The Beginning of DaVinci Yachts
The DaVinci Yachts journey began in 2001, when Steven Boersma and Vripack founder Dick Boon set out to create the ultimate weekend boat. Inspired by the classic lobster boats of the American East Coast, the DaVinci 29 was born, a timeless design with a smart layout and elegant lines.
At its debut during the HISWA Boat Show in Amsterdam in 2002, the model was an instant success: no fewer than six yachts were sold immediately. The design of the DaVinci 29 laid the foundation for the distinctive style that DaVinci is still renowned for today. Remarkably, the very first DaVinci 29 is still sailing in the vicinity of the yard, a beautiful testament to the timeless quality and craftsmanship with which it was built.
Growth and Development
In the years that followed, DaVinci evolved into a respected yacht builder, beloved for its retro-classic aesthetic, innovative engineering, and impeccable finish. Models such as the DaVinci 29, 32, 34, and 38 have been cherished by boating enthusiasts around the world.
Each model has its own story, from the first DaVinci 32, built especially for Dick Boon himself, to the international successes that followed.
The Contribution of Erik van Veen
In 2010, Erik van Veen joined DaVinci. With his commercial background and fresh perspective, he brought new energy into the company. He saw opportunities to bring new builds and pre-owned sales closer together, an idea that would later form the foundation of his own business.
Erik explains:
“I knew the owner of DaVinci Yachts in Sneek and shared my idea: new and used boats needed to be more closely connected. People who view a pre-owned yacht sometimes choose to go for a new build instead. And often they already own a boat that needs to be sold ,something I could take care of. That’s how I started my own yacht brokerage from within the DaVinci Yachts building. From the moment two clients came in to view the same pre-owned boat and both left with a new one, we knew: this works.”
The Acquisition
The concept proved to be a great success. After a few years, Erik’s business outgrew its space. Five years later, in 2015, he took the next step: he purchased the facility in Heeg and acquired DaVinci Yachts.
Steven Boersma continued his work in Sneek under the name Leonardo Yachts, focusing on sailing yachts, while Erik shaped the future of DaVinci.
Under his leadership, the yard permanently relocated to Heeg, and winter storage was introduced, allowing DaVinci owners to enjoy their yacht year-round with complete peace of mind. Erik placed strong emphasis on quality, customer experience, and service, with the goal that a DaVinci would be more than just a boat; it would be an entire experience. The acquisition also marked the beginning of a new chapter: the introduction of the DaVinci 35.
International Expansion
Since then, the story has continued to flourish. The DaVinci 35, nominated for Motorboat of the Year, along with many models delivered across Europe, America, and Asia, showcase the brand’s growing international reputation.
The latest models, including the HardTop and the S with open transom, demonstrate that DaVinci remains true to its core values: exclusivity, craftsmanship, and personal attention.
Today, DaVinci yachts sail not only on Dutch waters but also in Spain, Thailand, the United States, and Russia, a clear sign of the brand’s worldwide recognition and trust.
Peace of Mind
At DaVinci Yachts, everything revolves around one promise: carefree enjoyment. Every yacht is fully custom-built, from layout to material selection, ensuring that every DaVinci is unique.
Through personal service, meticulous maintenance, and attention to detail, DaVinci offers its owners ultimate Peace of Mind.
DaVinci Yachts is more than just a shipyard. It is a story of passion, craftsmanship, and dreams turned into reality, from Sneek to Heeg, and from the Frisian lakes to waters around the world.