They started out with marketing that was too loud for some conservative industry representatives ("We're saving the world!"), but were initially successful. When the Bente 24 appeared in 2015, the makers presented something new and worth seeing: a modern boat with lots of edges and bevels and a striking orange-coloured, partially transparent dodger on top, which significantly enlarged the interior. The ultra-modern look at the time was polarising, but the boat found its fans. In 2019, however, the brand found itself in troubled waters, and in 2020 Meichle & Mohr, operator of the largest marina on Lake Constance with a wide range of services. The boat has now been built around 200 times.
The Bente 24, 28 and 39 product range is now being expanded to include a Bente 25. The new boat should be easier to trailer than the 24; instead of 2.75 metres, it is now only less than 2.55 metres wide. In length, it grows from 7.55 to around 8 metres. The new boat will also be lighter and can be towed by a standard car.
Bente 25 in three versions
The new boat will be launched in three versions: "cruising" is the cruising version with four two-metre-long berths, toilet and cool box. The "open" comes as a lighter daysailer version without a dodger with a very large cockpit and optional carbon parts (rudder blade, tiller, bowsprit) as well as a small slip cabin. The Open i stands for inclusive sailing and is designed to have less sail area and be wheelchair accessible. This boat incorporates the experience that the shipyard has gained with a converted Bente 24.
Judel/Vrolijk is back in the team
The 25 is fitted with a backstayless rig that allows fathead mainsails. An electrically powered pod or a classic outboard motor will be available. Various keel versions are also planned: T-keel, L-keel and a swivelling keel. The predecessor was initially only available with two fixed keel versions, later a less popular lifting keel version was added. The designers are again Judel/Vrolijk on board and the new Bente is also being built by YachtService in Szczecin, who also build sailing yachts for Mantra, Leonardo and da Vinci as well as some motorboats.
Large survey among interested sailors
As in the planning phase of the 24, the shipyard is trying to find out what potential customers want by conducting a survey. In 2013, this was done with stamps, slips of paper and Eddings on a wall at the hanseboot (for the younger ones among us: this used to be a large and popular water sports trade fair in Hamburg). Today, things are a little more contemporary Online survey.
The shipyard has not yet announced a price. The prototype should be afloat in autumn/winter 2026, you can read the first test at yacht.de.
More on the topic
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
