International Wood International Wood 2006 | Page 19

Imported Woods Reflect Personal Style Inside Today’s Sailing Vessels
There’s a high dollar phenomenon hitting the high seas in America: yacht
ownership. Today, more and more Americans are catching the wave, as
ownership of personal luxury sailing vessels continues to grow at a no-
tably rapid pace. There is an undeniable mystique associated with yacht
ownership, and, aided by the allure that imported woods bring to these
vessels, Americans are getting on board in ever increasing numbers.
According to Douglas Richey, interior designer for Burger Boat
Company of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the custom yacht business is brisk,
and interior design is always a priority.
Burger Boat Company specializes in crafting custom motor yachts
ranging in size from 100 feet to 200 feet. At any one time, the company
may have four to six vessels underway in various stages of completion,
and vessels often take two to three years to complete.
Richey, who has been with Burger for 11 years, stays busy creating
custom designs and sourcing superior materials to meet his clients’ dis-
criminating tastes.
“Not surprisingly, yacht owners are exceptionally discerning re-
garding design, materials, and décor,” he explains. “They have very strong
opinions.”
Richey adds that the beauty of it all is that “nothing is off limits” in
terms of interior design for yachts. Thanks to improved stabilization
technology, generous square footage, craftsmanship, and budgets,
Richey and his clients can select and install just about anything one
might expect to find in an opulent land dwelling. From imported
wood flooring and granite counters to stainless steel appliances and
custom freestanding furniture, Richey reports that the yachts he de-
signs are waterborne reflections of the people who own them.
Photos courtesy of Burger Boats. page 19: above: Photo
courtesy of Viking Yachts. left: Photo courtesy of Burger Boats.
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