We were stuck. We were told we weren’t wanted. Aleau is too big. No marina would accept us.
It was easy for us to see what would have made us acceptable. Linssen Yachts – the maker of the type of boat that is welcome anywhere in the Netherlands – has its factory in Maasbracht. We were invited for a tour.
No doubt about it. They make beautiful boats.
Everything is state-of-the-art.
The interiors are beautifully finished.
The above photos are for the spacious master cabin. The guest cabin is a little smaller.
The price tag was anything but small – €1,250,00 for a used, four-year-old Linssen.
Even though, it would allow us to moor anywhere in the Netherlands, it was not for us. A Linssen would be great for cruising in the summer – but it’s not for living aboard all year long. We’d feel claustrophobic after a while.
That didn’t stop us from admiring how they are built. Even though they might look like they are made of fibreglass, they’re not. They are all steel. They begin life with what looks like a jig-saw puzzle.
We watched the various steps required to make a Linssen.
Almost ready for paint – and then two sitting to dry after being painted.
Once the hull is done, it’s time for the interior – from insulation to cabinetry to plumbing and wiring.
Most of the interior is assembled off the boat – and then put in its place.
Once the hull is done, the boats are placed on an assembly line.
Yup, we were impressed. Do we want one? No. They are just two small for two people to live on year-round. We’ll hang onto Aleau – even if it means we’re not welcome in the Netherlands.
In case you’re wondering why we haven’t shown how Pipers are built. We’d love to and we hope to be able to do so. But they are built in England – and we have yet to make it across the Channel. It is on our “To Do” list.