Kuipers Woudsend
Doggersbannk - Custom Build Dutch Explorers
Dok en Scheepsbouw Woudsend — sometimes referred under the umbrella name Kuipers Woudsend — is a Dutch shipyard based in Woudsend (Friesland), deeply rooted in decades of ship-building, repair and refit work. The yard prides itself on more than 50 years of experience in naval construction, maintenance and custom builds. Situated in the heart of the Frisian lakes region and directly accessible via inland waterways, the yard offers an ideal platform for projects ranging from small craft to professional and commercial vessels up to 37 metres in length and 2.25 metres draft — a niche that allows flexibility beyond typical yacht-only yards.
Kuipers WoudsendYachts for Sale
Dutch Excellence
Kuipers Woudsend Shipyard, based in Woudsend, Netherlands, has a long-standing reputation in the superyacht and shipbuilding industries, particularly known for its high-quality builds and refit services. The shipyard’s origins date back to 1964, when it began as a small workshop focused on precision metalwork and evolved to specialize in luxury expedition yachts and custom refits for discerning yacht owners. Located in the Frisian lake district, Kuipers Woudsend Shipyard offers excellent waterway access and facilities capable of handling vessels up to 37 meters in length.
Beothuk
One of Kuipers Woudsend’s standout builds is the 31.1-meter Beothuk, an expedition yacht launched in 2008 and refitted in 2021. Designed by Vripack, Beothuk combines Dutch craftsmanship with long-range capabilities, offering a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Its robust design, coupled with Vripack’s interior and exterior styling, makes Beothuk a model for luxury and performance in demanding environments. This yacht has garnered acclaim for its ability to blend luxury and durability, highlighting the shipyard’s commitment to quality. It is acknowledged to be one of the highest quality, most well designed pocket explorer yachts in existence.
Other Capabilities
In addition to Beothuk, Kuipers Woudsend has contributed significantly to the offshore wind industry, building vessels like the Windcat 28, an 18-meter catamaran designed for efficient crew transport. This vessel demonstrates the shipyard’s versatility and engineering strength, as it meets rigorous standards for use in challenging marine conditions across Northern Europe. Although not a “superyacht yard” in the classical mega-yacht sense, Woudsend specialises in client-specific builds of vessels between roughly 12 and 37 metres. This includes small commercial ships, workboats, and smaller yachts or ships tailored to owner-specific briefs. Their legacy goes back to the mid-1970s, when they built their first 12-metre yacht designed by the Dutch studio Vripack. Over the years, they expanded their dry-dock capacity and refined their craft, gaining a reputation for high-quality workmanship — especially around engineering, mechanical and electrical installations.
Refit, Rebuild or Conversion.
Through consistent innovation and a dedication to fine craftsmanship, Kuipers Woudsend Shipyard has built a legacy that appeals to owners seeking both elegance and rugged performance. The shipyard continues to expand its offerings, with a focus on custom builds, refits, and high-performance support vessels across the luxury and commercial maritime sectors. For those in search of a shipyard that combines technical knowhow, flexibility and full lifecycle support — without the need for superyacht-scale infrastructure — Dok en Scheepsbouw Woudsend offers a distinctive value proposition. Whether you are commissioning a custom workboat, a modest private yacht or need a reliable facility for refit and maintenance, Woudsend stands out as an experienced, trustworthy partner in the European ship-building landscape.
