FOR SALE: 2018 Fleming 55' Pilothouse

FOR SALE: 2018 Fleming 55' Pilothouse

"Life is Short" is offered For Sale By Owner at $2,395,000

Use the Private Message system to contact the owner: @Robert Short

***​

Fleming is a name that has long been synonymous with well-proven, long-range cruising pilothouse style yachts. The Fleming 55 is one of 5 main models this yard currently produces and serves as the entry-level yacht in the Fleming line-up. The F55 may be the smallest currently but this is a fully capable yacht and this particular F55 is a 2018 specimen that has been kept in 'Bristle condition'. Introducing, "Life is Short", a 2018 Fleming 55 currently available for sale by the owner.

Generally any viewpoint of traditionally styled motor yachts like the Fleming 55 is a good view. Easy flowing and soft lines encourage the eye to visualize and appreciate styling that once was commonplace on most yachts of vintage. However, today's yacht builders that aim to preserve this heritage, nostalgia, feel and tradition tend to do so with modern techniques and materials. The result is a modern vessel that exudes traditional and classic appearance and values. Here in this aft profile of Life Is Short the hull mould finish permits the impression of wooden planking look without having to build a wooden hull. Besides her good looks, note the pristine condition this yacht presents.

Even from the bow, the 2018 Fleming 55 presents a clean and finished condition. The owner suggests that Life is Short is a one-of-a-kind vessel and the wait time of 1 to 2 years for a brand new F55 and additional cost nearly double the price she is being offered. This yacht carries the standard engine package from the yard that involves Cummins power but the vintage hull shape and lines also aid the yacht in the ability to straddle two sides of the performance curve, speed and endurance.

A stern shot of this Fleming 55 not only reveals a well-maintained boat but also one that has been designed for longer range trips. Upon closer inspection there is an abundance of exterior hand and grab rails which make maneuvering around the boat while it is at rest or underway a much-safer endeavour. The swim platform of wide enough to permit ease of passage and two staples provide additional security when operating on the platform. A door in the transom allows movement to and from the swim platform to the aft cockpit area. The upper deck represents as the yachts flybridge area with the forward portion nestled under the hardtop and the aft area is opened and used for stowing the yacht's tender.

Here is a closer look at the flybridge helm on Life Is Short. It is located on the forward port side offering good visibility around the vessel. It's good area for visibility when maneuvering the yacht along inland waterways, marinas or nearshore. There is also a second helm position which is located just downstairs from the bridge. Also note that the forward portion of the deck has been outfitted with Isinglass-type enclosures. This helps to protect the forward portion of the flybridge from being overly exposed to the elements.

This view is of the flybridge deck, looking aft. This is the social portion of the covered area under the hardtop. Couch built-ins served with a table are perfect for libations or light meals. Note the interior portion of the deck is also laid in teak - a nice finish touch-. It also is a visual demarcation between the forward part of the deck where smooth and finished teak underfoot abides vs the non-skid material on the aft part of the deck where the tender lives.

Convenience is included here when traversing from the flybridge to the interior main salon one deck below. It is accessible from the flybridge with two main entryways. Forward passing the secondary helm station and take the steps down into the main pilothouse and then make a right. The other way would be moving towards the aft by the tender and down the exterior stairs. That takes you to the aft cockpit area and entrance through the aft doors of the salon. The interior here alternates between soft furnishings and solid timber work. Built-ins on either side are served by a narrow table when it isn't being utilized for dining. However, the table has two outer 'leaves' that can open to enlarge the dining table space. Two ottoman-style stools add additional seating.

This is the same general area but looking across the other side of the salon where a built-in couch is located. The timber work is in good condition as is the soft furnishings. Even the small light sconces mounted on the side walls tell a story of good general upkeeping of Life Is Short. Forward of the salon is the galley area.

Moving into the galley space and looking aft gives a good idea of how social this yacht can be. The salon is there but it is a low-slung galley design which allows for the conversations to continue while prep is undertaken. There is no wall separating the spaces. Additionally, this view also highlights the vistas that can be held from within the space.

Turning around and facing the yacht's galley it shows not only a practical work space for cooking but also a continuation of the interior styling in the galley's design. There is no over abundance of stainless steel screaming 'you have arrived at the galley'. The same timber is used to face the walls, cabinetry and some appliances.

The galley is a general U-shape in its organization and the layout primarily favors the port side. Along the outboard wall is a large farm-style sink and forward is the stove area. Note the fiddles to keep pots from sliding off the stove when at sea. There is a large picture window over the sink but given the galley is interconnected with the salon, there is a view all around while preparing meals. There is something about the simplicity and practicality of Life Is Short's galley.

Moving forward through the passageway will take you into the pilothouse. A compact space but fitted with all the equipment necessary for safe and comfortable navigation across longer distances. There is a L-shaped settee with coffee table to port that allows for crew or family to ride along in the wheelhouse while underway and not be in the way of navigating the yacht. Side doors allow for easy access outside and forward to the Portuguese Bridge area. The steps take you up to the flybridge where the secondary helm is located. Comfortable helm chair takes command along the centerline.

