zeelander yachts

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Zeelander 44 review: Extraordinary quality more than justifies hefty price tag

• Credit: Zeelander Yachts
• The forward dinette converts into an extra double berth for guests Credit: Zeelander Yachts
• Top stories

Alex Smith heads for Amsterdam’s HISWA In-Water Show to investigate one of the most exclusive 44-foot open cruisers money can buy, the Zeelander 44

First unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show to a well-heeled chorus of public cooing, the Zeelander 44 is not your everyday boat. Designed and built in the Netherlands specifically to cater for a supremely solvent client base, this high-end take on the classic lobster boat exhibits the painstaking detailing of an art installation.

While most boat builders embrace straight edges and simplified mouldings as a means of increasing production efficiencies, the Zeelander 44 is all graduated curves, sweeps and seamless fluidity. In fact, it has the feeling of something painstakingly ground into pebble-smooth perfection by the sculpting actions of wind and water – and that is by no means an accident…

The idea was to create a boat that would always look in its element and the result is not just a very beautiful and distinctive craft, but one on which nothing feels ordinary. In addition to the fact that it takes 42 individual moulds to generate the parts required to build the Zeelander 44, there is tremendous pleasure to be had simply in examining the curves of the hull windows and the fabric panelling; the near perfect finish of the arching steel guardrails and the swept and faceted joinery.

The cockpit is divided into both covered and open dining areas

Even the ‘wood’ trim beneath the guardrails is a hardwearing artificial material, individually hand-painted to look like natural wood grain by a local artist. The quality of her work confounds belief and it’s one of many touches that helps make each Zeelander 44 feel like a one-off original.

Recommended videos for you

Up top and down below.

The twin cockpit layout, sheltered in the forward part by the overhead roof and orbited in its entirety by easy-access side decks, is a lovely feature. It makes the main deck feel much more versatile than those with a single unbroken space and it also enables the skipper to be kept fully involved in the social hub of the upper cockpit.

With a fridge, icebox and hand-washing station to starboard, plus a huge flip-down swim platform and an overhead canvas that remains unflappable even at 30 knots in a Force 5, the space is tailormade for large gatherings.

Down below you get a central atrium with galley to starboard and heads to port, plus a raised convertible dinette in the bow space and a full-beam master double with lounge and changing area beneath the cockpit sole. And just as on the main deck, the sweeping proliferation of curves has a lovely way of inviting you from space to space.

The forward dinette converts into an extra double berth for guests

True, the forward berth is a touch short and the convex shape of the doors for the galley’s overhead lockers sees them impede one another’s travel if they are opened simultaneously – but given the sheer loveliness of these spaces, you’re unlikely to dwell on issues such as these.

The Zeelander 44 helming experience

It takes around 17 seconds to reach 25 knots, but what the Zeelander 44 lacks in pace, it gains in refinement. Even as we creep along at inadvisably slow displacement speeds, noting our performance figures among the chop of the Lelystad shallows, the water that finds its way over the bow hits the screen with a muted ‘thunk’ that barely registers. And as we push on, things get even better…

The flared and elevated bow with double chines adds extraordinary dryness to the mix – and if the soft, virtually vibration-free ride of this profoundly solid Category B cruising machine is impressive, the absence of noise is even more remarkable. This is an open boat with a pair of 435hp diesel engines in a Force 5 at wide-open throttle, and yet it felt and sounded as refined as most boats at half that speed in calm conditions.

Article continues below…

Aquador 35 AQ: Revamped flagship shows the way forward for Finnish yard

Riva 56 rivale: a veritable floating sculpture full of surprises.

With its unique combination of art and design, of engineering and aesthetics, synonymous with the Italian shipyard Riva, the 56

It’s not the fastest boat in its class and, to keep the ride at optimum softness, you do need to give the leg a decent bit of trim, which can limit forward visibility past the elevated bow – but with a 32-knot top end that is every bit as quiet as a sedentary 22-knot cruise, this is as serene and comfortable a 44-footer as you are ever likely to witness.

Our verdict

The Zeelander 44 is eye-wateringly expensive. In fact, at more than 1.5 million euros, it costs the kind of money that could easily buy you a high-quality 44-foot cruiser from a mainstream brand, a five-bedroom house in a pleasant part of Hampshire and a Porsche.

But the Zeelander deserves to be considered in isolation from the sobering pragmatism of the regular market because it simply isn’t like anything else out there. With its beautiful materials, its indulgent carnival of curves and the painstaking work that has gone into creating an artisan finish, this boat is for those who crave something special; something only a handful of people in the world will ever own; something with the power to evoke a tangible welling of excitement every time you step on board. Viewed in that context, the Zeelander 44 is a stupendous piece of work.

