wheeler 55 yacht

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Wheeler 55 Legacy Sedan

• By Dudley Dawson
• Updated: October 4, 2007

I can remember back to the 1930s, when a company named Wheeler offered 15 wooden sportfishermen from 22 to 47 feet, fast commuters and express cruisers. The most famous was Pilar, a 38-foot sportfisherman built for Ernest Hemingway in 1934 at a cost of $7,455. Hemingway’s adventures aboard inspired some of his best work. Pilar, though in desperate need of restoration, still sits in Cuba, Wheeler’s winged-W logo prominent on her bow.

Yacht designer Tom Fexas is of an age to share my remembrances, and his Midnight Lace yachts reflect his enthusiasm for such timeless designs. It was with much joy, then, that I learned of the reincarnation of Wheeler, and that Fexas is designing the first new model, a 55 Legacy Sedan. Wesley P. Wheeler, a pharmaceutical executive, is the president of the new Wheeler Yacht Company. He’s also the son of naval architect Wesley D. Wheeler and great-grandson of Howard Wheeler, who founded the original Wheeler in 1910 and oversaw the construction of some 3,500 hulls before he died in 1961 at 92.

Fexas’ design pays homage to the classics with teak decking and trim, but is far from a true reproduction. Though the exterior styling closely mimics earlier Wheelers, construction is solid fiberglass below the chine, with PVC foam core in the vacuum-bagged topsides and superstructure. All tankage is integral fiberglass. The new yacht’s proportions are consistent with those of any modern sportfisherman and provide creature comforts undreamed of by sportsmen of the 1930s.

Forward is the owner’s stateroom, complete with an island king berth, en suite head with shower and a hanging locker that spans nearly half the yacht’s beam. Two additional cabins share a second head, also with a shower, and the guest stateroom lies to starboard and is fitted with a queen. Across the passageway to port is a cabin fitted with upper and lower single berths. The staterooms and heads are fitted with overhead hatches for light and ventilation, and in the case of the owner’s stateroom, for emergency escape.

The arrangement of the saloon is an interesting departure from the norm and reflects a careful consideration of traffic patterns when fishing. The galley, a functional U-shaped arrangement, is located not forward in the deckhouse, but aft, just inside the cockpit door. Opposite it to starboard is a compact day head. This means that the blood and guts of fishing success will intrude as little as possible into the more finely finished portions of the yacht.

The galley is fitted with two large refrigerator drawers, closest to the cockpit door, and two freezer drawers adjacent to them on the aft bulkhead. This orientation, besides being convenient, increases the chances of the drawers staying closed when underway in heavy seas. A large single bowl sink, three-burner range, microwave and dishwasher are located on the forward island.

Opposite the galley, just forward of the day head, is a dinette that seats four, with five more seats curving around a smaller table. Additional seating for three is beneath the saloon TV, but during the evening, this sofa folds out into a double berth. If you’ve been keeping track, that’s beds for eight or ten.

The business end of the Wheeler has two in-deck fishboxes to either side of the cockpit chair. There’s a transom door to port with a hinged section of covering board for boating trophy fish or an optional swim platform for boarding tenders or water toys. Forward, flanking the door to the saloon, are a tackle center, a bait livewell, an optional barbecue, an ice machine and a sink.

On either side of the cockpit are molded steps to the sidedecks, which are wide enough to be functional and are protected by high railings that extend to the bow pulpit. Too many custom sportfishermen are being built without rails in an effort to make them appear sleeker. When vanity triumphs over safety, it’s time to rethink things, and Fexas obviously has, to the benefit of the Wheeler’s owner, guests and crew.

The open flying bridge has a full-width helm forward with two chairs, well protected by a high windshield. An L-settee is fitted to starboard. While this arrangement is traditional, it impedes the captain’s view of the cockpit; therefore a small auxiliary station with engine, gear and thruster controls is adjacent to the port ladder for fighting fish or stern-to docking.

Contacts: Wheeler Yacht Company, (949) 302-1087, www.wheeleryachts.com ; Tom Fexas Yacht Design, (772) 287-6558, www.tomfexas.com

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Wheeler Yacht Company LLC Conducts Successful Initial Sea Trial of the First Wheeler 55

Chapel Hill, N.C., July 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wheeler Yacht Company LLC has begun initial sea trials for the Wheeler 55, its newest luxury yacht. The cold-molded wooden vessel built by the Brooklin Boat Yard began testing in Center Harbor and the Eggemoggin Reach in Brooklin, Maine and has achieved its early performance goals. The formal sea trial will be held on July 23 and the official launch on July 30.   

