Welcome to the
World’s Finest Explorer Yachts
– Engineering freedom since 1998 –
Built for the unknown. From our yard in Makkum, the Netherlands, we craft custom aluminium yachts built to go anywhere, from the Arctic to the Pacific, from solitude to storm. We deliver authentic expedition craftsmanship. Strong, safe, and uncompromisingly honest, for any ocean, any climate, any journey.
1/1
Custom
–
Authentic yachts,
for every vision
Bestevaer
Yachts
–
Pure yachts,
for every horizon
Yacht
Services
–
Expert refits,
for every yacht
We are KM Yachtbuilders
Since 1998, KM Yachtbuilders has pioneered the construction of innovative aluminum expedition yachts, always guided by the principles of safety, adventure, and sustainability.
Over the years, we have grown into a team of 80 dedicated professionals and have built more than 100 yachts. Today, decades later, our vessels continue to explore the world’s oceans, from pole to pole, carrying forward our legacy of craftsmanship, reliability, and a spirit of adventure.
Fleet highlights
Bestevaer 53 TETHYS 2024
- Designer Dykstra Naval Architects
- Length Range 50-59 feet m
OCD 60 Alvorada 2025
- Designer Owen Clarke Design
- Length Range 60-79 feet m
Pelagic 77 Amundsen 2024
- Designer Tony Castro Design
- Length Range 60-79 feet m
Bestewind 50 Umiak 2014
- Designer Dykstra Naval Architects
- Length Range 50-59 feet m
Tulip 2012
- Designer German Frers
- Length Range 80-100 feet m
Bestevaer 55 Pilgrim 2011
- Designer Dykstra Naval Architects
- Length Range 50-59 feet m
Stadtship 56 Oester 2005
- Designer Van de Stadt
- Length Range 50-59 feet m
Altena 53 Happy Hours 2007
- Designer Brinksma Marine
- Length Range 50-59 feet m
Bestevaer 53 Xaos 2022
- Designer Dykstra Naval Architects
- Length Range 50-59 feet m
go-anywhere yachts for
go-anywhere people
Our aluminium explorer yachts are built for those who venture beyond the ordinary. Strong, reliable, and safe, they handle the world’s most challenging waters — from long ocean crossings and tropical seas to polar ice.
Every yacht reflects our commitment to sustainable yachtbuilding, expert craftsmanship, and timeless durability, ready for every ocean, every climate, and every unknown.
News
HISWA 2025
Recap
High Latitude
Sailing Adventures
71-ft Carbon
Sailing Yacht
What our clients say
Every yacht has a story. From the first spark of an idea, to expert refits and the collaborative journey between the owners and our team of experts, these stories reflect the passion, trust, and craftsmanship behind every yacht we craft at our shipyard — whether New Build or Refit.
“ The yacht felt really solid sailed & performed as never before! “
Tim Hawdon
Captain of Royal Huisman’s ‘Coro Coro’
“ Ready for the world’s oceans, thanks to
KM Yachtbuilders.“
Sofie & Martin
Sofie & Martin, Owners of the Perry 60 ‘Marlin’
“ They don’t do off-the-shelf.
They do character. “
Tom Waes
Owner of the Bestevear 53 ‘Tethys’