Zeelander Yachts has been around since 2002, when the first hulls were manufactured in Turkey and the USA. Today, they are built in the Netherlands by Groot-Ammers. Three different boat sizes between 48 and 66 feet are currently available.
The Zeelander 5 is the smallest boat we have sailed. However, the big sisters look very similar from the outside - which is intentional. The boat was designed by no stranger. Cor D. Rover, who normally designs superyachts for Horizon and similar shipyards, was at work here. For Zeelander, he showed his classic side and designed a boat in the American lobster style.
The flowing lines typical of Zeelander can also be found in the Z5. Shipyard founder and owner Sietse Koopmans: "The Zeelander 5 epitomises the philosophy of our shipyard. It is a sophisticated yacht that stands out from the crowd. The exterior is a continuation of the lines of the successful Z72, and the interior design is truly exceptional for a yacht of this size."
The interior design is truly exceptional for a yacht of this size." (Sietse Koopmans, shipyard founder)
The transom of the Zeelander is also the bathing platform
We enter the Z5 through the electrically opening side doors set into the hull and stand directly in the large aft area of the boat. A large U-shaped sofa including a table is installed here. Like all the upholstery, the sofa cushions are in white. They look very classy, are well upholstered and match the colour of the Flexiteak. This is laid all over the deck and in the cockpit.
The large transom of the Dutchwoman also serves as a bathing platform. It can be folded out hydraulically and is large enough to accommodate sun loungers and a small table. A cool gimmick are the two deckchairs that are integrated into the bathing platform. Back in the aft section, an electronically retractable window separates the saloon from the stern area. It is tidy and offers good all-round visibility. A saloon table with a U-shaped sofa is installed on the port side. Up to eight people can be comfortably seated here.
High-quality interior and plenty of space
Further forward, also on the port side, is the helm station with two large plotters. The steering can be controlled either via joystick or steering wheel. The all-round visibility from the helm station is remarkable, giving the helmsman a good 360-degree view. The raised sofa around the central dining table brings the passengers' line of sight to the same height as that of the helmsman, and the driver's seats can be folded down to form a dining table. There is a wet room with washbasin to starboard.
Further forward, via a spiral staircase one floor below, are the VIP and master cabins as well as two heads compartments. The forward cabin is equipped with a large double bed and two wardrobes. The spacious owner's cabin is located under the saloon. A 1.60 m x 2.00 m bed across the ship invites you to relax and at the same time offers an excellent view through the hull windows. A small sideboard with armchair is of course a must. The wardrobe is completely mirrored and offers plenty of storage space. Even large suitcases can be easily stowed here. The interior of the entire boat is of very high quality.
Pod drive makes the Zeelander economical and manoeuvrable
The Zeelander is powered by three Volvo Penta IPS engines. The D6 engines each deliver 480 hp. One advantage of the IPS (pod) system over classic shaft or Z-drives is the improved manoeuvrability. According to the manufacturer, up to 20 per cent higher speed and acceleration and up to 40 per cent greater range can also be achieved. This drive solution also saves space in the engine compartment.
But how does the boat handle with an unladen weight of 16.5 tonnes? Unspectacular, you could almost say. Of course, that's not quite true. With a top speed of 40 knots, the boat is fast. We particularly noticed that it is very quiet. At a cruising speed of around 20 knots, a noise level of 66 dB (A) is measured. This is quiet for a motorboat and corresponds to a slightly louder conversation. "I have been dealing with noise and vibrations for 20 years. I even founded a company that specialises in this," says Koopmans as we chat on the boat.
At 20 knots, the plotter shows a consumption of approx. 123 litres of diesel. This gives us a range of 268 nautical miles. At eight knots, we calculate a range of around 1280 nautical miles with the 2000 litre tank including 15 percent reserve. The noise level is then 63 dB(A).
Manoeuvres with the Zeelander
When manoeuvring, the Zeelander makes no fuss and follows the skipper's rudder strokes. The nose rises slightly when the boat accelerates, but visibility is good at all times. Unfortunately, we were only able to test the boat on the Rhine off Rotterdam, where we had to adhere to the navigation rules, meaning that tight manoeuvres were not possible. Nevertheless, we were able to get a good impression and can say that the Zeelander 5 handles well and sportily for a 48-foot boat.
The most unusual feature of the whole boat is probably the circumferential coaming and the cockpit table. These parts look like wood, but they are GRP parts on which a wooden structure has been painted. According to the shipyard, there are only a handful of people in the world who can do this. We only realised this when we were told - very cool. The advantage: real teak has become very expensive and is not ecologically harmless. It also needs to be sanded or oiled regularly. This is not necessary with lacquered surfaces, which only need to be polished.
BOOTE conclusion
The Zeelander 5 is a boat for those who want to stand out and have something very special. It can perhaps even be compared to an expensive and rare sports car. The group of people who buy such a boat is likely to be the same as a rule. Because there is nothing to criticise about it. Everything is not just good, but perfectly done, whether it's the paintwork or the fittings, everything is of the highest standard.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 14,7 m
- Width:4,3 m
- Berths: 6
- Type: 5
- CE category:B/12 persons
- Weight (without motor): 16 500 kg
- Motorisation:2x Volvo Penta IPS 480 hp
- cubic capacity: 2x 5.5 litres
- Price: on request
- Further information: www.zeelander.com
