Frequently Asked Questions
The HULL
What brand and type of Aluminium is used for the Vaan?
Recycled (>60%) aluminium 5083 H111, produced by HYDRO
Who are producing the Aluminium hulls and superstructure?
We use a group of specialized and certified Marine welding companies with track records like Shipyard Rotterdam, Gouwerok etc.
How is the quality of the welding verified?
The partners who build our casco are all tightly certified companies and so are the individual welders working on Vaan hulls. To check against the standards the welding process will be monitored using x-ray scanning on a frequent basis.
What colors will be available to paint the hulls?
The hulls come standard with the Vivid Alu finish. As an option we offer the colors “Snow White”, “Stone Gray” and “Lava Black”, alternative colors can be offered on an individual basis. The deck will be painted white with anti-skid paint. Optionally you can select the cork decking also on the upper deck. The salon roof and roll bar are painted glossy white and metallic.
What is done to avoid electrolysis?
The key measures we take:
- Install powerful galvanic separation transformers between the shore power and the on-board electrical system.
- Minimize the amount of stainless steel, as it could react with aluminium under certain conditions. We use aluminium as much as possible, also in railings and cleats for instance.
- Install ample zinc anodes
How many anodes are placed and how long will they work?
Each hull has 6 zinc anodes plus anodes on the sail drives.
How thick is the aluminium used?
The thickness of the aluminium is calculated by the engineering and design team and has a variety from 5-8mm depending on the location at the hull and where needed. In some locations thicker plates are used for specific loads.
Why don’t you use thinner aluminium?
Welding aluminium is a process which inserts a lot of heat into the hull which deforms the material. We want to create a smooth surface that will not need much or any fairing. Thicker plates maintain their form better and make the hull stronger and stiffer allowing for less internal structural support, reducing weight again. So in general, slightly thicker skin, will not end up weighing much more, while giving you a smoother and stronger outer shell.
Is the aluminium painted inside?
Parts like “bilge”, “engine room” and “Garage” are painted, so you can easily clean. Other parts are left bare; the beauty of aluminium is that it protects itself by adding a thin oxide layer.
What type of valves are used?
Glass reinforced nylon valves, so no risk of corrosion or electrolysis.
Does the Vaan have a crash box?
Yes. Although the hull is of aluminium and very strong and safe (a dent rather than a hole), there is also still a crash box in the front.
Are there escape hatches?
Yes. Each hull has one escape hatch in the hull just below the stair to the individual hull.
What material is the keel made of?
The ‘keel’ is made of aluminium. It contains no ballast.
What type of rudder system does it have?
We use Jefa shaft steering systems which are extremely direct and without play. There is only a very short cable/chain section. The rudder blade is composite, also made by Jefa.
Does it have an emergency tiller?
Yes there is one emergency tiller
Can you beach with a Vaan?
Yes, you can with the smaller fixed keel. Always be careful and aware where and on what ground you want to beach.
INSULATION & VENTILATION
How is the Vaan insulated?
For thermal and sound insulation, we use special nautical glass wool from Isover. The material is light, uses recycled glass, provides fire protection, and often used as a standard in superyachts. Our way of insulating is more expensive and time consuming than the often-applied polyurethane PUR-foams, but we feel that those toxic and flammable materials should be avoided for safety and sustainability concerns.
Is the complete hull insulated?
The complete structure is isolated except in the garage, front lockers, and bilge. All connecting bridge parts/areas where condensation might occur are isolated.
Is glass wool not a risk for humidity, rot, and smell?
No. This is special glass wool made specifically for nautical installations.
How is potential condensation handled?
The glass wool is directly placed to the aluminium hull and has a damp-protection layer. All connections are further taped with special insulation tape. This means that moisture stays inside and cannot condensate against the aluminium hull.
Why do you not use PUR for insulation?
Polyurethane PUR-foams are toxic and flammable materials and should be avoided for safety and sustainability concerns.
Can I go into an icy area with a Vaan?
Yes, you can sail into areas where ice is floating around; the aluminium hull is extremely strong. We do not recommend getting stuck in thick ice and we recommend careful preparations on voyages into icy areas, for example with the heating system and drink water system. If you intend to take polar tips, please let us know so we can assist you.
Can you open the hatches on deck and cockpit and in what direction?
Yes. You can indicate in what direction you want to be able to open them.
Can you open the windows in the hull?
Only the aft window in the owners and guest cabin can be opened, not the side windows in the hull, for safety reasons.
How is ventilation taken care of in the hulls?
By opening the hatches in the roof and the aft window in the cabin you will create a natural flow of ventilation.
How is ventilation taken care of in the saloon?
By opening the hatches in the roof and the multiple options you have for the sliding door you will have nice natural ventilation in the saloon in general and with cooking.
SAILS
What are the standard sails?
A Vaan comes standard with a Quantum square-top, tri-radial, full batten main sail and a self-tacking Jib.
