A vessel with a special place in Akerboom’s history
Among our valued clients is MY Mirage, Feadship build number 621—a vessel that holds a special place in Akerboom’s history. This yacht represents a significant milestone: it was the first project where Akerboom, after decades of crafting water-lubricated propeller shaft installations for working vessels, introduced an oil bath shaft system.
This pivotal shift in 1979 reflected a forward-thinking philosophy: oil bath installations would reduce vibrations, providing a smoother, quieter experience tailored to the luxury yacht market. Mirage stands as a testament to Akerboom’s innovative spirit—where craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering come together to meet the evolving demands of our clients.
Below, a photo captures the production of that very first oil bath shaft installation, later installed aboard Mirage. Taken in our workshop in Leiden—a facility still actively used today for service and refit work—the image reflects our longstanding presence in the yachting industry. What began as an ambitious project in 1979 has since become a cornerstone of our expertise, with many more installations to follow.
Our relationship with Mirage goes far beyond that initial installation. More than four decades later, we continue to support the yacht, performing regular maintenance on its shaft system to ensure optimal performance. This enduring collaboration exemplifies our commitment to quality, reliability, and long-term client satisfaction.
