My (current) explorer, christened "Da Tazz" (Say it quickly for full comprehension)
http://www.edshipyard.com/#/L=702,5Rr5R ... U4xy2jw2UI
4 gimballed pulses
lots of room for picking up random junk
detailed and advanced scanners
decent jump range
and shields for the odd 1 or 2 pirate interdiction I decide to beat on.
I actually use it for pretty much everything, but currently on a 1k LY exploration jaunt. When I get up to a major exploration type ship, I'll try the circumnavigation of the outer whirl ... that might keep me busy for a minute.