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Beyond the Trawler: The All-Aluminium Van der Heijden Phantom 70

A 26-knot statement in aluminium: redefining performance cruising with Dutch precision and design integrity

author

John Johnson

date

June 4, 2025

When most people think of aluminium hulls, their minds tend to drift toward rugged displacement trawlers, the slow and steady ocean-goers built for range and resilience. But the Van der Heijden Phantom 70 challenges that narrative with authority. She proves that aluminium is just as capable of delivering grace, speed, and aesthetic prowess as it is rugged durability. This isn’t a slow-paced passagemaker. This is a fast, motor yacht with a presence that stops people in their tracks.

Crafted entirely in aluminium—both hull and superstructure—the Phantom 70 gleams in sky blue paintwork, accented by a teak-deck finish that underlines her high-end build pedigree. Her sleek, bold lines promise performance, and her hull delivers: powered by twin 771hp Iveco diesels on stainless steel shafts, she can reach up to 26 knots, cruising comfortably at 18. Despite her spirited profile, she remains practical and robust, with water-cooled engines and only 110 hours on the clock.

Fuel capacity sits at 5,000 litres (1,320 US gallons), enough to support extended cruising without constant refuelling. She carries 1,000 litres (264 US gallons) of fresh water, making her more than capable of supporting life aboard for weeks at a time.

Inside, the Phantom 70 offers a layout that blends functionality with quiet luxury. Accommodation is spread across three cabins, sleeping six guests in comfort. Headroom in the saloon reaches a generous 2.2 metres, enhancing the already impressive sense of space. The climate control system includes Kabola central heating and Webasto air conditioning, making her equally at home in the Med or the fjords.

The master suite is fitted with a full en suite, as is the forward VIP, while the third guest cabin provides twin berths and a shared day head. For extended cruising, there is also a crew cabin with a single berth.

Out on deck, the Phantom is rigged for both lounging and utility. The flybridge features helm controls, lounging space, and panoramic views. A dedicated tender garage accommodates a 326cm Williams jet tender, a rare luxury in this size range.

At the helm, she carries a full Simrad navigation suite, including radar, GPS/plotter, autopilot, AIS transceiver, electric compass, depth sounder, log, VHF, and integrated rudder angle indicator. Control is assisted by bow and stern thrusters with Hydronautica remote operation, offering fingertip precision in tight harbours.

A dry exhaust Onan generator (model 19MDKDV-8203A) provides reliable hotel power, while a Victron Energy system manages onboard electrics with 8kW inverter/charger and 7kW isolation transformer. It’s a technical spec that speaks to real engineering depth rather than marketing gloss.

She is currently listed for €2.45 million, VAT not paid. For serious buyers seeking a high-performance aluminium yacht with genuine cruising capability, the Phantom 70 is a rare offering.

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