Keywords like"semi custom build" or"according to the owner's wishes" are popularSales arguments in steel boat building. Arguments with which Linssen is also repeatedly confronted. Due to themodern production lines In Maasbracht, however, the layout of the desired boat cannot simply be changed.
The shipyard comments: "We have been building ships for over 60 years and have of courseA lot of experiencehow a boat can be well divided up and extended. We always try to get the best out of the boats".
A study by the Dutch Ernst & Young Accountants LLP shows that Linssen is on the right track here, as they found that a Linssenstill worth 75 % of the new price paid after seven years is.
Also in the BOOTE survey "how myDreamboat looks", Linssen is always at the top of the rankings. Traditional shapes, modern technology, a few practical changes and subtle innovations in design continue to be the hallmarks of Linssen.Guarantee of success at the Dutch shipyard.
The latest development is the so-called "Dot Zero series", to which our test boat, the Grand Sturdy 40.0 AC, belongs. We sailed her on the Meuse, the shipyard's home waters, although with CE category B she can of course also be used on sea areas.
The Linssen is powered by a Volvo Penta D3-110. The five-cylinder engine delivers 110 hp and gives our test boat a good 8 knots, which also corresponds roughly to the theoretical hull speed. Then around 2.7 l/sm of diesel runs through the fuel line, which in turn gives a range of 260 nm plus 15% reserve with the 820-litre tank. You can get twice as far at cruising speed at around 6.5 kn (approx. 2000 rpm), then the Volvo Penta consumes only half as much at 1.3 l/sm and there are over 500 nm between refuelling stops, which is absolutely fine for a touring boat in this category. At 4 kn, you can even travel over 1000 nm.
When heading straight ahead, the hull can be levelled out briefly and only little correction is required. The rudder angle indicator is particularly practical after cornering, allowing you to quickly find the centre position again. Speaking of cornering, the Grand Sturdy hardly lays on its side at full throttle, but remains almost flat as an iron. Nothing rattles in the cupboards, nor does anything fly off the table. Harbour manoeuvres are quickly explained: with the installed bow and stern thruster (extra charge), you can dock safely and precisely.
The driver does this at a clearly arranged control station on the aft deck. There he sits on a kind of pilot's seat from Pörtner, which he can adjust in all directions. There is a folding step on the chair to make it easy to put your feet down. A split windscreen with three solid double-arm wipers provides a view to the front. The highlight: the window frames can be folded down and the standard soft top linkage can be lowered. So bridges can come.
Behind the driver, the rest of the carpool sits on a semi-circular seating area and enjoys the view. To get to the bathing platform one level lower, you first have to fold down the cockpit table in the centre, then remove the rear bench cushions and open the aft door. From there, a ladder leads to the large platform with matching bathing ladder and stern shower.
Two normal showers below deck can be found aft in the owner's wet room and in the bow in a separate shower room. The toilets are equipped with electric pumps as standard, and appropriately sized washbasins are set into the Corian washbasins. The slatted frames under the berth cushions are exemplary, providing ventilation and sleeping comfort. Easily extendable drawers are fitted under the double berths. In the centre cabin with two single beds, which is particularly suitable for children and teenagers, the shipyard has installed an ironing board in the wardrobe.
The galley is located in the saloon for easy communication. It is practically arranged and equipped, with a special glass cabinet and a pull-out worktop/storage shelf by the cooker. A new 36-litre refrigerator drawer under the saloon bench at the entrance to the aft cabin is particularly useful for chilling drinks.
The engine is installed on solid foundations under the saloon floor. To access it, you have to remove a panel in the centre and fold up two shelves at the sides. There is then plenty of space for servicing. The installations are of the same high standard as the overall boat finish. Just "Linssen-like". In terms of safety equipment, there is no manual bilge pump (two electric ones are standard), but the fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment, two manual extinguishers and fire detectors are exemplary.
Conclusion
The Linssen Grand Sturdy 40.0 AC is a high-quality boat for travelling in comfort on sea and inland waterways. There are six fixed berths for a relaxing overnight stay. The saloon seating area can be converted for surprise guests.
