Hollandboat’s Atlantic Motoryachts is a Dutch builder of traditional, composite cruising yachts. Now, the company is adding the Atlantic A500 with a new hull design, lightweight (and recyclable) aluminum construction and a practical layout that makes it one of the most interesting yachts of the past year.
The A500 is based on the Slide Hull concept from Dutch design firm Vripack. It is a modified deep-V with the chine turning into embryo side hulls that start around amidships. The hull shape helps to keep the bow down, and helps the boat to run level without affecting seagoing ability. Vripack has moved the center of gravity farther forward, making the boat less responsive to wave action. According to Hollandboat, the result is not only a smoother ride, but also a 20 percent savings in fuel consumption.
In terms of design, the Atlantic A500 has an almost straight deck line matched to a near-vertical bow. To help with weight distribution, the engines are amidships under the salon, leaving room for the master stateroom to be located aft with a wide window at the transom. The salon is set low, with forward-facing windows and total dedication to guest relaxation.
The helm is up on what is almost a flybridge, above the after end of the salon. An arch mast over the after end of the helm supports a cover that can hinge forward for weather protection. From the outside, this setup looks like a tidy package, practical and pleasing to traditional seamen.
Accommodations include two double-berth, ensuite staterooms, with one at each end of the boat and the salon in the middle. The galley is just forward of the salon. Owners can choose a dining area or a third, twin-bunk stateroom.
While there is no lazarette, there is a good amount of stowage. Also practical are the two chairs that face the helm and its electronic displays.
Power comes from a pair of 435-hp Volvo Penta D6 diesels coupled to a conventional shaft and propeller drive system. There is generous space in the engine compartment for routine maintenance, and the joystick can help with docking. So do the bow and stern thrusters. Top speed is reportedly 26.5 knots, with a cruising speed of about 22 knots.
Hollandboat is advertising three versions of the Atlantic A500: Convertible, Pilot House and Open. Each has a length overall of 54 feet and change, but the swim platform is detachable, reducing length overall to 49 feet for owners who keep their boats in smaller slips.
There’s also a collapsible table on the aft deck, so owners can dine alfresco when the weather is right or use the space for other needs outside of meal times.
These details and others show the type of original thinking that went into the Atlantic A500, which offers a good number of flexible features for boating in different environments and climates. Hollandboat says Hull No. 1 was sold based on the drawings alone. It will be interesting to see how consumers react once they see the boat in real life, out on the waterways.
LOA 54ft.
Beam 15ft. 2in.
Draft 4ft. 9in.
Construction aluminum
Engines (standard) 2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta D6
Speed (max./cruise) 26/22 knots
Fuel 450 gal.
Water 265 gal.
Info hollandboat.nl/atlantic