What are the extra sail options?
Code-0, Gennaker are standard options. Other custom sail choices can be added.
Can I also choose for another sail supplier?
Yes, that is possible as long as it is line and according to Vaan standards.
INTERIOR
What materials are used for the interior panels?
We use European FSC certified, light-weight poplar wood with high strength circular HPL finishing in serval colors and decors.
Are they easy to clean and maintain?
The HPL finish is a very strong material and as so easy to clean with a soft cleaning cloth and water, don’t use aggressive cleaning materials or a scouring sponge.
What is a Vaan kitchen made off?
The kitchen comes standard with a 4 ‘burner’ induction plate, electric stove, a drawer-fridge, a sink with warm and cold water and ample storage cabinets. The countertop is made of white easy to clean solid-surface material.
Can I make my own set up of the kitchen?
Within the framework of the kitchen you can indicate where you want to have your sink, fridge and induction plate. Where technical possible we will follow that request.
Do we have gas on board?
No there will be no gas on board, the hotplate and oven are fully electric.
TENDERS
Dinghy/Tender R4
The max length of a tender for the R4 is 300cm and max total weight at the davits 200kg.
Dinghy/Tender R5
The max length of a tender for the R5 is 350cm and the max total weight at the davits 250kg.
What to do when the Tender is in the davits?
Avoid that water can stay in the dinghy (e.g. rain), arrange a cover and have the water outlets in open position. Close the outlets before releasing the tender into the water.
ENERGY & PROPULSION
Why do you offer only electric propulsion?
In line with our Sail the Planet mission, we are convinced that e-propulsion is the right way forward.
If I want a traditional diesel engine is that possible?
No, we do not offer traditional diesel engines. However a hybrid system with a generator or in-line diesel-electric system is optional.
What are the advantages of an electric propulsion system as offered by Vaan?
Suppliers of e-engines like Ocean Volt and Torqeedo offer a complete integrated and well balanced and proven system. The engine, battery pack and management system are certified by the manufacturers and so is the support and global warranty. Other practical advantages of electric propulsion are; low maintenance, low noise, no oil, clean engine room, no smell and of course: no pollution.
What should I take in consideration by making my choice?
Important items to think of is how you will you use the Vaan in general, daily trips, coastal sailing, circumnavigation plans, colder areas, warmer areas, etc. We are available to talk you through and come to the right balance for your energy and propulsion system.
What kind of annual maintenance do these engines need?
One of the main advances of these systems is that there is hardly any maintenance. You need to check the anodes and if needed replace the anode of the sail drive, the oil of the motor and cooling buffer. The Battery Management System (BMS) will monitor the complete configuration and will let you know if something needs to be done with the electronic parts. If needed the engineers of the supplier can log in the system (after your approval) and assist with any reset or adjustment that might be needed.
How long can I use the engine and what range in miles will I have on a battery pack only?
That is strongly dependent on wat cruising speed you prefer to have, weather-water-wind conditions and the capacity of your battery bank. Upon request we can provide you with more detailed calculations and information. In an average mode the range should be 30-40 miles and ca 6-10 hours. The higher the speed the lower the range, the lower the speed to longer the range. Larger battery banks and a back-up generator can increase the range for specific circumstances.
What will happen when the battery package is getting to low?
The Battery Management System (BMS) will ensure that you will not empty the battery too far and will shut it down when needed. Just like with traditional diesel engines, it is best not to let this happen and set sail as soon as possible. During sailing you can also recharge the batteries from the Ocean Volt sail drives.
Will I still have household battery power when the engine battery pack is stopped?
Yes. For service/household there is a separate battery on board that is/was loaded through the Lithium propulsion battery bank. That house-battery (depending of the capacity) will continue to operate your navigation lights, B&G instruments, cooling etc.
If I have installed a generator, will this start automatically when the battery pack is to low?
Yes. You can install the level of the left battery capacity at what moment you want to start the generator automatically.
Does the generator (if one is installed) have a stand-alone start battery so it will always start?
Yes it does.
For how many hours can I use the generator?
If you use the generator, your range can become >500 miles, depending on how much diesel you have on board and the speed you are going at.
What is the noise level of a generator?
Modern marine generators are engineered to be lightweight, compact and very silent. A typical marine generator will produce 60dB (equal to noise of a conversation) at a 1m distance without any sound isolation.
Is the generator providing enough power to use both engines and ad what speed?
As an example a Fischer Panda AGT-DC 15000 48V will generate enough power to feed both Ocean Volt SD15 on board of a Vaan R4.
In which order is the generator feeding the battery bank and the engine?
When the generator is running it will first feed the two engines and then charge the battery bank with the remaining energy that is generated.
What influence has the use of the generator on the live cycle of the batteries?
None. The batteries can handle for OV ca 10.000 cycles
I don’t have a permanent generator, do I have to take other preparations on a longer sailing trip?
