bestevaer sailboat

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: Bestevaer 36 – downsized pilothouse cruiser

• Toby Hodges
• June 2, 2023

The new Bestevaer 36 from renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra is the smallest ever boat in the history if the Besteaver brand

Product Overview

In a world in which yachts are constantly becoming larger, this Dutch brand is bucking the trend, with the smallest-ever model in its 20-year history. It’s intended to offer performance along with shoal draught and the ability to safely dry out on a beach.

These rugged aluminium pilothouse cruisers have always reflected what former professional skipper and renowned naval architect Gerard Dijkstra wants in a boat of his own: a safe, comfortable, and good-looking yacht for unrestricted, short-handed sailing. It has proved to be the perfect formula for a lifetime of ocean sailing, high latitude work and solo racing.

The Bestevaer 36 follows in a similar spirit, but is also intended as a boat in which Dijkstra can spend extended periods in the shallow waters, lakes and coastlines close to home that he has not previously had time to explore in detail.

“The Bestevaer 36 is a high-performance little yacht. It’s a very easy boat to sail and versatile as well,” he says. “It will easily take you around the world but is also ideal for cruising the local wetlands.”

This vessel therefore needed to be a sufficiently compact yacht to easily fit in small harbours and marinas, with the ability to dry out when sailing in the beautiful Wadden Sea nearby. Yet it still retains all the distinctive features of the brand’s larger yachts including aluminium construction, watertight fore and aft bulkheads, plumb bow, practical pilothouse and deep bulwarks.

Galley is to port, heads and diesel heater to starboard of the companionway. Light comes from overhead hatches and strong hull portlights

The two tonne ballasted centreboard provides a generous 2.4m draught when lowered. This is combined with a big rig to give good sailing performance on all points of sail, including close-hauled and light airs. Yet the board retracts fully into the canoe body, reducing draught to only 0.7m and creating a flat surface on which to dry out safely on the hull’s thick bottom plating.

Like the larger Bestevaers, this boat was conceived at the outset to offer crew plenty of protection. In addition to seats each side of the pilothouse, which has a 360˚ view, the coachroof extends over the cockpit, creating a very sheltered area. All lines are led aft for easy single-handed operation.

Generous beam helps to provide good form stability, as well as increasing accommodation volumes. The interior has a flexible semi-open plan layout, with three different style options.

The first boat, which will be the designer’s own, is currently in build and scheduled for completion this spring. This example is also being used as a case study for a transition towards more sustainable production processes at KM Yachtbuilders. For instance, 70% of the aluminium is recycled, as is the insulation, while environmentally friendly and largely recycled materials are used for the interior. It has a 15kW OceanVolt electric drive with sufficient battery capacity for four hours of autonomy. This is supplemented with regeneration and a large solar panel array on the pilothouse roof.

A couple of interesting options are offered for sail plans, including a 95% jib on a Hoyt boom, which makes for an enticing combination of very easy handling and excellent sail shape on all points of sail.

To help make up for loss of headsail area a square-top mainsail with 14% more area than the standard pinhead version can be specified.

The standard specification has a very high level of equipment, including the solar panels, electric propulsion package, antifouling wrap and a traditional style floor mounted with a Dickinson Alaska diesel heater.

Bestevaer 36 specifications

LOA: 10.95m 35ft 11in Beam: 3.80m 12ft 6in Draught: 0.7m-2.4m 2ft 4in-7ft 11in Displacement: 7,800kg 17,200lb Base price: €546,000 ex VAT Builder: bestevaer.com

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BESTEVAER 45ST PURE, A SOLID 45-FOOT-BOAT

Leggi l’articolo in inglese

Bestevaer 45ST Pure  is the new creation of the Dutch KM Yachtbuilders . Bestevaers are known, especially in Northern Europe, for being provided with some very robust pilothouses and a total reliability. 100% aluminium : hull, deck and superstructure; in practice, a sort of panzers of the sea.

They don’t seem to be particulary beautiful but they aim for functionality and marine qualities. KM Yachtbuilders has always produced bigger hull and boats between 48 and 66 feet; this time, they enter in the series production with a smaller and more affordable boat.

The basic phylosophy is that performances don’t mean only speed, but also corners, easy management and excellent route and sea grip. Like some other Bestevaers, 45ST Pure has a pure aluminium hull and, in the deck, the only varnish is non-slip. The cockpit is deep, completely closed and well-protected. Seats have cork finishings. The pilothouse is comfortable and welcoming. The standard version has a f ixed keel and a bar rudder but you can have a mobile keel, two rudder blades or a wheel as option.

