The Stratos DB50 is a dayboat made in the Netherlands from a GRP hull with a carbon fibre superstructure. Budget wasn’t a constraint when they designed this boat because one goal was to go beyond superyacht quality.
Stratos has described it as a pilot boat disguised as a Rolls-Royce, and they have aimed to create the best 50-footer ever built. That’s a big claim - read on to see if it can deliver.
Stratos Dutch Built 50 Key Facts
- LOA 49.409ft
- Model Year 2024
- Cabins 1
- Max Speed 36 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Sportsboat
- Use Type Dayboating
Review Video
What jumps out of the hull shape is how fine the entry is and how far that sharp angle is carried, culminating in a 24-degree deadrise at the transom. The bow's lovely flare helps to deflect spray, so the bow doesn't bury in a following sea. Videos of this yacht in heavy weather show it looking incredibly comfortable, all thanks to this sharp hull form extending back and Humphree blades. Unlike many IPS boats where the hull flattens at the transom, this design allows it to cruise at 25 knots through almost anything.
There's carbon fibre everywhere, the helm seats, handrails, tables, and even the toilet, but most importantly overhead. The hardtop is made from carbon fibre and carbon sandwich panels and weighs in at just 240kg (530lbs). This keeps the boat's centre of gravity low and also makes room for two sunroofs.
Developing the hardtop took a year of design work for them to hit a recipe they were happy with. They've also gone as far as designing and building their own seats because off-the-shelf options simply wouldn't do. Another point towards the boat's solid construction is the sound insulation, when you close the interior door, all the noise outside melts away.
Customisation is part of the DB50's identity. Choose from 10 hull colours, 5 bootstrap colours, 5 upholstery options, and 5 teak-deck shades. For the interior, owners pick from Zen (light upholstery, light ceilings), Serene (light upholstery, dark ceiling), and Graphite (dark upholstery, dark ceiling) styles. Stratos has an online configuration tool that lets you visualise your own ideal DB50.
The lower deck has an open-plan layout. Forward, there’s a carbon fibre-finished table that drops down to create a berth alongside a permanent berth.
There is a galley area - not a full galley really, but it has a sink, a top-loading fridge, and some extra storage in a bin beneath the counter.
Headroom is excellent and there’s plenty of space around the seats to move around, with windows running along the perimeter to provide a connection to the outside. Even down here, there’s a bit of a view out, and the skylight above adds light and air, keeping it from feeling too enclosed.
The bathroom is a real plus since this is often used as a day boat, and Stratos has got it right. There’s good headroom, a separate shower cubicle, and - naturally - a carbon fibre toilet. A big advantage of the layout is that there’s always a bed ready to go without the need to convert seating when it’s time to sleep. For a couple, it works well, with separate living and sleeping areas. It’s not a private setup if there are four people, but that’s not really what this boat is designed for.
The finish throughout is top quality, with leather detailing running up the sides and integrated storage on both sides of the bed. It’s a good size, though getting in and out means clambering forward and aft. There are sockets, light repeaters, reading lights, and control screens within reach, allowing you to adjust lighting and climate control from the bed. It’s an occasional sleeping space, but a very comfortable one.
The four seats at the helm make an immediate impression, with their carbon fibre weave and sharp design. They didn’t just pick them off the shelf - they are designed and built from scratch. So four people can sit forward, making the ride more enjoyable for everyone, but the best spot, though, is the helm seat. Slide in with the bolster up, and everything feels just right - the wheel and throttles are close, and the MFDs sit on a raised pod, just below eye level. Nothing blocks the forward view, and a quick glance down gives access to engine data, system controls, and navigation - all through the interactive Garmin setup.
The helm itself is refreshingly simple, with very few buttons. Engine start/stop, bow thruster, and joystick controls for the IPS system are all within reach. Protection is well considered too. The sunroof is split into two sections, each operating independently, so you can open one or both. The curved forward-raked windscreen really gives a sense of openness while keeping the helm sheltered.
For full enclosure, there’s strata glass - a high-quality alternative to standard clear-plastic canvas that resists any creasing. It can be rolled up when not in use or fully enclosed all the way back to the dinette. The boat is best suited to sunny climates, though the design has made it capable of year-round use.
They've packed a lot into this transom area. Instead of a separate platform, it's built into the hull with the HB Technic system, so it slides down the transom rather than detaching. It can stop at any point, so you can sit, dip your feet, or paddle. It's also strong enough to carry a tender. On the port side, the passerelle extends out, lowering into the water as a staircase and rising to reach the quayside.
The stainless steel work for the mooring gear is beautifully finished. The fairleads are neatly integrated into the haunches, and the winches make tightening lines easy when moored stern-to. Then there’s this enormous sun pad, which isn’t just for lounging. Underneath, there’s storage for four Seabobs and a place to inflate tenders, and then the entire section raises up for access into the engine room.
The seating area beneath the hard-top is just as well thought out. The seats are seriously comfortable. When leaning back, you sit a little far from the table, but this is more of a lounging space than a dining setup, and it should work well for both. The table, made from carbon fibre, adjusts so it can drop down and form another sun pad. Since the sunroof is independent from the forward one, you can slide it back and open the space to the elements, creating two sun pads back to back.
Practical details make all the difference. The carbon fibre handrails stand out, running from bow to stern with nice, subtle backlighting. They sit high enough to feel secure, and they have a reassuringly solid feel in hand.
