Aluminium Lifeboat | Donna

Donna is an extraordinary ship. Built in 1961 as an aluminium lifeboat. She was meant for serious use, and it shows in everything. No decorative lines or frills, but pure functionality. The hull is fully riveted, made to take a beating. And she has: for years she has served as a mail boat somewhere along the coast in Scandinavia. Day in, day out, in all weathers. Until she eventually, like many workboats, fell into oblivion.

We found her neglected. Weathered, empty, but with a soul. There was nothing modern about it, no comforts, no technology. Just a bare aluminium hull with character. And that was just enough. We decided to give her a new life, but our way. Thoroughly, solidly and with love for detail.

Everything has been tackled from the ground up. All old penetrations have been permanently welded shut, not duplicated, not makeshift, just really fixed. The hull was fully treated inside and out with epoxy, so that she is protected against moisture and corrosion for the next sixty years. She was then professionally varnished, with a sleek finish in a great colour that does full justice to her appearance.

Inside, we created an interior that is as practical as it is beautiful. The benches are of varnished mahogany, laid with the boat. Not only does this look calm and luxurious, it also enhances the lines of the boat. Everything is demountable. Within two hours, you can take out the entire interior. That's handy for maintenance or paintwork, but also just when you want to give everything a good once-over. It makes Donna suitable for people who like to keep their boat tidy, without it immediately becoming a day job.

nder the floor is a 10kW Combi EPS electric motor, water-cooled, with heat exchanger. Everything runs on NMEA 2000. Via Victron's Ekrano display, you can follow all motor data live. The battery pack is 400Ah net, which is more than enough for ten to twelve hours of worry-free sailing. The Victron Quattro charger and inverter delivers 5000W and can be precisely adjusted in terms of input current via the Ekrano display. So whether you are in a marina with 16A or at home at a small shore outlet - charging is always possible.