Basically, the hulls of the three boats are almost identical, just in different lengths. However, the philosophy is 100 per cent the same. The shipyard does not want to build off-the-peg boats, so each one is unique.
Fashion changes, but style remains. Each of our boats combines the famous Dutch craftsmanship with refined taste and undeniable class," says the shipyard about itself.
The GRP boat was built with the clear aim of creating a boat in a class of its own. High-quality woods such as teak and oak were used in the interior. A lot of light-coloured artificial leather and Flexiteak were used on the outside.
The Zeelanders in detail
The large transom of the Zeelander also serves as a bathing platform. It can be folded out hydraulically and is covered with Flexiteak. There is space for two sun loungers. There is a large seating area around a large table in the cockpit. Adjacent to this is a bar with a small hob. Three people can sit on swivel chairs at the bar, and the curved rear window is also located here. It is raised electrically and serves as a partition between the outside area and the saloon. In the saloon there is again a large seating area with a saloon table and the driving position. It is clearly laid out and much is controlled from the large plotters. The all-round visibility from the helm station is remarkable, from which the helmsman has 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.
If you go down the curved staircase one floor, you will find the VIP, master and crew cabins as well as the wet room. The crew cabin is located on the starboard side. It is equipped with a bunk bed for two people. The bow of the Zeelander 6 is much more comfortable and luxurious. A large double bed has been installed here. Next to it is the bathroom with an electric toilet and shower. The owner's or master cabin is still missing. It is located under the saloon and is by far the largest and most luxurious cabin on the boat. A separate toilet with external shower, a retractable TV, a dressing table and a marvellous view through the portholes are just some of the things that await the owner.
The driving characteristics
But a boat also needs to be manoeuvred. Thanks to the two Volvo IPS drives, manoeuvring in the harbour is easy and child's play. The boat is released from the pier by joystick and we leave the harbour of Rotterdam. Once on the Rhine, we step on the gas. To put it simply: the boat sails well and unspectacularly. It does exactly what the skipper wants it to do. Unfortunately, we could only test the boat on the Rhine and had to adhere to the rules of navigation.
Technical data
- Length: 17 m
- Width: 5 m
- Depth:1,4 m
- Motors: Double Volvo Penta IPS 1200 or 1350
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Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
