Both commanders are switched after leaving the port of Monaco. The engines are not significantly louder than the spray created during the test drive with the Wajer 44. The yacht is quieter compared to others in the segment, and that with two Volvo Penta IPS 650 engines installed. Behind the wheel is Dries Wajer, Managing Director of Wajer Yachts. In an interview with BOOTE EXCLUSIV, he says that he is always surprised at how loud motorboats actually are. He is therefore all the happier that he has managed to glide across the water at a speed of 26 knots with the new model at 74 decibels. "We are known for building the quietest boat in its class," says the Dutchman as we leave the French Riviera and numerous yachts behind us. Dries Wajer accelerates the 13.10 metre GRP construction to 40 knots.
The deep cockpit and wrap-around windscreen ensure that you can have a relaxed conversation even at top speed. The latter is housed in a frame that, like other components of the 44, is produced using the ex-core process. In this process, carbon fibre prepregs are placed as the first layer on a two-part negative mould made of metal. A special foam is applied to one of the moulds, which expands evenly after the mould is closed through targeted heating and pressure build-up and is pressed against the outer fibres. The controlled curing of the composite materials does not take place from the outside in, but from the inside out. This process works in reverse to conventional lamination processes.
The aim of Ex-Core technology is to reduce weight, increase strength and reduce noise emissions. Wajer Yachts is working with the Dutch car manufacturer Donkervoort, which originally developed Ex-Core for electric vehicles to compensate for the heavy weight of the batteries and absorb noise and vibrations.
Unmistakable, timeless design
With the Wajer 44, timeless design meets outstanding build quality. The aim was to keep the lines as clear as possible while making the manufacturer's DNA recognisable. The shipyard achieved this in collaboration with Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Van Oossanen Naval Architects was responsible for the design.
The new model is available as a hard-top or sports version and in a fixed layout. Owners can choose between six colours and express their configuration wishes. One design feature always remains: in typical Wajer style, the lettering with the model name is emblazoned on the rear in tumblehome form.
The skipper operates the boat via three built-in Garmin screens. The cockpit is also equipped with three sprung carbon fibre bucket seats. From here, three steps lead into the spacious cabin. It has a 1.60 metre by 2.10 metre double bed on the starboard side, which can easily be converted into a cosy seating area with a dining table. Directly opposite is the galley, which Wajer has equipped with a fridge, sink and coffee and ice machine. If owners are planning a trip beyond the weekend, they can use the storage space in the lockers provided on the port and starboard sides. Hidden behind a door in the bow is a bathroom with a modern look, including a shower and toilet. The interior design is characterised by a neutral colour palette of veneer and fabrics, which creates a pleasant and stylish ambience.
Back on deck: Guests gather aft on the U-shaped sofas. A maximum of 16 people are allowed on board. There are two large sunbathing areas directly behind. This is also possible on the sun lounger in the bow. If the owner or his friends long for shade, there is a bimini. Naturally, the designers at Sinot made sure that this harmonises with the design. There is a jetty between the sunbathing areas so that guests can get on board from the quay via the bathing platform. The stern also offers space for water toys.
During the design phase, Dries Wajer and his team always work on maintaining the signature style and further developing the use of the boat. He is not concerned with the layout or the number of beds, which is a difference to other boats. After the design process, they check how much space is left on board, which is then utilised in the best possible way.
Hand in hand with the family
There is a family history behind the work: In 1992, Dorus Wajer, Dries' father, founded the company in Heeg on the Ijsselmeer. In the beginning, he built sloops with rope rubbing strakes, which are typical for Dutch waterways. However, these were not suitable for the Mediterranean region. The traditional canal boats were followed by the introduction of the Wajer 37 in 2006. Three years later, Dries Wajer finally joined the family business. "My father is a trained engineer. My background is in marketing and sales. We complement each other with our respective strengths." He took over the family business in 2017. In the following years, the Wajer 38 was designed, which was also launched on the market in a sports version. The fleet was expanded in 2016 with the Wajer 55, a model that football superstar Tom Brady did not want to miss out on: With his "Viva La Vida" sports version, he took part in the victory parade after winning the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the boating state of Florida. In 2021, he finally ordered the flagship, the Wajer 77, based solely on renderings (issue 3/22). The ex-quarterback saw this as an opportunity to upsize so that he could enjoy longer periods on the water with his family. "Our new model is the perfect complement to our previous sizes." For comparison: the 44 has significantly more volume than the 38, but at 13.10 metres is much more compact than the Wajer 55.
Great compliments from customers for Wajer yachts
As Dries Wajer explains, owners often buy the Wajer 38 as an entry-level model. Later on, they would buy a larger boat; the managing director estimates that owners keep a boat for around four years and in most cases would upsize. The Wajer 44 fits perfectly into this concept, and more than 50 yachts have been ordered since its world premiere in summer 2023. The price is around two million euros and the delivery time is around 1.5 years. The boat builders spend around twelve weeks preparing the hull and deck, and the interior is delivered in modules.
In most cases, the 44 is used as a day boat and as a tender or chase boat for the owners' existing yachts. Customers regularly tell us that their boats are reliable. "That's a great compliment for us," emphasises the Managing Director.
The company offers a special service: with Wajer Care there is the option of joining a club. In summer, for example, Wajer takes over the cleaning of the yacht. In winter, the service is extended and the employees check the systems and replace technical parts if necessary.
The Dutch company operates several yacht management centres in the Netherlands, on Ibiza and Mallorca, on the Côte d'Azur and in Miami. As Dries Wajer explains during the test drive, 50 per cent of buyers come from the USA, 20 per cent from the Netherlands and the rest from other regions of the world, including England and Africa.
Innovative functions round off the design
The 12.6-tonner is geared towards the "Smart Boating" concept. For example, there is a swivelling anchor arm, which Dries Wajer demonstrates while entering the Port Hercule: He selects the function, the anchor hatch opens and the iron extends at the same moment. Cleats and fenders are integrated into the rubbing strake in the same way. The "Wajer Yachts" app allows owners to connect with their yacht. For example, they can monitor the anchor position, operate the hydraulically operated bathing ladder or control the air conditioning.
The shipyard manager prepares the mooring manoeuvre using the joysticks and the two command transmitters. Even less experienced captains get their money's worth with the help of the IPS propulsion system. Within a very short time, the Wajer 44 is firmly moored again in Port Hercule.
Technical data of the Wajer 44
- Length over everything: 13,10 m
- Width: 4,00 m
- Depth: 1,10 m
- Displacement (half full):12,6 t
- Material:GRP
- Motors: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 650
- Engine power: 2 x 353 kW
- Speed (max.): 40 kn
- Speed (travelling): 26 kn
- Fuel: 1200 l
- Construction:Van Oossanen
- Design: Sinot Yacht Design
- Class:CE "B" / opt. MCA Cat. 3
- Shipyard: Wajer Yachts, 2023
- Starting price: from 8 million euros
- Further information: www.wajer.com