As the newest model from the revered yacht company, the Wheeler 55 trials drew a small crowd of media representatives and a few local industry experts who were eager to witness the ‘soft launch’ and first engine tests of this luxurious and innovative yacht.

“We’ve had a tremendous media response to our first yacht, the Wheeler 38, so crafting a 55-foot model built to accommodate more living space with high-end technology and bespoke luxuries was the natural next step,” said Wes Wheeler, President, Wheeler Yacht Company. "Seeing the Wheeler 55 in the water and running her for the first time on the Reach was an incredible moment for our team in Brooklin. This yacht represents the pinnacle of our dedication to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, and we’re thrilled to share this magnificent yacht with the industry."

Billy Black, a renowned maritime photographer, will capture videos and stills of the yacht on the open water on July 23. Limited invitations are available for media and people close to the project for the final sea trial and the official launch on July 30, which will be held at the Brooklin Boat Yard on Center Harbor Road in Brooklin, Maine. ‘Legend’, the Wheeler 38, will also be available on that date.

The Wheeler 55 is a handcrafted, wood vessel using proprietary cold-molded techniques. It is built with laminated Douglas fir structural elements, mahogany plywood hull, Sipo mahogany house, Sipo interiors and all-teak decks. The yacht is powered by twin 1,000 HP v8 MAN engines and straight shafts and will cruise at 25 knots at 2300 RPM. Other features include synchronized joystick controls with bow and stern thrusters to ensure easy docking, and the Seakeeper gyro stabilizer and Zipwake systems to provide a smooth and stable ride.

“Constructing a yacht with this much state-of-the-art technology while maximizing the living area was a masterclass in craftsmanship and planning,” explained Brian Larkin, CEO, Brooklin Boat Yard. “The carpenters, machinists, mechanics and electricians worked like a team, negotiating for valuable space on board. The engine room alone is a work of art. They built a small city in just 19 months. That’s a testament to how our team works here at the Brooklin Boat Yard.”

The boating industry’s leading talent collaborated to bring the Wheeler 55 to life, including designer and naval architect Bill Prince, Brooklin’s own design team, interior design by Martha Coolidge and construction by the Brooklin Boat Yard. The Brooklin Boat Yard team included their President, Brian Larkin, its Chief Operating Officer Nick Carter, in-house designer Will Sturdy and project manager Eric Blake.

The Wheeler 55 is the latest chapter in the Wheeler Yacht Company’s storied history. It was inspired by both the iconic 1931 Wheeler ‘Playmate’ model and its contemporary, the 38’ Wheeler ‘Legend.’ The 38’ Playmate was the vessel in which Ernest Hemingway wrote “The Old Man and the Sea,” hunted for U-Boats during World War II and revolutionized sport fishing. Later, a Wheeler Playmate served as the ‘S.S. Minnow’ in the opening credits of Gilligan’s Island. During World Wars I and II, Wheeler halted production of its luxury yachts and diverted its resources to supporting the war efforts, building 412 vessels for the American and British militaries.

Download the digital press kit.

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• Wheeler 55 port view
• Wheeler 55 bow view

Brooklin Yard Building New Wheeler 55s

The Brooklin Boat Yard in Maine just announced that they’re building two new Wheeler 55 yachts, bringing back the models that became icons in the 1930s.

The yard launched its first version of a Wheeler in 2021. That boat was a Wheeler 38, named Legend.  It was a modern version of the Wheeler that Ernest Hemingway commissioned in 1934 and named Pilar , one of the most famous boats of all time.

“The Wheeler 55 is an exciting step into the world of Spirit of Tradition boatbuilding in a large, modern, power cruiser,” said Eric Blake, the project director at Brooklin. “There is nothing I can look forward to more than working with clients returning for a second build. It’s the greatest compliment a customer can give us,”

The new 55 will be built with Douglas fir, mahogany and teak, but it will have state-of-the-art accessories including a SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer and Zipwake trim tabs. Powered by twin 985-hp CAT diesels, it will have a range of 300 nm at its cruising speed of 23 knots. Top speed is 27 knots.

Wheeler is a name steeped in American boating history. The Wheeler Shipyard opened in Brooklyn, New York, in 1910. In the ‘30s, it launched its iconic Playmate series, including a 56-footer that serves as the model for the new 55 by the Brooklin yard. The yard moved to Long Island and made Navy vessels during the Second World War. It closed in 1965.

