On Board Review

440 Marex Review (2023 Edition)

The 440, Marex's new flagship yacht, comes in two different layouts - Scandinavia and Gourmet version. At the Cannes Yacht Show, Jack Haines got to take the Gourmet tour

The Marex 440 was quite difficult to get on board during its world-exclusive debut at the Cannes Yacht Show 2023, and it’s not hard to see why. As the flagship of the Marex range, the 440 Gourmet Cruiser is the biggest Marex to date, but also the priciest, with a base price of £681,000 ex VAT (correct as of Jan 2025). 

Small by Cannes standards, but brimming with features, this is hull number one of the 440 Marex. Read on and uncover what will make this model so appealing.

440 Marex Key Facts

440 Marex illustration
  • LOA 44.948ft
  • Model Year 2023
  • Cabins 3
  • Max Speed 37 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Cruiser
  • Use Type Weekending

Review Video

Design & Build

The Marex 440 is a new generation of cruiser with contemporary design lines and innovative features. At 13.70 metres in length and with a maximum beam of 4.27 metres, this boat is set to become the brand's flagship. The design is a collaborative marvel between Marex's in-house design team and the Slovenian studio VOM Creations Yacht Design, with naval architecture provided by Nikl Design and engineering by Alpha Creations.

The 440 is available in two distinct layouts: the 440 Gourmet Cruiser and the 440 Scandinavia Version. The Gourmet Cruiser features an enormous U-shaped kitchen layout, making it the largest kitchen in its class. This version is perfect for liveaboards who want to feel like they’re on a much larger vessel. The Scandinavia Version, on the other hand, offers an enclosed salon with additional seating, although you might argue that the ample cockpit seating makes this a bit redundant.

The 440 has a ‘warped planing’ hull, which Marex says reduces drag and will provide excellent stability, manoeuvrability, and high-speed handling. It's teak outside and ash inside, lending a very high quality and luxurious feel to the boat. The interior can be customised with several finishes, including modern light or classic dark walnut wood, and beige or pale grey surface finishes.

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The foredeck cushion detaches to create a floating island
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The Gourmet Cruiser has an impressive galley for a boat of this size
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In true Marex style, the cockpit can be quickly enclosed

An eco-feature of the Gourmet Cruiser version is its ability to run all fridge and freezer units off the solar panel on the roof - even when disconnected from shore power, your cold stores should remain operational.

The 440 is riddled with thoughtful design features. Two good examples of this are at the helm: there's a smart design where the gap between the helm seat and backrest allows you to lounge comfortably with your feet up. The navigation bench also comes with a lovely slab of teak and clever supports that can make the space into a small table, good for holding drinks or a laptop.

The Marex 440 offers flexible accommodation with two and three-cabin arrangements. The three-cabin layout includes separate double and twin cabins sharing a day head, while the two-cabin option provides a full-beam midships guest cabin with a larger bathroom. Both configurations are generously sized and thoughtfully designed.

This is hull number one, technically a prototype, yet it already feels like an incredibly solid package. The Marex 440 proves to be a versatile and well-crafted yacht, peppered with clever, thoughtful design features.

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With IPS or sterndrives, the handling should be sharp

Interior Accommodation

The galley is absolutely massive, with a U-shaped area on one side and an L-shaped area opposite. While you won’t find a domestic-sized fridge-freezer, cooling space is still very generous with two deep drawer freezers and a chest cooler built into the worktop. If that's not enough, there's another drawer fridge conveniently located near the helm.

The double sink is big and practical, and there's an oven and an induction cooktop—though you can opt for gas if you prefer.  Drawer storage is all over the place, making it easy to keep your kitchen essentials organised and accessible. Despite its relatively small and compact size, the Marex 440 is designed for liveaboard comfort, with plenty of space for your belongings. 

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The galley link well with the cockpit
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Fridge/freezer drawers take care of the chilling duties

Guest Accommodation

Forward is the owner's cabin, a great space that immediately stands out. The use of smoked glass in the doors allows natural light to seep through and keeps the space from feeling hemmed in by dark timber. This design looks classy and the cabin remains bright and welcoming. The walnut cabinetry is lovely, and the ash underfoot adds to the high-quality feel we've come to expect from Marex.

Natural light is plentiful here as there are overhead skylights and a decent level of hull windows. The ensuite is a good size, and there's more smart thinking here featuring a separate shower cubicle that can be partitioned off, keeping the toilet and sink dry. 

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The owner's cabin, forward
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The double berth is a good size

The VIP cabin boasts a good double bed and there’s hanging storage and a seating area, perfect for putting on shoes and socks. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds to the cabin's versatility.

The twin cabin features a sofa, creating a cosy space where kids can relax, look out the window, and enjoy their own little retreat. This space can also be converted into a double bed, offering plenty of sleeping options depending on your needs. 

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There's a small bench in the owner's cabin for putting on shoes and socks
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One of two twin guest cabins in the three-cabin arrangements

Helm Station

There are four forward-facing seats in the helm area of the Marex 440 and these are incredibly valuable for navigation, ensuring that everyone involved in the passage has a clear view ahead. Not only is this arrangement practical, but it also creates a social space where you can communicate with the rest of the boat, even if someone is in the galley or outside.

