Aluminium motor yachts from Holland
Bekkers Yachts builds aluminium motor yachts by hand in Holland, from the 40 ft Beachclub 40 to the 61 ft Carib 64HT. Each yacht is built without moulds and without a fibreglass hull, to superyacht standards scaled to the dayboat and weekender market. The AZUR 45HT starts from EUR 1,359,500 excl. VAT and engines (2026).
Why aluminium
Most production motor yachts in this size range are built in GRP, glass reinforced plastic, laid up in a mould. That is efficient for series production. It also means every hull from that mould shares the same shape, and changes to the layout are limited.
Aluminium works differently. It is the material many superyacht builders use for superstructures and for fast hulls, and it is the material Bekkers Yachts uses for the whole boat. In general terms, aluminium offers:
- Strength for its weight. An aluminium structure is typically lighter than a steel one of similar strength, which helps speed and fuel use.
- Freedom of form. Without a mould, the hull and deck can follow the design rather than the tooling.
- Durability. Marine-grade aluminium does not suffer from osmosis, a concern with older GRP hulls. It is also tolerant of knocks.
- Repairability. Damage can typically be cut out and welded in by a skilled yard.
For a closer look at the trade-offs, read Aluminium vs GRP: which hull is right for you.
How a yacht is built without moulds
At a GRP yard, the mould comes first and the boat follows. At Bekkers Yachts, the design comes first. Naval architecture and hull engineering define the structure. Plates and frames are then cut, shaped and welded by hand at the yard in Heusden.
The result is visible in the finish. In its first look at the AZUR 45, Motor Boat & Yachting found fit and finish exceptional for a 45-footer, with no visible weld marks. That is the standard Leon Bekkers knew from years as a key supplier of stainless steel work to the most luxurious superyacht builders in the Netherlands and Germany.
Because nothing is fixed by a mould, the yard can adapt layout, materials and colour to the owner. Paint to sample allows any colour combination. Interior wood and marine leather are standard, and any material is available on request. Read more in How a custom yacht is built and on our bespoke page.
Every yacht is built by hand. Ask the yard for current build slots.
Who designs and engineers the yachts
| Role | AZUR 45 | Carib 64HT |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior design | René van der Velden | René van der Velden |
| Hull engineering | Navyk | On request |
René van der Velden is an award-winning superyacht designer. The yard is advised by Emile Bilterijst, former director of superyacht builder Moonen Yachts.
Maintenance of an aluminium yacht
Aluminium yachts are typically regarded as low maintenance, but they are not maintenance free. A few points are general to the material:
- Corrosion protection. Aluminium forms its own protective oxide layer. The main risk is galvanic corrosion where it meets other metals or stray electrical currents, so anodes and a correctly designed electrical system matter. Anodes are typically checked and replaced at regular intervals.
- Paint. A painted aluminium yacht keeps its finish with regular washing and periodic care, much like a superyacht. A painted finish can be repaired locally.
- Antifouling. Aluminium hulls need an antifouling suitable for aluminium. Copper-based products are typically avoided.
- Deck. The AZUR 45 has a Flexiteek deck, a synthetic teak alternative that needs less care than natural teak.
Bekkers Yachts offers worldwide service and aftersales, and the yard thinks along with owners on maintenance, servicing and storage. Ask the yard about service intervals for your yacht. For more detail, read Aluminium yacht maintenance.
The range
| Model | Length | Character | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beachclub 40 | 40 ft | Open day yacht with optional beach club wings | From EUR 998,000 excl. VAT and engines |
| AZUR 45HT | 13.5 m / 44.29 ft | Hardtop weekender, 2 cabins, 30+ knots | From EUR 1,359,500 excl. VAT and engines (2026) |
| Carib 64HT | 18.7 m / 61.35 ft | Flagship family weekender, 3 cabins, 25 knots, in build | On request |
AZUR 45HT
A hardtop weekender with two cabins, one bathroom and 2 m standing headroom. Twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 are the entry package, with options up to IPS 800, for 30+ knots. CE / RCD category B. View the AZUR 45HT.
Beachclub 40
A 40 ft aluminium day yacht with optional beach club wings that fold out to a terrace at water level. Outboard (Mercury V12-600) and inboard Volvo Penta IPS options are discussed. View the Beachclub 40.
Carib 64HT
The flagship, now in build. Three large cabins, three bathrooms, a walk-around hardtop and Volvo Penta D13 engines for 25 knots. View the Carib 64HT.
Compare all models side by side on Compare the Bekkers yachts.
Aluminium guides
- Aluminium vs GRP yacht
- Aluminium yacht maintenance
- How a custom yacht is built
- Aluminium day yachts compared
- Paint to sample: how a custom hull colour is chosen
- What is a beach club yacht
- Superyacht chase tender
Frequently asked questions
Where are Bekkers aluminium yachts built?
Every yacht is hand-built at the Bekkers yard in Heusden, in the municipality of Heusden, on the river Maas in the south of the Netherlands. Sea trials can take place at the yard.
Is aluminium better than GRP for a motor yacht?
Neither is better for every owner. GRP suits series production from a mould. Aluminium suits a hand-built yacht where shape, layout and finish follow the owner, and it typically offers good strength for its weight and is repairable by welding.
Does an aluminium yacht need more maintenance?
Not typically. The main points are corrosion protection with anodes, a well designed electrical system, aluminium-safe antifouling and care of the paint. The yard can advise on maintenance, servicing and storage.
How much does an aluminium yacht from Bekkers cost?
The Beachclub 40 starts from EUR 998,000 excl. VAT and engines. The AZUR 45HT starts from EUR 1,359,500 excl. VAT and engines (2026). The Carib 64HT is priced on request.
Can I choose my own colour and materials?
Yes. Paint to sample allows any colour combination, with examples such as Daytona Grey, Dark Green, Navy Blue and Ice Blue. Interior materials are available on request.
