RAT PACK - Marlow FOR SALE

On display at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, “RAT PACK” stands as the definitive 97’ Marlow Explorer luxury motor yacht on the market, a bluewater cruiser and flybridge yacht that has been pampered and modernized without compromise since launch. More than $1.5M has been invested in recent years to elevate every facet of the vessel, from a gleaming new exterior finish and fresh teak decks to state-of-the-art navigation electronics, a new tender, renewed interior and exterior soft goods, and comprehensive mechanical and hydraulic care, resulting in a turn-key pilothouse passagemaker of rare pedigree.

Her sought-after open flybridge configuration offers both upper and lower helms, while the preferred four-cabin arrangement with two full-beam staterooms plus crew ensures generous volume, privacy, and comfort on extended cruises. Fully serviced Caterpillar C32s with recently renewed aftercoolers deliver a fast and confident 20-knot cruise and approximately 25-knot top end, pairing long-range explorer sensibility with true motor yacht performance. Dockside handling is effortless thanks to Side-Power bow and stern thrusters and a YachtController, while twin Onan 27.5 kW generators quietly support life aboard. NAIAD stabilizers keep passages composed, the SeaRecovery Aquatic watermaker extends autonomy, and an A-Sea frequency converter (recently serviced) provides global shore-power flexibility. Entertainment has been elevated with an upgraded A/V suite and a Bose SoundTouch system spanning nine zones, and the flybridge benefits from air conditioning added in 2022. Practical upgrades abound, including DeAngelo exhaust risers replaced in 2022 and a custom inflatable toy dock that expands the fun at anchor.

The most recent round of work in 2025 underscores the yacht’s meticulous care. Both main engines and generators received complete services in October 2025, followed by a refreshed ceramic coat and brightwork, a thorough bottom job with balanced propellers, and PropSpeed applied to all running gear. Cruising comfort and utility were further refined with a new commercial-grade dryer, an extended flybridge awning supported by carbon fiber poles, replacement membranes for the watermaker, upgraded electric heads for the VIP and guest staterooms, and a new control box for the IsoBoost transformer. The tender was fitted with Garmin electronics, VHF, and a Fusion stereo, while scratch protection was added via PPF film on the aft deck table, salon table, dining, and breakfast tables. Steering precision was sharpened with a new ram valued at $20,000, cementing the boat’s crisp feel at the helm.

A transformative refit in Fall 2024 at Safe Harbor LMC, exceeding $1.5M, brought “RAT PACK” to an exceptional level. The Rybovich Coatings Department completed a full Awlcraft 3000 repaint featuring a striking Flag Blue hull, elegant “Ostrea” White superstructure, and “Moon Dust” non-skid, followed by a comprehensive ceramic coating. New teak decks were installed throughout using Teak Decking Systems’ vacuum-bag adhesive infusion for superb fit and longevity. Navigation and communications were overhauled with a new Garmin suite on redundant backbones—integrating advanced sounders, AIS, radar, SAT compass, nav radios, cameras, and more—and connectivity was boosted with a dual Starlink Marine antenna system. The package includes a 2023 Axis 4.2 inflatable tender powered by a 60hp Yamaha under warranty, matched to a new cover, YRM removable chocks, and a custom trailer for effortless handling ashore.

Beneath the waterline and throughout the mechanical spaces, the focus on reliability was absolute. All deck hardware was removed and re-bedded with renewed fasteners, and the running gear received a full service—shafts and rudders inspected, new bearings and seals installed, propellers reconditioned, fresh bottom paint applied, PropSpeed renewed, and Humphree trim tabs serviced—ensuring smooth, efficient performance. Hydraulic systems were serviced stem to stern, including fin seal replacements, windlass rebuilds, and the installation of a new aft windlass. Additional systems enhancements include an ElectroSea strainer with dual stainless raw-water pumps for cleaner, cooler flows, the tidy utility of a Willy Vac engine room vacuum system, and carefully selected refrigeration upgrades with a new stainless Isotherm on the aft deck and a new Sub-Zero unit on the flybridge. The onboard SpotZero was serviced, and workspaces gained new Dekit synthetic matting in the engine room and lazarette for grip, noise reduction, and comfort.

