The Timeless Elegance of the Wheeler 55
The Wheeler 55 yacht seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern technology, reimagining yachting's golden era for the contemporary market.
In a world where the race for the fastest, sleakest, and most spacious yachts seems never-ending, the Wheeler 55 stands as a testament to the beauty of yachting’s golden era. The Wheeler Yacht Company has masterfully blended vintage charm with modern technology in their latest creation, much like a classical melody played on a state-of-the-art instrument. With every detail meticulously crafted, this yacht reimagines the past while integrating it with today’s advancements.
Tracing its lineage back to the iconic 1931 Playmate model, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway's adventures, the Wheeler 55 draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of history while setting its own course into the future. Wes Wheeler, a modern steward of this legacy, channels his great-grandfather’s pioneering spirit by honoring classic designs while pushing technical boundaries.
Constructed at the Brooklin Boat Yard in Brooklin, Maine, the Wheeler 55 embodies exceptional craftsmanship. The boat’s framework utilizes Canadian Douglas fir, complemented by a hull crafted from sapele plywood—ensuring durability and elegance. The African sipo wood superstructure only furthers this classic aesthetic, presenting a striking visual reminiscent of bygone days.
Yet, beneath this façade lies modern marvels that redefine what a classic yacht can offer. The vessel is powered by twin 1,000 hp MAN diesel engines, achieving a top speed of 30 knots. State-of-the-art features such as dynamic trim control and gyrostabilization provide both comfort and performance—a seamless blend of the old and new.
This yacht also boasts efficiency; it achieves about 20 knots at 1,800 rpm, burning about 50 gallons per hour while offering a substantial cruising range. The interior, curated with acute attention to detail by Alfred’s Interiors and designer Martha Coolidge, melds stainless steel galley surfaces with period fixtures that pay homage to its historical roots.
As a unique entry into the modern niche market, the Wheeler 55 is poised to captivate enthusiasts at any marina along the East Coast. It is a vessel where the art of boatbuilding meets the science of innovation—a true throwback, yet undeniably forward-looking.
Once a staple of American maritime ingenuity, the Wheeler Shipyard Corporation, founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1910, laid the foundation for vessels that would serve during World War II. Though the physical shipyard has long since closed, the spirit of Howard E. Wheeler Sr.’s enterprise lives on through this contemporary masterpiece.
In a nod to its storied past, the Wheeler 55 not only captures the imagination but reignites the passion for a time when yachts weren’t just vessels, they were stories etched into the waves.
