Elling E6 Review (2019 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Elling E6 is built for range, safety, and comfort, and the deck layout speaks directly to that mission. The wide walkaround is all on a single level, making it easy to move about whether you're at anchor or underway. The aft deck is expansive, shaded by a bimini and fitted with a bar and a tucked-away seat, which helps keep it sociable but uncluttered. It’s also home to a large integrated storage area that handles two full-size electric bikes, all the fenders, and the usual on-deck necessities like inflatables, sun loungers, paddleboards and deck chairs. The tender garage can carry a Williams TurboJet 325.

Up at the bow, there’s a forward-facing seat and a broad sunbathing space. Substantial 3ft railings run the perimeter for added security offshore, and the anchoring gear is scaled for serious work. This is a boat set up for long passages without fuss.

Step inside and the saloon opens right up, with panoramic views all around. The upper saloon is spacious enough to host at least 12 in comfort. The roof section can be opened automatically at the flick of a switch, transforming the saloon into a bright, open space more in keeping with a flybridge - only here you get the weather protection and furnishings of a proper indoor living area. Comfort runs through everything.

At the forward end of the saloon, the helm area has twin gas-sprung leather seats and a clean, traditional feel. The layout gives the helmsman a good position, set up for long distances. Beneath, the lower saloon stretches the full beam of the boat and is unusually generous. The galley beside it is  equipped for long-term living, with full-sized Miele appliances and worktops that wouldn't be out of place in a high-end domestic kitchen.

Interior insulation is another standout point. The hull and deck are both well insulated and paired with double-glazed windows. Thermo-break frames eliminate condensation, and the climate control holds steady across different zones. Quiet cruising is also a strong suit thanks to the highly insulated engine room and a flex-mounted drive train, both of which keep noise and vibration to a minimum even at 16 knots.

Owner Cabin

The full-beam owner's cabin sits aft and is accessed via a short step down. It’s generously proportioned with warm woodwork and masses of built-in storage. It has a private ensuite in one corner with a separate shower. The finish throughout feels upmarket, and the layout gives a real sense of retreat. It's a space clearly designed for extended stays on board, with nothing skimped.

Guest Accommodation

There are two further cabins forward, both with ensuite bathrooms and fully separate layouts. One of them includes a large double bed, surrounded by more of that same wood finish and smart storage as seen in the owner's cabin. The other cabin can be configured to suit - anything from a guest suite to an office or even a dedicated storage room, depending on how the boat is being used.

One of the heads has an additional access door from the passageway, doubling as a day head when needed. The separation between cabins gives everyone privacy, and each room is individually styled. This makes the lower deck feel less like a row of matching hotel rooms and more like a small, private residence.

The Elling E6 runs a single Volvo Penta D13 engine delivering 900 horsepower. It can push the boat up to 20 knots, but its real strength lies in slow-speed, long-range cruising. At 6.5 knots, the range stretches to 4,000 nautical miles. Even at 15 knots, it’ll still cover 1,000 nautical miles. With 5,000 litres of diesel on board, many owners can run a full season on one fill - avoiding the queues that build up in busy cruising grounds.

At 9 knots, the E6 can cross the Atlantic with a range of 2,500 nautical miles. There’s also a standalone wing engine with its own tank - entirely mechanical, with no electronics - meaning even a complete systems failure won’t leave you stranded. This sort of redundancy, coupled with the quiet, insulated installation, makes for genuinely relaxing miles at sea.

The Elling E6 is a long-range cruiser with the character and kit to handle serious offshore work. It’s one of the few boats in its class built to CE Category A and designed to self-right like a lifeboat. The Kevlar-reinforced hull adds strength and cuts down water noise at night. A watertight bulkhead sits forward for extra security, and the whole structure has been built with quiet, comfort and safety in mind.

The living spaces feel more like a floating apartment than a traditional yacht interior. Smart insulation, full-spec appliances, flexible cabin layouts and big-ticket features like the opening sunroof make the E6 a capable full-time liveaboard. It’s a cruiser that can go almost anywhere and do so in real comfort, with enough capacity and redundancy built in to let the owner relax and enjoy the ride.