When making a longer trip or ocean crossing it might be a good advice to take a portable generator with you that can be connected to the input of the shore power. You will then have a back-up, just in case.
How secure is an electric engine?
The electric engine is a very robust, safe and strong propulsion solution with hardly any maintenance. Inside the engine there are no parts to maintained. The little maintenance left will be on the parts around the engine like anodes, SD oil and cooling.
What is the expected live time of the electric engine?
There are electric engines in use on yachts for more the 10 years without any problem.
What type of batteries do you use?
The battery bank is part of the integrated package of the engine supplier, we will only make use of the batteries that are approved and instructed by Ocean Volt or Torqeedo. Both supply batteries that are selected and adjusted for marine application.
Can I also use other type of batteries?
No, as that will take away the support and warranty from the engine manufacturer.
What is the life cycle of a battery?
The live cycle by normal use will be up to 10 years and will handle ca 10.000 cycles.
Do they need a cooling system?
No, they do not need an active cooling system. Each battery will have an internal control system, at the individual cell level, to avoid over-heating. The engine room does require ventilation.
How long will it take to charge the battery by Shore power?
It can take 5-10 hours to charge, depending on the shore power source and the size of the battery bank.
How long will it take to charge the battery through the generator?
That too depends on the size of the battery bank and the generator. With a 15kW generator charging will be at similar speed as shore-power: each hour 15kWh will be added to the banks.
Is a generator of 15kW enough capacity for the Ocean Volt SD15?
Yes, it is. It will provide approx. 7,5 kW per engine, allowing for cruising speed without depleting the batteries.
How will the charging through Solar work?
Of course. The solar panels will provide power to the battery charger which will then charge the batteries.
How will the charging through hydro generation of the props work when sailing?
When sailing at 6kn and higher, just press the button on the dashboard and the generation starts automatically. If you want more charging power, just switch on the other sail drive as well. Depending on your Ocean Volt type, you can easily reach over 1kW charging power, keeping your batteries at the same level during the day.
Can I also hydro generate with one engine?
Yes, you can. Of course, it will provide less power to the batteries, but for most situations one engine will be enough.
What alternatives do I have to generate on a longer sailing journey?
Besides the solar and hydrogeneration you can consider additional Watt & Sea hydro-generators, wind-generators and a (portable) generator for these trips.
PRODUCTION
How and where are the Vaan Yachts build?
The aluminium Hull and superstructure are built by dedicated and specialized ship welding companies; Holland is a global leader in this area. When the welding is completed, the hull is shipped to the outfitting facility where the Vaan will be completed. We are currently building a brand-new Smart Factory for assembly in Hellevoetsluis. Located on the beautiful Haringvliet lake and natural reserve, we have a perfect location to do the commissioning, test sailing and the final delivery.
How will the commissioning and delivery take place?
Before delivery to the owner will take place the Vaan will be checked in detail if everything is in place as ordered. All instruments and handling will be tested so you will receive a ready to sail Vaan including all certifications of installations were required. At the moment of delivery, we will go through the boat together and show and explain how the Vaan is operating. Items that do not comply with the agreed standard will of course be taken care of.
What securities will Vaan Yachts offer during construction?
Vaan Yachts is manufacturing ‘to order’, that means that with the stage payments from the agreement each individual Vaan will be built. Owners are always welcome to visit the Yard to see what the progress and actual situation of his Vaan is. Furthermore, it is possible the register the Vaan ‘under construction’ (at start build casco) in your name in the Dutch Register “Kadaster”. Vaan is also a member of the Hiswa union and we are in compliance with their model contracts and general terms and conditions which can be found on our website.
The company
What is the Vaan company mission?
We believe that luxury living and preserving the planet can and should go hand in hand. This is why we make exciting luxury sailing yachts that do not harm the planet. #SAILTHEPLANET
Who are the owners, founders and other team members?
Have a look at https://www.vaan.yachts/crew to meet the Vaan team and learn more about their backgrounds and motivations.
Who are the main partners for Vaan?
We have selected suppliers with solid track records and reliable global service networks. These include OceanVolt, Torqeedo, Jefa steering systems, Victron, Hydro, Dykstra, B&G, Harken, Goiot, Quantum Sails, etc.
Are you open to new developments, materials and suppliers?
Yes, we love innovating. New suppliers will be checked carefully to comply with the quality and service standards of Vaan Yachts. Are you a supplier of sustainable parts or systems that could be relevant to Vaan, please contact us.
WARRANTY
What is the warranty package?
The standard warranty is 2 years. If component suppliers offer longer warranty periods we follow the warranty period of that supplier.
What is the warranty on the hull?
The Hull comes with a warranty period of 60 months against constructional failure. The warranty is based on responsible, good seamanship and is excluding grounding and other non-regular use of the vessel.
How is the warranty organized?
Vaan will always be your first point of call for any technical and or warranty question there might be. From that point all adequate actions will be taken to service the request.