Inside, the yacht reads as freshly launched. All interior soft goods were replaced with high-caliber selections, including décor accents by RH and Hermès, lending an understated, modern elegance to a classic Marlow silhouette. A new flybridge enclosure broadens the season and heightens comfort, while exterior teak furniture by David Sutherland/Summit was stripped and expertly recoated to showcase its grain and warmth. Brightwork was taken back to bare wood and built up with sixteen coats using the Awlbrite system, giving the caprails and trim a deep, mirror-like sheen. Cushions and Stamoid covers were renewed, anchors were sanded and polished to a yacht-finish gleam, and new carpeting was laid throughout. Daily life aboard is simplified with a new Miele washer and dryer.

Altogether, “RAT PACK” is a rare offering: a meticulously updated Marlow Explorer that blends the grace and range of a long-range cruiser with the speed and poise of a modern motor yacht. With dual helms, a four-stateroom/five-head layout plus crew, robust stabilization, upgraded electronics and communications, and exhaustive service history, she is a refined, ready-to-cruise pilothouse flybridge yacht designed for effortless island-hopping, confident bluewater passages, and elegant entertaining at anchor or underway.

Additional services

Engine services 2024 (over $85K) deliver true turnkey confidence: the main engine aftercoolers were replaced, the main engine heat exchangers were fully serviced, and fresh fluids and filters were installed on the mains. The starboard engine’s rear main seal was removed and replaced, the gear coolers were removed and serviced, and the main engine impellers and zincs were renewed. The gears received fresh fluids and filters, the starboard coupling isolation cogs were replaced, and the generator heat exchangers were removed and cleaned. Generator coolant and zincs were replaced, and new fluids and filters were installed on the gens to complete the package.

Walkthrough

Begin at the transom and swim platform, where updated automatic Humphree Interceptor trim tabs work in concert with four SeaVision underwater lights and a Side Power stern thruster. The eight-foot swim platform is dressed in teak decking with grates, secured by five stainless steel hoop rails and flush cleats, and framed by a thoughtful array of amenities including a crew quarters entry at the transom, shore power Cablemasters, a passerelle integrated into the starboard inside steps, and a three-step entry with hinged doors to both port and starboard. Courtesy lights, a custom stainless overhead freshwater shower, and a tender tow light complete this versatile waterside zone. Step up to the aft deck and you are welcomed into an elegant outdoor salon centered on a large teak inlaid table with comfortable seating for eight. Practicality is everywhere: boarding gates provide easy access; an updated Maxwell 3500 windlass with two deck switches tends the stern anchor; a teak table on twin high/low pedestals pairs with aft bench seating, custom teak chairs, and a foot rest; storage hides neatly in the starboard step-up; and an aft-facing CCTV camera watches over a 12-inch ship’s bell. The hard top overhead carries recessed lighting and updated JL Audio speakers, while a molded teak staircase with sliding hatch ascends to the flybridge. To port, a wing station places engine controls, Side Power thruster controls, and aft deck windlass controls exactly where you want them for confident close-quarters handling. To starboard, the wet bar becomes a gathering magnet with three swing-out upholstered stools, a stainless steel sink with hot and cold faucets, upper and lower molded counters, a Miele grill, dedicated storage, and an updated Isotherm refrigerator.

Passing forward through a watertight door, the salon opens with a clear, uninterrupted sightline to the dining area and pilothouse. Large windows with wood blinds flood the space with light, playing across updated carpeting and Burmese teak-finished walls. Twin sofas to port and starboard, matched by two aft designer chairs, frame a substantial teak coffee table. Entertainment is effortless with a pop-up 48-inch flat screen TV with Apple TV in a custom teak enclosure and a Bose Lifestyle stereo with speakers and subwoofer. A centerline teak table conceals storage and integrated footrests, while built-in teak cabinetry to both port and starboard houses shelved storage, glass and stemware accommodations, and a U-Line icemaker. Overhead lighting with LED rope accents and 3M “Sound Down” decibel reduction elevate comfort and acoustic refinement.

