Finding The Value In VanDutch 55’s
Understanding Value In A Surplus Market Makes Kings & Queens
To 90% of the buyer market, "value" is the most important word. Things like price, condition, color, and features mean nothing in isolation. Understanding how these factors work together wins the war and ultimately gets you more boat than you paid for.
So today, I'm trying something different. Instead of just promoting a VanDutch 55 via my newsletter, I'm going to illuminate the entire VanDutch 55 market, showing you how I evaluate comparables and distill everything into one overall value.
Current VanDutch 55 Market Overview
For years, the selection of VanDutch 55’s on the secondary market was sparse. The VD55 had its fun between 2014-2019, when they were the kings of the day boat world. With serious competition from Pardo, Vanquish and Wajer, plus the cancellation of the VanDutch 55 production, the model tailed off. But what made the VanDutch 55 such a killer early on helps it stay in the buyer-crosshair. Its simple analog systems, eye-catching design and massive cockpit keep people’s attention, and with a newfound price range, these should be on every value-based buyer’s mind.
Option 1: 2015 VanDutch 55 "Daddy" - $629,800
The Details:
Year: 2015
Hours: 1,360
Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D13-900 HP
Color: Rolls Royce Titanium / Tiffany Blue
Condition: Very Good
What Sets This Apart: This isn’t a project, this is a turnkey option at an attractive price that should pique your value sense. The recent upgrades tell the story: new engine and house batteries (November 2024), fresh bottom paint with PropSpeed application, rebuilt bimini hydraulics, and completely refreshed upholstery and interior vinyl (March 2025).
The Value Proposition: At $629,800, you're getting a boat that's essentially been reset. The owner invested heavily in bringing everything to current standards. You're buying someone else's investment at a very competitive price.
Option 2: 2014 VanDutch 55 “The Godfather” - $599,000
The Details:
Year: 2014
Hours: Unknown (red flag #1)
Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D13-900 HP
Condition: Poor
The Reality Check: The $30,800 price difference looks attractive until you dig deeper. No maintenance records, unknown hours, and a prolific charter history sends up red flags; as does the lack of any onboard listing photos. Factor in likely needed updates (batteries, upholstery, mechanical refresh) and you're quickly exceeding the prior option’s list price. But the issues run deeper. With experience refitting VD55’s, I estimate at least $150,000 including a new paint job.
The Value Proposition: The Godfather is the best option for someone who wants to take on a complete overhaul and build the VD55 of their dreams. This project would run at least $200,000 to do it right. At that cost, you’d need to buy this boat under $500,000 in order to justify the purchase against “Daddy”. And don’t forget the6-8 month project timeframe.
Option 3: 2017 VanDutch 55 “VanDutch” - $815,000
The Detail:
Year: 2017
Hours: 1,650
Engines: Twin Volvo Penta D13-900 HP
Condition: Average/Good
The Analysis: While you’re buying something 2 years newer than the next youngest option, your hours are highest due to charter operation. You’re also buying a wrapped boat, so make sure to include the cost to repaint the hull sides. I’ve been on board, and while its not nearly as bad as the 2014, there is cosmetic work to do.
The Math: That $185,200 premium buys you newer vintage, the 2015 is younger in hours with a list of recent investments (new batteries, fresh upholstery, rebuilt systems) effectively bridging the age gap. Here, you're paying a massive premium for model year alone.
The Comparative Analysis
When you factor in condition, recent investments, and known maintenance history:
2014 Option: $599,000 + estimated $150,000 in catch-up = $749,000 with charter history and maintenance unknowns
2017 Option: $815,000 for newer vintage + charter history, cosmetic needs and a wrapped hull
2015 Option: $629,800 for a comprehensively updated boat with known history
The Assessment
After analyzing all three options, the 2015 listing at $629,800 presents exceptional value in the current market. Here's why:
Unbeatable Value Equation: You're getting a comprehensively updated 2015 for essentially the same price as a 2014 and over $180,000 cheaper than a heavily used 2017.
Known History: Complete maintenance history and recent comprehensive updates eliminate guesswork.
No Hidden Costs: Everything's been done: batteries, upholstery, systems, bottom paint. Just start enjoying it.
Massive Savings vs. Newer: Save $185,200 compared to the 2017 option while getting a boat that's been brought to current standards.
The Bottom Line
The new pricing of “Daddy” makes the value proposition pretty clear. At $629,800, you're getting:
A newer boat than the budget option, for way less than what it would cost to match their conditions
Recent comprehensive updates of more than $50,000
Known maintenance history and condition
Immediate usability with no projects needed
This is what real value looks like in the VanDutch 55 market.
WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE VANDUTCH 55?
305-908-1504
ON THE HUNT FOR YOUR NEXT BOAT?
Let’s use the value-based approach in this artcile to find your next boat.
To get started, email me at Reed@RNMarine.com.
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
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