Burger Boat Company starts construction on 31.55 metre explorer motor yacht

Burger Boat Company has started construction on the Hull 510 a custom 31.55 metre steel and aluminium explorer motor yacht. Launch is scheduled for the spring of 2017 with delivery shortly after.

The designer Luiz De Basto a Miami resident recently visited the shipyard in Manitowoc, Wisconsin with the owner of the vessel to oversee the start of construction with an “owner’s first weld” that positions a commemorative plaque aboard the yacht.

According to Burger Boat Company De Basto worked closely with the owner to create “a stylish, ocean going, long range explorer yacht for cruising and fishing the world’s sportfishing hot spots”.

Burger Boat Company was founded in 1863 and builds custom yachts, in aluminium and steel, up to 80 metres. Its is one of the oldest and most respected custom yacht builders in America. It produced its first welded steel yacht in 1938 and began using welded-aluminium in 1957. Of the 500 yachts built in the company’s history there are an estimated 250 still in service.

Chicago entrepreneurs David Ross and partner Jim Ruffolo acquired the company in 1993. Ross retired in 2007. Burger is now headed by Ruffolo, who is now president and chief executive. About 350 employees build an average of three yachts a year.