Creating a yacht, my own brand, that's my favourite thing," said Bas Lengers in an earlier interview with Boote Exclusiv. Back then, we visited the company just outside Amsterdam to find out how the Dutch yacht dealer had developed over four decades. It quickly became clear that there had to be a follow-up appointment to see the finished "baby", which was still under construction at the time. The long-awaited offspring is now in the world, around 15 metres long, 4.45 metres wide and almost entirely laminated from glass and carbon fibre. While Amsterdam-based Sealevel Naval Architects delivered the construction of the Stratos Dutch Built 50 (DB50), the design studio Bernd Weel is responsible for the sporty character and dynamic lines of the first Stratos model. The Dutchman was also responsible for the Holterman Xtreme Series and the 64-metre "Mission" icon.
An extensive test drive on the Ijsselmeer is scheduled to assess the newcomer. The DB50 is calm and controlled, even in large waves the 20 tonnes lie well and safely in the water - this is also underlined by the CE categorisation A. The maximum speed is stated in the documents as 36 knots, and the two Volvo Penta engines with six or eight cylinders are powerful. If you were to draw parallels with a sports car, the comparison with a Mercedes S-Class might be a little off the mark. In terms of workmanship and handling, the Stratos is more comparable to its big brother, the Maybach S-Class. The look of the 20-tonne vehicle, on the other hand, is more reminiscent of a G-Class tuned by Brabus.
Stratos Dutch Built 50 comes with sophisticated features
Hidden ventilation inlets for the engine compartment, a gangway recessed into the lowerable stern platform and an all-round exposed carbon fibre handrail with indirect LED lighting produced by the shipyard itself are just some of the features that elevate the approximately €2.3 million weekender (starting price list 2025) to the status of a superyacht. In the bow of the upper deck is a large, ergonomically designed sunbed, followed by the helm station, which, like the companionway, is protected by the hardtop.
The windscreen is tilted forwards, which has various advantages: splash water or rain runs off and the use of the windscreen wipers is reduced to a minimum. This also increases the feeling of space and headroom, while the instruments are in the shade. The spacious steering position is made almost entirely of visible carbon fibre, creating a harmonious look. The plotters, which display data such as water depth, rpm and speed and can of course be adjusted to the captain's requirements, are well embedded. The boat is controlled either by joystick or classically with the steering wheel and throttle. In addition, the cockpit with 360-degree all-round visibility is reduced to the essentials, which not only looks classy, but also scores points in terms of practical handling.
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The elegant cockpit
Whoever is at the helm of the DB50 will not be alone for long. Four seats were installed on the build number one, with three as standard. The custom sports seats feature a lot of carbon fibre with a glossy finish. For refreshments in between, the wet bar is within easy reach, equipped with fridges, a grill and a stainless steel sink welded by Stratos. To round off the day in style, champagne is available in the chilled drinks holder. The necessary accessories for serving are stored in drawers that open electrically at the touch of a button.
Eight day guests can sit behind the wet bar, and the cushions for the two benches, like almost all the materials on board, are also from the Netherlands. Towards the stern is a sun lounger with storage space. Only at second glance does the deck covering reveal itself to be Flexiteek with light-coloured joints. The flawless paintwork, which was of course also applied in Stratos' own halls, consists of nine layers. Three layers of primer and various intermediate coats of sanding are followed by three layers of paint and finally three coats of clear varnish. The build number one is a bright "Stratos Blue", but almost anything is possible - even the colour of your own sports car on request.
A closer look at the Stratos' hardtop brings details to light. The carbon construction stretches seamlessly from the windscreen to the rear seat bench, providing sufficient protection from the elements. Two supports at the height of the wet bar blend in with the design. If fresh air is required, the roof can be opened either forwards to the steering position or backwards to the seats.
One floor below, owners can choose between three interior packages that differ in terms of colours and materials: the light "Zen", the "Serene" and the more sporty "Graphite", as in the first DB 50.
The layout of the Stratos is pragmatic
In the bow there is a U-shaped sofa with lowerable table and sleeping facilities, while a small galley is installed on the port side. True to the motto "Dutch Built", all stainless steel surfaces and the integrated washbasin were welded by the shipyard's own employees according to strict quality specifications. Opposite is a mini bathroom with a carbon toilet. The sleeping cabin with side storage space is surprisingly spacious. Although even smaller guests will have to tuck their heads in here, the wide window strips allow plenty of daylight to flood in and the excellent view of the horizon will delight every owner. When night falls, the pleasant, indirect lighting visually expands the space.
Driving pleasure is guaranteed by two Volvo Penta IPS 650 D6 packages; the IPS 800 D8 variant can be installed on request. This enables the DB50 to easily reach a cruising speed of 32 knots in addition to the maximum 36 knots. The engines draw their fuel from a 2100 litre diesel tank. According to the shipyard, Stratos has designed the weekender for all seasons and climatic zones. On the test day, the weather over the Dutch coast was rainy and windy, rather autumnal. Well, most owners will probably move their DB50 to the Mediterranean anyway.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 15,06 m
- Width: 4,45 m
- Depth: 1,28 m
- Displacement (half empty): 20 t
- Material: GRP/Carbon
- Motors: 2 x Volvo Penta V6
- Engine power: 2 x 356 kW
- Speed (max.): 36 kn
- Speed (travelling): 32 kn
- Fuel: 2100 l
- Water: 450 l
- Navigation: Garmin
- Construction: Sea Level
- Exterior design: Bernd Weel Design
- Interior design: Bernd Weel Design
- Class: CE "A"
- Shipyard: Stratos, 2024
- Starting price (list 2025): 2.3 million euros
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
