Frequently asked questions about aluminum boats
From an initial idea to a fully developed design, and from an aluminium hull to complete realization. Haverdesign designs and builds aluminium boats, fishing boats, tenders, and custom vessels.
Haverdesign is based in Drachten, Friesland, and is run by a single designer and builder. From the initial consultation and 3D design to the technical elaboration and actual construction in aluminium, you have one direct point of contact.
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about designing, building, and ordering an aluminium boat from Haverdesign.
Aluminum boats throughout the Netherlands
From Drachten, Haverdesign designs and builds aluminium boats for clients throughout the Netherlands.
From a fully custom aluminum boat to an aluminum fishing boat, tender, sloop, workboat, hull, or a completely new 3D design.
View the options for aluminum boats by province:
Friesland
Groningen
Drenthe
Overijssel
Flevoland
Gelderland
Utrecht
North Holland
South Holland
Zealand
North Brabant
Limburg
From Drachten, projects for clients throughout the Netherlands can be designed and realized.
Who is behind Haverdesign?
Haverdesign is an independent design and construction company and is run by a single designer and builder.
From the first 3D lines to the technical elaboration and the actual construction in aluminium: the project remains with the same person.
No handover between different departments, but one direct point of contact from design to realization.
Is Haverdesign a large boatyard?
No. Haverdesign is intentionally small-scale and is run by one person.
This means that projects are personally supervised and that you have direct contact with the person who designs and builds your boat.
For specialized parts, materials, and work, collaboration with external parties and suppliers is possible where necessary, but the design and realization are managed by Haverdesign.
Does the same person design and build the boat?
Yes. That is an important part of Haverdesign's working method.
The person who designs the boat digitally in 3D is also present in the workshop themselves to actually build the design in aluminium.
As a result, construction, material usage, welding, assembly, and practical manufacturability are already considered during the design phase.
The designer builds. The builder designs.
Who builds custom aluminum boats in the Netherlands?
Haverdesign designs and builds custom aluminium boats from Drachten in the Netherlands.
Design and realization are executed within a single process: from the initial concept and 3D design to production drawings, CNC cutting files, and the actual construction in aluminium.
Because design and construction are carried out by the same person, the way the boat will ultimately be built is already taken into account during the design phase.
Where can I have an aluminum boat built?
At Haverdesign in Drachten, you can have an aluminium boat designed and built based on an existing model or as a fully custom project.
This could be, for example, an aluminum fishing boat, tender, sloop, recreational boat, or workboat.
Depending on the project, the boat can be delivered as an aluminium hull for self-completion or built up further into a complete vessel.
Can I have a fully custom aluminum boat built?
Yes. At Haverdesign, custom really means custom.
A custom-built boat does not have to be based on an existing model. Dimensions, layout, appearance, function, and technical choices can be incorporated into the design from the very beginning.
The starting point is not simply to modify a standard boat, but to develop a boat that suits the intended use and the client's wishes.
Does Haverdesign build aluminium fishing boats?
Yes. Haverdesign can fully custom design and build aluminium fishing boats.
The design can take into account, among other things, free deck space, throwing decks, storage space, seating, console, electronics, battery compartment, and the desired engine configuration.
Because the fishing boat is first developed digitally in 3D, the layout and use can be coordinated in advance before production begins.
Can I have a custom aluminum fishing boat built?
Yes. An aluminium fishing boat can be developed based on the specific wishes of the client.
Length, beam, hull shape, deck layout, console, storage space, and other components can be incorporated into the design from the start.
This results in an aluminium fishing boat that is designed around actual use, rather than a modified standard boat.
Does Haverdesign build aluminium tenders?
Yes. Haverdesign designs and builds custom aluminium tenders.
A tender can be developed with its own hull shape, layout, and appearance. Seating, console, storage space, engine, and other components can be tailored to the client's wishes.
Can I have a custom-built aluminium sloop or tender?
Yes. An aluminium sloop or tender can be designed as a fully custom project.
In addition, hull shape, dimensions, seating, console, storage space, engine configuration, and appearance, among other things, can be tailored to the desired application.
Does Haverdesign design the boats themselves?
Yes. The designs are developed by Haverdesign itself.
A design starts digitally in 3D and is subsequently technically developed towards production.
The same person who develops the design then actually builds the boat in aluminum.
As a result, attention is paid not only to design, but also, from the outset, to construction, material usage, manufacturability, and assembly.
From 3D to aluminium.
Can I have my own idea for a boat designed?
Yes. A sketch, image, example, or simple idea can be the starting point for a new design.
Together, the desired dimensions, application, layout, and appearance, among other things, are determined.
Based on these starting points, Haverdesign can further develop the concept into a technically feasible 3D design.
This can be a fishing boat, tender, recreational boat, workboat, or a completely custom concept.
Can Haverdesign build my own boat design?
That is possible.
If you already have a design or drawings yourself, it can first be checked whether the design is suitable for production in aluminium.
Where necessary, components can be modified or further technically elaborated before construction begins.
Can I have only an aluminum hull built?
Yes. Haverdesign can supply a fully welded aluminium hull for further completion by the client.
This can be interesting if, for example, you want to take care of the motorization, electrical installation, interior finishing, controls, or further equipment yourself.
A hull can be developed for various applications, including tenders, fishing boats, recreational boats, and workboats.
The precise scope of delivery is agreed upon in advance per project.
Which aluminum is used for the boats?
Marine-grade aluminium is used for the ship structures, including aluminium 5083.
This material is widely used in shipbuilding due to the combination of strength, low weight, weldability, and good resistance to corrosion in maritime conditions.
The choice of materials and sheet thicknesses are tailored to the specific design and construction.
