The shipyard uses the cold moulding process for its wooden boats, in which several thin layers of wood are glued together. For some time now, however, the manufacturer has also been offering selected models in fibreglass construction. The 55 Classic is one of these models, which buyers can choose between a wooden or GRP hull.
Two body variants available
The 55 Classic is available as a sedan or flybridge version. In the sedan version, the main deck is directly flush with the roof. The flybridge version has an additional steering deck on the upper deck. Both versions measure 16.85 metres in overall length and 4.41 metres in width. The draught is 1.12 metres. Despite the fibreglass hull, Vicem makes generous use of teak on deck. The side gangways, bathing platforms, tables and rubbing strakes are made from the light-coloured tropical wood. Mahogany or oak is used in the interior, with a choice of high-gloss or silk-matt lacquer finish.
Drive and driving performance
Two Volvo Penta D8s with IPS 800 power the yacht. IPS stands for Inboard Performance System - the engines sit longitudinally in the hull, but transfer the power to swivelling pods under the stern. These drive units can be rotated 360 degrees. This makes manoeuvring much easier, while a separate bow thruster provides additional support when mooring. Vicem specifies a top speed of 27 knots with full tanks. This corresponds to around 50 km/h. The fuel tank holds 2,000 litres, the fresh water tank 757 litres. The unladen weight is 23,587 kilograms.
Stabilisation and positioning
The shipyard installs a stabiliser as standard. This system reduces the rolling of the yacht in rough seas by means of extendable fins on the hull. The 55 Classic also has a Dynamic Positioning System, or DPS for short. The engines automatically hold the yacht in one position without the anchor having to be set. The system compensates for wind and current by minimising thrust corrections. The deep-V hull has a pronounced V-angle in the underwater hull, which, according to the manufacturer, should ensure smoother running in waves.
Cockpit and bathing platform
The rear deck offers an L-shaped bench seat, a refrigerator and a grill. The bathing platform can be lowered hydraulically. This facilitates access from the water and enables a dinghy or water toys to be loaded at water level. According to the shipyard, the platform can also support the weight of a jet ski. The saloon features a mahogany coffee table and a cabinet with an integrated TV lift.
Customised adaptations possible
Vicem builds each 55 Classic as a customised product. Buyers can customise the layout and equipment according to their own wishes. The number of cabins, their layout and the choice of materials can be varied. Noelle Semmes, Sales Manager at Vicem, explains: "The equipment is based on feedback from previous owners. The result is a yacht that is geared towards practical needs." However, the focus is on classic design with modern drives. The sales company is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland. Production takes place in Tuzla near Istanbul.
Technical data:
- Length over everything: 16,85 m
- Torso length: 15,20 m
- Width: 4,41 m
- Depth: 1,12 m
- Displacement: 23,587 kg
- Fuel: 2.000 l
- Fresh water: 757 l
- Drive: 2 x Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800
- Maximum speed: 27 Nodes
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
