Waarschip 720 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Waarschip 720 emerged during a period when its builder, Waarschip Werft, was pioneering the concept of accessible boat ownership through meticulously designed plans and pre-cut kits. Founded in 1968, Waarschip became synonymous with durable, capable yachts, primarily constructed from marine plywood using a "clinker" (lapstrake) method, renowned for its strength. While the company is celebrated for its commitment to wooden construction, often enhanced with modern epoxy coatings for longevity, the 720 model utilized a fiberglass-plywood core for its hull, demonstrating an adaptation of materials while retaining the core Waarschip ethos of robust construction. Overview The design team of Akkerman and Kremer, also known for their work on the popular Quarter Tonner (Waarschip 725), aimed for a "slightly more spacy hull design" for the 720, hinting at a focus on practical interior volume for its size.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact dimensions, the Waarschip 720 exhibits commendable sailing performance and handling characteristics. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 202.47, she falls into the lighter end of the medium-displacement category, suggesting a relatively agile and performance-oriented vessel for her size. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of 41.66% is notably high, indicating a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to a good breeze and maintaining a more upright posture under sail. This contributes significantly to her ability to perform well in varying conditions.

The 720 features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration generally associated with good maneuverability and responsiveness. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Waarschip designs, including the 720, are known for their "light stiff hull," which provides an excellent foundation for a competitive racing boat. While specific sail area figures for the Waarschip 720 are not readily available to calculate a precise sail area-to-displacement ratio, her design, combined with the high ballast ratio, points to a boat that is likely well-powered and offers an engaging sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Waarschip 720, while compact given its 23.75-foot length overall, was designed to maximize usable space for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. Although specific headroom figures for the 720 are not widely documented, the designers aimed for a "slightly more spacy hull design" to enhance the interior volume. Typically, small cruisers of this era and size would feature a V-berth forward, a compact head (often with limited standing room), and a main salon area that includes settees which can double as berths, alongside a basic galley setup. Waarschip's general reputation for creating "sophisticated, cozy designs" with "excellent sailing characteristics" would extend to the practical layout and finish quality of the 720, emphasizing sturdy, functional wooden interiors. Overview

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Waarschip vessels, including the 720, often express pride in their boats' robust construction and classic aesthetic. However, owning a wooden boat, even one enhanced with modern epoxy techniques, does come with a specific set of maintenance considerations. A recurring theme in owner discussions for Waarschip models of this vintage, including the 720, is the "much maintenance that a wooden ship entails." This often includes the need for regular attention to coatings, with "paint often used to 'remove' water stains," highlighting the ongoing care required to maintain the timber hull's integrity and appearance. Despite these maintenance demands, the enduring appeal of the Waarschip 720 lies in its solid build, engaging performance, and the unique heritage of a yacht that, for many, was a product of their own hands.