The original Wheeler 56 (pictured above) had an oak hull and trim, with white oak ribs and frames and bronze fasteners. It had a complete galley including an Electrolux refrigerator, rugs in the staterooms, and hot and cold running water for the showers and tub. Two 150-hp Sterling gas engines provided the power, with a top speed of about 14 mph. An ad at the time said the boat cost $26,500 delivered at the factory; that price included a 12-foot lapstrake tender.

Specs.: LOA: 55’6”; Beam: 16’10”; Draft: 4’6”; Disp.: 56,000 lbs.; Fuel 900 gals.; Water: 200 gals.; Power: 2×985-hp CAT diesels. Read more:

http://brooklinboatyard.com

http://wheeleryachts.com

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Wheeler Yacht Company LLC Announces Launch of Its First 55’ Luxury Yacht

Chapel Hill, N.C., June 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wheeler Yacht Company LLC is proud to unveil the latest addition to its esteemed fleet: the new Wheeler 55. This exquisite, cold-molded wooden vessel, meticulously handcrafted at the renowned Brooklin Boat Yard, merges classic elegance with cutting-edge technology to redefine luxury yachting.

The new Wheeler 55 is a timeless tribute to the golden age of yachting. Inspired by both the iconic 1931 Wheeler “Playmate” model and its contemporary, the 38’ Wheeler “Legend,” Wheeler’s yachts are steeped in maritime history. It was aboard his beloved 38’ named “Pilar” that Ernest Hemingway wrote “The Old Man and the Sea,” hunted for U-boats during World War II and revolutionized sport fishing. The Wheeler 55 combines the adventurous spirit of these earlier eras with today’s most sought-after, state-of-the-art features and unparalleled craftsmanship.

“Every detail of the Wheeler 55 has been exquisitely crafted using superior materials to create  a one-of-a-kind yacht that stands out in any marina,” said Wes Wheeler, President, Wheeler Yacht Company. “It’s been a labor of love to bring the new Wheeler 55 to life, and we’re proud to offer a yacht with unmatched elegance, luxury and innovation.”

The Wheeler 55 is a handcrafted, cold-molded construction using all African mahogany, with Douglas fir structural elements and teak decks. Every detail reflects Wheeler’s commitment to quality and tradition.

Powered by 850 HP i6 MAN engines, with the option to upgrade to MAN V8-1000 engines, and twin straight shaft propellers, the yacht will cruise at 25 knots. Features like the synchronized joystick controls with bow and stern thrusters ensure easy docking, while the Seakeeper gyro stabilizer and Zipwake systems provide a smooth and stable ride. Sea trials of the first custom-built 55’ will take place on or around July 25 on the Eggemoggin Reach in Brooklin, Maine, with renowned photographer Billy Black capturing still photos and drone videos of its debut.

The yacht offers three luxurious sleeping cabins, three heads with showers, a spacious salon with a large sunroof and an expansive pilothouse. An aft promenade deck and a large swim platform with a transom door enhance relaxation and recreation. The vessel's 1,000-pound-capacity rooftop crane and optional 12’ tender make it versatile for a wide range of activities.

The yacht’s two galleys come equipped with a refrigerator and freezer, a wine cooler, an ice maker, a cooktop, a microwave and an espresso station, with an optional oven and dishwasher. A washer/dryer unit ensures convenience on extended voyages.

For ultimate comfort, the yacht includes a seven-zone central air conditioning system and a central stereo system. Navigational aids include a Garmin chart plotter and navionics, while the Starlink satellite Wi-Fi system ensures connectivity anywhere. The yacht is backed up by a 21.5KW ONAN generator, guaranteeing reliable performance.

About Wheeler Yacht Company LLC

Wheeler Yacht Company LLC has a 55-year history, from 1910 to 1965, of building nearly 4,000 boats including 800 vessels for both World Wars and pleasure yachting, like Ernest Heminway’s “Pilar.”

The Wheeler Yacht Company is dedicated to producing handcrafted luxury yachts that combine timeless design with cutting-edge technology. Built at the prestigious Brooklin Boat Yard in Brooklin, Maine, our yachts are a testament to American craftsmanship and maritime heritage.

THIS LUXURY YACHT BLENDS THE ICONIC LOOK OF THE 1931 WHEELER PLAYMATE WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY.

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Wheeler yacht company llc conducts successful initial sea trial of the first wheeler 55.

