises at 13 knots and tops out at 15 - more suited to longer, relaxed journeys.
The Canados Oceanic 143 delivers strong performance too, reaching 24 knots and offering a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 8 knots. It's built for extended cruising, and its 2.1-metre draft is useful for accessing shallow anchorages that deeper-drafted yachts can’t reach. Compared to the 500Exp, it leans harder into performance and reach, with a very different cruising profile.
Considering a new yacht? Explore Sanlorenzo's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Sanlorenzo
- Range Explorer
- Model 500Exp
- Length Overall 47m
- Beam 9.6m
- Draft(full load) 2.75m
- Hull Steel
- Cabins 5
- Berths 12
- Crew 9
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 74,000 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 8,000 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Caterpillar C32 C C01 - U.S. EPA Tier 4 and IMO Tier III
- Engine HP 1319
- Engine economic speed 11 knots
- Engine max range (speed type) 4000 (nm)
Sanlorenzo 500Exp Layout
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Sun Deck
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![Sun Deck Sanlorenzo 500Exp]()
The sun deck has a large hot tub forward and big sunbathing space aft
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Upper Deck
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![Upper Deck Sanlorenzo 500Exp]()
The captain's cabin is close to the bridge
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Owners Deck
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![Owners Deck Sanlorenzo 500Exp]()
The owner's cabin is forward on the main deck
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Lower Deck
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Standard 4 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Sanlorenzo 500Exp]()
Four guest cabins on the lower deck with Pullman berths in the twins
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Optional 5 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Sanlorenzo 500Exp]()
The optional five cabin layout on the lower deck
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Under the Lower Deck
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![Under the Lower Deck Sanlorenzo 500Exp]()
The tank deck has extra cooling space and is home to the laundry room
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