If Henry Brauburger were still alive, surely, he’d be proud. Burger Boat Company, which he established more than a century ago, has received the Golden Compass Award from the U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA).
The USSA is the trade association representing American superyacht companies and similar international firms engaged in business with Americans. It fosters relationships among members and communicates to legislators the economic impact of the industry and its customers. The USSA gives the Golden Compass Award annually to a company or individual leading the industry in a “true” direction.
One of the oldest superyacht shipyards in the world, Burger celebrated its 161st anniversary this year. This also makes it the second-oldest yacht builder in the United States. Founder Henry Brauburger—whose family shortened the name to Burger—opened the doors in Wisconsin when he was just 18. Fishing boats were the focus initially, though wood sailing ships became a specialty, too, upon merging with another local builder. By 1911, wood cruisers from 80 to 100 feet (24.4 to 30.5 meters) launched regularly. Four years later, the name Burger Boat Company was set.
The builder, still in the city of Manitowoc on Lake Michigan, has made history several times. For example, in 1938, Burger launched the first all-welded steel auxiliary ketch built on U.S. shores, the 81-foot (24.7-meter) Tamaris. In 1973, the yard launched its then-largest all-aluminum project, the 99-foot (30.2-meter) yacht Buckpasser, complete with a helipad. Its largest delivery thus far is the 153-foot (46.6-meter) Ingot, owned by its chairman, Howard Meyer (pictured above at right, with yard president and CEO Jim Ruffolo). Within the next several weeks, however, another megayacht will eclipse her. Burger has a 180-footer (55-meter) in build for a customer. It further has the similar-size Project 515 yacht under construction, on spec and available for sale.
Burger Boat Company burgerboat.com
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