Zeelander 44 specification

LOA: 44ft 4in (13.52m) Beam: 13ft 1in (4.0m) Engine options: Twin 500-600hp Test engine: Twin Volvo Penta IPS600 Top speed on test: 31.6 knots Fuel consumption at 20 knots: 91.4 L/H Displacement: 14 tonnes (light) Fuel capacity: 1,600 litres Price as tested: €1,575,000 (inc VAT)

Latest reviews

Fairline targa 40 review: sensational new british sportscruiser, palm beach 70 review: hi-tech yacht with traditional looks, parker sorrento 100 review: 50-knot cruiser with a killer aft cabin, latest videos, bluegame bgm75 sea trial: the €6.8m powercat that thinks its a monohull, cormate chase 32 tour: fast, stylish and practical weekender, axopar 29 sea trial: sun top vs cross cabin – which is best, sunseeker ocean 182 – see how this compact superyacht copes in a wet and windy sea trial.

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• Dubai Tourism
• Gateway Bronco
• On Location – Olympic Games Paris 2024
• One&Only
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
• St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

This Sleek 48-Foot Yacht Is an Elegant Speed Machine Capable of 40 Knots

The zeelander 5 is quiet, comfortable, and hugely fun to drive, according to the dutch yard's founder, rachel cormack.

Digital Editor

Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

• Hublot and TAG Heuer Are Both Getting New CEOs
• Queen Camilla Wore the Historic Diamond Diadem at the State Opening of Parliament
• Ray-Ban Owner EssilorLuxottica Is Buying Supreme for $1.5 Billion
• Share This Article

The Zeelander 5 has finally received its close-up.

Related Stories

• Lucid Says Its New Electric Car Is the Most Efficient Production EV Ever Made
• How the Dodge Viper Brought Chrysler Back From the Dead
• Forget Points. Credit Card Companies Are Now Building Swanky Airport Lounges Around the U.S.

“The Zeelander 5 is the natural evolution of the original Z44 and, like that very first yacht from Zeelander, has become an instant design icon,” Zeelander founder Sietse Koopmans said in a statement. “Quiet and comfortable, hugely fun to drive, and seductively styled, she is every bit the equal of our larger yachts .”

The exterior showcases sleek lines, gleaming topsides, mirror-polished cleats, and hand-painted handrails. The interior is as equally sophisticated, with expansive, ​​mullion-less windows, fine cabinetry, and modern furnishings.

Starting on the main deck, the large salon is adorned with comfy sofas and tables that allow six to dine with sweeping 360-degree views. Nearby, the fully functional galley features a curved counter, fridge, basin, wine cooler, and induction hob. Curving stairs lead to the lower deck and two exquisite guest cabins. The light and airy owner’s cabin is outfitted with a broad vanity desk and copious storage. More storage is built into the lobby, which divides the owner’s cabin and the head.

Outside, a deep aft cockpit with sofas and a high-low table is perfect for alfresco entertaining. Another more exposed lounge on the foredeck makes an ideal spot for sunning. At the opposite end, the transom folds down to create a large swim platform that can be used for lounging or launching water toys.

Click here to see all the photos of the Zeelander 5.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

Read More On:

More marine.

This New 94-Foot Foiling Catamaran Can Fly Across the Seas at Over 50 Knots

This New 170-Foot Sailing Yacht Has a Jacuzzi Hidden Beneath Its Mast

Maserati’s First Electric Boat Delivers Style and Fun on the Water—We Took It for a Spin

The Ritz-Carlton’s Massive New 790-Foot Megayacht Just Hit the High Seas

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

‘Reposado’ in Photos

Admiral Quaranta Superyacht in Photos

More from our brands, how fashion and accessories brands are tapping into paris’ olympic spirit, ‘heretic’ lawyer behind houston christian’s house v. ncaa fight, feid, sebastián yatra, manuel turizo and more set for iheartradio fiesta latina, indian artist prajakta potnis receives the 2024 loewe foundation / studio voltaire award, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

We Are Yacht Brokers

Welcome to Atlantic Yacht & Ship, Inc. We remain an integral leader in the yacht and ship brokerage industry, serving the yachting community since 1959. Atlantic Yacht & Ship, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is located in the heart of the “Yachting Capital of the World”. Whether buying or selling a quality motor yacht, center console, or having your luxury yacht built. Atlantic Yacht & Ship is your one-stop resource for the highest quality luxury yacht sales and service in the yachting industry today. The dynamics in buying or selling a yacht are complex and time consuming, but at Atlantic Yacht & Ship, our team of professional yacht brokers are prepared to handle the entire process and create a positive and easy experience for all our clients.

Presenting Our Featured Yachts

The Most Recent Yachting News

See Us At These Yachting Events

Cookie settings

Cookie settings.

“It started with the desire to create something extraordinary “

Driven by ‍ Perfection

From the beginning

Dutch heritage and Craftsmanship ‍

Passion for excellence Runs in the family

Meet us at upcoming events.

Zeelander shipyard

Sign up for the newsletter.

• +31 184 785 047
• +1 (954) 815 2287
• [email protected]
• Inspiration

Join us at the Newport Boat Show from September 12-15, 2024, and witness the Zeelander 5 and Zeelander 7 up close.   

Want to sell or buy a boat?

Come to us.

Professionally engaged in the selection and sale of boats and yachts. We love water equipment and everything related to it.

0 yachts for you

• Evaluation boat
• Registration boat
• Team matching
• Service maintenance