In addition to the welding work, painting is a very important quality feature in steel boat construction. This ranges from sandblasting with an immediate primer coat at the right humidity in an air-conditioned hall to filling work and intermediate coats through to the final coat.
And here too, explains shipyard manager Auke van der Werf, Sturiër mügenau works to always achieve the best possible result.
In our opinion, the result is a high-quality boat, which applies not only to the painting and welding work, but also to the entire furnishings and installations.
In the engine compartment, the two John Deeres stand on solid foundations, the cables and hoses are mostly located in cable platforms and are firmly braced. The diesel lines consist of pipes or hoses with crimped connections. Double filter systems with electrical alarms (in case there is too much water in the filters) also guarantee trouble-free operation. The electrical system with electrically controlled main switches, which can also be operated manually in an emergency, is equally good. A fire extinguishing system in the engine room rounds off the whole thing.
The compartment can be reached via a bulkhead door, which is accessible via the rear stowage box (cockpit). Although a 1.80 metre tall technician cannot stand in it, he can reach all the important components and units by bending down slightly. The maximum temperature measured in the engine compartment of 40 °C with an air and water temperature of around 20 °C is a sign of sufficient ventilation.
The two engines are controlled via an electronic double gearstick, which, like the hydraulic steering, is easy and precise to operate.
If you engage the engines, they turn 700 rpm and push the boat through the water at 3.6 knots, which is just about right for harbour areas. The shipyard recommends about 8.5 kn (1750 rpm) for distance travellers. This is around 1 kn below the theoretical hull speed and, according to our measurements, results in a fuel consumption of 2.6 litres per second. With a tank capacity of 2700 litres, this results in a range of an impressive 875 nm plus 15% reserve.
If you put the levers fully on the table, you will still be travelling around 2 kn faster than at cruising speed, but you will have to accept a 600 nm reduction in range. This means that full throttle only makes sense if you want to make faster progress over a short distance, for example to reach the harbour before a bad weather front. A maximum noise level of 65 dB(A) at the helm station with the saloon door closed and 68 dB(A) with the door open speaks for excellent sound insulation and engine mounting.
A big advantage of two diesels is the safety in case of engine problems, because with only one drive we still reached a maximum of 9 knots.
Further plus points in terms of safety: the standard equipment with an emergency tiller, which keeps the boat on course even if the hydraulic steering is defective. In normal operation, the steering ensures a direct rudder movement. If you take a tight full-throttle turn with it, you will not only notice the change in course, but also a strong heel towards the outside of the turn. When travelling straight ahead, the good course stability is impressive; it doesn't matter whether you are travelling slowly or fast.
The hull irons over stern waves from ferries on the Ijsselmeer; if you have to deal with rougher water, simply switch on the stabiliser system (with Magnus effect, 52,000 euros surcharge). In order to be manoeuvrable in the harbour, our test boat has a hydraulically driven bow and stern thruster.
To ensure that the Sturiër is not only easy to sail at sea (CE category A), but also on inland waterways, the hull has a length of 14.98 m, which can be sailed with a normal inland sports boat licence.
To reduce the clearance height to 3.49 metres, the mast can be folded down - and in our boat, not just onto the roof extension above the cockpit, but into the sunroof cut-out, which allows the sun to shine on the comfortable seating area with its heavy wooden table during normal operation.
The cockpit and saloon are combined by opening the double doors and hinged windows. From the saloon, a staircase leads forward to the dinette and well-equipped galley. From there it continues to the day toilet, the guest shower and the two cabins with double beds (with slatted frames). The second heads compartment can only be accessed directly from the owner's cabin. As an option, Sturiër also offers a layout with an additional cabin (the galley is then in the saloon) or a flybridge model.
Data sheet: Sturier DM 52 OC
Shipyard: Sturier Yachts B.V.
Type designation: Sturier DM 52 OC
CE category: A - High seas
Material of hull and deck: Steel
Length: 15,80 m
Width: 4,85 m
Displacement: 32,00 t
Price: 950.810,00 €