Wheeler 55 port view

Wheeler 55 bow view

Chapel Hill, N.C., July 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wheeler Yacht Company LLC has begun initial sea trials for the Wheeler 55, its newest luxury yacht. The cold-molded wooden vessel built by the Brooklin Boat Yard began testing in Center Harbor and the Eggemoggin Reach in Brooklin, Maine and has achieved its early performance goals. The formal sea trial will be held on July 23 and the official launch on July 30.

As the newest model from the revered yacht company, the Wheeler 55 trials drew a small crowd of media representatives and a few local industry experts who were eager to witness the ‘soft launch’ and first engine tests of this luxurious and innovative yacht.

“We’ve had a tremendous media response to our first yacht, the Wheeler 38 , so crafting a 55-foot model built to accommodate more living space with high-end technology and bespoke luxuries was the natural next step,” said Wes Wheeler, President, Wheeler Yacht Company. "Seeing the Wheeler 55 in the water and running her for the first time on the Reach was an incredible moment for our team in Brooklin. This yacht represents the pinnacle of our dedication to quality, craftsmanship and innovation, and we’re thrilled to share this magnificent yacht with the industry."

Billy Black, a renowned maritime photographer, will capture videos and stills of the yacht on the open water on July 23. Limited invitations are available for media and people close to the project for the final sea trial and the official launch on July 30, which will be held at the Brooklin Boat Yard on Center Harbor Road in Brooklin, Maine. ‘Legend’, the Wheeler 38, will also be available on that date.

The Wheeler 55 is a handcrafted, wood vessel using proprietary cold-molded techniques. It is built with laminated Douglas fir structural elements, mahogany plywood hull, Sipo mahogany house, Sipo interiors and all-teak decks. The yacht is powered by twin 1,000 HP v8 MAN engines and straight shafts and will cruise at 25 knots at 2300 RPM. Other features include synchronized joystick controls with bow and stern thrusters to ensure easy docking, and the Seakeeper gyro stabilizer and Zipwake systems to provide a smooth and stable ride.

“Constructing a yacht with this much state-of-the-art technology while maximizing the living area was a masterclass in craftsmanship and planning,” explained Brian Larkin, CEO, Brooklin Boat Yard. “The carpenters, machinists, mechanics and electricians worked like a team, negotiating for valuable space on board. The engine room alone is a work of art. They built a small city in just 19 months. That’s a testament to how our team works here at the Brooklin Boat Yard.”

The boating industry’s leading talent collaborated to bring the Wheeler 55 to life, including designer and naval architect Bill Prince, Brooklin’s own design team, interior design by Martha Coolidge and construction by the Brooklin Boat Yard. The Brooklin Boat Yard team included their President, Brian Larkin, its Chief Operating Officer Nick Carter, in-house designer Will Sturdy and project manager Eric Blake.

The Wheeler 55 is the latest chapter in the Wheeler Yacht Company’s storied history . It was inspired by both the iconic 1931 Wheeler ‘Playmate’ model and its contemporary, the 38’ Wheeler ‘Legend.’ The 38’ Playmate was the vessel in which Ernest Hemingway wrote “ The Old Man and the Sea ,” hunted for U-Boats during World War II and revolutionized sport fishing . Later, a Wheeler Playmate served as the ‘S.S. Minnow’ in the opening credits of Gilligan’s Island . During World Wars I and II , Wheeler halted production of its luxury yachts and diverted its resources to supporting the war efforts, building 412 vessels for the American and British militaries.

Download the digital press kit .

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A family legacy of craftsmanship, tradition and unmatched expertise

For 50 years, the Wheeler Family – father and five sons – built yachts of the highest quality. From 1910 through two world wars and well into peacetime, Wheeler built over 3,200 pleasure boats and more than 800 military craft which earned them 8 Navy ‘E’ awards for service to the United States. The Wheelers built their boats with only the finest materials available at the time. They were hand crafted and built to last. It was this reputation for quality that drew Hemingway to Wheeler in 1934.

When Ernest Hemingway was ready to order his first and only fishing yacht at the age of 35, he trusted only Wheeler Shipyards to build it.

Wheeler Yacht Company ‘Firsts’

• First to build a sedan cruiser and give it that name. • First to build a flying bridge with dual controls • First to install a dinette that converted to beds. • First to use a reduction gear engine. • First boat with a diesel engine in a boat show. • Queen of the NY Boat Show for 15 years in a row. • First to sponsor an in-the-water boat show at City Island, NY, in 1937

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