B-Craft was founded in 2024 by Roeland and Joris Van Aelst. The company builds sporty luxury tenders in the Netherlands. The first model, Akoya, is 8.6 metres long and combines water sports capabilities with comfort. The shipyard is now expanding its range with a new variant.
Akoya Cabin brings sleeping cabin
The Akoya Cabin is based on the open Akoya model. The most important difference is the newly added cabin. This offers sleeping space for two people, a toilet, a wardrobe and a washbasin. The cabin makes weekend trips and longer coastal journeys possible.
The hull length remains at 8.6 metres, the width at 2.55 metres. The weight is three tonnes. It is powered by a Volvo Penta engine with 350 hp in the basic version or 430 hp in the more powerful version. The cruising speed is 20 knots, the maximum speed 45 knots. The fuel tank holds 350 litres, the fresh water tank 100 litres.
According to the manufacturer, the cabin is particularly appealing to sea and inland waterway owners. It offers protection from the weather and more privacy. The overnight accommodation allows owners to spend longer periods on board without having to go ashore.
Features of the model
The Akoya Cabin shares the basic philosophy of B-Craft. The shipyard wants to combine water sports performance with yacht comfort. This includes a fold-out water sports system at the stern. This can be adjusted for various sports and retracted when not in use.
The swimming platform extends and retracts automatically. A ladder and hooks make it easy to get into the water. There is a shower with hot and cold water. There is ample storage space for sports equipment in the stern. Automatically retractable sun loungers are part of the equipment.
An anchor with automatic operation is located in the bow. A bow thruster facilitates manoeuvring in narrow harbours. The boat is controlled via two 10-inch Garmin chart plotters and a dedicated B-Craft operating interface. An app connection enables various functions to be controlled from a smartphone.
Equipment and materials
B-Craft favours high-quality materials. Customers can choose their own upholstery and covers. Parts of the equipment can also be customised. The shipyard offers three levels of customisation: Fabrics and colours, special parts and accessories as well as the complete arrangement on board.
B-Craft claims to use recycled materials in its construction. The aim is to use 2000 recycled bottles per boat. The electrical system operates on 24 volts. A 220-volt socket is available in the luxury version.
The seating area in the cockpit has a U-shape. A cool box, a washbasin and a kitchenette are included. A bimini top can be extended automatically. The lower windscreen can also be folded out. Side boarding platforms make boarding easier.
In the front area there is a VIP lounge with storage space. A table extends automatically. The luxury version has refrigerated drawers and a special drawer for picnic baskets. The lighting is integrated into the structure.
Development and customer feedback
According to B-Craft, the new model was the result of customer requests. Many Akoya owners had asked for an overnight accommodation option. They wanted a boat that would enable longer trips and more independence.
Joris Van Aelst explains the development as follows: "From the very beginning, B-Craft wanted to build a boat that combined water sports and comfort. The cabin version is a natural evolution of this idea.
B-Craft is planning test drives and demonstrations in Europe in the coming months. Interested parties will then be able to experience the boat for themselves. The shipyard will announce exact dates and locations at a later date. Prices and delivery times have also not yet been finalised.
Drive and fuselage
All B-Craft models use Volvo Penta engines with Forward Drive. With this system, the propeller sits in front of the drive foot, not behind it. According to the manufacturer, this should improve manoeuvrability and cause less interference with the hull during water sports.
The hull was developed by B-Craft itself. The shape is designed to enable fast sailing and good manoeuvrability. At the same time, the hull should lie calmly in the water. Ballast tanks in the bow hold 100 litres. They can be filled with water to change the weight distribution. This is important for water sports in order to create the right wave.
Interceptors at the rear help with the trim. These are small flaps that change the angle of attack of the hull. This allows the boat to be adapted to different speeds and loads. A camera monitors the area behind the boat during water sports.
Technical data of the B-Craft Akoya Cabin:
- Overall length: 8.6 metres
- Width: 2.55 metres
- Weight: 3 tonnes
- Passenger capacity: 8
- Engine: Volvo Penta 350 hp or 430 hp
- Drive: Forward Drive
- Cruising speed: 20 knots
- Maximum speed: 45 knots
- Fuel tank: 350 litres
- Fresh water tank: 100 litres
- Ballast tanks: 100 litres
- On-board voltage: 24 volts
- Shore power: 220 Volt
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Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
