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Posted by: Power and Motoryacht
Just over a decade ago, VanDutch launched a distinctive, geometrically-fashioned 40-footer, sporting a vertical bow and stark, angular lines. Created by Holland-based naval architect Frank Mulder, the vessel took hold on the French Riviera and was adopted by celebrities and luxury partners as a tender for the Monaco Boat Show and the F1 Grand Prix. In the U.S., she was embraced by high-profile resorts and partners likely because she stood out, attracting attention at the dock or on the water.
After building 163 of the 40-footers as part of its 10th anniversary celebration, VanDutch released the 40.2 model late last year. We caught hull number one at the Ft. Lauderdale VanDutch Center and, while the boat retains its architectural look, many features extend its appeal, including the 10-inch-longer swim platform and nearly a foot-more freeboard. A deeper hull enabled VanDutch to execute a stem-to-stern, one-level deck, making its signature social maneuvering even easier—and safer. It also provided extra headroom belowdecks.
Purposefully simple and clean, the deck maintains its angular layout and construction (now built in Fano, Italy and Egg Harbor, New Jersey). Light gray Esthec Nautical decking gives the rich appearance of teak with the practicality of composites and is complemented by white SilverTech upholstery. Guests board via the large aft swim platform and to port, past the massive sunpad with adjustable backrests, to the amidships L-shaped lounge and a table with integral refrigerated cooler that can hold half a case of wine. A wet bar with two sinks (ice in one, beer in the other perhaps) flanks the port-side helm.
But the coolest newly-added feature to the aft deck is the automated Bimini top. The hinged back seat lifts up manually to reveal the Bimini top tucked below. The first boat’s buyer requested a manual Bimini—part of his daily workout perhaps?—but others can opt for an electrically raised top that adds a large sun-protected area from the deck to helm.
The restyled plexiglass windshield has a fiberglass cap and is wider than on prior models, enabling a bit of port and starboard badging for the brand. It adds to the aerodynamic look and protects the clean dash set with Garmin electronics, bow and stern thruster control, windlass and optional joystick.
One enters the air-conditioned cabin from the manual sliding door next to the helm. The simple and elegant lines are enhanced with self-locking white cabinetry and bench seating with a pull-out couch to create a berth, all upholstered in SilverTech. The roomy separate head has modern white and black fixtures, 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom and all is neat, angular and efficient in true VanDutch style.
The first 40.2 boat had twin diesel Cummins 480s; subsequent models will offer as standard the choice of 380-hp Volvo Penta stern drives (which provide room for a Seakeeper) or larger, 440-hp inboards, powering the 40.2 to 41 knots wide open.
While the VanDutch looks like a deep, heavy boat, her 2-foot, 9-inch draft gives it flexibility for a day’s jaunt in shallow seas. As a tender, party boat or a spontaneous overnighter, the VanDutch delivers an eye-catching water adventure.
VanDutch 40.2 Specifications:
LOA: 40’4″
Beam: 11’2″
Draft: 2’9″
Displ.: 18,960 lbs.
Fuel: 224 gal.
Water: 40 gal.
Standard Power: 2/Volvo Penta D6-380/DPI diesel stern drives; 2/Volvo Penta D6-440 diesel inboards
Cruise Speed: 36 knots
Top Speed: 41 knots