This full-aluminium, twin shaft-drive boat is built to impress. The attention to detail and overall sense of quality is on another level with Mulder's ambition to distil superyacht luxury into a 17m footprint.
Designed as a true all-season boat, it’s just as comfortable cruising through the canals of the Netherlands and navigating locks as it is tackling the French waterways or heading out to sea. With Volvo Penta 480hp engines, it reaches a top speed of 22 knots.
Mulder Favorite 1700 Key Facts
- LOA 58.399ft
- Model Year 2024
- Cabins 3
- Max Speed 22 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Classic Style
- Use Type Cruising
Review Video
The Favorite has been evolving since the 1950s, with various iterations over the years. The modern version, an all-new aluminium design, was relaunched in 2010. Developed in collaboration with Vripack - notably responsible for designing the world's largest sports fisher Special One - and Guido de Groot Design, the 1700 is the big sister of the 1400, featuring smooth, classic lines and a steep bow.
Our tour boat was immaculate and a big part of that comes down to the maintenance package - Mulder has a rigorous schedule, so owners can rely on expert care to keep the boat in top condition. These boats are designed for extended stays, and Mulder ensures they are practical for live-aboard use. Owners often step on board at the start of the season and hardly step off - they’re built for comfortable long-term living. They may look sleek and stylish, but there’s serious functionality behind the design.
Each Favorite hull is fully tailored to the owner’s preferences. With Mulder, you start with a blank slate - cockpit layouts, seating arrangements, and table configurations can all be customised. If an owner prefers a different galley setup, such as moving it up on deck instead of the standard galley-down arrangement, that can be done. All onboard mechanisms are engineered in-house, for quiet operation. Designed in part for navigating the canal networks, the mast collapses down so it can fit under bridges when on the canal network giving it an air draft of just 3.5m (11.5ft).
Because of this level of customisation, past builds have featured a variety of finishes, including dark & moody cherry wood interiors, navy blue hull, and wenge flooring but the one we toured was the total opposite. The 10th edition shown at Boot Düsseldorf 2025, Summer, was designed by Roelfien Vos Studio and had a snow-white exterior with silver metallic detailing.
Inside, a neutral palette was chosen to create a light, fresh feel. Roelfien Vos had complete creative freedom. Real marble tops look fantastic - beautifully finished with a smooth, curved design. There are no sharp edges, so if you’re moving around at sea, there’s nothing to catch yourself on. The mix of materials as well as the marble surfaces, stylish lamps, intricate patterns, and varied textures on the seating create a rich, inviting atmosphere. The lighting as well, with soft backlighting in the alcoves adds a warm, elegant touch to what could be a dark lower deck. It all comes together beautifully.
The decking also plays a big role in the yacht’s feel - synthetic teak is used outside, while real teak runs throughout the lower deck, adding warmth and a distinctively boaty character (for want of a better phrase), especially in combination with all the classic porthole windows.
On the way into the saloon, the window drops fully to open the interior out to the cockpit. The teak inside switches synthetic teak covers the exterior, but inside, real teak runs throughout, even down to the lower deck, giving it a distinctly nautical feel.
There’s real marble in here, along with Hermès fabrics, and leather detailing on the table tops and counter edges. The TV is neatly hidden within a counter and only pops up when needed, keeping the area uncluttered. Though the full galley is located downstairs, a good-sized fridge is built into the counter here, providing easy access to drinks for the cockpit.
In the main seating area, everything feels beautifully put together. The metal catches are lovely, with metal strips that extend toward the deck. The seating is arranged to port, with fun, flexible stools that can be repositioned.
For ventilation, there are windows on both sides and an overhead sunroof, so this space can be opened up to the elements on hot days.
On the lower deck, rather than a traditional dining area, which often goes unused, this area is a dedicated workspace. Designed as a desk for setting up an iPad or laptop, with plenty of room to spread out. There’s also a plug socket tucked underneath for easy charging. Positioned close to the galley but away from the main dining table, it’s a practical spot for getting some work done.
