It all started with a thought. A nugget of an idea dreamt up by Vripack founder Dick Boon and DaVinci founder Steven Boersma to create the perfect weekend boat. Inspiration came from the lobster boats that proliferate the US east coast. They conceived an elegant vessel with fluid lines that remain integral to the brand’s design DNA.
“The original design of the Da Vinci 29 and the flagship models of today share that same design philosophy that is integral to how the superstructure is positioned and develops out of the deck,” says Joost Mertens, partner at Vripack.
The first model, the elegant Da Vinci 29, made its debut at the HISWA international yacht show in Amsterdam in 2002 where an incredible six boats were sold. More than 20 years on DaVinci is now under the ownership of Erik van Veen — Boersma’s former business partner and the visionary who sought to build the brand with a 44 model. The defining features of the evolved 30 model and flagship 44 include a spacious aft cockpit with generous seating for the whole family, and an appealing helm station with side-by-side seating for guests who want to take in the action.
“The well-arranged cockpit and helm have long been popular elements that we supersized on the 44,” adds Mertens. “We increased the size of the ‘tween deck’ which hosts the pantry and diner to take the owner experience up a level.”
“Owning a DaVinci is all about slowing down and being in the moment. These boats attract people who want to enjoy time on the water, rather than be seen on the water,”
JOOST MERTENS - FLEET MANAGER | DESIGNER VRIPACK
The DaVinci boats are designed inside and out by Vripack, including interior, exterior and naval architecture. On the interior side, all the models have a comfortable arrangement for day boating, but the 44 has been scaled up with a longer weekend in mind.
“We’ve been refining the interior design of these boats over many years,” says Mertens. “The idea is that you take your five-star hotel bedroom with you while on a cruising weekend travelling through the north of Europe, and on the 44 we focused on enhancing the onboard ambience”.
Featuring two cabins—one double and one twin—the 44 enjoys a more functional galley and a spacious interior. With room enough for up to four people and a fixed arch that connects the windscreen to the aft, the 44 is an all-weather option equipped with proper living and working space. Other developments included a more rigid swim platform, a slightly higher windscreen, and streamlined production, with Vripack conceiving a more intelligent efficient method of assembly.
Deliberately built in low volumes to maintain authentic craftsmanship and a strong level of interior customisation, DaVinci is a small company with big ambitions. While most models to date have been sold to northern European owners, the DaVinci brand is getting a foothold in the United States for 2025, with one 44 sold to an American owner and a 30 sold to a New York-based owner.
“Owning a DaVinci is all about slowing down and being in the moment. These boats attract people who want to enjoy time on the water, rather than be seen on the water,” says Mertens. “It’s about performance, comfort and functionality. The ideal boat for families.”
DaVinci is more than a Dutch alliance. It’s a Friesland way of life.
| Current name | DaVinci 30 | DaVinci 44 |
| Design number | 6006 | 7446 |
| Length | 9.60 meter | 13.50 meter |
| Beam | 3.0 meter | 4.0 meter |
| Draft | 0,85 meter | 1,00 meter |
| Designer | Vripack | Vripack |
| Naval Architect | Vripack | Vripack |
| Technical design | Vripack | Vripack |
| Builder | Davinci Yachts | Davinci Yachts |
| Type of vessel | Luxury Day cruiser | Luxury Weekend cruiser |
| Hull type | Planing | Planing |
| Material | Fiber reinforced polyester | Fiber reinforced polyester |
| Classification | CE-C | CE-B |
| Engine | 1 x 150 pk 2 x 170 pk |
2 x 340 hp |
| Speed | 19 kts (1 engine) 33 kts (2 engines) |
30 knots |
| Fuel capacity | 400 liters | 1000 liters |
| Freshwater capacity | 180 liters | 460 liters |
| Grey water capacity | 88 liters | 190 liters |
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