Burger Boat Company's 153-foot //ifirof salutes the past, STORY BY MATTHEW ESPOSITO PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEIL RABINOWITZ

Getting a chance to see the latest and greatest coming out next from the centuries-old Burger Boat Company of Wisconsin was a little more than a routine visit for me. Call it serendipity, karma or chance, but I had been eager for years to get an inside look at one of the country's oldest and greatest yachtbuilders. A certain Burger yacht figured quite prominently in my childhood, and I'd go so far as to say became an impetus for my chosen career in yachting journalism. During my pre-teen years in South Florida, I was exposed to the yachting industry in the exciting 1980s as technology was on...

ingot The owner-specified, comprehensive woodworking package on board Ingot takes center stage against rich yet muted soft furnishings. In the main and dining salons, above and opposite top, symmetrical columns lend formality to the space, especially in the central buffet divider, opposite middle. In the skylounge, right and opposite bottom, the system survives, but in a more casual application.

facilities that house 50,000 square feet of joinery in one, and administration, marketing and engineering in another. Second-, third- and fourth-generation craftsmen still make up the yard's workforce. And while it was a "little bit of a culture shock to incorporate new technology," said Burger President Jim Ruffolo, the change paid off. Employing updated technology in the engineering and construction arenas were essential for Burger to compete on an international level. Today, the company is complet- ing two to three custom launches each year. More efficient construction processes paid off in...

Guest rooms are luxu- the lower level, with lots of wood detailing light from rectangular master bath has both lower right, have his-and-hers basins. mother-of-pearl wallpaper continue the theme of organic material as prominent décor. Ingot's galley is an airy, functional space that is well appointed like the rest of her service areas. The commercial- grade facility features a central island with a warming station, stainless steel cabinetry with mahogany trim, and a large, well-laid-out pantry. Access to the crew quarters for eight is from the galley and down a level. The mess, laundry and cabins...

THOUGH INGOT MAY BE THE FIRST REPRESENTATIVE OF BURGER'S NEXT GENERATION, SEVERAL LAUNCHES IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS WILL GUARANTEE THE COMPANY'S SPOT IN THE UPPER ECHELONS OF AMERICAN YACHTBUILDING. With a traditional teak and holly sole and a sumptu- ous mahogany-trimmed, maple burl console, this bridge is by far one of the more elegant and sophisticated of those recently launched. Vertical windshields in place of a raked orientation add strength to both the interior and exterior profiles and increase space for the forward outdoor passageways and lounge area. Between egress to the captain's cabin...

Right: Ingot's impressive engine room is both with good circulation precede when entering from the swim step. with design from Andrew Winch. In 2010, Hull No. 508 at 140 feet will splash down. Harmonious, collected and the picture of confident yachtbuilding, Ingot is a shining exam- ple for the international market of what to expect from America's Burger Boat Company. I have confidence that Ingot and her contemporaries joining us in the coming years will inspire many others with their easy elegance and welcoming nature. Here's hoping a few youngsters fortunate to pad around their decks will be...