At the navigator bench, there's a lovely slab of teak built-in with little supports that open up underneath to create a small table. This would be lovely for holding drinks or using as a makeshift office.

There is push-button adjustment for the wheel, allowing the wheel to be brought right towards you, creating a perfect seated position with the throttles and joystick (for the IPS version) right under your hand. The IPS 650 option, with 480hp per side and a top speed of 37 knots, has proved incredibly popular. But if you're not fussed with IPS, the Marex 440 also offers stern drives and shaft drive options.

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The side door makes crewing much easier
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The functionality continues on the navigator's side

Standing at the helm is just as comfortable, thanks to an adjustable step that you can order to suit your height, and a seat bolster that lets you peer out through the sunroof.

Another piece of smart thinking is the enclosed anchor locker which has an anchor camera. You can monitor the entire anchoring process on a screen, so you can remotely check the status of the anchor without someone needing to be on the bow. The camera, being enclosed, stays clear of spray and muck, so it's always clear and you shouldn't have to clean it.

The addition of side doors on both sides of the helm is a great touch. It allows for easy access to the side decks without the helmsman having to move out of the way. It's a small detail, but one that significantly enhances the usability of the boat.

On Deck

The swim platform has built-in chocks for a dinghy, which pop up at both ends so you can easily secure a Williams 385 tender, and it can sink down into the water and float off with no fuss.

The platform itself is incredibly versatile; once it drops down, it extends out, revealing a built-in staircase. This provides a nice, shallow stairway into and out of the water, very good for families.

There are big voids for storage on either side designed specifically for fenders, and another spacious compartment with a drainaway in the middle for stowing wet kit, ropes, and clothes. The quality of the teak on the platform is also worth mentioning; it’s absolutely lovely

The shore power is on a reel that you pull out and plug into the shore power. Once you're done, it reels back in neatly - no hassle of dragging the entire cable with you. This is a prime example of the smart thinking that informs the design of the Marex 440.

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The hydraulic bathing platform creates a great
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Steps emerge as the platform drops down

Cockpit

Up in the cockpit, there's an enormous seating arrangement. The teak table opens out and joins up with the surrounding seating, as it's on a lift mechanism. This setup can then drop down to the level of the seats, and with a few cushions, you’ve got yourself a massive sun pad. A bar area becomes part of the cockpit with a button-controlled drop-down window - although the drop-down window is really, really slow, it does fully open the space outside and in. Once it’s down, an extending table flips over to create a smart bar area facing out into the cockpit.

Storage? There’s plenty of it. Underneath all those seats, you’ve got easy-access storage with lids that lift on gas rams. No fussing about with moving cushions, just smooth, practical solutions.

A signature Marex touch is found here with the full wraparound covers. These stow neatly in the side panels and can be pulled around like curtains, enclosing the cockpit in about 30 seconds. It’s a brilliant, well-protected setup, even at this size.

Twin manual sunroofs add another layer of flexibility as they can be pulled back to let the sun in, or covered up in seconds for shade. On the downside, the lighting here could use some improvement. There are some LEDs, but it’s not super bright, so you might find it a bit lacking at night.

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The table drops down to create a sun pad
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Marex's curtain canopy system can't be beaten
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Accessing the side decks on the Marex 440 is incredibly convenient, as you can step out from the side door or up from the bathing platform. Once you’re on the side decks, you’ll notice how generously wide they are, with nicely designed toe rails are nicely designed, adding to overall safety. The deck is absolutely covered in top-quality teak, giving it a very luxurious finish.

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The side decks are safe and easy to negotiate
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The anchor is concealed behind a flap in the bow

This teak detail carries on in the foredeck area where you’ll find pop-up backrests on the sunpads, allowing you to sit up and enjoy the ride in comfort - provided you’re not moving along too quickly that is. 

But there’s more clever stuff at the bow. The big anchor hatch pops up easily, offering excellent access for any maintenance. The bow sprit extends out, a feature designed to save you a bit of money on marina fees by reducing the boat's length when docked. Even though the anchor is fully enclosed, it’s still easily accessible.

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A camera allows you to see the anchor deploy from the helm
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Engine Room

Access is through a hatch in the cockpit, and let’s put it this way: the insulation here is incredible. The generator was running the whole time, and I only realised it when I lifted the hatch.  

Once inside, you’ll find a cleverly engineered area wide enough to navigate easily. There’s even a little plate built on top of the engine, because, let’s face it, everyone steps on the engine.  A ladder slots neatly into place, making it straightforward to get down and in.

Now, headroom over the engines is a bit compromised. The starboard engine offers a reasonable amount of space, but the port side is more cramped, requiring a bit of manoeuvring to get over it. Despite this, the layout is very neat, making it easy to see and check everything.

One downside is that lifting the deck out for major maintenance isn’t as simple as a power-operated hatch. Instead, you’ll have to physically remove the entire deck if you need to take out the port side engine. Hopefully, this is a task you won't ever need to undertake. On the plus side, for day-to-day checks, access is pretty good—just keep in mind it’s a bit tight on the port side.

