Linssen Grand Sturdy 410

[Daniel B]

Anybody have any personal experience or insights with these steel boats made in the Netherlands? In the market for a 40-foot more or less vessel suitable for coastal cruising -- the inside passage to AK, circumnavigate Vancouver Island, and perhaps cruise to Mexico.

Curious what their plusses and minuses are...

 

[Pascall]

Hi, these ships are built in the province of Limburge in Maasbracht, which is near the German border.
It is a family business with extensive experience, the yard exists 75 years.
The brand is insanely popular especially in Germany which therefore makes the ships quite value stable.
I cannot judge the whole line/years but the cascos are very solid and heavily built.
Engineering is well done, and panelling is simple but neat.
As for the paint system, I have been told by an experienced painter that the paint system is applied minimally in terms of thickness, which on saltwater could possibly lead to premature rusting.
But that could also have been a particular series in its 75-year existence, generally this brand is very well regarded.
The hullpt is a simple design with sharp bilges, two hull plates or slightly chamfered with three hull plates per side, depending on the model.
The model you prefer falls under CE sertivation B which would be suitable for coastal waters.

 

[Daniel B]

Thanks very much. I appreciate your insights.

 

[Sababa]

We’ve toured a couple of them in this size range and they appear to be very well made. The joinery of the interior wood and the overall fit and finish appeared to be of very high quality. The double glazed windows looked especially well suited for staying cozy in Northwest waters. We’ve considered someday purchasing a Variotop 550 in Holland to tour the canals, the Med, Norway, and Scotland before ultimately importing to the the US. You can bareboat charter them over there if you want to try them out.

 

[Endeavor GB 32]

I am pretty sure that Judy Waldman, who is a well known broker and member of this forum has handled some of these and more qualified than anyone to weigh in. Good luck!
Regards,
Scott

 

[Daniel B]

We’ve toured a couple of them in this size range and they appear to be very well made. The joinery of the interior wood and the overall fit and finish appeared to be of very high quality. The double glazed windows looked especially well suited for staying cozy in Northwest waters. We’ve considered someday purchasing a Variotop 550 in Holland to tour the canals, the Med, Norway, and Scotland before ultimately importing to the the US. You can bareboat charter them over there if you want to try them out.

Interesting idea to try before buying. Thanks for your thoughts...

 

[Daniel B]

I am pretty sure that Judy Waldman, who is a well known broker and member of this forum has handled some of these and more qualified than anyone to weigh in. Good luck!
Regards,
Scott

Thanks for the lead. I may reach out to her.

 

[Judy at JWY]

I have just picked up on this thread which I had missed previously - proof that I read my TF email newsletters

When I represented Linssen in the US, the "dealer demos" were under my control so I was involved with their maintenance and upkeep. I was re-involved when several of those owners called upon me later for resale. I am fully supportive of the build and the company.

 

[Mark Laurnen]

I have admired one of these which is permanently moored in Friday Harbor. They look extraordinarily stout and capable. I would be curious as to their power as I doubt it would be American or Japanese. The more remote that you go, the more difficult repairs may become, take the essential spares. Another question would be regarding the electrical system, but I believe the boat in Friday Harbor was tapped in to standard 30 amp service. I think they look like great boats!

 

[Judy at JWY]

The Linssens that were built for the US market all had 60hZ and Volvo engines. As to repairs in remote locations, don't forget that any commercial yard will have experience in repairing steel ships.

 

[Mark Laurnen]

I was thinking entirely of mechanical repairs … from what I can tell it would be quite hard to inflict significant hull damage!

 

[dutch-barge]

Fun part with steel boat.....they get a tick and they keep going. I had it in Europe with our steel boat and hit a wooden dock....at low speed, but 30 + tons is a lot, so the dock was destroyed and yes there was a small dent in the front, which was only 5mm steel. OH, and the boat is from the 1930's.

 

[gorjes]

I own one of the few Linssen Yachts on the east coast, a Dutch Sturdy 32 imported through Miami in 2003. It is a tank. We cruise the ICW at about 7 mpg, fuel burn just over a gallon/hour at 6.8 knots. It has a Volvo TAMD31M (950 hrs) that has been very reliable. I get parts from Sweden Marine Parts (based in Finland), great service at reasonable prices, logistics excellent (air freight is fast and cheap).

The most amazing thing is the customer support I have received from the Linssen yard in Maasbracht; they treat me like a new boat owner. I would buy another one tomorrow.

 

[Judy at JWY]

I sold this Linssen 32, from whom I recall was her original owner, in 12/18 in FLL. Did you purchase from "NM"? If so, I believe you are owner # 3. This boat was squeaky clean when I sold her. So glad to hear you're enjoying her!

 

[Pprior]

I contacted Linssen to obtain information about a yacht currently for sale (used). They were *amazing*. After an inspection of this particular boat I chose not to pursue but based on my interaction with the factory / support for a 20+ year old model it's a brand I have my eye out for going forward.