Below the deck, layout can have two or three cabins but only one bathroom. Finishings are made of walnut and bamboo. The basic price is 495,000 Euros, VAT excluded.

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Bestevaer s/y, bestevaer m/y, custom bestevaer 1/1, the world's finest explorer yachts., become part of the km family.

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Explore Bestevaer yachts

Designed by one of the world’s most legendary sailors as his private yacht. Brought to you by KM Yachtbuilders.

A simple shape and a sharp bow. Beautiful lines. But still, a yacht that is extremely comfortable under all weather conditions. Apart from its singular design, the Bestevaer 53 M/Y offers a phenomenal boating experience and is ideal for exploring coasts, rivers, lakes, and cities in all weather conditions.

Specifications

The Bestevaer M/Y is the end product of uncompromising craftsmanship and quality. Understated in its presence, yet so abundant in its offerings. Each detail has been considered and perfected ensuring a carefree experience for its owners. The result is a yacht that is filled with intelligence in every aspect of its design.

Interior impression

Experience true comfort wherever you may be. The interior of the Bestevaer 53 M/Y is inspired by Scandinavian design and brings you a refined sense of luxury and well-being. Tactile, quality natural materials such as brushed oak, Danish wool and Swedish leather. The many windows bring in beautiful light. And there’s space, space for you to be.

• Naval Architect Dykstra Naval Architects
• Underwater Body Design Studio Delta
• Category CE-A
• Length Over All 15.97m
• Length Water Line 15.61m
• Draught 0.85m
• Height Above DWL 3.40m (3.60m w/ antenna mast)
• Displ. 18T light ship approx.
• Material Aluminium
• Engines 2x Yanmar 110 hp
• Cabins 2x double (sleeps 4)
• Bathrooms 2x incl. toilet and shower
• Diesel 2x 1000L (aluminium)
• Fresh Water 750 L
• Waste Water 310 L
• Range 1450 NM
• Cruise Speed 8 - 12,5 kts standard

Exterior Features

Fold down swimming platform

Lower the hydraulically operated the optional swim swim platform to extend the level floor up to the waterline. Unrestricted views over the water, dock a tender, or take a refreshing morning swim.

Large sideways folding aft doors

Extend your living space outdoors and onto the terrace. Open up the sideways folding aft doors between the inside living area and the outside terrace.

Open plan layout

The single-level design is practical and creates a cooperative environment for everyone aboard, an atmosphere of togetherness. Steering, cooking, and relaxing take place in the same space.

Dinghy crane with electric winch

Discretely hidden away, this crane allows for easy dinghy launching from the coachroof. Maximum ease of use and use of space while underway.

Low clearance

Explore the inland waters or cruise the French canals. A low clearance of 3.40 ensures maximum accessibility to your favorite cruising grounds.

Wide side decks

Move forward and aft safely in a quick and relaxed manner. Wide side decks on either side of the pilot house allow for easy movement. The welded handrails are both a safety feature and add to the overall beauty of the yacht.

Easy docking and mooring

Ideal for when cruising short-handed or alone: directly behind the steering position are two doors which provide easy access to the decks and docks. Use of the centered bollard also allows for easy short-handed mooring.

Pilothouse with 360° view

Integral to the Bestevaer design is the pilothouse with an all-around view. It enables navigation of the yacht in the coldest of areas from inside a warm and protected environment.

Watertight bulkheads

Safety is paramount on the water. To avoid ingress of water, the yacht is fitted with 2 watertight bulkheads in aft and bow, equalling 3 watertight compartments.

Aluminium from A to Z

The hull, pilot house, superstructure and rudder are fully constructed from aluminium. A material known for being strong, light weight and stiff, low maintenance, environmentally friendly, and incredibly good-looking.

Ample storage space

With a deck hatch in the bow and two extra large hatches in the aft, there’s ample space for bikes, toys, tools and provisions. On both port and starboard sides you’ll find hatches specially designed for storing fenders, keeping decks clean and clear.

Interested in the Bestevaer 53 M/Y?

Enjoy the greatest freedom of all – a timeless yacht for unrestricted boating. Feel free to get in touch for more information and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.

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• The Journey

BESTEVAER 53 S/Y 53 Foot Aluminum Sailboat

The 53 is perhaps best described by Bestevaer designer and owner Gerard Dykstra; “Designing any boat is a balancing act between many desirable characteristics and inevitably the end-product is a compromise, never perfect in all aspects. However, the Bestevaer comes close to my ideal. The past voyages proved this right.” This is truly a yacht for a sailing life, no matter the destination.

