In a market brimming with contenders, the DFNDR 8 carves out a niche for itself as a pure driving machine, but with a few quirks and compromises. As we discovered on a crisp day amidst the Finnish archipelago, this is a compact titan.
The new little sister to the formidable DFNDR 9, the XO DFNDR 8 is the smallest in XO's current lineup. It's worth noting early on - size isn't everything. And before we dive into the nitty-gritty, we'll give you a taste of what it's like to drive her.
XO Boats DFNDR 8 Key Facts
- LOA 26.345ft
- Model Year 2022
- Cabins 1
- Max Speed 30 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Sportsboat
- Use Type Dayboating
Test & Review Video
Around the Marina
When it comes to the XO DFNDR 8, mooring is an absolute breeze, whether you're eyeing a cosy spot with the bow nudging towards the shore or aiming for a secure latch onto a buoy or anchor at the stern. The XO DFNDR 8 is ready for family adventures, if you're heading to an island and even beaching on one - you can do that thanks to its tough aluminium hull. The foredeck is easily accessible and serves as a handy platform for stepping on and off, exactly what makes a fast commuter boat so appealing.
It is designed for transfers and navigating tight confines of shaft moorings. There isn't any secret to its finesse - the combination of its twin engines that deliver plenty of oomph and a powerful bow thruster that makes low-speed manoeuvring easy.
Using the single lever system, skippers can juggle that power, and the boat responds immediately, which is especially valuable in rough weather.
At Sea
With a broad selection of outboard engine choices, including two single options (400hp or 450hp) and twin setups such as the Mercury 200s we were equipped with on our test, the DFNDR 8 offers versatility to suit many needs. Although the choice between single and twin rigs might seem negligible in terms of top speed and cruising performance, the twin Mercury 200s have got us up to a very comfortable 45 knots on test. The cruising experience at 30 knots is just so comfortable, achieved so effortlessly, using up surprisingly little fuel.
Turning the DFNDR 8 into the chop, the boat is made for these conditions. Trimming her up slightly, we're cutting through at 30 knots, consuming between 1.5-2.3 litres per nautical mile, showing its efficient cruising capabilities.
This, for me, is real XO territory. The slight chop on the water is no match for the sharp hull design, allowing the boat to hover over the surface with unparalleled smoothness. And when it's time to twist and turn, the grip on offer is almost jet-boat style, especially helped by the twin rig setup. The boat maintains traction effortlessly, regardless of how hard you turn, making it feel very planted and controllable.
The XO DFNDR 8's agility is particularly incredible - it can almost turn in its own length, making it so much fun navigating through narrow Finnish channels at speed. The immediacy from the helm is crucial in these situations, allowing for confident and quick turns - essential when weaving through islands at 40+ knots.
It’s clear from the get-go that a lot of thought has been put into making this boat functional and durable. The use of aluminium for the hull allows for a bit of rough and tumble, like beaching the boat without fretting over damage.
This isn't your average day cruiser. The original DFNDR was based on the old 250 hull and was a somewhat pastiche attempt to channel the Land Rover Defender. Instead, what we have here is a vessel that boasts a much more cohesive and well-thought-out design.
The full-width pilot house is a great example of this, eliminating the need for side decks almost entirely. Yes, there are side decks, but they're very, very small, leading you to naturally traverse through the boat to reach the bow. This design choice, while slightly awkward for hanging fenders, is cleverly mitigated by the boat's built-in fendering, which is spaced out along the hull to fill in those gaps.
Despite its relatively compact footprint, the layout is designed to maximise the space. The full-width pilot house is a good move, taking away unnecessary side decks. This design could have meant that placing fenders would be difficult. But XO has put in built-in fendering along the hull, problem solved. The aft cockpit is simple yet highly effective, featuring a bench that flips forward for outboard maintenance and a grippy, easy-to-clean deck material that’s very practical.
The opposing benches in the main cabin feel a bit cramped and could benefit from a more communal setup, especially considering the boat's high-speed potential. The sunroof option is a must, giving ventilation and natural light - why is it an option?
The decision to equip the cabin with opposing benches might initially make you think 'dentist's waiting room'. However, this configuration isn't without its reasons; it can be made up into a berth sizable enough to accommodate two people. This feature, although useful, does face limitations. There are no blinds on the windows and the space could become uncomfortably warm.