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Headroom isn't great but the installation is very neat and tidy
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This plate eases access down into the engine room

Value for Money

Our Options & Pick

The base price for a 440 with D6 440hp sterndrives is £681,800 ex VAT (all prices correct as of Jan 2025) and that rises to £747,400 ex VAT for a version with the 480hp IPS650s. For one with 480hp shaft drives you'll split the difference at £702,700 ex VAT

We prefer the sterndrive version, not just because it's the cheapest. It's likely to perform well both in terms of speed and efficiency and you have some flexibility in shallow water because the legs can be lifted; IPS pods and shafts are fixed. 

As for the Gourmet Cruiser or Scandinavia versions, though the big galley of the GC is a luxury we don't feel it works as well as the extra seating provided by the Scandinavia version, though is a very personal choice. As it is whether to go with two or three cabins. Most of these boats are likely to be run by a couple who occasionally have friends/family staying so we'd go for the two-cabin version with the fallback of the convertible berth in the saloon of the Scandinavia version. 

The standard spec is pretty good here and includes a bow thruster, Zipwake trim control system, Fusion audio system, diesel heating, and Miele domestic appliances. 

Worth additions include air-conditioning (£7,470 per cabin), generator (£22,900), hydraulic platform (£27,750), teak side decks (£26,360) and. twin 16in Raymarine Axiom MFDs (£10,960).

Our Verdict

The main feature of the Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser version - its enormous U-shaped kitchen - is particularly impressive for a boat this size. The layout is incredibly well-planned, making it a good choice for liveaboards. The solar-powered fridges and freezers mean you can remain off the grid without worry, and the use of high-quality teak and ash gives the boat a luxurious feel.

One of the best features is the helm design, with excellent seating options, ergonomics and an anchor camera. The VIP and twin cabins offer versatile sleeping arrangements, while the owner's cabin boasts excellent natural light and smart use of space.

However, it’s not all perfect. The engine room, while neatly engineered, is a bit cramped, particularly around the port side engine. And the cockpit lighting could use some improvement.

Reasons to Buy

  • Expansive Galley
  • Enclosable cockpit
  • Ergonomic helm position
  • Smart anchor camera

Things to Consider

  • Cramped engine space
  • Small galley (Scandinavia version)
  • Really slow drop down window

Looking to own a 440 Marex? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used 440 Marex Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new 440 Marex, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!

Rivals to Consider

When it comes to choosing the perfect yacht, it's all about personal preference. The Marex 440, with its award-winning design (most recently for "Up to 14m" at the 2024 European Powerboat of the Year Awards), certainly sets a high bar, but let's dive into the contenders that give it a run for its money.

For guest accommodation, the Marex 440 is top-notch. It offers a well-appointed layout for up to six guests across three cabins, including a master cabin with an en-suite bathroom and hull side windows — bringing in glorious natural light. This setup ensures every guest enjoys comfort and convenience with dedicated en-suite bathrooms. Rivals like the Azimut Magellano 43 HT and Sealine C430 also provide the same six-guest capacity, making them excellent choices for family and friends. The Azimut 43 HT, for instance, has stylish Italian design and luxurious finishes, while the Sealine C430 offers incredible versatility in its open-plan layout and smart use of space.

On the other hand, the Tiara C44 and Tiara C49, designed for slightly smaller groups of four guests in two cabins, still offer exceptional comfort for short trips and overnight getaways. 

The Tiara Yachts C44 has an impressive range of 1,224 nautical miles, making it ideal for those long, adventurous voyages. Meanwhile, the Nimbus 405 Coupé, Prestige 420S, and Targa 41 feature shallow drafts, allowing them to navigate waters that are off-limits to deeper vessels. This is a real treat for those who enjoy exploring secluded coves and shallower waters.

The Targa 41 is particularly notable for its performance, with a top speed of 42 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots. This makes it a thrilling option for speed enthusiasts who crave that burst of power on the open sea. Additionally, the Prestige 420S stands out with its sleek design and clever use of space, offering plenty of room for socialising without feeling cramped.

When considering a new or used yacht, it's always worth having a look at these key rivals. Your choice will ultimately come down to personal taste and specific requirements for your boat. From the performance of the Targa 41 to the luxurious finishes of the Azimut 43 HT, there’s a yacht out there to satisfy everyone.

Considering a new boat? Explore Marex'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

  • Length Overall 44.948ft
  • Beam 14.009ft
  • Draft 3.281ft
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 3
  • Berths 4
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 314 Gallons
  • Fresh Water Capacity 206 Gallons
  • Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-440
New Model Specs & Options

440 Marex Layout

  • Gourmet Cruiser

    Main Deck 440 Marex

    The GC version favours the galley inside the saloon

  • Optional Scandinavia version

    Main Deck 440 Marex

    Whereas the Scandinavia offers more seating space inside the saloon 

  • Two cabin layout

    Lower Deck 440 Marex

    The standard lower deck arrangement with two double cabins and two bathrooms

  • Optional 3 cabin layout

    Lower Deck 440 Marex

    As an option, you can spec a pair of twins amidships 

View All Layout Options