Lemsteraak Lemsteraak Bonte Walvis Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing a 13.20-meter steel Lemsteraak like the Bonte Walvis is a study in power and precision. As a flat-bottomed vessel, it lacks a fixed keel and relies instead on heavy oak leeboards to provide lateral resistance when sailing upwind. According to technical archives at the Stichting Stamboek Ronde en Platbodemjachten (SSRP), these vessels are optimized for the shallow, tidal waters of the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer. The Bonte Walvis is notably equipped with electric leeboard winches, which significantly reduce the physical demand of tacking—a common hurdle for traditional barges of this displacement.

The handling is characterized by high initial stability and a powerful gaff rig. Under sail, the boat generates significant torque, requiring a confident hand at the large traditional wooden wheel. The lack of a deep keel means the boat can be "beached" on sandbanks during low tide, a maneuver central to the Dutch sailing experience. While the 13.20-meter hull is heavy, the efficient underwater lines developed by builders like Stofberg ensure that it maintains momentum through stays even in lighter winds, provided the leeboards are set at the correct angle.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Bonte Walvis is a showcase of traditional Dutch maritime cabinetry, primarily finished in rich mahogany with contrasting ash wood floorboards. The "Roefaak" configuration features an elongated cabin top (coachroof) that provides standing headroom throughout most of the living space, a luxury not found in the "Vissermanaak" (open cockpit) variants. This specific model provides six fixed berths, making it a capable family cruiser.

Layouts in the Stofberg 1320 series typically center around a large, U-shaped salon that utilizes the boat’s nearly 4.5-meter beam. The Bonte Walvis features a master cabin with a private head and shower, alongside a separate guest cabin in the forepeak. This high-standard woodwork often includes intricate carvings and brass fittings, which Chris Beuker Maritiem notes as a hallmark of the vessel's build quality. Sibling models of this length often vary in their cockpit size; some prioritize a larger outdoor seating area (kuip), while the Bonte Walvis balances internal volume with a protected, teak-lined cockpit suitable for North Sea conditions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a traditional steel Lemsteraak must focus on the unique maintenance requirements of a metal hull equipped with heavy timber appendages.

• Steel Corrosion: The hull and deck are steel. It is critical to inspect the "waterline belt" and the areas behind the internal insulation for signs of rust. The Bonte Walvis has a history of being "recently painted" in professional yards, which is a necessary recurring investment for these vessels.
• Leeboard and Pivot Points: The oak leeboards are subject to rot and warping. The pivot bolts (bouten) and the steel plates that reinforce them should be checked for galvanic corrosion and structural integrity, as these bear the full force of the vessel's lateral load.
• Mast and Rigging: The large wooden mast and gaff are prone to moisture ingress if the varnish is not meticulously maintained. Check the mast foot and the areas around the spreaders for soft spots.
• Engine & Systems: The Bonte Walvis is powered by a 5-cylinder Mercedes diesel engine. Buyers should verify the service history of the cooling system and the hydraulic/electric winches, as these "modern" upgrades are essential for the vessel’s ease of use but can be costly to repair.

Community & Resources

The primary authority for the Bonte Walvis and its siblings is the Stichting Stamboek Ronde en Platbodemjachten (SSRP). This organization maintains the historical registry for every recognized Dutch flat-bottom yacht, providing technical drawings, historical ownership records, and plaquette numbers. For owners interested in the competitive aspect of these boats, the Vereniging van Lemsteraken-eigenaren is the central association for class racing and technical knowledge exchange.

The Verdict

The Lemsteraak Bonte Walvis is a masterwork of Dutch naval heritage, offering a rare blend of "old-world" aesthetics and "new-world" sailing conveniences. While it requires more maintenance than a modern fiberglass yacht, its value lies in its craftsmanship and its unique ability to navigate the shallowest waters in Europe.

• Pros:
  • Exquisite interior joinery and historical character.
  • Shallow draft and beaching capability.
  • Modernized sailing systems (electric winches) allow for easier handling.
  • High resale value due to prestigious builder pedigree.
• Cons:
  • High maintenance requirements for the steel hull and wooden appendages.
  • Significant displacement makes it less agile than modern keelboats.
  • Requires specialized knowledge to master traditional gaff-rigged sailing.