Zeelander Z55 Review (2020 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

From the moment you see the Z55's distinctive curves, you'll know she's a Zeelander. The stainless steel transom detail and sweeping tumblehome give it a look that’s as refined as it is deliberate. The entire aft section folds down flat to form a beach club deck level with the waterline. The stainless steel frame goes with it, so the whole space transforms into an open platform, blurring the line between boat and bay. It’s not deployed in this walkthrough, but the mechanism allows for fully flush access to the sea.

When closed, the aft is clean and elegant, with centreline access between wraparound cockpit seating and a generously sized teak table. You can flip and tilt part of that table out of the way to clear a path forward, making it easy to move through the space without disrupting people. Steps lead up either side to beautifully sculpted side decks edged in signature Zeelander stainless work. Walkways feel secure and premium, leading to the foredeck where the anchor chain locker and winch are concealed beneath sculpted deck hatches.

One neat trick to highlight is the faux wood. All the “timber” on the exterior, including the bar surround, cockpit rails, and even the satellite dome, is actually a hand-painted composite. A specialist comes into the factory and applies the finish by hand, giving the look of real varnished teak without the maintenance. Every five years or so, a fresh clearcoat goes on and the finish is good as new. It’s beautifully done and almost impossible to spot as fake unless you’re told.

Above, you’ll spot the radar arch, domes, lights and Starlink - all discreetly integrated and, in some cases, dressed in that same faux wood treatment. The sliding sunroof is also visible from above, giving another hint at how versatile this boat is when it comes to switching from enclosed to open-air cruising.

Inside, the Zeelander warmth hits you instantly. Curved walnut cabinetry sweeps through the galley and saloon, all immaculately finished and clearly hand-fitted. There’s storage absolutely everywhere, but it’s subtly integrated into that curved joinery. The galley itself runs port side and links beautifully to the cockpit via a retractable glass window. Drop that down, and you get a proper indoor-outdoor connection, making the galley feel like part of the cockpit bar.

Standard spec includes a sink, hob, and oven, with room for a dishwasher below the counter in place of pan storage. Refrigeration is handled by drawers hidden in the cabinetry opposite - not just two, but four drawer fridges in total. There’s also more larder space above and beside the galley, with soft-close mechanisms and a generally solid, fuss-free feel throughout.

Forward of the galley is a dining area built around a folding and height-adjustable table. Helm seats can be reversed to add more social space, and there’s enough flexibility here to create a proper dining or lounge area. A vast overhead sunroof adds to the drama – slide it back and the whole saloon floods with air and light. On a sunny day, it transforms the boat into something genuinely open and fresh.

The helm is cleanly designed with Garmin navigation displays, joystick control for the IPS system, and traditional throttle and bow thruster controls. It’s a driver’s setup, for sure, but it’s as easy to use as it is sleek. More of that signature curved wood lines the console, giving continuity to the styling. A good view all around, particularly with the open sunroof above.

Owner's Cabin

Located aft, the owner's cabin is warm, inviting, and very much in keeping with the Zeelander look. Rich wood tones meet soft lighting, and there’s a cosy, cocooned feel to the space. Storage is excellent, with wardrobes and deep drawers lining both sides. A television rises from the cabinetry at the foot of the bed - so a permanent TV doesn’t interfere with the styling.

The ensuite is split, with the shower on one side and the toilet on the other, flanking a central vanity with basin. Subtle lighting, curved wood cabinetry, and neat storage make it feel integrated rather than tacked-on. 

Guest Accommodation

Forward of the owner’s suite is a VIP cabin with good headroom, natural light from a deck hatch, and direct access to the shared day heads. The berth itself is generous, with enough floor space to move around, and the overall fit and finish feels properly grown up.

A third cabin sits adjacent, fitted here with adult-sized bunks. Some owners repurpose this space as a walk-in wardrobe or storage room, but even in its standard layout, it’s a useful berth for occasional guests or children. It shares the day heads with the VIP, creating a sensible and flexible setup for weekenders.

Access to the engine space is superb. There’s a quick-access hatch for daily checks, but lift the entire aft section and you get wide-open access to the machinery. Down here, you’ll find a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 1350s. These give the boat a top speed of 40 knots, so she’s no slouch. More importantly, at a 28-knot cruise, she’ll deliver around 450 nautical miles of range.

Throttle back to displacement speeds, say around 7 knots, and the range extends to well over 2,000 nautical miles. The IPS system handles well at all speeds, and with joystick control and a bow thruster fitted, close quarters handling is a doddle. There's also a gyro stabiliser down here and the generator is tucked away neatly to port.

The space is clean, well-ventilated, and clearly built for long-term ownership. Air conditioning and sound insulation are already in place, giving the boat real cruising chops.

Being Dutch-built with superyacht-level finishes, the Z55 will never be pitched as a budget option. That said, the composite exterior woodwork means maintenance is kept in check, and IPS drives tend to simplify both handling and annual servicing.

With cruising speeds around 28 knots and the efficient IPS 1350s, fuel burn is respectable for the performance on offer. And with over 2,000 miles of range available at displacement pace, she can run like a trawler if you’re happy to slow things down. The air con, stabiliser, and generator are robust systems, but will add a bit to servicing bills.

Overall, this is a boat that rewards ownership with polish and pride, not endless upkeep. Rival yachts worth considering are the Mulder Favorite 1700 and the Palm Beach PB50.

The Zeelander Z55 is every inch a head-turner. She's more than just a pretty face, though. With her transformable cockpit, hidden beach club, and sculpted silhouette, she marries looks with long-distance capability. The hand-finished faux wood detailing is a genius touch - style with almost no elbow grease required.

Inside, she’s warm, curved, and clever. The saloon morphs from enclosed retreat to open terrace at the press of a button. Below, three cabins provide flexible accommodation, and the engine room feels like something lifted from a much larger yacht.

She’s now evolved into the Zeelander 6, with minor updates like frameless windows, but the fundamentals are all here in the Z55. This is a driver's boat, a sun-lover’s boat, a weekend cruiser and a coastal tourer. It's a properly tempting bit of kit, whether you're helming solo or showing off in a bay full of white hulls and wet towels.