Top Second‑Hand Yachts for Dutch Inland Sailing
Alexandra
Vessels over 15m are subject to extra Dutch regulations and boats longer than 12.8m face stopping restrictions, so sub‑40ft yachts with shoal draughts are the practical choice for the Staande Mast Route.
Suitability for the Dutch inland seas and waterways
The Staande Mast Route allows many sailing yachts to transit with masts up across roughly 600 miles of canals, lakes and inland seas, but its character demands boats that can tack easily, beat upwind in exposed meres such as the IJsselmeer, and manoeuvre precisely in locks and crowded marinas. Expect a lot of motoring between legs: reliable low‑speed handling, good prop‑wash over the rudder, and lines led aft for short‑handed control are priorities.
For these reasons the most appropriate used yachts tend to have:
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- Fractional rigs or small headsails for easy tacking
- Shoal or wing keels with draughts generally under 1.6m
- Controls led aft and self‑tacking options for single or two‑handed crews
- Engines and drive layouts that give useful prop‑wash for low‑speed steering
GetBoat keeps an eye on news and practical advice around sailing and seaside vacations because the service values freedom, energy and the ability to choose your own course; matching the right boat to local conditions is central to great cruising experiences.
Recommended second‑hand models
Below are neutral assessments of popular models that balance sailing performance, shallow draught and practicality for Dutch waters.
| Model | Shoal draught | Typical engine | Price range (GBP) | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanse 370 | 1.60m (shoal) | Yanmar 29–39hp | £70,000–£100,000 | Easy short‑handing, T‑cockpit, modern styling |
| Dehler 36 CWS | 1.50m (wing keel) | ~30hp | £30,000–£55,000 | Central Winch System, robust feel, stiff under sail |
| Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 35 | 1.45m (shoal fin) | Yanmar 29hp / Volvo Penta | £40,000–£85,000 | Versatile, good interior layout, predictable under power |
| Beneteau Oceanis 34 | 1.35m (shoal) | Yanmar 29hp | £65,000–£85,000 | Spacious interior, easy close‑quarters handling |
| Etap 32s | 1.30m (tandem keel) | Volvo Penta D1‑30 | £40,000–£58,000 | Unsinkable construction, good insulation, quirky EVS option |
| Cornish Crabber 26 | 0.80m (centreplate up) | Yanmar 20hp | £60,000–£85,000 | Shallow draught, classic looks, excellent residual value |
Model highlights and buying notes
Hanse 370: Judel/Vrolijk lines and a fully‑battened main with self‑tacking jib make it a sweet performer. Look for the shoal T‑keel variant and inspect rudder shaft bearings and original skin fittings for replacement.
Dehler 36 CWS: The Central Winch System routes lines to a single winch for ease under short crews. The wing keel (1.5m) suits inland waters; check spreader mounts for corrosion and deck finish for peeling non‑slip.
Sun Odyssey 35: A versatile design with three keel options; the 1.45m shoal fin is recommended here. The build uses vinylester layers against osmosis and an easily repairable glassed‑in structure.
Oceanis 34: Wide decks, a flip‑up helm seat and shoal keel option give superb marina and lock handling. Check standing rigging renewal dates and forward window seals on older boats.
Etap 32s: Double‑skinned, foam‑filled construction improves insulation and stiffness—helpful for shoulder‑season cruising. The tandem keel is unusual but effective; replace older through‑hulls and inspect rudder bearings.
Cornish Crabber 26: A centreplate gaffer that can dry out upright and draw under a metre for lakes and shallow channels. Expect strong resale values and a comfortable, roomy interior for its length.
Practical checks before purchase
- Inspect rudder bearings and shaft corrosion.
- Verify replacement of original skin fittings and through‑hulls.
- Confirm standing rigging age — many boats over 10 years may need renewal.
- Assess engine and drive layout for useful prop‑wash at low revs.
- Check deck finish (teak or non‑slip) and winter storage history.
Navigation, regulation and planning tools
Skippers of yachts under 15m and displacement speeds are not required to hold a formal licence, but understanding CEVNI rules and carrying an up‑to‑date copy of the Dutch Wateralmanak 1 is mandatory. For digital planning, the Waterkaarten Netherlands app provides bilingual charts, bridge and lock data, pilotage notes and route planning.
Further reading and resources
Useful pilot books and cruising guides include works by Kieran Flatt, Hilary Keatinge, Louise Busby, David Broad, Andy Mulholland and James Littlewood for regional route planning and anchorages.
Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map. The market for well‑specified second‑hand yachts for inland cruising is a niche influence on worldwide tourism; locally, however, demand for rentable shoal‑draught yachts and charters can boost marina activity, town economies and regional yachting services. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
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Summary: Choosing a second‑hand yacht for the Staande Mast Route means prioritising shoal draught, manoeuvrability, easy sail controls and reliable low‑speed handling. Models such as the Hanse 370, Dehler 36 CWS, Sun Odyssey 35, Oceanis 34, Etap 32s and Cornish Crabber 26 each offer different blends of performance, comfort and shallow‑water capability. Whether you plan to charter, buy a used yacht for sale, or rent for a season, consider the local marinas, locks and navigation rules when selecting a vessel. GetBoat supports these choices by offering transparent listings where you can view make, model, ratings and detailed specs to match your budget and style—helping you find the right yacht or boat for beach days, lake cruises, fishing trips, yachting activities and memorable ocean or gulf passages across top destinations and clearwater anchorages.
