BruckmanYachts Review

Bruckmann

Bruckmann Yachts manufactures custom and semi-custom motor and sailing yachts that evoke a classic appearance and, according to some, help fulfill modern-day desires for fuel-efficiency and planet friendliness. The Ontario-based company, established more than 40 years ago, operates from of a 25,000 square foot production facility outside of Toronto.

The Bruckmann name is often associated with quality and thoughtful detail and the company, according to its Web site, works with some of the original craftsmen from former Ohio-based C&C Yachts that owner Mark Bruckmann’s father, Erich, helped to found. Among them is naval architect Mark Ellis, who was reportedly schooled in the classic traditions of recognized racing yacht and sloop designer Philip Rhodes and apprenticed by C. Raymond Hunt, credited with inventing the deep-V hull introduced with the Bertram 31.

The quality of Bruckmann motor yachts have been compared to the likes of well- known manufacturers such as Hinckley and Alden and Morris Yachts. And Bruckmann motor yachts themselves are often lauded for their Ellis’s own take on deep-V hulls, where wide and progressively wide chine flats, or joints, reportedly enable the vessels to plane at low speeds. As a result, the yachts can use as little as 3 or so gallons of fuel per hour, according to cape-yachtsnews.com.

Bruckmann often relies often on Core-cell fiberglass for hulls and decks and vessels, including 30, 34 and 36 feet motor yachts, can be modified. Canadian brewer Arthur Labatt is said to have commissioned the Bruckmann 56 that’s appointed with varnished beveled woodwork handcrafted by European carpenters and designed with forward bunk, aft master stateroom, central galley and spacious pantry housing washer-dryer and added refrigeration as well. The Bruckmann 56, powered by twin 660 caterpillars, has been described by Yachting magazine reviewer Dennis Caprio as “seakindly, agile at all speeds, quiet, and expertly done inside and out.”

When it comes to motorsailers, Bruckmann and Ellis contend that they focus first on swift, balanced vessels that offer excellent speed under power and sail. The company’s sailing vessels include a 42-foot daysailer and 42- and 50-foot custom sloops. Cruising World magazine called the daysailer an “elegant dayboat and overnighter in the classic style, designed for experiencing the pleasures of messing around in boats in a very classy way.”

The Bruckmann 50 on the other hand offers a large, climate-controlled pilothouse with airy salon as well as an aft helm. This particular vessel, with 150-hp and optional 200-hp John Deere auxiliary diesel, is reportedly owned by sailors from the echelons of those experienced with vessels like the J 46 and Mason 44. The Bruckmann 50 is said to feature broad, flat hull sections aft and elements intended to provide for maneuverability, control and buoyancy. Sail Magazine noted that the Bruckmann 50’s wide stern allows the vessel to efficiently pass through water under power, while easy to handle sails remain ready to hoist. And according to Bruckmann and Ellis, the motorsailer can reach speeds of 10 knots and easily cruise at 8.5 knots while sipping at the fuel.

Pricing

New Bruckmann motor yachts and motorsailers, depending upon size and features, can cost more than $1 million. Used vessels from at least as far back as 2005 can start at around $400,000 to $500,000.

Pros

• Deep V-hull motor yachts includes wide and progressively wide chine flats that allow the vessels to plane at low speeds, reportedly helping to reduce fuel consumption that provides an environmentally friendly component.
• Motorsailer hull designs are intended to allow for accurate steering and enhance such areas as maneuverability, comfort and speed under power as well as sail.
• Interiors and deck spaces are considered spacious and well planned, with attention paid to detail.
• Engine rooms can be spacious, well-lighted and tidy.

Cons

• Engine room accessibility to plumbing, wiring and routine engine service points might rank about average.

Featured Models

Power: Bruckmann 29.9 Bluestar; Bruckmann 34e; Bruckmann 36.6 Bluestar. Sail: Bruckmann 42 Daysailer; Bruckmann 42 Cruising Sloop; Bruckmann 50 MK II; Custom: Bruckmann 47 motorsailer; Bruckmann 56 motor yacht.

Conclusion

Bruckmann Yachts has a solid reputation in the maritime industry, producing vessels that have been likened to some of New England’s best known “downeast” yachts. The company’s motor yachts and motorsailers are said to also feature cost-saving “green” aspects for plying blue waters. Sailors who cruise the harbors and embark on weekend getaways might opt for the Bruckmann 42 Daysailer that’s said to entertain as many as eight and comfortably sleep two in a private foredeck area. The Bruckmann 50, designed for bluewater sailing, is said to offer the avid sailor surprising wind speed while an airy salon affords trawler-like comfort. In the motor yacht arena, the Bruckmann 34e, considered ideal for cruising inland waterways and exploring hard to reach locales, features a private V-berth, galley and head with shower below-deck as well as a bridge deck dinette that can be sealed in inclement weather. The Bruckmann 56, with master stateroom aft separated from a forward V-berth by the galley, allows for taking on guests without feeling that more than two’s a crowd.