Outer Reef 650 Motoryacht Review (2024 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Outer Reef 650 motor yacht is designed for comfortable, high-quality cruising, with a focus on practical living. The aft deck features a spacious bathing platform, providing easy access to the water, while a built-in bar area includes a fridge, sink, and ample storage for outdoor entertaining.

Moving upwards, the flybridge is well-equipped for both relaxation and navigation. Adjustable tables can convert into day beds, creating a flexible lounge space under the protection of a large hardtop. The upper helm, fitted with Garmin screens, engine instrumentation, FLIR camera controls, and thruster controls, offers excellent visibility, making it the ideal position for manoeuvring.

Further aft, the boat deck houses the yacht’s tender, barbecue, and additional storage, ensuring everything needed for extended cruising is within reach. A crane allows for easy launching and retrieval of the tender, while deck boxes provide secure storage for gear. A ladder leads up to the hardtop, giving access for maintenance and cleaning.

The wide side decks, protected by high bulwarks, offer safe movement around the yacht. Forward, the Portuguese bridge leads to a well-appointed foredeck, where a seating area provides a private retreat with panoramic views. A substantial Ultra anchor and robust anchoring system ensure secure mooring. The bridge, positioned far forward, enhances visibility and gives the yacht its distinctive profile.

A practical feature of the Outer Reef 650 is its dual shore power connections, allowing flexibility when docking either stern or bow-in. Thoughtful details like vented storage, secure gates, and well-placed access points reinforce the yacht’s focus on practicality.

The Outer Reef 650 prioritises comfort over ostentation, creating a warm and inviting interior suited for long stays aboard. The main saloon feels like a home away from home, with large windows bringing in natural light and enhancing the sense of space. High-quality materials and classic styling contribute to the relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal space for both entertaining and everyday living.

The galley, positioned forward of the saloon, is designed for serious cooking, with domestic-sized appliances and generous storage. A five-burner hob, full-sized oven, microwave, large sink, and dishwasher ensure practicality, while multiple refrigeration units, including a wine cooler, add convenience. The layout allows for easy movement, reinforcing the yacht’s focus on liveaboard functionality.

The lower helm station, adjacent to the galley, provides a well-equipped command centre for navigation. Twin helm seats offer a comfortable vantage point, while the large vertical wheel and Garmin triple-screen setup give the owner-operator full control. Hydraulic thrusters, engine controls, and a FLIR camera system enhance manoeuvrability. Side doors on both port and starboard sides provide quick access to the decks, a key feature for a yacht designed primarily for owner operation.

Owner's Cabin

The full-beam owner’s cabin is the most spacious on board, featuring a classic aesthetic. Generous storage solutions, including large hanging wardrobes and built-in cabinetry, provide ample space for extended cruising. While personal items limit a full exploration of the storage, it is clear that the yacht is designed with liveaboard practicality in mind.

A unique feature of the owner’s suite is its direct access to the engine room. While a secondary entrance is available, this private passage allows the owner to check systems without navigating through other areas of the yacht. The ensuite is well-proportioned, with a large shower, sink, and toilet, maintaining the same high level of finish found throughout the yacht.

Guest Accommodation

The guest accommodations follow a three-cabin layout, each with ensuite facilities. The VIP cabin, located forward, offers a bright and airy space with a central double berth, overhead hatch, and well-organised storage. The ensuite includes a shower, sink, and toilet, maintaining the yacht’s balance between spaciousness and practicality.

A second guest cabin offers flexible sleeping arrangements, converting between twin berths and a double. The design also allows for an additional small berth, suitable for a child, making it a versatile option for different guest configurations. Like the other cabins, it includes a well-appointed ensuite and thoughtfully arranged storage.

Accessed via a dedicated stairway, the engine room is as well-organised as the rest of the yacht. It houses twin John Deere 6D135 engines, each producing 750hp, delivering a top speed of approximately 14-15 knots. At a cruising speed of 9 knots, the yacht boasts an impressive range of 2,400 nautical miles - more than double that of a similarly sized planing yacht.

The layout of the engine space is designed for ease of maintenance, with clear sightlines to key systems. Twin generators provide redundancy, a feature not always found on yachts of this size. Thoughtful engineering details, such as lighting beneath the engines to highlight any leaks or spills, reinforce the yacht’s practical and well-considered design. The well-lit space also includes non-slip flooring and neatly arranged components, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

The Outer Reef 650 is a trawler yacht built for serious cruising, offering a blend of comfort, practicality, and long-range capability. Every aspect of its design, from the well-protected side decks to the thoughtfully arranged interior, reflects a focus on liveaboard suitability. With an emphasis on quality and functionality, it delivers a refined yet relaxed yachting experience.