Zeelander has existed since 2003 in Groot-Ammers in the Netherlands, where the first Zeelander, a Z 44, was created on paper and then produced in Turkey. However, as the majority of customers came from the USA, they went to Tiara in Michigan to have the 44s produced there.
However, a Texan customer wanted something larger, which resulted in the Zeelander Z 55. In order to fulfil the requirement that Dutch boats should also be built in Holland, the company turned its attention to its home country and decided to make Groot-Ammers the production site for Zeelander boats.
In the meantime, a Zeelander Z 66 has already been launched here. But that's not all, the Z 72 to Z 80 models are to be manufactured here in the future.
The appearance of Zeelander boats comes from the past and is a mix of lobster boats and commuter boats.
Commuter means commuter, and they originated in the USA at the beginning of the last century, when the rich and famous needed a means of transport to get quickly from their homes on Long Island to the offices in Manhattan, New York. Commuters quickly became the epitome of fast yachts, luxury, comfortable travelling and, above all, were seen as a status symbol.
Illustrious names in contemporary history have owned one. The Kennedys, for example, used a Commuter for 20 years. President John F. Kennedy used it for fishing or as a representative yacht. The makers of Zeelander also liked the so-called tumblehome stern, a stern that slopes inwards, a stylistic element that was not only popular in the past and is now being reconsidered.
Zeelander boats are for people with special requirements and who would like to have a say in the construction and equipment. In other words: a boat for individualists.
This is also one of the reasons why we are holding back a little with criticism and are only saying here that the shipyard's claim to deliver quality is also fulfilled in the test boat. There are only a few minor details that are not quite perfect.
Round and curved lines are the consistent stylistic element, giving the Z 55 a touch of playfulness. The handrails are elliptically shaped and unmistakable thanks to the embossed Zeeland logo - as are the customised cleats.
The boat is painted and the wood under the surrounding railing and the window surrounds of the cabin superstructure are finished in the colour requested by the customer. Overall, the construction appears to be extremely elaborate. The "Nothing is impossible, everything is possible" motto is reflected throughout the boat, both inside and out.
Our test boat has three cabins below deck, one for the owner and two for guests. While the owner has his own bathroom with shower cubicle and toilet, the guests on board share a bathroom with the same facilities. The cabin superstructure is fitted with windows all round, which guarantees guests on the large L-shaped couch a fine and uninterrupted all-round view. When the rear door is open and the large, semi-circular window at the rear is lowered and the sliding roof is open, you almost feel like you're sitting in an open-air cabin.
Two helmsman's chairs equipped with shock absorbers adorn the driving position. The rudder is positioned in the centre, with the gearstick on the left and the joystick on the right, which can be used to manoeuvre the boat in any direction at slow speed - it takes some getting used to. Otherwise, the helm station has a purist design with two touchscreens on which everything to do with navigation, boat and engines can be displayed and operated. We did not see a compass.
Behind the dinette, the galley is arranged so that it also serves as a bar when the window is open, making it the social and convivial centre of the boat. The centrepiece is a large seating area with table at the stern.
The highlight, apart from the transverse tender garage, is the stern of the boat. It can be folded down at the touch of a button and becomes a huge bathing platform with a large and comfortable bathing ladder on the port side. But how do you get on board when you are in the water with the stern closed? The stern can be opened using a switch on the outboard side.
With the trolling system activated, we leave the harbour at a speed of 3 knots. Outside, we put both control levers on the table and the Z 55 accelerates up to a maximum speed of 32 knots, while both Volvo diesels do not quite reach maximum speed. After analysing our measurement data, the shipyard's statement that the Z 55 is economical at a cruising speed of 25 kn is confirmed.
One tank of fuel is then sufficient for a theoretical range of just under 350 nm plus 15% reserve. This does not quite fulfil our requirement, but is not far off and is considered acceptable.
However, if you want to go the distance, you have to take out some speed, where up to around 1600 nm plus reserve are possible depending on the speed and revs. The engine compartment insulation is commendable, ensuring that we measured a maximum sound pressure level of 72 dB/A in the closed saloon.
Everything to do with technology can be accessed by lifting the rear cockpit section including the seating groups at the touch of a button. Everything in the engine compartment is easily accessible and neatly and tidily installed. We would like to see an extra floor hatch for quick access. Zeelander equips its Z 55 extensively and offers a great deal of customisation via an open-ended list of accessories. Our test boat costs just over three million euros in this configuration.
CONCLUSION
Every Zeelander is unique. The workmanship fulfils the requirements, as many details prove. The handling characteristics give no cause for criticism. And as far as looks are concerned, it draws attention to itself. It is a feast for the eyes: unobtrusive, modern and timelessly dignified.
You can read the full test in the September issue 2018 from BOOTE. Or you can download the PDF for the test below.
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