Waka 390 Explorer

brings simple back into boating

The Waka 390 Explorer is a fresh approach to New Zealand boat design, crafted for those who appreciate clarity and functionality in a powerboat. Made from aluminium, this vessel was created for seasoned boaters who value simplicity and reliability, however this clean design is a great option for newcomers as well. 

As Brett Bakewell-White explains, “Kiwis love to go boating, but it often takes years to discover the features you truly value. Many eventually return to simple, efficient designs because much of the pleasure comes from learning to skilfully run and handle the boat.” 

With the distinctive raked wheelhouse, the Waka 390 Explorer has the vibe of a waterborne 4WD; robust and practical on the outside, yet comfortable and understated inside, making it ideal for family life afloat. The elevated wheelhouse offers enhanced visibility and avoids distracting light reflections giving the captain a clear view of their surroundings. 

Boasting a tailored hull, designed for efficiency, delivering a smooth, soft ride, bow thruster, the Waka 390 Explorer comes with the option of single or twin engines, making it a perfect coastal cruiser. 

Every detail of the Waka 390 Explorer reflects the hands-on experience of its designers. As longtime boat owners, they prioritized convenient access to all essential systems—tankage, engine, and power circuits—making maintenance and repairs straightforward. 

The Waka 390 Explorer embodies simplicity with timeless design The hull design is focused on a soft seakindly motion that will comfortably manage conditions in exposed waters, and be stable at rest in shelter. With a fine entry forward and a shallow 13deg deadrise aft the hull is focused on early planing and efficiency at a moderate speed. Relatively wide chines and carefully crafted strakes combine to add lift and suppress spray. Light and easily driven, with a single inboard engine shaft drive, the Explorer will cruise at 19.5kts; with twin engines, it will cruise at 30kts. These figures will vary slightly with different power options. 

The wheelhouse is home to the galley, saloon and bridge: an open plan configuration that provides space for entertaining, galley preparation and stowage for food and gear. The spacious cockpit will suit swimming, fishing, entertaining or simply chilling out as the proud owner. The for’ard sections house four bunks, a head and shower, just aft of the anchor locker. 

The large cockpit area is further enhanced by the power tailgate transom that hinges down to further extend the floor providing a seemless connection with the water giving easy access for swimming, fishing, and diving, and allowing a tender to be launched and retrieved aboard for those longer passages. 

Throughout, the Waka 390 Explorer reflects the experience of its design team. As former owners of multiple boats, they were determined to provide convenient access to all ship’s systems such as tankage, engine and power circuits so that maintenance and repairs are straightforward. 

The Waka 390 Explorer will be built to order, project managed by Waka Innovations Ltd. The Waka 390 Explorer combines the savings of modern boat construction with the simplicity of New Zealand’s most successful designs - a boat built to stand the test of time.

Designer: Bakewell-White Yacht Design

Length: 12m (39ft 4in)
Beam: 4.35m(14ft 3in)
Draft: 1.22m (4ft 0in)
Displacement: 11,440kg (25,220 lbs)
Engine: 1 x 370hp Diesel