On reflection - how often will this berth be used? It's a nice option in theory but seems more tailored for very occasional use. I can't help but think a dedicated commuter setup, with four more of the boat's outstanding shock-absorbing seats, would have been a better bet.
The current layout does offer increased seating capacity and fosters a more sociable environment when at rest, compared to forward-facing seats. It's not the most appealing way to travel, especially considering the speeds the XO DFNDR 8 is capable of getting to. Seating facing inwards isn't exactly ideal when you're pushing along at 40 knots and want to take in the scenery.
The sunroof option is a must-have, proving itself invaluable during my time on board. It offers a burst of natural ventilation without the need to keep the window perpetually open, sparing you from incessant wind in your face.
if you can believe it, there is a toilet tucked under the cupholders in front of the navigator's seat - good for if there's a real emergency. It's there, which is a plus, but let's just say it won't be the highlight of your boating experience.
Sitting at the helm, you're treated to a driving position that's both cosy and focused. It's about letting the boat's fantastic shock-absorbing seats and the hull's handling characteristics take the strain. Trust me, a light chop won't ruffle your feathers here.
The layout of the helm station is cleverly done, with every control falling easily to hand, making you feel plugged into the yacht's controls. The armrest is a nice touch, allowing for easy and precise throttle adjustments – good for handling more challenging conditions.
Visibility from the helm is great, thanks to the glasshouse design - very few blind spots and an excellent view aft. Ventilation is also thoughtfully considered, with an optional sunroof that, to my eye, is worth having. It allows for natural ventilation, essential for those days when you'd prefer not to have the front window open, and there's - unfortunately - no sliding window available next to the helm.
A couple of things got on my nerves a bit at the helm. The positioning of the keys was too close to my knee and could lead to accidental knocks. Additionally, while ventilation is generally good, the addition of a small hatch for the driver in the side window would be good for that and for shouting out of the window, when you need to.
The cockpit is decked out with a grippy material that's both hard-wearing and easy to clean, it feels like a safe, slip-free floor that won't have you complaining over maintenance. And let's not overlook the simple bench arrangement in front of the outboards. This nice piece of design flips forward, so you can lift the outboards right out of the water - though, most of the time, it's probably going to serve as your go-to bench.
Underneath this area lies a technical space, a big void that houses the battery and offers access to the heating system. It's a bit messy and cramped, admittedly, making it a tad challenging to utilize as effective storage space. But for those willing to get creative and organize it a bit, you could make good use of it.
There are fishing rod holders and a roof rack. These features show the boat's primary focus: adventure. Whether it's stand-up paddleboards or any other toys, the XO DFNDR 8 invites you to stow your gear up top and set off for a day of exploration. This boat is meant to be a launchpad for your next adventure, getting you to hidden beaches or remote islands and letting the fun begin.
Foredeck
Stepping through the forward door next to the helm onto the XO DFNDR 8's foredeck, you'll come across its storage area, lined out on gas rams. It's a deep void space where you can stash oodles of boating kit. And with good drains all around, it’s a really handy extra bit of storage that keeps everything dry and secure.
But the real treat here is the flush sunpad. It's been a hot favorite today, and it's an absolutely lovely spot for lounging. I can just imagine a cold beer in my hand - and there are cupholders right for them here. The sunpad also hides a bit more storage as well.
Nearby, the anchor locker and fender storage are nicely spaced out, offering easy access without cluttering the foredeck. The locker, in particular, is deep and practical, proving that XO still has an eye on usability. The arrangement might be slightly unique, but in practice, it works pretty well.
At the time of testing (June 2023), the DFNDR 8 we tested came in at around €160,000 ex VAT and though the 8 is very capable for its size, there are boats of this size that have greater functionality.
It's a tough, well-built boat with outstanding dynamics but arguably unless your primary use for the boat is commuting in all weathers, there are better options out there. And €160,000 is quite a lot of dough for something to run you between islands.
It's also a bit rich to have items like the sunroof as a cost option when it's so fundamental to the comfort of those in the cabin on warm days.
Our Verdict
While it's clear that there are compromises, particularly with the layout of the wheelhouse, the boat's primary focus on being a superb commuter vessel is undeniable and, frankly, brilliantly executed. It's a boat designed for chucking your kit on board, moving people around safely while they're well-protected, and jetting off to the island or beach. And it absolutely excels in this arena.
