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Linssen Variotop®: There is no alternative

The Linssen Variotop® is the unique fully automatic folding roof that combines the interior helmsman’s position, the exterior helmsman’s position, bimini and flybridge to produce a single comfortable wheelhouse.

The Linssen Variotop® is a striking example of Linssen's in-house developments and is without a doubt one of the technical milestones in modern yacht building. The Linssen-Variotop® is therefore a symbol of the innovative power of Linssen Yachts and has been patented in a number of countries.

A yacht that feels like a roadster! With the Linssen Variotop®

A yacht equipped with a Linssen Variotop® is actually a very special combination of an inside and outside helmsman’s position and a fly-bridge. With a Variotop® you are sailing “outside” and you can combine the aft deck or open cockpit with the wheelhouse to form one big external space. If the weather gods are less well disposed towards you, just close the Variotop®, and you will actually be connecting the helmsman's position to the aft cabin, creating an impressive internal space. In this way the Variotop® unites the compartments and therefore the crew.

The Variotop® is a folding roof that covers the wheelhouse so that it is completely watertight and insulated thanks to ingenious locking and sealing systems. Close the Variotop® and the wheelhouse doors and the open helmsman's position is instantly transformed into a heated Variotop® wheelhouse where it is a pleasure to be. On a warm summer’s day, just cruising along, the boat gently rolling at anchor or leisurely moored to the quay, the Variotop® – now like a fully fledged bimini top – provides wonderful cool shade.

What is the Variotop®? Variotop® refers to an adjustable helmsman’s position on a motor yacht, with the following elements being connected interactively: • an electrically operated folding hood which ensures that with one press of a button, you can enjoy the sun’s rays or shelter from the rain (without having to use fasteners or tenax fittings); • comfortable sitting and standing with good all-round vision; • continuously adjustable cockpit bench ensures unobstructed views for everyone; • the highest level of the adjustable cockpit bench is such that the head of every helmsman can be brought ABOVE the level of the windscreen, therefore providing the best view and ensuring that the head is in the sun and wind in the case of fine weather; • the folding section can be closed off by means of swinging doors; • a luxurious dashboard with the instruments always conveniently located, irrespective of whether the helmsman is sitting or standing or whether he or she is tall or short; • the wheel is in the correct position, irrespective of whether the helmsman is sitting or standing; • the thrust handle is in a safe place and positioned ergonomically.

That is the Linssen Variotop®!

Inland waterways? The Grand Sturdy Variotop® has an ingeniously constructed arch in which the Variotop® is stowed when open. Just imagine: you’re sailing along and spy a low bridge up ahead. No need to panic. Just operate the switches and a marvel of technical ingenuity will move the whole arch hydraulically to the aft deck, reducing your air draft to just under 3.49 m - the magic height for France.

Interested to see how the Variotop® is constructed? Here is a preview in our special Variotop® section of the production. The complet arch with all technical components are fitted on a separate frame. After completion, the entire arch is moved to the Logicam-line to be mounted on the aft deck/steering saloon of  the 45', 50' and 55' Variotop® yachts.

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Linssen GS550 Variotop yacht tour: Inside a €1.4m go-anywhere Dutch steel boat

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Reporting from the 2023 Boot Düsseldorf Boat Show, MBY editor Hugo Andreae takes us on a full tour of the Linssen GS550 Variotop, which was making its global debut...

Designed by Belgian studio KesselsGranger on an in-house platform, the Linssen GS550 Variotop features a displacement hull with a category B rating for extended sea cruising and is notable for being the first in the SL Series to sport a Variotop.

The latter is a proprietary fully automatic convertible roof mechanism that opens or closes the bridge deck at the press of a button. It has been very successful on the more traditional Linssen GS50, GS480 and GS500 models.

The standard layout features and aft cabin , plus two further guest cabins and two shower rooms with a double-zone lounge-diner and galley amidships.

Propulsion consists of twin four-cylinder 2.0-litre 150hp Mercury diesels. The top speed should be around 10 knots, but at an everyday 7.5-8.0-knot cruise at 1,900-2,000rpm the theoretical range should be around 850nm.

Excluding taxes, the base price of the Linssen GS550 Variotop is €1,407,300, but with an average set of extras and stabilisers, you can expect to pay nearer €1.6m.

Article continues below…

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Based in Maasbracht, a town in the south-east of the Netherlands, Linssen builds around 70 boats a year from a 16-model range that spans 30-55ft.

Linssens are popular across northern Europe and more than 100 are available for charter in multiple countries via Linssen Boating Holidays.

Enjoy the tour…

Linssen GS550 Variotop specifications

LOA: 54ft (16.5m) Beam: 16ft (4.9m) Engine: Twin 150hp Mercury 2L diesel Top speed: 9 knots Starting price: €1,400,000 (ex. VAT)

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Linssen 30 for rent

General information, description.

The Linssen 30 Linssen 30.1 houseboat was built in 2013 , and it is docked in Marina Capestang, France.

The living area of this houseboat consists of 2 cabins and accommodates 4 people. A shower is at the guests' disposal and there are 2 toilets on board.

This houseboat is equipped with bimini and bow thruster . an audio system, outside speakers and inside speakers are also available.

A well-equipped galley with oven, cooker, sink and kitchen utensils is prepared to facilitate cooking. There is also a on board.

This houseboat is operated by the charter company France Afloat.

• Kitchen utensils
• Pillows and blankets
• Audio System
• Refrigerator
• Bow thruster
• Outside speakers
• Outside GPS plotter
• Inside speakers

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