Construction

Length Waterline

Designed And Built For True Adventure

Designed and built with rugged distance sailing in mind, the 53 Bestevaer is the most capable semi-custom sailing yacht built today. While her strength of build and exceptional design are unquestioned, she truly shines because of her unique and carefully considered features.

This uncompromising design has everything that experienced sailors desire while also being easy to handle for those experiencing blue water sailing for the first time.

WORLD CLASS QUALITY KM YACHTBUILDERS BUILD THE FINEST EXPEDITION EXPLORER YACHTS IN THE WORLD

Bestevaer Design, Quality, & Safety

Dutch built.

Bestevaer yachts are designed by one of the world's best design teams and built by one of the world’s very best yards. Dutch builders are known for crafting some of the best boats in the world and when stepping aboard any of these magnificent vessels, quality is evident everywhere.

Exceptional Strength

Building boats with exceptional strength means that each safety measure is enhanced. Watertight bulkheads, integrated chainplates, welded aluminum bollards, integral tanks, and deep cockpits allow owners to sail with the assurance that they will be safe in even the harshest conditions.

Reliability

Reliability is synonymous with quality and every detail matters in the eyes of the Bestevaer design and build teams, from the construction of the hull to perfectly placed handrails. A quality sailboat built to the highest standards is a safe and reliable boat that provides her owners with comfort at sea.

Exterior Highlights

The pilothouse has excellent visibility and ample space to take a watch to get out of the weather. The feeling of security while in the pilothouse is one of the features that makes every Bestevaer capable of sailing in waters that other vessels avoid.

The cockpit is deep and comfortable, creating a safe and secure space to pilot from. Cockpits on a Bestevaer are protected from wind and seas by the pilothouse and all lines are led to the cockpit so the need for going forward in a sea is greatly mitigated.

Bestevaer sailboats are offered with tiller or wheel steering. The tiller allows for an extra large cockpit while the wheel gives owners a smooth familiar feeling underway. Both are created with excellent sailing in mind.

Excellent Visibility

The visibility from the helm and the 360 degree views from the pilothouse are exceptional and create a design that is very easy to enjoy.

Rig Options

The Bestevaer 53 can be built as a cutter, solent, or left as a sloop. The versatile rig choices are in keeping with KM Yachtbuilders' tradition of creating customizable options on each design.

Fold-Down Swim Platform

Integrated fold-down swim platform, manually operated and accessed from the cockpit. Additional swim ladder for emergency or quick boarding available.

53 S/Y Exterior Photos

Bestevaer Interiors

While the exterior of Bestevaer sailboats are aluminum and purposefully rugged in order to withstand all elements and any sailing conditions, the interiors are beautiful, luxurious, and built for comfort.

Whether you enjoy the warm feel of a traditional wood finish, or prefer a sleek and modern look, the interior can be outfitted with various materials and finishing options. Certain elements of the interior layout can also be modified, such as the size and placement of the galley. Bestevaer works with owners to create a space that meets their lifestyle and cruising needs.

Interior Highlights

Exceptional craftsmanship.

Every Bestevaer interior is built to the highest standards. From the finest quality carpentry to world renowned metal work, every interior is truly exceptional.

Customizable

While the standard layouts on every model are designed with distance cruising in mind, customizations are always available. Each owner is asked for input on the final interior design of their vessel, which helps create a vessel built to suit her owner's desires.

Spacious pilothouses are a hallmark of the Bestevaer designs. Made of solid aluminum, the pilothouse is a dry comfortable area to work should the weather turn, or a cool spot to relax on a hot day.

53 S/Y Interior Photos

Bestevaer 53 S/Y Specs

Measurements

• LWL: 48 ft 9 in
• BEAM: 15 ft 2 in
• DRAFT: 7 ft 6 in
• DISPLACEMENT: 44,092 lbs

Accommodations

• CABINS: 2 or 3
• BERTHS: 6 or 8
• RIG: Sloop (9/10)
• MAIN SAIL AREA: 249.3 sq ft
• GENOA SAIL AREA: 196.9 sq ft
• CERTIFICATION: Category CE-A
• ENGINE: Yanmar 80 hp
• FUEL TANKS:  264 gal
• FRESH WATER TANKS: 211 gal
• HOLDING TANKS: 32 gal

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