Fleming 55

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While Fleming embraces new ideas and technology, the company is quick to point out that it makes changes only after thorough research and sea trials, as opposed to catering to whims and fancies. For example, the 55’s centerline hallway leading to three staterooms and two heads all on one level is a hallmark of Fleming’s design. This arrangement eliminates steep, hard-to-negotiate stairways needed to accommodate a midships master stateroom — a feature that may seem attractive but which creates unintended design consequences. Also sacred to Fleming’s design is its dedicated pilothouse, which is three steps up from the ship’s living area. Because one does not pass through the pilothouse to the staterooms or heads below, the ship’s operation is undisturbed while guests freely enjoy the yacht’s living and sleeping areas.

Likewise, the Fleming’s semidisplacement hull design, with its sharp entry, rounded bilge sections forward, hard chines aft and moderate deadrise, has proven itself to be comfortable, seaworthy and efficient throughout its cruising-speed range of 8 to 18 knots. With so many Fleming 55s safely cruising throughout the world, the company knows it has a winner and has not changed its basic hull design
Likewise, most of Fleming’s owners use their yachts the way Tony Fleming originally intended — for coastal and offshore cruising. The company keeps an open line of communication with its owners, who are only too happy to share their personal tips and tricks, the best of which have been incorporated into production. And last but not least, Tony Fleming continues to cruise the world’s oceans on his personal Fleming, vigorously testing new ideas and equipment. (See more of these adventures here.)



The complexity of today’s Fleming 55 is a far cry from when Tony Fleming launched his first hull. To ensure that its boats comply with all current safety and construction standards, as well as federal regulations, Fleming has taken a major step forward in having its new boats certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). 

The NMMA certification process was no casual undertaking; it required rigorous inspections of the company’s facility in Taiwan as well as finished boats located in Maryland and Vancouver, British Columbia. In addition, all Fleming models will now be inspected on an annual basis. NMMA-certified boats must also meet the stringent standards of ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council), as well as comply with Environmental Protection Agency requirements for emissions and wastewater systems.

While all boats sold in the United States must meet U.S. Coast Guard minimum regulations, NMMA-certified boats, like the Fleming 55, benefit from this vigorous, third-party inspection program.
Tony Fleming must have known from the beginning that he had a winner in his Fleming 55. But only through a consistent program of upgrading, improving and refining the original has it reached its current status of a thoroughly modern living legend.

Fleming Yachts, 949-645-1024; www.flemingyachts.com

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