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BLOG 6. “Hull 405: Classic Lines, Modern Heart”

BLOG 6. “Hull 405: Classic Lines, Modern Heart”

BLOG 6. “Hull 405: Classic Lines, Modern Heart”

It’s been a while since we’ve blogged about our 17-metre Pieter Beeldsnijder-designed motor yacht that we acquired part-complete in 2023. That’s partly because we’ve been so busy with a vast array of other projects that have been coming through the yard – from stunning sailing schooners like the 64.5-metre Atlantic to sections of a bridge that a civil engineering firm needed our help with! A scroll through our news section will highlight the diverse nature of our work here at AYS.

However, the work on the steel yacht – Hull 405, as she’s known within AYS – has been ticking away in the background and, after much consideration of different styling and practical options, we have finally settled on the exterior design for the hull and superstructure. A big part of that decision rested on how we approached the stern area, taking into consideration the potential future owner of the yacht and the way they might want to run her, and engineering considerations depending on the style of propulsion we wanted to put in her.

“After much consideration of different styles, we’ve decided to stay true to the yacht’s heritage – because she was started more than two decades ago – with a beautiful design by Werner Yacht Design,” says our managing director, Robert Binnekade. “The design captures the essence of Dutch steel cruisers combined with hardy pilot cutters – classic but timeless lines for a contemporary boat-buying audience.”

The design also allows the team to be able to spec Binnekade’s preferred hybrid powertrain option, should her future owner want it. “We’ve looked at various drivetrains, and my preference would be for a full DC electric powertrain with a diesel power plant,” he explains. “It’s by far the most efficient set-up in terms of power usage, and it’s also fairly simple in terms of components – and if you go full DC you can circumvent the conversion of current from AC to DC which in turn removes a lot of the efficiency loss. However,” he adds, “if a client comes along and wants a conventional diesel power- and drivetrain, then that’s also possible with the design we’ve settled on.”

Hull 405, therefore, speaks to a truth about modern yachtbuilding, when approached with care, precision and a lot of engineering studies – retaining classic elements doesn’t preclude updating core systems. “Our design for Hull 405 proves that even with traditional or classic-style yachts, you can have a very good, very efficient modern technical solution,” Binnekade concludes. “You don’t have to install conventional machinery or, in the case of an extensive refit or rebuild, you don’t have to re-motorise with or replicate what was there before.”

VIDEO: Classic Yacht Renovation – Preserving a way of life
VIDEO: Classic Yacht Renovation – Preserving a way of life

A classic yacht is a legacy, and we treat it that way. We restore your yacht to its original glory, without losing its soul. We blend old craftsmanship with modern technology. Amsterdam Yacht Builders brings your classic back to life. Read more about our Classic Yacht Renovation services here.

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Atlantic crossing 

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BLOG 5. ‘The making of a modern classic’ – An inside job
BLOG 5. ‘The making of a modern classic’ – An inside job

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BLOG 3. ‘The making of a modern classic’ – Creating a 3D hull scan
BLOG 3. ‘The making of a modern classic’ – Creating a 3D hull scan

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Base jumping
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Netherlands
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