Forward, divided from the salon by a built-in island cabinet that hides a 46-inch Sharp Aquos pop-up flat screen TV, the dining area seats eight in style around a generous table. Abundant storage keeps fine china and crystal secure for extended cruising, supported by a large wine storage cooler and a U-Line fridge/icemaker. To port, the buffet includes a U-Line refrigerator with icemaker and a wine cooler and is flanked by bookshelves. The dining table is arranged in three sections with eight chairs beneath a raised soffit with four lights here and a matching lighting feature over the salon table. Additional buffet storage lies forward, and a private entry door to the aft VIP stateroom is thoughtfully positioned to port.

A private, full-beam VIP suite awaits down eight steps to port of the dining table. The centerline queen berth is flanked by port and starboard nightstands with beveled mirrors and accompanied by hanging lockers to both sides and Shoji screens. Entertainment arrives via a flat screen TV with Apple TV and two Bose speakers, while accent lights at the berth base, a large storage area beneath the stairway, custom cabinetry with bookshelf, a central vacuum inlet, and portlights with covers and drapery ensure day-to-day livability. The VIP enjoys twin heads to port and starboard, each finished with teak wood trim and veneer cabinetry, teak and holly flooring, mirrored ceilings with recessed lighting, vanities with granite counters and backsplashes, molded fiberglass showers with overhead lights and teak deck grates, custom teak/acrylic shower doors, towel ring and bar, and Vacuflush marine heads.

From the dining area, three steps lead up to a large, open, and social galley that encourages an owner-operator rhythm. To port, teak stairs rise to the flybridge. Caesar Stone countertops and under-cabinet lighting frame a culinary suite including a General Electric microwave oven, a four-burner Miele induction range paired with a Miele oven, an Insinkerator trash compactor, Sub-Zero three-drawer freezer and three-drawer refrigerator, an undermount stainless steel sink with General Electric garbage disposal and separate drinking water faucet, and a Fischer & Paykel dishwasher drawer. Window boxes with wood blinds and a stainless steel cooktop complete the presentation.

Forward again, the pilothouse lower helm sets the tone for confident passagemaking, complemented by a comfortable seating area with a hi-lo teak table to port and sliding screened doors to the side decks outboard. The lower console places a Stidd helm chair before updated Garmin 9219s supported by an Airmar B275LHW transducer for the fish finder, an ICOM IC-M510 VHF, dual Garmin Tri-Data displays, a Ritchie Powerdamp Plus compass, a FLIR night vision controller, a Simrad AP70 autopilot with rudder angle, windshield wiper controls, updated Humphree Interceptor trim tab controls, Morse main engine controls, Side Power bow and stern thruster controls, and navigation radios. Overhead, JL Audio speakers share space with a watermaker control panel, a Yacht Controller docking system, a Fireboy engine shutdown system monitor, a battery test meter, 12-Volt D.C. and 24-Volt D.C. accessory switch banks, a Tank Tender, a high water alarm switch, a ship’s systems alarm panel, a Naiad stabilizer control, dual inverter monitors, sump and bilge pump switches, overhead hatches with insect and blackout screens, and lighting comprising five recessed fixtures plus one overhead red map light.

A forward companionway descends to the accommodations lobby serving three staterooms, including the full-beam master aft. This area is as practical as it is private, with an updated Miele washer and a new commercial dryer, a 26-inch TV with Apple TV, a built-in Isotherm freezer chest, built-in storage, and two Torrid water heaters—one 20-gallon and one 30-gallon. The utility suite continues with a Headhunter Aqua-Box Mini multistage pressure pump, a UV light for the drinking water pump, an automatic bilge pump, and two water pressure tanks.

