Ursus emerges: major hull extension and diesel‑electric refit

Balk Shipyard has delivered Ursus, a 30.4‑metre pocket explorer, after an 18‑month ReCraft that began when the vessel arrived at the Urk yard in 2022 and culminated with a January 2025 relaunch and February sea trials on the IJsselmeer. The program increased overall length by 6 metres, added a new bow, stern and extended superstructure, and introduced a diesel‑electric propulsion system with Veth Azimut drives and dynamic positioning (DP), all coordinated with Mulder Design to retain the vessel’s explorer character while upgrading accommodation and operational capability.

Structural changes: hull, superstructure and deckplan

The most visible modification was a six‑metre hull extension that transformed Ursus from a sub‑24‑metre Acico build into a full‑fledged 30.4‑metre explorer. Structural work included new bow and stern sections and an elongated superstructure to expand internal volume for the main saloon, sundeck and a two‑tiered beach club. Exterior finishes were updated with a metallic Lantau Gold paint to compliment a new Range Rover livery featured ashore.

Deckplan realignment focused on guest and tender operations: the original tender crane moved aft to the extended sundeck, creating a multi‑purpose recreation area with a helm station, barbecue and Teppanyaki grill, plus capacity for two Jet Skis. The tender garage was relocated aft, freeing the foredeck for an al fresco cocktail area. Crew habitability also improved with an added crew cabin and an en suite in the captain’s cabin.

Key exterior and accommodation upgrades

• Six‑metre hull extension with new bow and stern sections
• Longer superstructure to expand saloon, sundeck and beach club volume
• Two‑tier beach club with open upper level and waterside seating
• Upper deck extension featuring al fresco kitchen and wing stations
• Reinforced crane foundations and relocated tender garage
• Repainted hull in Lantau Gold to match owner’s styling

Table: Before and after — Ursus ReCraft at a glance

Technical upgrades: propulsion, DP and bridge modernization

To preserve performance and manoeuvrability after the hull extension, Ursus received a comprehensive technical overhaul. The installation of a diesel‑electric propulsion package paired with Veth Azimut drives improves fuel efficiency, reduces vibration and enhances low‑speed control—valuable for coastal exploration and sensitive marine areas. A dynamic positioning (DP) system was introduced to support station‑keeping during tender operations, dive activities or when conducting shore excursions in confined anchorages. The bridge was fully modernised to integrate these systems and to provide the owner and captain with advanced situational awareness and simplified system management.

Operational changes and owner use profile

Functional deck modifications reflect a clear owner brief emphasizing social deck life and flexible water sport operations. The sundeck now hosts a second helm station and expanded leisure fit‑out, while the foredeck offers a dedicated, sheltered cocktail area. The tender garage relocation aft enhances launch and recovery workflow for toys and tenders and frees forward deckspace for guest use. Reinforced crane foundations allow for larger handling equipment to support heavier tenders or submersible toys.

Project management, design collaboration and future work

Balk Shipyard worked closely with Mulder Design to integrate structural, accommodation and technical changes in a single programme, demonstrating the yard’s ReCraft methodology for complex refits. Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard, described Ursus as transformed from bow to stern, underscoring the importance of a clear owner brief and a collaborative design partner. With Ursus completed, Balk continues work on the 44.3‑metre sailing yacht Yemaya, slated for 2026 delivery—evidence of the yard’s continuing focus on technically sophisticated refits and new builds.

Implications for charters, owner‑operators and the refit market

Yachts upgraded to hybrid or diesel‑electric systems are increasingly attractive to discerning owners and charter clients focused on comfort, range and reduced environmental footprint. The combination of DP, quieter propulsion and enlarged leisure spaces positions Ursus for a mix of private exploration and selective charter use where accessibility to fragile anchorages and low noise signatures matter. For shipyards and design houses, Ursus serves as a case study in complex structural integration and systems migration without compromising a vessel’s original intent.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as the team truly understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course; it places no limits on a good life by helping clients find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste. On the platform, users can explore detailed listings that show make, model and ratings beforehand, enabling transparent decisions whether planning a private trip, a romantic getaway, or a group outing.

Highlights of this rebuild underline the value of integrated upgrades: structural extensions can create meaningful guest space without sacrificing seaworthiness; diesel‑electric systems improve on‑board comfort and operational flexibility; and modernised bridges enable safer, easier operation for small crews. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process, where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language and add GetBoat.com

Forecasting the wider impact: this ReCraft is relevant mainly within the specialist refit and expedition yacht segment rather than reshaping global tourism patterns. However, for coastal destinations that cater to exploration and high‑value yacht visitors, trends toward quieter propulsion, expanded guest amenities and DP capability support longer stays and increased activity offerings. GetBoat aims to stay abreast of such developments and keep pace with the changing world. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.

Summary: Ursus’s rebuild showcases how targeted structural and technical interventions can convert a compact explorer into a purposefully larger platform for leisure and exploration. The project highlights trends increasingly visible across the yachting and charter markets—diesel‑electric propulsion, DP systems, enhanced social decks and smarter storage for tenders and toys. For anyone considering yacht charter, boat rent or a private purchase, platforms like GetBoat.com offer transparent listings and convenient access to vessels suited to a wide range of tastes and budgets, supporting unforgettable experiences on the sea, ocean and gulf, from marinas to clearwater bays and fishing spots. Book with confidence.