Alm Trawler 1600 AD “Lizzy” – A Dutch-Built Steel Explorer Yacht
Built in steel, fitted for independence, and priced at €498,500,could this be the ultimate owner-operated cruiser?
Steel trawlers carry a quiet authority. They don’t rely on styling gimmicks or superyacht flash; instead, they exude confidence through weight, balance, and the assurance that when the weather closes in, they’ll keep moving. The Alm Trawler 1600 AD Lizzy, built by Yachtbuilding De Alm in the Netherlands in 2012, is one such vessel.
Steel hulls bring with them a set of advantages that are particularly relevant to long-range cruisers. They offer exceptional strength and impact resistance compared with GRP or aluminium, giving owners peace of mind when operating in less forgiving waters.
Steel also provides excellent weight distribution low in the hull, which translates into a steadier ride and predictable motion in a seaway. Another point in their favour is repairability: unlike composite hulls, steel can be welded and faired almost anywhere in the world, which is a major advantage for those venturing beyond the usual cruising grounds.
‘Lizzy’ is CE Category A rated, meaning that she is built for extended offshore cruising and capable of handling Force 8 winds and four-metre seas. That certification sets the tone immediately: this is a serious passagemaker.
Hull and Exterior
Lizzy’s hull is a multi-chined truss form built from 6mm steel plate with a 5mm steel superstructure above. The result is a full-displacement platform that feels solid underfoot, tracks straight, and moves with a softer rhythm at displacement speeds.
A multi-chined truss hull means the sides of the boat are formed from several flat or gently angled panels rather than a continuous curve. In steel construction this is both practical and intentional. It simplifies fabrication, but more importantly, the chines themselves play a role in how the boat behaves at sea. Each chine helps to interrupt water flow, which reduces rolling and improves directional stability.
From a seakeeping standpoint this hull form gives Lizzy a reassuring ability to hold her course in quartering seas and to move through short chop with a more predictable, less fatiguing motion than a comparable round-bilge hull. The truss structure within the hull adds further strength, spreading the loads imposed by heavy seas and preventing flex.
Her dimensions underline her role as a capable long-range cruiser:
Length: 17.5m (57’5”)
Beam: 4.85m (almost 16’)
Draft: 1.35m (4’5”)
With her displacement hull and the weight of steel low in the water, Lizzy remains steady in chop and tracks with confidence even in cross-seas. Comfort is enhanced further by her stabilisers, which are particularly effective at the modest passage speeds she was designed to maintain.
The bow anchoring setup is robust: a heavy-duty electric windlass, stainless steel chain, and reinforced bow roller. Operation is possible both locally and from the helm, giving flexibility for solo or crewed anchoring.
Aft, the boom and winch tender system makes practical sense for a yacht of this size. High guardrails all around deck add a level of safety often overlooked in modern builds.
Up on the radar mast — a sturdy, tension-braced structure — she carries a serious navigation suite: twin Furuno radar scanners feeding 22-inch displays, AIS, autopilot, and GPS. The stays are a thoughtful addition, keeping vibration out of the mast and protecting sensitive electronics from flex.
Engineering and Systems
In the engine room, the Alm Trawler shows her true Dutch roots: neat layout, logical routing, and accessibility for maintenance.
She’s powered by twin IVECO N67 diesels, each producing 150hp, paired with ZF gearboxes and Aquadrive shafts. This gives her a modest but highly efficient propulsion package — ideal for displacement cruising.
Fuel is carried in two wing tanks of 1,925 litres each, totalling 3,850 litres (just over 1,000 US gallons). That capacity, combined with the frugal IVECOs, gives her genuine long-range capability.
Other key systems include:
Kabola HR 500 central heating system for silent hydronic heat.
Hydrosta hydraulic power pack driving both bow and stern thrusters.
Whisper Power 6kW generator for off-grid power.
Whisper Power battery charger & inverter, neatly wired with labelled distribution.
Schenker watermaker for self-sufficiency on extended cruises.
The boat also benefits from air conditioning, making her suitable for year-round use in both warm and cold climates.
Interior and Refit
Below decks, Lizzy offers three cabins with six berths, making her practical for family cruising or extended stays with guests. Interior fit and finish are typically Dutch: solid, functional, and designed for long service life rather than fashion.
Importantly, she underwent a thorough service and refit in late 2024, which included:
A redesigned helm dashboard.
Renewed upholstery.
Full service of electrics and mechanicals.
The result is a yacht in excellent overall condition, both inside and out — a valuable reassurance for any buyer considering a 2012 build.
Asking Price
At the time of writing, Lizzy is listed at €498,500 with Sterkenburg Yacht Brokers. She can also be delivered ex VAT on export, which may appeal to buyers planning to take her outside the EU. You can watch my full boat tour video below:
The walk-through above gives you the facts and figures, but the real value comes in looking at what they mean. For my premium subscribers, I write candid opinion pieces, covering seakeeping, ownership practicality, and whether a boat like this truly delivers on her promise.
If you’d like to read my full opinion on Lizzy, and join me and other premium subscribers in Substack Chat where we can discuss this yacht directly, consider becoming a premium member. It’s the space where serious enthusiasts gather, and where you can ask me your own questions about this boat or any other I’ve featured.
