The Best Ocean-Crossing Motor Yachts: Talking FPB Design with Steve Dashew

In the world of explorer yachts, not all metal is created equal.

^ Main Photo – FPB 97, ICEBERG

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The latest Berthon Podcast brings back a familiar name. Steve Dashew, creator of the FPB explorer yacht series, joins Sue for a conversation that covers design philosophy, seakeeping, comfort, and what separates a true ocean-crossing motor yacht from the growing number of vessels that only look the part.

Steve may be “retired,” but he laughs at the word. “We are busier in retirement than we were working full-time,” he tells us. Between photography, consulting and a Ford truck transformed into a yacht-style camper, he still spends plenty of time thinking about boats.

Why FPB Explorer Yachts Excel in True Ocean-Crossing Conditions

What makes this conversation compelling is that Steve never talks from theory. He talks from miles. Between BEOWULF, WIND HORSE, the FPB 64 fleet and the FPB 78s, he and Linda have tens of thousands of sea miles under their belts on designs they created themselves. That is why Steve returns again and again to real-world experience.

^ FPB 83, WIND HORSE – Currently for Sale – See here for particulars
https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/fpb-83-wind-horse/

“At the end of the day, yacht design is a zero-sum game,” he explains. “Computers cannot tell you what it feels like after you have been going to windward for four days with more to go. The decisions you make must come from real experience.”

The Importance of Average Speed in Safe Long-Range Passagemaking

A core theme in this episode is the importance of consistently high average speed at sea. Many boats can post an impressive top speed in flat water, but very few can maintain meaningful pace through crossing sea states, head seas, or long downwind passages. Steve explains why average speed, not peak speed, is the fundamental pillar of safe passagemaking.
A yacht that can reliably deliver consistently high average speeds unlocks shorter passage times, the ability to ride or outrun weather systems, and, most importantly, a calmer, more predictable experience for the crew. Comfort and safety are not separate ideas; they are linked directly to whether a boat can keep moving fast while keeping motion under control.

^ FPB 78, GREY WOLF II

This experience shaped the FPB philosophy. Comfort and crew endurance come first. Not interior volume. Not aesthetics. Not marketing trends. “The real key to successful cruising is being comfortable mentally and physically,” Steve says. “If the boat is comfortable, then a couple of thousand miles is no big deal. If it is not, you will always look for excuses.”

What Sets FPB Design Apart in the World of Explorer Motor Yachts

A major focus of the discussion is steering control. To Steve, it is the heart of safety offshore. If you cannot steer at speed in crossing sea states, nothing else matters. “Steering control is the holy grail,” he says. “It is what lets you jog safely into a gale or surf at speed without fear. Without it, your average speed drops and you lose the ability to stay with the good weather.”

Sue and Steve also revisit the early days of the FPB concept. When WIND HORSE was launched, they knew they were taking a risk. Even respected designers told Steve the idea would not work. But extensive tank testing, CFD, and years of cruising experience gave them the confidence to try. What surprised them most was how well the hull handled off the wind. “She was so much more comfortable than we expected that it made me uncomfortable,” Steve jokes.

^ FPB 64, AVATAR

From real-life tests in gale-force conditions to 10,000-mile seasons in the high latitudes, every FPB lesson was forged underway, not in the showroom.

The episode is full of insights for anyone considering an explorer yacht today. Steve offers simple advice: look at the people behind the design, insist on seeing real data, and most importantly, go to sea in rough conditions. “If the broker does not want to go out with you, that is the day you should test the boat,” he says.

It is a fantastic conversation with one of the most respected voices in bluewater design. You can listen now on BuzzSprout, Spotify and Apple.

For further information contact sue.grant@berthon.co.uk.

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