For decades, the name Degerö Yachts has resonated with discerning sailors seeking robust, comfortable, and beautifully crafted cruising vessels. Hailing from Finland, this boat builder established a reputation for producing yachts designed for true enjoyment, whether navigating open seas or resting peacefully in port. While the company concluded its operations on May 31, 2025, its legacy of quality and a distinctive design philosophy remains.
The Degerö boatyard was founded in 1980 by two visionaries, Risto Kristeri and Seppo Mäkelä. Kristeri brought over two decades of prior experience in boat building, a foundation that instilled the courage to embark on his own venture. Mäkelä, the co-founder, was pivotal in ensuring the high quality of the company's fiberglass works, while Kristeri focused on woodwork, administration, and marketing.
Their core motivation was to create "fine, high quality sailing yachts, hand crafted from beginning to end, using the best materials available." Crucially, they aimed to design vessels that people would genuinely "want to spend time on," both at sea and in harbor, developing specifications with this philosophy at the forefront.
The very first boat to emerge from the Degerö yard, and arguably its most iconic, was the Degerö 28 MS. This motorsailer was a direct product of the founders' own design prowess, conceived by Risto Kristeri and Seppo Mäkelä themselves.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1980, Degerö Yachts embarked on a journey of steady growth and design refinement. The Degerö 28 MS stood as the company's sole model until 1985, proving to be a successful initial offering.
A significant milestone arrived in 1985 with the introduction of the Degerö 35 S, a design by the accomplished Swedish naval architect Håkan Södergren. Kristeri noted that this model "upgraded the boat yard to a new class," signaling the company's expansion into larger and more capable offshore vessels. The early 1990s saw further diversification with the launch of the Degerö 331 DS in 1990, designed by renowned Finnish boat designer Hans Groop, who is also celebrated for his work on the H-boat. In 1992, the Degerö 33 S was built, sharing the hull of the Degerö 33 DS but featuring a windscreen in place of an internal navigation station.
Throughout its history, both Risto Kristeri and Seppo Mäkelä remained actively involved in the company, ensuring the continuity of their founding principles. Ultimately, after building a total of 170 yachts, Degerö Boat Oy ceased its operations on May 31, 2025, bringing an end to decades of Finnish boatbuilding.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Degerö Yachts cultivated a distinct reputation within the marine industry, primarily known for its commitment to "Scandinavian build quality and seaworthiness." Their boats were synonymous with being fine, high-quality sailing yachts, meticulously handcrafted from start to finish using only the best available materials. The interior finish, often in satin varnished teak, exemplifies this dedication to quality.
A core tenet of Degerö's design philosophy was to create vessels that offered exceptional comfort and livability, ensuring owners would enjoy their time aboard both at sea and in the harbor. This focus translated into thoughtful layouts and robust construction. Hulls and decks were consistently hand-laid, with balsa core in the decks for strength and insulation, and stainless fittings used throughout.
The company collaborated with several respected naval architects and designers who helped shape the brand's identity:
- Risto Kristeri and Seppo Mäkelä: The founders themselves were the designers behind the initial and enduring Degerö 28 MS.
- Håkan Södergren: This Swedish designer was responsible for the robust Degerö 35 S, enhancing the yard's open-sea capabilities.
- Hans Groop: A celebrated Finnish designer, Groop contributed to the popular deck saloon models, including the Degerö 331 DS and Degerö 33 DS.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Degerö Yachts produced a range of models, each reflecting the yard's commitment to quality cruising.
- Degerö 28 MS: As the first model and the most produced, the 28 MS holds a special place in the company's history. It gained recognition for its "easily distinguishable round stern, generous width and elegant linear form." Its elevated pilothouse contributed to a commodious and light interior, while a long keel ensured a "well-behaved cruising boat" on open waters. It was often described as offering comfort difficult to find in other boats of its size, suitable for 2-4 people. The substantial build quality and extensive standard features led to its unofficial moniker as "Mercedes on the water."
- Degerö 35 S: Introduced in 1985, the 35 S was designed as a serious open-sea vessel. It featured a long fin keel, a skeg-supported steel wheel, wide side-decks, and a robust structure.
- Degerö 331 DS / 33 DS: These deck saloon models, particularly the 331 DS, were celebrated for offering the comfort of a deck saloon within a sailboat hull. They were known for ease of handling due to their lead keel and balanced steering wheel, providing a safe and functional open stern area. The Degerö 33 S was a variation built on the 33 DS hull.
- Degerö 36 DS and 38 DS: Expanding the range further, these larger models incorporated the advantages of a raised saloon and internal steering/navigation stations, built upon the solid open-sea hulls that were a hallmark of the brand. The 38 DS was noted as the largest boat produced by the yard.
Degerö yachts were not confined to Finnish waters; they were successfully exported to various countries, including Denmark, Germany, Japan, Norway, Spain, France, and Sweden, testifying to their global appeal.
The Builder Today
As of May 31, 2025, Degerö Boat Oy, the builder of Degerö Yachts, ceased its operations. While the physical boatyard doors have closed, the legacy of the 170 Degerö yachts built continues. These vessels, known for their durability and timeless design, are expected to continue sailing and creating memories for their owners across Europe and Asia. The company, under the continued guidance of founders Risto Kristeri and Seppo Mäkelä until its closure, also provided services such as maintenance, repairs, restorations, and seasonal dry-docking, ensuring the longevity of its handcrafted fleet. The ownership experience for Degerö boats is characterized by pride in a well-built, seaworthy vessel, and a community that values their robust construction and comfortable cruising capabilities.