The master stateroom spans the beam, wrapped in owner-selected fabrics and Shoji screen window treatments. A watertight entry door opens to a king island berth with a framed upholstered headboard, nightstands with three drawers apiece, four hanging lockers, a vanity desk with lighted mirror beneath the TV, a settee with pillows, a bench seat to port with storage below, and abundant drawer storage including a large space beneath the berth. Entertainment features include an updated LG Smart TV with Apple TV, a Bose sound bar, and overhead speakers. His-and-hers heads to port and starboard share a large central shower and mirror each other with mirrored ceilings and recessed lighting, vanities with granite counters and backsplashes and undermount sinks, soffits with lighting, hanging and storage lockers, portlights with covers and drapery, a beveled mirrored aft bulkhead, Vacuflush marine heads, custom shower doors, adjustable handheld showerheads, teak deck grates, and teak and holly soles.

All the way forward, the bow VIP stateroom presents a queen berth with additional twin berths above, reading lights, and overhead hatches. Hanging lockers with lights, an updated LG flatscreen TV with Bose soundbar and Apple TV, a beveled mirror on the head access door, and illuminated anchor locker access round out the suite. Its private head offers a Vacuflush marine head, a separate shower with a custom curved glass door, teak grate, and adjustable handheld showerhead, a medicine cabinet with teak doors, a mirrored ceiling, a portlight with cover and drapery, and two overhead lights.

The port guest stateroom features inboard and outboard twin single berths with storage below, a nightstand with three drawers, two reading lights, twin overhead bookshelves, two portlights with covers and drapery, a 26-inch Sharp LED TV with speakers and Apple TV, a cedar-lined hanging locker with light, and a dressing mirror. Its ensuite provides a Vacuflush head, a separate shower with a teak grate, a sink with storage, and a portlight.

There are two stairways to the open flybridge—one to port of the galley and the other from the aft deck—ushering you onto one of this 97 Marlow’s signature spaces. Forward, a fully equipped helm is flanked by expansive seating areas, each with a beautiful large teak table, while a single and a double Bluewater Evolution helm chair create a command zone that, combined, welcomes ten to twelve guests. The area can be opened or enclosed thanks to a recently replaced ceramic-coated isinglass enclosure. Aft to starboard, a complete bar centers on a professional stainless Miele electric grill and Sub Zero refrigeration, while to port a large double sun lounge invites relaxation beneath a custom Pipewelders aft shade with updated canvas. All exterior soft goods are recently replaced and protected by Stamoid covers. Furthest aft, the large teak-decked bridge deck accommodates a 2023 Axis 4.2 inflatable tender and a 2,200 lb davit, and is prepped to host additional tables and chairs for larger gatherings.

At the upper helm console, twin 18,000 BTU air-conditioning units sit within a sound-deadening enclosure behind a custom matte black acrylic inlay with a teak border. Bluewater Evolution Series helm seating and dual bench seating face Garmin 9219 Series MFDs, a Simrad AP70 autopilot, twin ICOM ICM510 VHFs, a Furuno hailer with mic, loudspeaker, and fog signals, a Furuno FA170 AIS, Sirius XM Weather, Humphree Interceptor trim tab control, a Ritchie Powerdamp Plus compass, NAIAD Multi Sea II control, FLIR night vision controls, Morse main engine controls, Side Power stern and bow thruster control, navigation radios, USB-C chargers in the flybridge pocket hatch, and a chart table with an acrylic top. Across the flybridge deck you will find updated teak decking, an updated ceramic-coated isinglass enclosure, L-shaped seating to port and starboard with large teak tables and custom teak chairs, David Sutherland teak sun loungers with table, an LG flat screen TV with JL Audio speakers and Apple TV, a 2023 Axis 4.2 inflatable with a 60hp Yamaha (with cover), YRM removable chocks, and a custom trailer in storage. A 2,200 lb davit with two wireless controls and emergency wired controls stands ready beside stainless steel handrails, a double sun lounge with storage underneath, an updated Sub Zero refrigerator, a Miele electric grill, a stainless steel sink, an aft-facing camera, overhead lighting, a Pipewelders custom aft shade with lighting and updated canvas, a custom teak step ladder to the hard top on the starboard side, teak name boards, and running lights. On the hard tops, equipment includes a FLIR thermal camera, two Garmin open array 12 kW radars (Phantom 56 and GMR 1236), an ACR LED spotlight, a powdercoated grab rail, two Switlik 6-person life rafts with Stamoid covers, triple trumpet air horns on the lower hard top, a Furuno SAT compass on the lower hard top, and VHF antennas. The mast above serves as a robust platform for this communications and navigation array.