A closer look pass the helm seat shows a simple layout on the dash. The main screenwork and nav electronics is by Furuno. Chartplotter, Radar, Auto Pilot, Depth sounder, wind speed indicator, Speed indicator. Almost new TZ3 charterplotter/Radar screen on the bridge plus duplicate screens form the pilot house here. Valid equipment to keep your new purchase safe and comfortable.

Here's a closer look at one of the Furuno MFDs. These screens can pull on a lot of information and data-points and display it for you to make the correct decisions at the helm. As seen here it can tap into the camera feed onboard and in this instance, give you a visual as to what is happening in the engine room.

The lower deck is where the yacht's accommodations are situated. Forward in a V-berth configuration is the master suite. Some V-berths on smaller yachts tend to be cramped and have strange platforms to reach bed level. On Life Is Short, a large bed along the centerline facing aft is accessible from directly in front thanks to abundant flat-floor space being available.

The other guest accommodations comprise of bunk-style bedding. Essentially a twin berth with an upper pullman. Note the guest private areas are also finished similarly with regards to the timber joinery and other materials. As a new owner purchasing this vessel you may choose to replace the soft furnishings in the cabins but the bones and finishes in the spaces are in great condition.

Heading below deck into the yacht's engine room: look closely by the arched doorway and you will see that camera that was feeding the MFD in the pilothouse. Earlier we mentioned the yacht's standard power from Fleming is represented as dual Cummins power. They are a pair of 500 horse power Cummins powerplants and currently have around 950 hours on them. Being able to pool together operational data of the yacht is also very important and Life Is Short is running a Boning System that can monitor all aspects of the engines, temperature, fuel consumption, water flow, hours accumulation, revolutions per minute data, fuel level, water tank levels, running lights, anchor lights, deck lights, side name board lighting and so much more!

The generator onboard is also via Cummins and is a 13 KW generator with low hours on it. Note how clean this engine room is generally as well as the generator bay...no stains, clear and or the true colour of the represented liquids for operation which suggest a good maintenance regime by the owner. Life Is Short is a in good condition in all aspects and keep in mind this is a 2018 build.

General look in the lazarette region: Life Is Short has been used but kept in pristine condition by her owner and she is for sale and ready for another owner to take her on new adventures. With her Cummins 500 horse power twin diesels this yacht can push for higher speeds and slow down on easy cruising regimes and rack-up the nautical mile count! In fact, this yacht is capable of 18-knots. Throttle back to 8-knots and the range is approximately 2,000 nautical miles. All creature comforts including Kabul heating system with controls in cabins, pilothouse and salon make the onboard climate comfortable in colder regions. If music is your preference, there is a Sonos system throughout the boat. Schenker water maker with a production of approximately 80 liters per hour is onboard. Internet is by Starlink. VHF communication in the pilothouse and flybridge include a new Jotron hand-held radio for the tender. The tender it self is almost new and therefore in good condition. There has been a boat-deck extension too. Control of the yacht can be done in the pilot house, flybridge and an aft mooring station by the cockpit plus a Yacht Controller. Stabilizers are fitted for added comfort along with bow and stern thrusters for added maneuverability.

2018 FLEMING 55' Pilothouse

This boat is in Bristle Condition! Price :$2,395,000 US Dollars

To contact the owner, click here: @Robert Short​

A comparable Fleming from the factory would cost double the price and you would have to wait 1 to 2 years for delivery. Life is Short is located in the Netherlands and is ready to explore the many rivers and canals of Northern Europe.

Equipment & specs:

• 2 x Cummins Engines 500 HP each: approximately 950 hrs.
• Cummins Transmission.
• Generator 13 KW approx low hrs.
• Furuno electronics.
• Chartplotter, Radar, Auto Pilot, Depth Sounder, Wind Speed Indicator, Speed indicator.
• TZ3 Chartplotter/Radar screen on the bridge plus duplicate screens for pilot house.
• Water maker by Schenker : approximately 80 litres an hour.
• Stabilizers, bow and stern thrusters.
• Flood lights.
• Kabul heating system with controls in the salon, pilot house and all state rooms.
• VHF radios in pilot house and bridge.
• Camera in engine room, plus 360 degree views.
• Sonos Stereo system through out.
• AIS system, Navtex, Starlink.
• Fridge in galley, Wine cooler, Dish washer, Cook top.
• Washer dryer, TV Stereo, Hot water heater.
• Maxwell auto windless with controls in pilot house.
• Forward deck includes new bridle attachment, chain wash, trim tabs.
• Yacht controller with features.
• Electronic Epirb.
• New Jotron hand held radio for tender.
• Nearly new tender with 50 HP Yamaha.
• Boat deck extension.
• Boning System which monitors all aspects of the engines.
• Life is Short has 6 solar panels embedded into the hardtop.

***​