The Dutch shipyard Boarnstream Yachting has launched its Traveller series explicitly for travelling. The 50 Traveller is the largest of the three models launched so far. The boat builders from Friesland are also known for the semi-custom construction of their high-quality steel yachts. In plain language: the owner can incorporate their own wishes.
We start our tour in the saloon. This is probably where you spend most of your time when travelling with the Traveller. The first thing that catches our eye is the large seating area, which seats at least six people and has an adjustable backrest. This section can also be used as a passenger seat. The first of two helm stations has been installed on the starboard side. It has a clear layout and is equipped with a large Raymarine plotter. The bow and stern thrusters, Fusion music controls and the engine control panel are of course also located here. Visibility to the front and both sides is good.
Pantry resembles a modern, well-equipped eat-in kitchen
The in-house design team has arranged the galley in the rear area of the Traveller. It is equipped with an induction hob, an extractor bonnet and an oven. The sink, dishwasher and fridges are located to starboard. There is plenty of storage space for pots, crockery and food. In terms of detail, the galley has a lot in common with a modern and well-equipped galley on land. A cool gimmick is the inductive charging station on one of the shelves. There is a marked spot in the wood where you can place your mobile phone. The induction technology then charges it wirelessly. Right next to it, a spiral staircase leads down one level. Here you will find the owner's cabin, two bathrooms, a guest cabin and the crew or second guest cabin. Let's start with the crew cabin. It has a bunk bed with a sleeping area of 0.7 x 2.0 metres. The ceiling height is particularly striking, but more on that later. The walls are clad in dark wood and imitation leather. Together, they look elegant and not too dark. There is a small window for ventilation and plenty of storage space.
It continues in the foredeck. This is where the second large guest cabin with a queen-size bed (1.60 x 2.00 metres) is located. Storage space and a window are of course also available, as is separate access to the forward toilet room. The special feature of this cabin, however, is the headroom. At 2.2 metres, it is more than sufficient even for tall people. The feeling of space is therefore very airy and not cramped. The standing height in the toilet room is also 2.2 metres.
Cabin layout on board
If you now go back down the corridor, you reach the owner's cabin. The underfloor cabin offers just about everything an owner could wish for on a 15-metre boat. A television, a good view through the hull windows and plenty of cupboards are just some of the countless features of the Boarncruiser. The bed is sufficiently large at 1.60 x 2.00 metres. The aft bathroom is directly accessible from the cabin. It is equipped with an electric toilet and a washbasin. There is a mirror on the ceiling, which makes the room appear higher and more airy.
Back in the saloon, the side door opens onto the non-slip side deck, which is covered with artificial teak. At the front of the bow there is a seat facing the direction of travel and a sunbathing area for up to three people. There is also storage space for fenders or lines. The anchor locker is installed in front. The anchor winch is electric, as is usual for this size of boat. A fresh water connection is available. We like that very much. This allows the deck to be cleaned of any mud and the chain to be rinsed with fresh water. This extends the service life of the anchor gear and winch.
Boarncruiser is equipped with a special canopy system
But now to the stern of the 15-metre yacht. A large U-shaped seating area with cockpit table is arranged under the long top, i.e. the elongated steel roof, which is designed to protect against sun, rain and wind. The sides can be closed with the Canopeasy system. This is a canopy system specially developed by Boarnstream. It can be pulled out of the sides via rails in the roof. This means that the rear can be completely closed or opened within a few minutes. Driving is also possible. The lower ends are fixed with buttons. The bathing platform, a stern garage and the davits with the dinghy are located at the stern. The 50 Traveller also has a flybridge with a second steering position, plenty of seating and a small refrigerator. An ideal place to enjoy the sunset in a bay.
Speaking of driving: Two Volvo Penta D3 engines with a combined 300 hp provide the propulsion. They accelerated the yacht to a top speed of 13 kilometres per hour during our test. However, the Sneekermeer is not particularly deep. From 2000 revolutions per minute, you can already feel the hull sucking on the bottom. As a result, the speed hardly changes at higher speeds. The situation is different in deeper waters. However, as this was not the case in our test area, we have to trust the information provided by the shipyard. It is 10 knots. Admittedly, the Tr 50 will never be fast. And that's not the intention.
Measurement results and processing of the Boarncruiser 50 Traveller
The test manoeuvres are therefore unspectacular: it turns sportily, sits well on the rudder and when travelling ahead it is noticeable that its turning circle is small at around 1.2 ship lengths. At a speed of 2000 revolutions per minute, 21.6 litres of fuel are consumed per hour at a speed of 12.2 kilometres per hour. The tank holds 1600 litres. If a reserve of 15 per cent is deducted, a range of 415 nautical miles is achieved at a cruising speed of 6.5 knots.
Last but not least, the workmanship of the Traveller 50 deserves a mention. Every last part of the hull and deck has been painted and the steel protected against corrosion. The wood and fabric work is professionally executed and of the highest quality. Even the elongated rear roof and the side walls are perfectly levelled. There are no ripples or paint defects to be found.
Technical data
The boat
- Shipyard: Boarnstream
- Type: 50 Traveller
- CE category: A
- Hull and deck:Steel
- Length over everything: 15,30 m
- Width:4,60 m
- Displacement (half loaded):32 400 kg
- Draught (with drive):1,25 m
- Clearance height:4,40 m
- Fuel tank: 1600 l
- Water tank: 950 l
- Holding tank:400 l
- Cabins: 3
- Sleeping places:6
- Bunk dimension: Bow 1.60 x 2.00 m; stern 1.60 x 2.00 m; crew 2 x 0.70 x 2.00 m
- Sunbeds:Foredeck 1.80 m x 1.90 m
- Freeboard:1,60 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,62 m
- Turning circles (boat lengths): forwards tr. 1,2, bb. 1,2
- Change from starboard to port: 3 s; from Bb. to Stb. 3 s
- max. motorisation: 2 x Volvo Penta D4-175
- Test motorisation2 x Volvo Penta D3-150
- Price (standard boat with test engine): 1 278 477 €
- Dealer proof: www.boarnstream.com
The motor
- Manufacturer: Volvo Penta
- Type: D3-150
- Quantity: 2
- Performance110 kW/150 hp
- Full load speed: 3000 rpm
- Cylinder:4
- cubic capacity: 2400 cc
- Fuel: Diesel
- Cooling: Seawater
- Generator: 12 V/180 A
Our test judgement
Driving & manoeuvring
- + tight turning circle
- + good rudder feel
Processing & technology
- + Professional installation of cables and hoses
- + high-quality processed woods
Security
- + high railing
Comfort on board
- + Headroom in the bow area
- + Dishwasher
- + two queen-size beds
Conclusion
Anyone looking for a second home on the water has found a good alternative in the Boarncruiser 50 Traveller. It is very well finished inside and out and built with high-quality materials. It is also surprisingly manoeuvrable for its length of just under 15 metres, even without a bow and stern thruster.
