The driving force behind Van der Heijden Yachts
Van der Heijden Yachts is a Dutch shipyard that builds custom motor yachts in aluminum and steel. Every yacht is built around its owner's requirements, cruising plans and personal way of life on board, with Dutch craftsmanship, technical precision and an eye for detail. Built entirely in-house in Waalwijk, the Netherlands, and shaped by decades of maritime experience.
Van der Heijden Yachts builds in two ways: yachts from one of our series, built semi-custom with extensive freedom to tailor layout, interior and specification to your wishes, and fully custom-built yachts designed from the ground up together with you.
A lifelong passion for the water
Ronald van der Heijden's passion for the water goes back more than 55 years, to when he was a boy spending nearly every week on the water with his parents. That passion never left him. After completing his education, Ronald spent years gaining technical knowledge and experience at the Royal Netherlands Navy, an environment where precision is the standard.
His drive to design and build yachts of his own was so strong that he started his own shipyard in his early twenties, now with more than 35 years behind it. In those years, the shipyard has delivered more than 400 yachts. While our history includes a wide range of vessels, in recent years we have focused on a select number of larger, more luxurious custom builds each year. The fact that nearly all these yachts are still sailing in excellent condition speaks to a Van der Heijden yacht being built for decades of enjoyment on the water.
A close-knit team of specialists
Van der Heijden Yachts consists of a compact, close-knit team of specialists, employed directly by the shipyard. It is common for our craftsmen to remain with us for 30 years or longer, with fathers often succeeded by their sons. As a result, all expertise (from hull construction to luxury outfitting) stays entirely in-house. Your yacht is built by people with a genuine passion for their craft, who take personal responsibility for the final result.
Exclusively built in aluminum and steel
We build our motor yachts exclusively in aluminum and steel: proven materials that offer strength, safety and long-term value retention. Aluminum allows for efficient performance, design freedom and refined finishing. Steel offers a strong, proven foundation for comfortable cruising, durability and dependable behaviour on the water.
By mastering both materials, we can tailor every yacht to its intended use, whether the focus is speed, long-range comfort, inland cruising or large-scale luxury. Metal also gives us the freedom to tailor the layout and design of your yacht entirely to your wishes, without the constraints of standard moulds. Thanks to our optimised underwater hull design, our yachts also perform more efficiently, resulting in lower fuel consumption, both at sea and on inland waterways.
Why choose Van der Heijden Yachts?
Thanks to our strategic inventory of materials and engines, we are able to deliver your custom yacht within 12 to 18 months. Throughout the build process, you deal directly with the shipyard. You are also warmly welcome at our shipyard in Waalwijk to follow the progress in person. Our involvement continues after delivery too, with guidance, service and continuity whenever needed.
- Dutch shipyard with decades of experience
- More than 400 yachts built
- 100% in-house construction in Waalwijk
- Direct contact with the shipyard
- No dealers or middlemen
- Exclusively built in aluminum and steel
- Fully custom and semi-custom possibilities
- Efficient custom build process
- Long-term support after delivery
Let’s discuss your custom made yacht
Schedule a visit to our shipyard to meet the team and discuss your requirements directly with them. Discover a yacht built with true dedication to the craft.