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:
