Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions we receive about Pirogue.nl. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Q1. What makes Pirogue.nl boats unsinkable?

A: Our boats are built with unsinkability as the foundation — not an afterthought.

For our aluminium models: We use marine-grade aluminium with integrated watertight compartments and foam-filled buoyancy. Even if the boat is swamped, it will not sink.

For our fibreglass models: We use high-quality fibreglass with built-in buoyancy and a solid, reinforced design.

The result? A boat that stays afloat — no matter what.

Safety is our top priority. We build boats that protect lives, not just carry passengers.

Q2. Why choose aluminium over wood?

A: This is the most important question any commercial operator can ask.

Wooden pirogues have a tragic history. Hundreds of fishermen have lost their lives because wooden boats rot, crack, and sink. Wood is unpredictable — it absorbs water, weakens over time, and can fail without warning.

Aluminium changes everything:

No rotting — aluminium does not absorb water
No cracking — aluminium dents but never shatters
No sinking — our aluminium pirogues are engineered to stay afloat
Low maintenance — no painting required for protection, no gelcoat, no osmosis
Easy to paint — aluminium takes paint beautifully. You can apply any colour, any design, or your full fleet branding with excellent adhesion and a long-lasting finish
Long lifespan — decades of reliable service

We took the trusted wooden pirogue design and rebuilt it in aluminium. Stronger. Safer. Unsinkable.

Q3. What sizes are available?

A: We offer four versatile sizes — with aluminium and fibreglass options available for all models:

14m × 4.00m (±46ft × ±13ft) — Small fishing crews, day tours, groups up to 12
16m × 4.50m (±53ft × ±14.8ft) — Fishing charters, passenger excursions, larger groups
20m × 5.50m (±66ft × ±18ft) — Major operations, cargo, group charters
25m × 6.50–7.00m (±82ft × ±21–23ft) — Flagship model, large groups, serious commercial work

All models are suitable for fishing and tours in rough rivers, coastal waters, and open sea.

Q4. Are Pirogue.nl boats stable?

A: Absolutely. Every Pirogue.nl boat is engineered with a shallow draft and low centre of gravity — the foundation of a stable, safe vessel.

Stability increases with beam width, so you can choose the right boat for your operating conditions:

14m × 4.00m — Stable and comfortable. Ideal for coastal tours and groups up to 12.
16m × 4.50m — Very stable. Handles open water with ease.
20m × 5.50m — Extremely stable. Built for ocean conditions and major operations.
25m × 6.50–7.00m — Maximum stability. The flagship for serious commercial work and large groups.

Whether you are running sheltered tours or open-ocean charters, there is a Pirogue.nl boat built for your needs. We will help you choose the right one.

Q5. Do I need a licence for boats over 15 metres?

A: Check with your local maritime authority for specific requirements in your region.

Q6. Are the colours and painting standard?

A: No. The boat is delivered in standard white as the base finish.

However, we offer a wide range of optional colours and decorative designs upon request — including:

Traditional African patterns
Custom stripes and branding
Advertising and fleet colours
Any colour scheme to match your brand identity

On aluminium boats, painting is even easier. The surface takes paint beautifully, with excellent adhesion and a long-lasting finish. You can customise your boat exactly as you wish — without the extra preparation work that wood or fibreglass often requires.

Contact us to discuss your preferred design. We are happy to create a look that makes your boat stand out on the water.

Q7. Can I use a Pirogue.nl boat for commercial fishing?

A: Absolutely. Our boats are rugged, stable, and built for serious work.

The spacious deck and unsinkable design make them ideal for:

Commercial fishing
Tuna fishing
Long days on the water
Fishing charters

We have many clients using them for fishing charters with great success. Our aluminium models, in particular, are favoured by fishing fleets for their durability, low maintenance, and safety.

Q8. What is the delivery time?

A: Delivery times vary depending on the model, customisations, and current production schedule. Typically, you can expect delivery within 3 to 6 months from order confirmation.

Please contact us for a more precise estimate based on your specific requirements.

Q9. Do you ship to other countries?

A: Yes. We ship worldwide.

Q10. Do you have a warranty?

