Zeelander 7 Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Zeelander 7 is a Dutch-built boat and very clear about what it is and what it is not. If you are shopping for maximum volume or headline value, this is not your boat. If you want something that looks and feels very special, this is exactly their territory. Zeelander builds in very small numbers, roughly 8 to 12 boats a year, and that shows the moment you step aboard.

This example is a customer-owned boat from around 2023. The exterior finish is a seven-coat spray system, here in metallic blue, but colour choice is entirely down to the owner. Zeelander will pretty much do whatever you want. The stainless steel work jumps out straight away. Hinges, rails, fittings, all of it feels deliberate and over-specified in the best way.

At the stern, the rollover transom is a classic Zeelander feature. When it is closed, the back of the boat is smooth and sculpted. When stationary, the transom rotates down to create a very large beach club. With the platform deployed, the usable length stretches from around 20m (66ft) to roughly 22.8m (75ft). Lighting is built in throughout, and the passerelle extends neatly from its concealed housing.

The aft deck on this boat is set up as a sunbed configuration. The backrest lifts, the forward seat rolls over, and the table drops to form a full-width lounging area. An infill completes the space. Alternative layouts are available, including a U-shaped seating arrangement around a table, and this is very much an owner-choice decision rather than a fixed factory setup.

Side access is through a helm door, with docking controls positioned for close-quarters handling. There is also a stern docking station. Moving forward, the side decks lead cleanly to the bow sunbathing area, with anchor gear tucked away out of sight.

What looks like exterior wood trim is actually a composite material, hand-painted with grain detail and finished in clear coat. It is designed to be far harder wearing and lower maintenance than real timber. The curves along the bulwarks and deck edges underline how much effort has gone into shaping every surface rather than settling for straight lines.

Inside, the main deck space can be as open or as enclosed as you like. A curved glass aft screen rises electrically to close the cockpit, and the large roof section opens at the push of a button. With everything shut, the area can be fully air-conditioned or heated. With it open, it feels like a proper open sportscruiser again.

The galley and bar area is packed with thoughtful detail. Zeelander pays a lot of attention to noise reduction, so cutlery is stored in dedicated holders to stop it rattling at speed. There is refrigeration throughout the space, an ice maker, chilled lockers, and a rising drinks unit that can sit flush when not in use. Cooking facilities are set to one side, paired with a dishwasher and integrated waste storage.

Seating is deliberately flexible. The main table adjusts in height and drops to form a large daybed. A television rises neatly from cabinetry. Helm-side seats pivot forward using a mechanical release, allowing all the seating to face ahead when running.

Material choice is entirely owner-driven. This boat uses Makassar wood, with curved joinery that mirrors the exterior lines. Stainless steel detailing runs throughout. At the helm, Garmin displays handle navigation, radar, and system monitoring, alongside IPS joystick control, bow thruster, and conventional engine controls.

Owner's Cabin

The owner cabin sits amidships and has a generous footprint. The curved woodwork wraps around the space, matched by stainless accents that feel more architectural than decorative. RGB lighting allows the colour of the cabin lighting to change depending on mood or time of day.

There is a skylight overhead, currently covered by cushions, and a ceiling-mounted television that folds down over the bed. Storage runs the full length of the cabin, with drawers under the bed and additional space accessed by lifting the mattress base.

A walk-in wardrobe sits to one side. One section of cabinetry lifts to reveal a concealed workstation, complete with power sockets and USB ports, and then folds away so it disappears completely when not in use.

Guest Accommodation

Aft of the owner cabin are two guest cabins. One features large hull windows and an escape hatch that leads directly up to the main deck. Storage includes hanging lockers, drawers, and under-berth stowage.

An interconnecting door links the two guest cabins, which works well for families or children. Zeelander has discussed alternative layouts with owners, including replacing these two cabins with a single full-beam guest suite, again reflecting the level of customisation available.

Each guest cabin has its own en suite heads, with separate shower areas, storage cabinetry, and contemporary fittings. AV equipment is integrated into the surrounding joinery rather than added on.

Crew Accommodation

Forward of the engine room is a very small overflow cabin, which isn't intended as permanent crew accommodation. There is a transverse berth, a compact shower and toilet, a small sink, cupboards, a wardrobe, and a window. In reality, most owners use this space as storage. It does, however, work for an occasional overnight, such as a skipper helping with a delivery.

Daily engine checks are accessed via a dedicated hatch, while full access is achieved by lifting the entire aft sunpad section on hydraulic rams. Underneath are twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines, producing 1,000hp each.

Performance matches the looks. Top speed is around 40 knots. Cruising speed sits at roughly 26 knots, delivering a range of about 600 nautical miles. Drop back to displacement speeds of around 7 knots, and range stretches to approximately 3,000 nautical miles. As ever, lifting a boat onto the plane costs fuel.

Stabilisation is handled by a gyro system. The boat carries two generators. The passerelle cassette lives within the machinery space and retracts fully out of sight.

The tender garage houses a Williams SportJet 345, launched through a side-opening door. A winch system manages launch and recovery, keeping the bathing platform completely clear. The garage also stores Seabobs and a water treatment system that removes minerals from washdown water so the boat dries without leaving marks.

Ownership of a Zeelander 7 starts with an understanding of where it sits in the market. The Zeelander 7 price ($7.5 million) places it firmly in boutique territory, and that figure reflects how the boat is built rather than how it is marketed. Zeelander works on a specification-led basis, so final pricing moves with paint finish, interior materials, propulsion choices, stabilisation, and onboard systems. Two boats that look similar at first glance can land at very different numbers once owner decisions are locked in, which is why most new examples are offered as price on request rather than with a fixed tag.

Finding a Zeelander 7 for sale is rarely about scrolling through long brokerage lists. New builds are typically allocated through the yard or specialist brokers, while used examples appear infrequently and often change hands quietly. Buyers tend to know what they want before they start looking, and when the right boat surfaces, decisions tend to happen quickly. That limited supply supports values, but it also means fast ownership relies more on relationships and timing than open-market choice.

When it comes to Zeelander 7 running costs, the numbers reflect the boat’s performance brief. With high-output Volvo Penta IPS power and genuine 40-knot capability, fuel burn rises sharply once the boat is pushed hard. Cruise in the mid-20-knot range and consumption aligns with other fast yachts of similar size. Drop back to displacement speeds and the range stretches dramatically. Beyond fuel, owners should plan for IPS servicing, stabiliser maintenance, generator servicing, paint care, and ongoing support for high-end electronics and hydraulics. None of this is unusual at this level, but it does mean the Zeelander 7 suits owners who use their boats regularly rather than treating them as static assets.

Comparisons often come up when buyers weigh Zeelander 7 vs competitors, particularly the Grand Banks EB60 Sedan and Mulder Favorite 2000. The Grand Banks leans toward long-range efficiency and classic cruising, with lower top speeds and a calmer operating profile. 

The Zeelander 7 is all about feel, finish, and intent. Built in very limited numbers, it trades volume for sculpted design, mechanical quality, and owner involvement. The rollover transom, adaptable main deck, and high-speed IPS drivetrain define how it lives on the water. It suits owners who want something distinctive, who enjoy being part of the specification process, and who understand the running realities that come with a fast, tightly engineered Dutch sportscruiser.