Burger Boat Company teamed up with the Dutch design firm Vripack to build their first 48 Cruiser. The hull of this new model uses Vripack’s patented Slide Hull technology, which is becoming increasingly popular in yacht design. Burger’s Ron Cleveringa, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, talks about why the company chose to work with Vripack.
The Slide Hull design improves the comfort of the boat at speed, eliminates bow rise when getting up on plane, and reduces pounding. Peter Bouman, a naval architect with Vripack, describes the Slide Hull experience similar to “riding on cushions.” He continues, “The damping in waves is beyond unique and thus prevents sea sickness. Next to that, the fuel consumption of our Slide Hull outperforms any other vessel that I have ever seen.”
The Slide Hull is built with Alustar aluminum, a marine-grade alloy that improves structural performance and provides increased corrosion resistance. With a long history of working with aluminum, Burger is so confident in their build performance they offer a lifetime warranty on the hull structure and a five-year blister warranty, which should ease the mind of anyone leery of metal boats.
The Burger 48 Cruiser is powered by twin Volvo Penta D8-IPS800 engines, each providing 600 horsepower. This allows the 48 to reach a top speed of 35 knots and to cruise comfortably at 30 knots. Slide Hull technology also reduces hull resistance in the water, which leads to increased fuel economy. For ease of handling, the 48 will feature Volvo’s DPS joystick control system for simple docking and maneuvering control in tight spaces.
The interior of this new Burger design shows off the company’s reputation for craftsmanship with a modern design by De Basto Designs in Miami, Florida. The main deck features a helm with two 17-inch Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit screens. The linear galley on one side of the saloon area includes a three-burner electric stove, a two-drawer refrigerator/freezer, a convection microwave oven, and a dishwasher. Opposite the galley is a large U-shape settee with a dining table.
The main deck of the 48 Cruiser opens up to the outside world with ease. The forward window also opens to allow easy cross-ventilation, and a large sunroof above the saloon provides increased airflow and gives a feeling of bringing the outside indoors. The aft doors open to connect the saloon to the cockpit, expanding the seating and dining options accordingly.
Below decks there are two large staterooms, both with ensuite heads. The spacious owner’s cabin is aft and stretches the boat’s full beam. A queen berth and a private sitting area make this cabin a comfortable place to relax, and the ensuite head offers a separate shower. The second stateroom features a hybrid bed system with a centerline queen berth that can also be converted into two side-by-side twins in European fashion.
Built for a specific customer, the first 48 Cruiser will deliver to the Great Lakes this summer. Hull #2 is well underway and will be on sale soon.