Having teak flooring in a galley does raise a few practical concerns - spills are inevitable, and upkeep might be a bit of a challenge. Of course, you could always add rugs to help protect it. That said, this particular boat has been used, with 300 hours on the clock, and you’d never know. Even with a family on board, it still looks immaculate.
The showboat had a galley-down arrangement, though if you prefer, it can be moved up onto the main deck. I like this setup. It feels open, with a great connection to the spaces aft. Even from down here, there’s a clear line of sight back to the cockpit, keeping you in touch with everything upstairs.
There's plenty of storage under the counter and a built-in fridge. It’s not a full-height domestic unit, but with the large cooler up on the main deck, refrigeration space is more than adequate. The marble countertops are stunning, just super high-quality. Cooking is handled by an induction setup, and a dishwasher is included.
Owner's Cabin
The owner's cabin follows a traditional layout with a double bed positioned up in the bow. Classic round portholes on either side open it up a bit for fresh air to flow through. There's a rattan finish on the storage panels, adding a touch of texture - even the material used along the side of the bed is carefully considered to complement the unique lamps and accessories.
The bathroom continues this attention to detail, featuring the same patterned finish behind a feature shell light. The extractor fan operates whisper-quiet, maintaining a serene atmosphere. A separate shower cubicle is fitted with a rain shower head, while the sink is paired with brass taps.
Guest Accommodation
There are two guest cabins, both nearly identical. In the starboard cabin, the headroom is a little restricted here as it's positioned beneath the saloon. You can stand comfortably in the doorway, but stepping inside requires stooping down to get into bed. That said, the beds themselves are a good size, and all the high-quality touches remain - elegant lamps, electric blinds, and lighting controls that are accessible from the bed.
Storage includes a locker on the starboard side and a hanging wardrobe nearby. The bathroom is shared between the two guest cabins and it features a separate shower cubicle, toilet, and sink. There’s no rain shower head, but everything else is in place for a well-equipped space.
Moving to the port side cabin, this one benefits from a little more headroom since it doesn’t have to accommodate the helm structure above. You can walk inside more comfortably, only needing to bend slightly near the bed. The extra space makes it easier to move around and get changed without feeling cramped.
The finish is beautifully done with a real wood steering wheel and leather inserts. The dash is clean and dark to minimise any glare. The digital switching system handles everything onboard, with all controls accessible from the MFDs. Lighting inside and out, mast adjustments, sunroof operation, windows, and even tables can all be controlled here, with the ability to lock and unlock different systems.
A suite of cameras provides extra visibility, including one facing aft and another in the engine room. Having a live feed of the machinery space while underway is always useful, allowing you to keep an eye on everything as the boat moves along. Overall, it is a nice and practical helm setup.
It's hard to determine without driving the boat but some more adjustment of the seat and wheel would be welcome so you can adjust for the conditions more easily. The helm seat looks great but there's only so much you can do with a fixed bench.
At the aft end, there’s a bench seat looking into the cockpit. The L-shaped seating here is a great setup - comfortable to lean into while still offering protection from the sides. When the boat is underway, this spot is perfect for sitting outside without getting hit by the full force of the wind.
Side Decks & Foredeck
Walking around the deck, you’ll notice the decking, cappings, and detail line along the wheelhouse are all synthetic, and chosen for easy maintenance. While varnished wood and real teak look fantastic, they take a beating, especially in constant sun. With so much decking on show - including the foredeck and coach roof - teak would look great but be a challenge to maintain. Since this is an owner-run boat, practicality was a priority.
The foredeck is a vast, open space, but if you add some cushions onto the coach roof, it will become a very nice sunbathing area. There’s plenty of room to stretch out and make the most of the open deck.
Forward, the anchor and its mechanisms are completely hidden from view. Twin split hatches provide access from both sides, revealing the aluminium structure and the tucked-away anchor. When raised, it sits flush against the bow, with no protruding parts to interrupt the sleek lines.
Thoughtful details stand out everywhere - high-toe rails and railings, hooks for hanging lines, storage solutions, and features you can tell are designed by people who truly understand boating.
