The Founding of SteelX Yachts
My Journey
My name is Carlos Mike Verhoeven, and I’ve been doing installations and repair work on boats for many years. The last 12 months my services were needed in Brittany, France. Before that, I mainly worked in the Netherlands on larger vessels. While solving countless problems, I often wondered why these vessels had been constructed in a certain way. The usual answer was the same: for commercial and financial reasons. I understood that, if properly constructed, the problems I was solving, would never have arisen in the first place.
The Vision
This sparked my interest in rethinking boat design, incorporating changes, innovations, and modern technologies. In 2019, I visited the Cannes Boat Show in southern France and spoke with several yacht builders. I shared ways to improve their vessels and appeal to a broader audience. The typical response was, “It’s interesting, but our company doesn’t do that.” By 2024, I noticed those same companies had shifted their views and begun adopting these new technologies. I came to see that my knowledge is often ahead of its time. I frequently wait for the latest tech to emerge, consider how it could be improved, and watch my suggestions materialize years later.
The SteelX Solution
When you can’t find what you need on the market, it’s time to create it yourself—what you do yourself, you usually do better. SteelX Yachts, founded in 2024 in [location], brings this philosophy to life for adventurers seeking durable, efficient explorer yachts. I’ve carefully selected and refined the innovations in the SteelX Yacht Innovation Package, targeting owners tired of inefficiencies. With simulations and AI assistance, I’ve redesigned the hull for a remarkable 73% fuel savings—independent of propulsion—while optimizing a quad of propulsion systems—diesel, electric, diesel-boosted electric, and kite—for a seamless “quad” system. Together, these deliver even greater fuel efficiency, enhanced onboard comfort, and lower maintenance and construction costs. SteelX is now ready build its first fleet; explore our designs at steelxyachts.com or contact us to see these innovations in action.
Case Study:
Recently, I visited an 18m GB motor yacht in our harbor and spoke with its owner, who had just returned from a winter abroad. The retiree purchased the 40-tonne GRP vessel, powered by twin Caterpillar C18 1000hp engines, 12 years ago. At 10 knots, the engines consume 30 liters per hour each, and over 120 liters per hour each above 20 knots. After years of enjoying boat life, the owner is now selling due to illness, citing high fuel consumption as his primary concern—a common sentiment among yacht owners I’ve interviewed. At SteelX, we address this issue by designing vessels that minimize fuel use, making motorboating more affordable and encouraging more people to embrace the lifestyle sustainably.