WATCH | Maiden Voyage Magic – A First Look at the Steeler Ocean Explorer 22M, 'Two Bubbles'
A rugged 22-metre steel explorer, built for real-world adventure and finished with Dutch precision—meet the go-anywhere yacht designed by a sailor who’s been everywhere
Now, if you’ve been hanging around here for a while, you’ll know that our community has a bit of a thing for explorer yachts. Not just the go-anywhere attitude but the engineering, the thoughtfulness, and the sheer “get-it-done” spirit behind each hull plate and handrail. And M/Y Two Bubbles, the brand new 22-metre Ocean Explorer from Steeler Yachts, carries that torch full steam ahead. (There’s a short video below that shows her cruising in all her glory.)
She’s just completed her maiden sea trial on the North Sea—a fairly no-nonsense bit of water for a shake-down cruise—and she did so with that classic Dutch poise we’ve come to expect from the builders in Steenwijk. But Two Bubbles isn’t just another pretty hull. She’s been crafted for a serious world traveller, someone who’s clocked tens of thousands of ocean miles under sail and knows what they want when it comes to long-range, liveaboard life at sea.
Steel Where It Counts, Style Where It Matters
From the moment you clock the silhouette, she’s got presence. That broad-shouldered bow and angular superstructure tell you straight away: this is no Med marina flâneur. She’s built in steel, with an aluminium superstructure up top to keep things stable, rugged, and efficient. Painted in a striking pale blue with crisp white accents and that sharp flybridge hardtop, Two Bubbles looks like an Arctic survey vessel that discovered fashion—and absolutely nailed the look.
Underneath, she’s engineered with purpose: a steady 10-knot cruising speed and a top end of 13 knots might not raise eyebrows in the marina, but that’s entirely missing the point. This is displacement territory—built for efficient, unhurried ocean passages where comfort, range, and unwavering stability matter more than speed. Whether she’s crossing the Atlantic or punching through a choppy North Sea, Two Bubbles is designed to keep going, no matter the weather or sea state. It’s not about racing the horizon—it’s about reaching it reliably and safely.
Interior: Bespoke, But With a Brain
Step inside, and it’s clear this isn’t some catalogue-fit interior. The owner worked hand-in-hand with Steeler on every detail, and it shows. You’ve got a galley-up layout that’s open to the saloon, with smooth-flowing spaces and clean Nordic finishes. There’s a surprising amount of warmth for such a contemporary look—think soft leather armchairs, pale cabinetry, underlit detailing, and a stunning view out of every window.
The galley on Two Bubbles is clearly designed by someone who knows what it means to live at sea. It's not just about the aesthetics, but also about practicality. You’ve got deep counters for prepping underway, smartly configured storage, an overhead knife rack within easy reach, and even a charming little porthole above the splashback that nods to traditional seafaring design. It’s practical, it’s intuitive, and it feels like a place where you can genuinely enjoy cooking—whether you’re knocking together a hot meal off Greenland or brewing up a quiet coffee on a calm anchorage in the Med.
And the saloon? L-shaped sofa with a sound dining table, low-slung armchairs for relaxing, and full-glass doors that lead straight aft. You get this seamless indoor-outdoor vibe that’s perfect for long passages when you need both comfort and connection to the sea.
Outside: Function Over Flash, But Still Flashy
Now, from the outside, she’s every bit the expedition machine, but look closer, and you’ll spot some clever detailing. The transom features twin staircases down to a generous swim platform—nicely integrated, with clean lines, and very Dutch. You have solid guardrails and a well-proportioned cockpit for handling lines or enjoying the ride.
The boat deck is up top, behind the enclosed flybridge, and it’s perfectly placed. It’s not just about the view, but also about practicality. It’s a smart, stylish addition that really completes the look—balancing out the superstructure and giving the flybridge a purposeful, contemporary edge. It also means the upper deck stays usable in all conditions, offering shelter from the midday sun and a bit of protection when the weather turns. It’s a practical feature but one that also adds a touch of elegance to the profile, and more importantly, it ensures your comfort and safety in different weather conditions.
For the Adventurers Who Know
Two Bubbles is the kind of boat that makes you stop and take notice—because she’s been crafted by people who think through every detail with real care and precision. She’s not big for the sake of it. She’s not covered in chrome or overly styled. Instead, she’s quietly sophisticated, cleverly laid out, and ready for real-world travel.
That’s why this explorer yacht is proving to be such a hit with the Steeler crowd. Since launching the Ocean Explorer 22M platform, they’ve already sold three more—two 26s and another 21. Clearly, they’re onto something. And in a world where size often shouts louder than capability, it’s nice to see a builder sticking to their naval guns and delivering serious bluewater boats under 100 feet.
If you’re into steel-hulled go-anywhere boats with proper naval architecture, smart layouts, and real-world explorer chops, then you’ll love Two Bubbles just as much as I do. She’s a reminder that function and form don’t have to be opposites, and that adventure and elegance can share a hull line.
And just so you know, I’ve set up a new thread on Substack exclusively for premium subscribers where we can talk more about Two Bubbles. It’s a space for us to share thoughts, observations, and opinions on this stunning vessel—everything from design choices to passagemaking potential. If you’re a fan of explorer yachts and enjoy diving into the details, I’d love for you to be part of that conversation.
And remember—if you’re thinking about buying, selling, chartering or building a boat, then get in contact with me. Over the last few years I’ve built up a fantastic network of contacts throughout the industry, so I’ll always help wherever I can. And if I can’t help, I’ll always point you in the right direction! john@yacht-buoy.com