New Build Questions...

I have no knowledge of this particular shipyard since they are fairly new on the market, eventhough they have earlier been subcontractors to other yards.

The fact that the Dutch yachtbuilders have this relation through working with a number of highly qualified Dutch and German subcontractors, you can expect to get the same quality from most of the yards, both in Holland and Germany.

What is important is to what size the shipyard can build, since some have limited deepwater access from the inland waterways. But otherwise I think that if you have the right designer and I would also recommend to hire a good project manager, then this shipyard is most likely as good as any of the more famous shipyards in this area.

/Lars

Their site is in English, so that shouldnt be a problem; http://www.bloemsma-vanbreemen.nl/index.htm

What i like is that their facilities are very clean, airy, light etc.
Must be a pleasure to work there (heated floors and all, can be **** cold working with iron in the winter in big halls) opposite to the older yards like van Lent which are incredibly dark.

They can build to 65 mtr.

The question of building where you can easy follow the construction is always present and honestly, if I could have my yacht built without this, I would be more than happy. But I also know many that really enjoy the building process and often start planning the next yacht project before the first is launched... We are all different!

For me it is the detailed planning in advance that is the challenge and after that I just want to see the finished result as soon as possible..

This is why I suggested to find the right designer first, then you can select the best shipyard, (not the best price), and finally the best project manager.
This way you help to create the desired pedigree.

To visit the shipyard during construction might be nice, but with the help of Internet most issues can be solved almost before they arise...

In my opinion, by having as much customer input as possible throughout the design and build process, it removes the possibility of any discrepancies that may occour after completion, changes that may cost more than would of been necessary. It also looks good in favour of the company - gives more of a one-off, design for purpose feel for the customer.

You might be right Jon, and this might be the explanation to why there are so many strange yachts coming out from the shipyards these days...

Hehe! I hear you brother!

But you have to admit, there are yachts at both ends of the spectrum coming through lately:

Back of the queue in the looks department and the early bird who camped overnight to get first in the queue, if you see what i mean!

LOL!

Actually Bill... I think the members of this site will help save you money.

About the quality of Bloemsma & Van Breemen I agree with Lars. They use a lot of subcontractors and most of these companies work also for yards like Amels and Feadship. Here are some examples of Dutch subcontractors and their work:

Interior builders: http://www.struikandhamerslag.nl/

Both interior and exterior: http://www.dorr.nl/
With a nice example of their work: http://www.dorr.nl/interieur/patriot/patriot.html

An advantage about Bloemsma & Van Breemen is that they are also experienced hull and superstructure builders, so the quality is very high!

To me it looks like a very well organized company with all the quality in-house and available to built yachts of the highest quality. I only think that they are probably more expensive than the US yards.

Recomendation

This builder has produced beautiful vessels due to the incredible craftsmanship of his sub contractors . The last three builds are Flying eagle, Patriot, Bharlin Blue. all three fine examples of Dutch Craftsmanship. His current build being finished now is for a silent partner in the build and a beatifully crafted vessel as well. Although, two of the three suffered major mechanical failures and ended up in shipyards for the first year after delivery.The owners spent huge sums of money with little help in warranty from the builder. These two boats have major lawsuits against this builder currently in the Dutch courts or in legal arbitration. It would be wise to investigate builders ability to continue with a new project before going into a contract with deposit.

Global race

No doubt there are significant differences between individual yards. But, as a very general trend, would there be much difference in expected time-to-build between the Asian yards, North American, and European?

Kelly Cook

There are two very significant factors that you must consider in the selection of the yard: 1) the size of the project, and 2) the preferred construction material (aluminum, steel, composites...).

Selecting a quality yard close to your home will make the process much more enjoyable, in spite of how lovely Europe can be (in the summer!).

Good luck, and no matter what yard you chose, make sure the process is part of the fun. If it is not, you are not doing it correctly. If you feel like you are being pushed into a corner and the pressure is building, stop all engines and re-evaluate. Yes, building a yacht is complicated, but it is not brain surgery.

It is a very expensive process so you must enjoy it.