Customers Fam. Blum
In 2017, we were looking for a replacement for our fast day cruiser, a Rinker 300. We wanted something with more comfort and space, but it still had to be compact enough to navigate through beautiful, narrow routes. We visited several boat shows, like the Hiswa te Water and Boot Düsseldorf. It was at the Düsseldorf show that we first came into contact with Boarnstream and saw a Boarncruiser 1200 Elegance for the first time. In the years that followed, we spoke with them a few more times at other shows, and in April 2019, we signed a purchase contract for the Boarncruiser 1280 Elegance.
Initially, we had a long list of more than ten brands we were considering, but after visiting various shipyards, only three remained with which we had serious conversations. Boarnstream stood out to us for the beautiful, modern design of their boats and their willingness to accommodate our specific wishes. From the start, there was a good connection with Wies Hokwerda. She gave us expert advice and offered us a fair trade-in price for our Rinker 300.
Choosing the Boarncruiser 1280 Elegance was not an easy step for us. We had to let go of the idea of fast cruising, switch from two engines to one, and move from an outside helm to an indoor one. It took some getting used to. But on the other hand, we gained a lot more space and comfort, as we could live, steer, cook, and sit outside all on one level. Since we usually cruise as a couple, there’s more than enough space. And when the grandchildren join us, they fit comfortably too. Moreover, the boat remains compact enough to pass through narrow harbors and low bridges, such as the canals of Utrecht. We even managed to add some extras, like five extra centimeters of headroom in the salon and a larger bed. The canopeasy solution is also really convenient: the cockpit tent can be opened or closed within a few minutes.
In April 2019, we signed the contract, with a planned delivery in May 2020. During the first few months, not much seemed to be happening from our perspective, as most of the materials were being ordered. During this time, we spent a day selecting all the materials and colors for the boat—exciting, but also very enjoyable. In September, we received the first photos of the cut package, and from then on, we received weekly updates with photos showing the progress. We even went with Wies to view the hull of our boat at the steel builder’s. Our plan was to visit often to witness the construction live, but then COVID-19 came in January 2020, making that impossible. The further construction had to follow COVID-19 measures, and the delivery of certain parts was slightly delayed. Still, Wies kept us well informed with photos and videos. In the end, delivery was only delayed by a month, and some minor adjustments were made during the sailing season.
Our contact with Boarnstream after delivery remains very good. Whenever we see them at a show, there’s always time for a chat and a coffee. Even when we have technical questions, our regular contact, Nanne Piter Lenes, helps us quickly and flexibly.
Our boat has been in storage and maintenance with Boarnstream for years now, which we do very intentionally. Just as I bring my cars to a professional garage, I want our boat to receive the best care from knowledgeable people. After all, a boat is a considerable investment, even larger than a luxury car. Boarnstream built our boat and knows all the details. And although it’s a four-to-five-day journey from Den Bosch to Jirnsum, we usually turn it into a beautiful trip.
