Zeelander 5 Review (2024 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

Built in the Netherlands, the Zeelander 5 has a strong focus on style and feel rather than squeezing in the most space or hitting a specific price point. At 15.2m (50ft), or 15.8m (52ft) with the beach club extended, the boat has smooth, curved lines and a metallic finish, fitted with custom-machined cleats made from bent oval stainless tubing, fully welded and polished, which run along the boat's length. 

Access is via a swing gate at the stern. When the beach club folds down, it creates a sunbathing area flush with the water. A retractable bimini extends from the aft end to shade the cockpit area, and the tables here are height adjustable. These can be specified for dining or sunbathing, depending on owner preferences.

Rails are kept deliberately low to preserve the boat’s profile, though there are well-placed handrails for moving around safely. The anchor system is concealed through the stem for a cleaner look. Up top, the radar mast includes a night vision camera, satellite dome, GPS and comms antennas, and a searchlight. 

The curved windscreen, power sliding roof, and overall sculpted form tie it all together. There’s a forward deck hatch above the VIP cabin, and docking winches are mounted at the stern.

The design draws heavily from luxury motoring, with clear Bentley influences in the choice of materials and the precision of the detailing. Macassar wood sweeps across the cabinetry and surfaces, joined by Bentley-style stitched leather, curved detailing, and bespoke fittings. The aft saloon is open to the cockpit via a large curved glass window that slides up and down. Inside, headlining follows a soft curve, echoing the exterior style.

Tables here also adjust in height and can convert into day beds. Storage areas reveal attention to detail - with bins, cup holders, wine bottle slots, and drawers all tailored to keep contents secure and quiet underway. One stool slides out from under the table for extra seating.

Forward of the saloon, the galley is discreet and optimised for day boating. It includes a hob, fridge, dishwasher, bin, and sink, with another fridge and oven located on the lower deck. All galley gear is held firmly in place, minimising rattles when underway.

Above, the power sunroof and glass window can be closed to seal off the saloon, creating a snug wheelhouse. The helm features twin Garmin displays for navigation and systems control. Important functions like horn, sunroof, and start/stop buttons are replicated on hard switches for quick access. IPS joystick control makes close-quarters handling easy. There's also a night vision camera with joystick and a forward-facing camera.

Wine cooler, distribution panel, battery switches, and CZone digital systems are tucked neatly into cabinetry. Even the crockery and cutlery are housed in bespoke holders.  

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s cabin sits aft and features a large double bed with drawers alongside and a dressing table. There’s limited standing headroom at the bed’s forward end, which fits with the boat’s sleek coupe-like profile. 

A TV is mounted forward, and there’s extra storage built into cabinetry. A small window brings in natural light and serves as an escape hatch, with a blind for privacy. As with the rest of the boat, materials and detailing are high-end. The cabin works as a private, elegant space, albeit with modest volume.

Guest Accommodation

Forward is the VIP cabin, laid out in a V-berth arrangement. A centre infill converts it into a double. Storage is tucked into lockers and drawers throughout. There's a hanging locker, TV, air con controls, and a fire extinguisher. A touch of humour appears when the reviewer jokes about the sheer number of pillows.

The heads are split across two compartments. To port is a rainfall shower - surprisingly generous in size. The toilet compartment sits to starboard, finished to a high standard. Temporary door handle guards had been installed for the boat show, but the fixtures themselves are neatly designed and unobtrusive.

It’s not a boat built for cramming in lots of cabins. Think Bentley coupé, not seven-seat SUV. It’s about travelling in comfort and looking good doing it.

Access to the engine room is via a hatch at the stern, dropping down onto grating for daily checks. Deeper access for major servicing is also available.

Power comes from three Volvo Penta IPS 650s, delivering over 40 knots flat out - around 42 knots in ideal conditions. Cruising speed sits comfortably above 30 knots, with a range of around 450 nautical miles. The IPS system includes joystick controls for easy low-speed manoeuvring. The engine bay is well laid out, with the generator and service points clearly accessible.

The boat’s acoustic qualities are another key element. Everything down to cutlery drawers is built to minimise noise, which keeps the ride impressively quiet even at speed.

The Zeelander 5 isn’t trying to be a family cruiser or the most practical 50-footer on the water. It’s about presence, design, and craftsmanship. Everything from the curved glass to the custom cleats to the Macassar veneers speaks to a meticulous approach.

Built by a small family-run yard producing just 8-12 boats a year, this is a boat for people who want something special. Customisation options are extensive, but the DNA is consistent - smooth lines, deep detailing, and an emphasis on style and quality over brute space.

It’s not trying to be all things to all people. Instead, it’s for the owner who appreciates craft, speed, and a proper sense of occasion. If that’s what you want, a people mover won’t do. You’ll want this.