Driving this boat is an absolute hoot - a real treat for those who thrive on performance and a smooth, exhilarating ride. The XO DFNDR 8 slots neatly into the category of boats that are not just transport, but an experience to be savored. Yes, the interior does see its share of compromises. The decision to aim for versatility in the wheelhouse design, rather than sticking to a pure commuter role, may not sit well with everyone.
If the primary aim is to get from A to B with a hefty dose of fun and a burst of power, then the XO DFNDR 8 is definitely worth considering.
Reasons to Buy
- Agile handling
- Excellent helm control
- Foredeck storage & sunbathing
- Built-in fendering
- Multiple engine options
Things to Consider
- Keys are too close to knees
- Lack of driver's side window
- Cramped toilet
Looking to own a XO Boats DFNDR 8? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used XO Boats DFNDR 8 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new XO Boats DFNDR 8, 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
The Quarken 27 Cabin, measuring 8.35m, is built for versatility, balancing performance and comfort. Inside, there’s a spacious cabin with a double berth and an electric toilet, making overnight stays easy. Power comes from a Yamaha F300 outboard, pushing the boat to a top speed of 43 knots. It’s also trailerable, adding to its practicality. Compared to the DFNDR 8, it offers more comfort and shelter, making it better suited to leisurely cruising and overnight trips.
The Beneteau Yachts Antares 8, at 8.06 meters, is a solid coastal cruiser designed for predictable, stable performance. It has a spacious cockpit and a well-equipped wheelhouse, making it a great option for family trips. Powered by a single outboard with up to 250hp, it tops out at 35 knots. Against the DFNDR 8, the Antares 8 feels more relaxed and steady, built for comfortable cruising rather than high-speed thrills. If you’re after something agile and performance-driven, the DFNDR 8 takes the edge, but if seaworthiness and comfort are your priorities, the Antares 8 is a strong contender.
The Targa 23.12, at 7.66 metres, is all about toughness and practicality, with a reputation for durability and safety in challenging conditions. It’s built for stability and comfort, but not outright speed, which is where the DFNDR 8 has a clear advantage. While the Targa 23.12 is a great choice for coastal cruising, its performance at higher speeds doesn’t quite match up. If you need a reliable, rugged boat, it’s a solid option, but for sharp handling and more excitement on the water, the DFNDR 8 wins out.
At 8.38 metres, the Targa 25.1 is a step up in size, offering more space both in the cabin and cockpit. It’s powered by a single outboard with up to 400hp hitting a top speed of 45 knots. While it brings extra stability and room, it doesn’t quite match the agility and quick handling of the DFNDR 8, especially in tight manoeuvres or rougher conditions.
The Antares 9 sits at 8.23 metres, offering a mix of performance and luxury, aimed at those who want relaxed cruising with a bit of speed. With twin outboards pushing up to 500hp, it can reach 40 knots, making it one of the faster options in the range. Again against the DFNDR 8, though, it leans more towards comfort and amenities rather than sharp, high-performance handling. If raw speed and agility are what you’re after, the DFNDR 8 has the edge, but for stable, comfortable cruising, the Antares 9 Mk2 makes a strong case.
Considering a new boat? Explore XO Boats' 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 XO Boats
- Range DFNDR
- Model DFNDR 8
- Length Overall 26.345ft
- Beam 8.301ft
- Draft 3.051ft
- Hull Aluminium
- Cabins 1
- Berths 2
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportsboat
- Use Type (Primary) Dayboating
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 102 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Mercury Fourstroke V6 225HP
- Engine max range (speed type) 200 (nm)
XO Boats DFNDR 8 Layout
-
Above
-
![Above XO Boats DFNDR 8]()
The canvas sunroof is great for quick ventilation
-
Main Deck
-
![Main Deck XO Boats DFNDR 8]()
The sofas in the main cabin covert to a double berth
Interested in a DFNDR 8?
NEW Build
Find your local dealer for a personalised, no-cost consultation
or just request
Brochures & Pricing
Used & In Stock
Looking for a ready-to-go DFNDR 8 or pre-owned options? Explore all inventory of the DFNDR 8 available worldwide