A: Yes. We offer a limited warranty on the boat against material or manufacturing defects for a period of 12 months from the date of delivery, subject to normal use and proper maintenance.

Engines and other third-party components are covered by their respective manufacturers' warranties.

For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Q11. Why should I choose aluminium over fibreglass?

A: Both materials have their strengths — but aluminium offers unique advantages for commercial operators:

Strength — Aluminium dents but never cracks. Fibreglass can crack on impact.
Maintenance — Aluminium is low maintenance with no painting required for protection, no gelcoat, no osmosis. Fibreglass requires regular care.
Painting — Aluminium takes paint beautifully. You can apply any colour, design, or full fleet branding with excellent adhesion and a long-lasting finish. Fibreglass requires more surface preparation and specialist paint systems.
Lifespan — Aluminium lasts for decades. Fibreglass can degrade over time.
Repair — Aluminium is easy to repair — any local welder can fix it. Fibreglass is difficult and requires specialist skills.
Weight — Aluminium is lighter, giving better fuel efficiency. Fibreglass is heavier.
Safety — Both offer unsinkable design with our engineering.
Cost — Aluminium has a higher initial investment but lower lifetime costs. Fibreglass has a lower initial cost but higher maintenance.

For fishing fleets, cargo operators, and commercial work — aluminium is the smart long-term investment.

For tour operators who prioritise aesthetics and custom shapes — fibreglass remains an excellent choice.

We offer both. You choose what fits your operation.

Q12. Is aluminium safe in saltwater?

A: Yes — when properly built.

Our aluminium pirogues are constructed from marine-grade 5083 aluminium — the same material used in commercial ships and workboats worldwide. It is corrosion-resistant and built to last decades in saltwater environments.

With proper design and maintenance, aluminium boats outlast wood and fibreglass in marine conditions.

Q13. I have a wooden pirogue. Can I upgrade?

A: Absolutely. We specialise in the transformation.

We take the classic wooden pirogue design — the shape that has worked for centuries — and rebuild it in aluminium.

The result is a boat that:

Looks like a pirogue — traditional lines, shallow draft
Behaves like a modern vessel — stronger, lighter, unsinkable
Protects your crew — no rotting, no cracking, no sinking
Looks exactly how you want — aluminium is easy to paint with any colour, pattern, or fleet branding

From Wood to Aluminium. Stronger. Safer. Unsinkable.

Q14. Do Pirogue.nl boats meet CE certification and other commercial standards?

A: Yes. Certification is an important part of our design process.

Our boats are designed to meet CE-compliant standards (Category C or D) for commercial passenger and cargo operations. This ensures they meet European safety, stability, and construction requirements.

For operators who require additional certification, we can also design for BV (Bureau Veritas) certification or other classification society standards upon request.

What this means for you:

Peace of mind — Your boat meets recognised safety standards
Commercial compliance — Suitable for passenger and cargo operations
Insurance eligibility — Certified boats are easier to insure
Global recognition — CE and BV certification are respected worldwide

This is not an afterthought. Our collaboration with experienced naval architects ensures that certification requirements are built into the design from the very beginning, not added later.

We discuss your operational needs and regulatory requirements upfront so your boat is delivered ready for work — and ready for inspection.

Q15. How do I request a quote?

A: Simply fill out our contact form, send us an email at info@pirogue.nl, or message us on WhatsApp at +31 6 2044 7198 (text only).

We will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised quote.

Q16. Where can we see a boat?

A: We build every Pirogue.nl boat to order — we do not keep boats in stock. Each boat is built specifically for the buyer's requirements.

However, we understand you want to see the quality and craftsmanship before you order. Here is how we can help:

Connect with a shipowner — Let us know where you are located, and we will connect you with a shipowner in Europe or the USA who will show you their Pirogue.nl boat in person.
Video calls — We can arrange a virtual tour of a completed boat.
Customer references — We can connect you with satisfied customers in your region who can share their experience.

Contact us to discuss your options.

Q17. Still have questions?

We are here to help. Contact us directly and we will answer your questions personally.

📩 Contact Pirogue.nl today