The Motor Boat Awards is a highly regarded international accolade based on meticulously conducted boat tests. Winners in each category are selected based on the vessel's performance during rigorous sea trials, as well as its ability to meet the requirements of its target market in terms of size, style, and price. The XO DFNDR 9 won the Motor Boat Award for its innovative design concept and quality.
Here is what the 2023 judges had to say about the winning DFNDR 9:
“Few boats under 30 feet can offer as much all-around capability as the XO DFNDR 9. The crisp and comfortable wave-cutting driving experience, the axe-bow structure, the towering yet deep main cabin, and the lack of wasted deck space make its practical and innovative walk-around layout truly stand out.”
“You can slide it onto a beach for a party. You can spend the night in the comfortable forward cabin. You can open the rear of the pilot house to enjoy relaxed sunbathing or a lunch for six—and you can achieve the same feat on the bow.”
Alex Smith, Senior Staff Writer/Boat Tester for Motor Boat & Yachting, commented on the DFNDR 9:
“The DFNDR is built like a tank and looks like a movie star. It is the pinnacle of all-around adventure boats, proving how much can be achieved when smart design, high-quality construction, and rigorous development come together.”
Market Positioning of the Finnish XO-Boat DFNDR Series
Due to the hybrid functionality of the vessels, they perform exceptionally well in transport, water sports, and weekend excursions, thanks to their ability to meet various needs. The DFNDR series is designed with active users of island holidays in mind.
International Professional Yacht Judges' Description of the XO-DFNDR Series
The award-winning DFNDR 9 is a motorboat suitable for any maritime activity, equipped with massive glass panels in the central cabin that allow the space to be fully enclosed for protection against heat or cold.
Designed for different climates, the DFNDR 9 can be equipped with either a heater or air conditioning. All DFNDR models feature a semi-raised mid-deck on the bow, allowing easy access to the cabin and multi-purpose decks for activities like fishing or sunbathing.
All vessels feature a standard suspension seat for the skipper and a separate toilet. The DFNDR 9 has a properly sized cabin under the foredeck, providing a bed for two adults with children. The rear passenger seats can flip to create a dining area for six or a sunbathing space for four.
When the concept leans more towards a center console or T-top design than an exceptionally powerful all-weather adventure boat, all DFNDR modules can be configured with different designs.