The engine room is accessed through a hatch just outside the saloon doors and it's pristine. It was hard to believe this boat had 300 hours on it. Everything looks, feels, and even smells brand new. The wiring, cabling, and plumbing are all immaculate, not a single thing is out of place.
Getting around the Volvo Penta engines is easy. They’re relatively small for a boat of this size, designed for comfortable cruising at around 17 knots, and can reach a top speed of 22 knots, with a semi-displacement hull. There’s no need for a massive powertrain - just a straightforward, efficient setup with straight shafts, making access for maintenance simple.
The engine room is finished in crisp white, so any leaks can be spotted as soon as they start. The seawater strainers, fuel filters mounted on the forward bulkhead, stainless steel fuel tanks on either side, and the generator is tucked into the port corner. There’s also an air compressor, a handy addition for general upkeep. There's no gyro down here for stabilisation since this boat runs on Humphree electric fins.
For an owner, having an engine room like this is the dream. It’s easy to work in, comfortable to move around, and nothing is buried in awkward corners. They haven't just thought about the interior décor - the serious technical work is just as refined as the rest of the boat. Really impressive engineering.
Our Verdict
This is a special boat. Out of reach for many but Mulder delivers on its promise of bringing superyacht attitude to the 17m yacht segment. It's difficult to appraise because it is so bespoke but the underlying blueprint of top-quality engineering and fit-out is there whatever layout you go for. It's manageable for its size, too, it feels like a boat that an owner can easily run and maintain and - most importantly - be proud of.
Reasons to Buy
- Highly customisable
- Fantastic detailing and build quality
- Classic design
- Organised, clean engine room
Things to Consider
- Likely to be pricey
- Middling performance
- Teak in galley
Looking to own a Mulder Favorite 1700? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Mulder Favorite 1700 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Mulder Favorite 1700, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
When we talk about rivals, the Zeelander Z55 is a serious contender. Powered by twin 725hp Volvo Penta D11-IPS950 engines, it cruises at a healthy speed of 38 knots and can reach up to 43 knots. The Z55 also offers fantastic 360-degree views from its saloon, plus a joystick docking system that makes it simple to handle even in tight spots. The Mulder Favorite 1700 isn’t primarily focused on speed, cruising at 17 knots and topping out at 22 knots.
The Palm Beach PB52 offers a different kind of appeal with its impressive range of 941 nautical miles. Better for long ocean voyages that the Mulder might not be as suited for. This shallow draft vessel can navigate waters that deeper yachts cannot, offering a bit of versatility in its cruising routes. Its lightweight build, using advanced composite materials, has fuel efficiency and keeps things eco-friendly. The PB52’s design mixes classic and modern elements, making it a favourite for those who like a bit of understated style. Though it accommodates only 4 guests in 2 cabins, the comfort level is still high - it’s a stylish, more intimate choice compared to the Mulder’s accommodation for up to 6 guests, thanks to its 3 cabin layout.
As for the Zeelander 6, it shares the same guest sleeping capacity as the Mulder Favorite 1700, which is perfect for family and friends gatherings. Its retro-modern look and clever use of space create a good flow between indoor and outdoor areas, great for socialising. Plus, it has excellent sound insulation, making for a quieter ride. Yet, what sets the Mulder apart is its owner cabin with an ensuite bathroom and porthole windows with a skylight above. The Zeelander 6 might give it a run for its money in terms of performance, but when it comes to the internal space and natural ventilation, the Mulder proves to be incredibly appealing.
Considering a new boat? Explore Mulder's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Mulder
- Model Favorite 1700
- Length Overall 58.399ft
- Beam 16.076ft
- Draft(full load) 4.101ft
- Hull Aluminium
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Yacht Type (Primary) Classic Style
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 756 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 304 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-480
- Engine max range (speed type) 300 (nm)
Mulder Favorite 1700 Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Mulder Favorite 1700]()
The layout of the main deck is bespoke, so you could have the galley up if you prefer
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Mulder Favorite 1700]()
The three-cabin, two-bathroom layout on the lower deck
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