Does Haverdesign also build small aluminium boats?
Yes. Haverdesign does not focus exclusively on one type or size of boat.
In addition to our own models, compact aluminum boats, fishing boats, tenders, recreational boats, workboats, and other custom-made vessels can be developed.
The possibilities are determined by the desired use and the technical requirements of the project.
Can Haverdesign design an aluminium workboat?
Yes. In addition to recreational vessels, fishing boats, and tenders, designs can be developed for practical or professional use.
For a workboat, for example, deck space, stability, accessibility, loading options, and specific equipment can play a more important role than for a recreational boat.
The design is tailored to the application.
Can I have a 3D design of my boat made first?
Yes. Haverdesign can first develop a boat entirely digitally.
With a 3D design, shape, proportions, and layout can be assessed before the aluminium is actually cut.
Upon approval, the design can be technically further developed for production.
What is the advantage of designing a boat in 3D first?
A 3D model makes it possible to assess many design choices before construction begins.
Dimensions, layout, structural elements, and interconnections can be detailed digitally. This allows changes to be implemented at an early stage rather than during construction.
The digital design subsequently forms the basis for production drawings and CNC cutting files.
Because the designer at Haverdesign also builds the boat himself, practical manufacturability is taken into account during the design phase.
Does Haverdesign also create CNC cutting files for aluminum boats?
Yes. Designs can be developed into files that allow parts to be CNC cut.
Depending on the chosen package, cutting files, production drawings, and additional construction information, among other things, can be supplied.
Can I order an aluminium boat as a kit?
Build kits or cutting packages are available for selected designs.
The aluminium parts are prepared for production from the digital design. This allows a professional builder or experienced homebuilder to assemble and weld the vessel themselves.
The exact contents of a build kit vary by model and package.
Can I buy DXF files of an aluminum boat?
Digital production files may be available for selected Haverdesign designs.
Depending on the package, DXF cutting files can be combined with construction or production drawings and additional documentation.
License terms apply to the use of designs and files.
Can I modify an existing Haverdesign model?
Yes. Depending on the model, adjustments are possible.
When major changes are desired to, for example, dimensions, layout, or construction, it is assessed whether it is more sensible to modify the existing design or to develop a new custom design.
Which models does Haverdesign have?
Haverdesign develops its own aluminium boat models, including the Haverdesign 595 and the Tug 42.
In addition, new concepts, fishing boats, tenders, and custom projects are being developed.
Not every design needs to eventually become a standard production model.
What is the Haverdesign 595?
The Haverdesign 595 is an aluminium boat from Haverdesign where design, engineering, and realization come together.
The model was developed digitally and subsequently actually realized in aluminium from the 3D design.
More information, specifications, and images can be found on the Haverdesign 595 page.
What is the Haverdesign Tug 42?
The Tug 42 is a compact aluminium design by Haverdesign with a distinctive, functional appearance.
This model, too, was developed from a digital design toward actual production in aluminium.
Specifications and available versions can be found on the Tug 42 page.
Can I finish building a Haverdesign boat myself?
That is possible, depending on the chosen project.
For example, a client can opt for a welded hull and then carry out certain parts of the finishing themselves.
For experienced builders, build kits or production files may also be an option for selected designs.
How much does a custom-made aluminum boat cost?
The price of a custom-made aluminium boat depends on, among other things, size, design complexity, materials used, engine, finish, and desired equipment.
As a result, the price of an aluminium fishing boat, tender, workboat, or hull can vary significantly.
Therefore, there is no fixed standard price for fully custom work.
After discussing the requirements, it can be determined which design and construction route best suits the project.
Can I have just a design made without having the boat built?
Yes. Haverdesign can also be engaged for the design and technical development of an aluminium boat.
Depending on the assignment, this can range from a 3D concept to a more detailed production package.
Does Haverdesign also work for professional boat builders?
Yes. Digital designs, production files, and build kits can also be of interest to professional builders who have the necessary production facilities themselves.
The desired scope of delivery and usage rights can be agreed upon per project.
Why choose a small-scale boat builder?
A small-scale working method enables direct contact and a personal approach.
At Haverdesign, you have direct contact with the person who designs and builds your boat during the design and build process.
As a result, ideas, changes, and technical choices do not need to go through various departments.
From the initial concept to the aluminium structure, one clear line runs through the project.
One designer. One builder. From idea to realization.
Does Haverdesign deliver throughout the Netherlands?
Yes. Haverdesign is based in Drachten, Friesland, but designs and builds for clients from all over the Netherlands.
View the options per province:
Projects are therefore not limited to Friesland. Custom work, shells, designs, and other possibilities can be discussed with clients from all over the Netherlands.
Does Haverdesign also deliver outside the Netherlands?
Yes. Projects, designs, and digital production files are not necessarily limited to the Netherlands.
For international assignments, what is practically possible is assessed on a project-by-project basis.
Digital design and production files also enable collaboration with professional builders in other countries.
Where is Haverdesign located?
Haverdesign is based in Drachten, Friesland, the Netherlands.
Haverdesign is a small-scale design and construction company, run by a single designer and builder, and specialized in aluminium boats, custom boats, fishing boats, tenders, hulls, 3D designs, and build kits.
From the initial idea to the actual aluminium vessel, design and realization remain in the same hands.
From idea to realization
A boat does not start with the first aluminum plate.
He starts with an idea.
Haverdesign brings design and build together within a single process. From the first 3D lines to the parts that are cut, shaped, welded, and ultimately come together to form a boat.
Fishing boat. Tender. Workboat. Hull. Or a design that does not yet exist.
The designer builds. The builder designs.
From idea to 3D. From 3D to aluminium.