Built to go anywhere. Truly anywhere – Lelystad, September 2026
The Nordic Whaler X8 made its official Dutch debut at the recent HISWA te Water boat show in Lelystad. Developed and built by Polish boatbuilder Truszczynscy, the new aluminium motorboat was presented to the Dutch boating public for the first time. The launch marks the introduction of Nordic Whaler, a new European boat brand built around a clear philosophy: to create boats that are made to go anywhere. Truly anywhere.
A different approach to boating
Nordic Whaler takes inspiration from a concept that has already proven itself on land. What the VW Westfalia has become for recreational campers, Nordic Whaler aims to be for the water: a compact, versatile vehicle that turns traveling into an adventure and the journey itself into part of the experience.
The Nordic Whaler X8 is not designed around a single destination or a single type of boating. It is designed around the freedom to explore. A key part of that philosophy is the X8’s electrically operated lift-up roof. At the touch of a button, the roof rises to create genuine standing headroom inside the cabin, transforming the compact interior into a comfortable living space. Whether preparing a meal, changing clothes, relaxing after a day on the water or getting ready for the night, the increased headroom makes a remarkable difference to the experience on board.
It is a simple idea, executed for maximum comfort: press a button and the cabin opens up.
This gives the X8 a character rarely found in a boat of this size. In moments, it can transform from an open dayboat into a comfortable, compact living space — bringing the freedom and practicality of a camper van to the water. That places the X8 somewhere between a high-end dayboat, a weekend cruiser and a compact expedition boat. It offers the ability to spend a day on the water, stay overnight or head off for a longer adventure — without requiring a large yacht. The concept is deliberately different: less about arriving, more about exploring.
The idea behind the X8 is straightforward: a boat should not simply take you from A to B. It should give you the freedom to decide where the next adventure begins. With its robust aluminium construction, electrically operated lift-up roof, comfortable interior and practical capabilities for extended stays on board, the X8 combines the character of a rugged expedition boat with the comfort and refinement expected from a premium recreational boat.
From coastal cruising and island hopping to remote waterways and extended adventures, the X8 is designed to take its owners further.
Launch of Nordic Whaler in the Netherlands
The presentation at HISWA te Water marked the official introduction of Nordic Whaler to the Dutch market. The Nordic Whaler X8 is currently exclusively available in the Netherlands through Zaanhaven in Zaandam. From the Zaanhaven Flagship Store, customers can view the X8 and explore the different options for specification, equipment and personalization.
European craftsmanship
The Nordic Whaler X8 is developed and built by Truszczynscy, combining extensive aluminium boatbuilding experience with a fresh approach to recreational boating. The Dutch connection adds local marine-market expertise and provides Nordic Whaler with a strong base from which to introduce the brand to customers across Europe. The result is a distinctly European product: Polish craftsmanship, Dutch maritime expertise and a Nordic-inspired philosophy of exploration and adventure.
Just the beginning
The X8 represents the first model in the Nordic Whaler concept. The brand has been developed with the ambition to create a broader range of versatile boats for owners who see the water not simply as a destination, but as a gateway to exploration.
“The X8 is just the beginning,” says Truszczynscy. “Nordic Whaler gives us the opportunity to develop new models around the same philosophy: robust, capable boats that allow people to explore without putting limits on where they can go.”
From HISWA to the water
With its debut at HISWA te Water, the Nordic Whaler X8 has now been officially introduced to the Dutch market. The next chapter begins on the water, as the first Nordic Whalers make their way to customers and the brand starts building its presence from its Dutch home base in Zaandam. Because the best adventures are not always found where everyone else goes.
About Nordic Whaler: Nordic Whaler (www.nordicwhaler.com) is a new European marine brand focused on adventurous and versatile boats. The brand combines rugged aluminium construction with comfort, design and practical capabilities for extended stays on board.
About Truszczynscy: Truszczynscy is a Polish boatbuilder specialising in the development and production of aluminium boats for the European market. The company combines modern production techniques with extensive boatbuilding experience and traditional craftsmanship.
Information: Nordic Whaler X8 – Exclusively available through Zaanhaven, Zaandam, The Netherlands. www.zaanhaven.nl