Fuel and water fillers are placed on both sides, with a small lip to catch drips. There’s no drain, so any spillages will need wiping up, but at least they won’t run onto the decking.
The windows running in a strip low along the bulwarks are another smart touch. From the outside, they look great, but the real benefit is on board. If you're having lunch at anchor, you can glance down and feel connected to the water - a simple but effective detail.
Forward, the wet bar is neatly concealed until needed. The lid splits and clips up to reveal the grill, and facing aft while cooking means you can chat with guests at the dinette. There’s a good amount of workspace, a central sink, and a Kenyan grill. For storage, there are two deep Vitrifrigo drawers, an ice maker, and separate cooling for champagne, nicely backlit.
Foredeck
There’s plenty of carbon fibre up on the foredeck, but they’ve sensibly used synthetic teak underfoot, so it’s not slippery. Cup holders are built in, and this is where you notice the inwardly raked windscreen that gives the boat such a purposeful profile.
A large sun pad takes up most of the space, with slots in the topside for fitting a canopy if you want some shade. This is the main sunbathing area, fully open to the sun.
Right at the bow, the Ultramarine anchor and the beautifully crafted fairleads are integrated into the topside in brilliant shining steel. There are no railings up here, but the structure rises to about hip height, so it feels pretty secure. The quality is clear, though a way to hold the storage bin covers next to the anchor in place would be an improvement - as they are, they just drop down and they will rattle given how fast this boat can go.
That’s not an issue for the forward locker, though. It has proper catches and lifts on a gas ram. The inside is smooth, moulded in white, and fully lit. It’s a practical space for stowing fenders, lines, and other large gear, with no rough edges to catch on when reaching in and out.
Accessed by lifting up the aft sunpad, you probably wouldn’t want to open this while at sea, but there’s alternative access through the seating under the dinette. In the marina, though, it’s absolutely ideal - easy to step down into, with loads of headroom, light, and ventilation.
Twin Volvo Penta IPS 800s deliver 600hp per side, with plenty of space around them for straightforward servicing. Getting outboard takes a bit of a manoeuvre, but it’s manageable, and access to the pods is good. The Seakeeper is mounted centrally with nothing obstructing it, so maintenance there should be just as easy.
Redundancy has been built in, with two of everything - fuel filters, raw water strainers, etc. - so if something goes wrong, you can switch to a backup and keep going. Thoughtful touches like clear panels allow for quick visual checks of the bilges and other key equipment without lifting all the covers.
Alongside the generator, there’s a sizeable battery bank, powerful enough to run all systems, including the Seakeeper and air conditioning, for seven hours without needing to start the generator up.
A boat built with no budget constraints and an aim to "exceed superyacht" quality is never going to be cheap; you'll pay €2,300,000 ex VAT before you get stuck into the options list. This is an exclusive product built to what appears to be a very high standard and you pay for that, no doubt about it.
Look at the brands this boat competes against: Riva, Wally, Wajer, Vanquish, and Solaris, to name a few. None of these brands are building boats with value for money as their highest priority. They are building objects of desire, with the Stratos you have the curb appeal but it's draped over a hull that can tackle the rough stuff.
Our Verdict
Setting out to build the best 50-footer ever is a bold goal, but there’s no doubt serious boatbuilding expertise has gone into this. Of course, a static boat show stand can only tell you so much. The quality, though, is obvious, with lots of little attentions to detail everywhere, but I think the real test will be out on the water, and we can’t wait to see how it performs.
Reasons to Buy
- Superyacht-level finish
- Custom helm seats
- Seakeeping potential
- The perfect weekender?
Things to Consider
- Limited privacy below deck
- Unsecured locker lids
- Pricey
Looking to own a Stratos Dutch Built 50 ? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Stratos Dutch Built 50 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Stratos Dutch Built 50 , 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 standout performance, the Wally wallytender48X really raises the bar. It’s a yacht that’s just about performance, with an exhilarating top speed of 55 knots. That’s quite a bit faster compared to the Stratos DB50's already fast 36 knots. The wallytender48X is for those who want to feel the burst of power beneath their feet and get to their destinations in record time. Additionally, the wallytender48X has that sleek, minimalist Wally design.
Now, moving on to the Maori Yachts 52, it’s fascinating to see how it focuses on both performance and efficiency. With a cruising speed of 44 knots, it’s right up there with the best in this sector. The Maori Yachts 52 is perfect for a fast-paced adventure, but it also handles with grace, unlike the more laid-back Stratos DB50. The Maori Yachts 52 has an eye-catching, aggressive design, often described as combining military and luxury.
Then there’s the Wajer 55 HT, which has a range of 450 nautical miles - good for its size, and ever so slightly further than the DB50. The Wajer 55 HT also has an advanced joystick steering system, handy for docking manoeuvres.
Finally, the Fiart Yachts P48 and the Maori Yachts 50 both feature shallow drafts, a clever design choice that allows them to venture into waters that are off-limits to deeper vessels. This gives them an edge over the Stratos DB50, which might find itself a bit restricted.
Considering a new boat? Explore Stratos' 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 Stratos
- Model Dutch Built 50
- Length Overall 49.409ft
- Beam 14.6ft
- Draft 4.199ft
- Hull Composite
- Cabins 1
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportsboat
- Use Type (Primary) Dayboating
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 555 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 119 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D8-IPS800
Stratos Dutch Built 50 Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Stratos Dutch Built 50]()
The four forward-facing custom-made helm seats are the business
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Stratos Dutch Built 50]()
The open-plan accommodation is great for couples
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