Van der Valk's Most Spacious Elevated Pilot House Yacht: A New Benchmark in Customization
Van der Valk, a world-renowned yacht builder based in Waalwijk, Netherlands, has welcomed the hull of their latest, custom-made 35-meter yacht, the "Jangada." Marking a significant milestone in their yacht building journey, this project, commissioned by a returning customer, signifies the third "Jangada" yacht and the largest elevated pilot house yacht ever constructed by Van der Valk.
The Legacy of the "Jangada" Series
The yacht owner, previously a proud owner of a 25-meter and a 32-meter Jangada, now adds this majestic 35-meter yacht to his collection. The latter model was nominated for the World Super Yacht Awards in 2020, projecting the stellar reputation of Van der Valk's craftsmanship. The pioneering "Jangada," launched by Van der Valk in 2015, was one of their earliest elevated pilot house models, sparking a series of prestigious projects for discerning clients.
Innovative Design Meets Uncompromising Acoustic Comfort
The steel hull, crafted by Buijs Brothers, was designed with a solemn elegance, symbolizing a crucial aspect of yacht design. This design caters to the yacht owner's growing family needs and the "structural changes" at the mooring place at Saint-Tropez Bay. Aiming to achieve superior noise and vibration reduction, Van der Valk made an unprecedented choice – a steel hull combined with an aluminum superstructure, supplemented by comprehensive soundproofing materials. This novel approach creates a serene barrier and sets this yacht apart from the shipyard's usual aluminum hulls.
A Pursuit of a Dream Yacht: From Vision to Reality
The new "Jangada" is a fully customized project, brought to life by the collaborative efforts of Nick Top, Guido de Groot, and the yacht owner. The design team has worked tirelessly to transform the client's vision into a complex and innovative yacht. With the hull in place, Van der Valk’s team of engineers, electricians, painters, and interior architects are set to complete the yacht in around 18 months.
Beyond Customization: A Tradition of Personalized Yachts
Van der Valk continues to uphold their tradition of providing highly personalized yachts. They've leveraged the expertise of partners like Buijs Brothers, a family business that has accumulated over 150 years of experience in manufacturing complete hulls for yachts, naval vessels, and coastal ships.
Currently, four yachts, including the largest custom super yacht at 39.9 meters long, the EVO project, are reportedly being ordered or built at Van der Valk.
More Than Just a Yacht Builder: Van der Valk’s Impressive Journey
Starting from humble beginnings in the 1960s, Van der Valk has grown to become a family-owned shipyard producing comfortable, innovative, and efficient (semi) customized motor yachts, ranging from 18 to 45 meters. Today, they boast a global fleet of over 1,000 motor yachts. With founder Wim van der Valk’s retirement in April, an experienced yachting family has provided financial backing for the management buyout of the shipyard’s shares.
Hi—I’m Jim Walker
I grew up in a Florida boatyard, earning pocket money (and a few scars) by rebuilding outboard carbs before I could drive. That hands-on habit carried me through a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, where I studied how salt water quietly murders metal.
I spent ten years designing cooling systems for high-horsepower outboards, then joined JLM Marine as CTO. We bench-test every new part in the lab, but I still bolt early prototypes onto my own 23-foot skiff for a weekend shake-down— nothing beats real wake and spray for finding weak spots.
Here on the blog I share the fixes and shortcuts I’ve learned so your engine—and your day on the water—run smooth.

For Outboard Owners:
To assist you in maintaining and repairing your marine engines, we hope the following resources may be of use:
-
Fuel Pumps from JLM Marine
-
Fuel Pump Kits from JLM Marine
About JLM Marine
Founded in 2002, JLM Marine has established itself as a dedicated manufacturer of high-quality marine parts, based in China. Our commitment to excellence in manufacturing has earned us the trust of top marine brands globally.
As a direct supplier, we bypass intermediaries, which allows us to offer competitive prices without compromising on quality. This approach not only supports cost-efficiency but also ensures that our customers receive the best value directly from the source.
We are excited to expand our reach through retail channels, bringing our expertise and commitment to quality directly to boat owners and enthusiasts worldwide.