Wide side decks are framed by varnished cap rails, stainless steel railing, and a teak sole, with four swing-in boarding gates, wing doors aft, and clearly marked fuel and water fills. Two removable boarding ladders—Marquipt for low tide and NewWave for high tide—adapt smartly to changing conditions. To port, the exterior day head is molded in fiberglass with a non-skid sole, a molded vanity with teak molding and composite countertop, a recessed stainless steel sink with hot and cold faucets, a framed beveled mirror, overhead light, marine head, power vent, and a towel ring. On the bow, a Portuguese bridge with storage shields foredeck seating dressed in updated upholstery with Stamoid covers, and freshwater and saltwater washdowns stand ready. Ground tackle includes one Manson 120 lb anchor with 100 m of chain, two Manson 80 lb anchors (one aft), two Maxwell 4000 lb anchor windlasses with foot switch controls, and two stainless steel anchor chain stops, complemented by a Glendinning Cablemaster, two safety hatches from the bow stateroom, teak on the centerline and anchor hatches, and a Side Power bow thruster.

A watertight entry door from the eight-foot swim platform opens to a generous lazarette that simplifies service with overhead D.C. lights, a SeaDek centerline sole, a snap-on toolbox with included tools, and an electric 2-HP air compressor with storage tank. A central vacuum, shore cord on an electric reel, a pneumatic transom door with controls and override, a hand-operated bilge pump, a hydraulic steering actuator with emergency steering handle, a stern thruster compartment, a Furuno autopilot pump, electric/automatic bilge pumps, and a high water alarm sensor underscore professional-grade readiness.

Forward from here, the crew quarters provide comfortable autonomy with twin bunks to starboard and a single bunk to port, a dinette with a teak table on a stainless pedestal, and a separate crew head and shower forward to starboard. Amenities include a General Electric microwave oven, a 19-inch TV, overhead stereo speakers, a CO detector, a freezer beneath the starboard forward berth, a vanity cabinet with stainless steel sink and hot/cold faucet, bookshelf storage and a hanging locker with light, a Caesar Stone countertop and undermount sink in the crew head, a handheld showerhead with hot and cold faucet, and a Vacuflush marine head.

Beyond a watertight door, the engine room impresses with about 6 feet 6 inches of headroom and clear access to all critical systems, including twin Caterpillar C32 1800 hp engines (2,820 hrs as of 3/25) and two Onan 27.5 kW generators (port: 4,325; starboard: 4,225 as of 3/25). The space is comprehensively outfitted with an ElectroSea system fed by dual heavy-duty stainless steel raw water pumps, a Sea Recovery Aquatic water maker, a recently updated Wards Isoboost transformer, a Reverso oil change pump, and a Glendinning Cablemaster. Ventilation comes via engine room blowers—two intake and two exhaust—supported by an A-Sea frequency converter (recently serviced), sea chests, a Willy Vac system, custom SeaDek flooring, and air conditioning. A CCTV camera sits centerline and the engine room door includes a viewing port. Electrical depth is equally robust with a Mastervolt Charge Master 12/70-3 battery charger, a Mastervolt Charge Master 24/80-120 battery charger, and two Mastervolt Mass Combi 24/4000-120 inverters. Climate and hydraulics are anchored by a Dometic chilled water air conditioning system comprising three 144,000 BTU A/C units, a water pressure tank, a raw water pump, and a chilled water pump, together with a hydraulic steering reservoir and hydraulic steering cooling.

Electrical note: the vessel is 220V 50 Hz with an A-Sea frequency converter and has been operating in the United States under current ownership for over 10 years. Outlets are EU-style with US adapters. Exclusions: owners’ personal belongings, artwork and crystals, and decorative binoculars do not convey.

Disclaimer

The details of this yacht are offered in good faith, but accuracy is not guaranteed and no warranties of condition are made. The yacht is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from the market without notice, as a convenience to clients and without the intent to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.