AQUANAUT DRIFTER 1350 AK

They like quality, the Dutch, so it comes as no surprise to learn that when the ISO 9001 quality standard was introduced back in 1987, firms the length and breadth of Holland began champing at the bit to gain accreditation.

- 

Leading that charge was Aquanaut's range of steel-hulled boats and, to this day, the firm's website proudly boasts that it was the first in Holland to receive the ISO 9001 stamp of approval.

At the time, the company was known as Dutch Craftsmanship BV. Founded in 1961 by brothers, Johan and Wim Bakker, in the picturesque Dutch Lake District town of Sneek, the business enjoyed many years of success. Initially, cabin cruisers were the order of the day, but these were soon superseded by trawler-style motor yachts. Built for comfort and ideal for cruising Europe's inland waterways, they were equally capable of putting to sea.

WELL-TRAVELLED BOAT

It was partly this flexibility that saw the firm's Aquanaut-branded motoryachts become a popular choice throughout the Netherlands, Germany and France. However, like so many others in the marine industry, the company eventually fell on hard times and in 2022, Dutch Craftsmanship was declared bankrupt. Happily, the business was rescued by another Dutch family business, De Driesprong Yacht Center, and today, known as Aquanaut Yachting Sneek BV, the yard continues to build steel-hulled boats. There are currently 13 model lines in lengths from 12 to 20 metres and among the numerous Aquanaut variants produced over the years is the Aquanaut Drifter 1350 AK featured here.

While Hebe is a 2002 model, sitting serenely on the Thames at Bray Marine Sales for a list price of £210,000, she is a very well-travelled boat, as owner Simon. Dowden, a former pilot on the Thames, explains: “My wife, Jenny, and I bought