Anyone looking for a classic steel sailing yacht with character will soon come across a design by Dick Koopmans. This Koopmans coastal cruiser from 1966 is the kind of boat you don’t buy just to sail, but also to continue a story. She is a beautifully lined, round-bilged, long-keel steel yacht, with a length of 8.85 metres and a beam of 2.75 metres. Thanks to her draft of 1.50 metres and an air draft of approximately 12.00 metres, she is suitable for a wide cruising area—from lakes and rivers to inland waterways and coastal waters. The current owner knows her inside out: the yacht has been in the family for 54 years, and various documentation about the build and engine is available.
Koopmans coastal cruiser now in the online auction. Everyone can bid up to and including 18 May 2026.
What kind of boat is this Koopmans coastal cruiser?
She is a steel sailing boat with a round-bilged hull and long keel, built for comfortable, steady, true-to-course sailing. Steering is by tiller from the cockpit, something many sailors appreciate for the direct feel of the rudder. Her design reflects classic Dutch yacht building: functional, timeless, and with a pleasant balance between sailing performance and living space. For anyone looking for a Dick Koopmans design, this is exactly the type of vessel often mentioned as a fine all-rounder for holidays and weekend trips.
Inside, the boat offers practical accommodation with a dinette, cooking facilities and mattresses. The headroom of approximately 1.90 metres makes staying on board comfortable, especially for a yacht in this length class. There are five fixed berths, making her interesting for a (young) family or for those who like to head out with friends.
How does she handle and manoeuvre under engine?
The boat is equipped with a SABB inboard diesel engine of 18 hp with electric start. The engine is operational, and instruments are on board such as an oil pressure gauge and temperature gauge. With a cruising speed around 8 km/h and a maximum speed around 12 km/h, she is suitable for relaxed motoring, passing through locks, and covering stretches under power when the wind drops. The diesel tank has a capacity of approximately 70 litres, which can provide a useful range for many cruising plans on inland waters and coastal routes.
Manoeuvring is done without a bow thruster, which suits the classic character of this vessel. Her long keel and single rudder generally provide stable handling, while the tiller steering keeps control intuitive.
Is she suitable for family holidays?
Yes—this Koopmans coastal cruiser is set up with that use in mind. She has been used for many years for holidays on inland waterways, lakes, rivers, and also at sea. With five fixed berths, a dinette and cooking facilities, you can truly stay on board rather than only make day trips. Also practical: there is a freshwater tank of approximately 100 litres and a manual toilet. The cockpit is self-draining, which is pleasant in changing conditions.
Outside, she is equipped with gear that makes time on board more comfortable, such as a sprayhood, cockpit tent, exterior cushions and covers. Bow and stern pulpits, guardrails, fenders and lines are included, which is handy for docking and mooring. There is also a dinghy, which often adds that extra bit of freedom on holiday for a quick trip ashore or a run to a small beach.
What about sailing and navigation on board?
She has one wooden mast and a sail plan that invites sailing in a variety of conditions. On board are, among other things, a jib, genoa, mainsail, spinnaker and storm jib; the condition of the sails is described as reasonable. For anyone searching for a “classic steel sailing boat with sail inventory†or a “round-bilged long-keeler ready to sail,†this is an attractive base to get out on the water and make your own choices over time.
In terms of navigation, she is equipped with GPS, compass, depth sounder, log and speedometer, plus an autopilot. This makes her suitable for both inland waters and coastal navigation, and it helps make longer passages more relaxed. The onboard electrical system is 12V.
When was she last out of the water?
The boat was last taken out of the water for maintenance in 2022, and the antifouling treatment was also done that same year. This provides a recent reference point for anyone who, with a steel sailing yacht, likes to know when the last work on the underwater hull was carried out.
This Koopmans coastal cruiser is a warm and honest offering for lovers of classic steel sailing yachts: a round-bilged long-keeler with presence and family history. She is waiting for a new owner who will give her many more beautiful miles—on the river, the lake or along the coast—and who recognises the pleasure of a boat built to create memories.
