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Fairline Squadron 55 - Model Overview
This Squadron created quite a stir when she was first launched. The reaction to so much power, luxury and spaciousness accommodated by a 55 ft craft verged on the incredulous. This, combined with her beautifully proportioned curves and sophistication, makes her one of the most sought-after of the Squadrons, with over one hundred sold to date.

Staying true to the Squadron concept, she embodies all the refinements imaginable to satisfy her purpose as a vehicle for pleasure and relaxation. Eminently sociable, the new flybridge layout is invariably the heart of the party. A C-shaped upholstered settee, to aft, arches around the table unit. Conveniently located behind the helm seat is the barbecue griddle, fridge and sink with hot/cold water, ensuring the temptation for a spontaneous soiree is never far away.

For user-friendly, long-distance cruising in the lap of luxury, the Squadron 55 offers the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life.

Providing the perfect vantage point to observe the world unfurling is the centrally-positioned helm and twin co-pilot's seats. Convenient saloon access is gained courtesy of an adjacent glazed hatch.

The fact that this craft encompasses so many virtues borders on the audacious. For Fairline to deliver this much luxury, performance and panache while still providing three sleeping cabins with such comfort is no mean feat.

Attached to the galley is the utility room with washer/drier, freezer, ironing board and also primary access to the engine room, making routine maintenance more straightforward. Even helming the boat has been made easier by virtue of the door portside to deck, between saloon and dinette.

The classic Squadron hallmarks are all present. Fairline's superb craftsmanship is literally reflected in the lacquered wood bulkheads, painstakingly polished to glorious effect. Attention to detail is displayed in the meticulously hand-laid wood inlays where the bulkhead is butted, instead of the usual black silicon, de rigeur in lesser boats. There is a simply enormous semicircular settee with stowage beneath, around a cocktail table, complemented by a lacquered wood sideboard, complete with bar unit.

Laid out in the classic Fairline style, the large master double bedroom is lavishly furnished, including upholstered headboard and twin wardrobes with interior lights. Fine lacquered wood abounds, from the bed surround to the timber inlays on the ceiling panels. Naturally, the master would not be complete without en suite facilities, with a separate circular shower compartment.

On all Fairline boats, joinery is of a concealed construction with hidden fixings to keep all highly polished surfaces uniform and flawless. All cabinet knobs are push-flush and the door locks anti-rattle.

Forward, the dinette, with U-shaped seating and table, offers a superb view from its position adjacent to the main helm. Behind the helm, the splendidly designed, timber-floored galley contains ample storage in the grain-matched, wooden cupboards and drawers, facilitated by its spatially efficient layout. Stainless steel grabrails run the length of the high quality work surface to steady the chef at sea.

Fairline Squadron 55 - Range Overview

In the Squadron models, Fairline build integrity achieves its highest expression. The design goal for each of the four Squadron models was, quite simply, to be the best in its class; consequently, the use of the term ‘luxury’ in the context of these motor yachts verges on understatement. Here, the demanding owner will find levels of equipment, detailing, and fit and finish not available elsewhere.

Lacquered, hand polished fine woods and inlays, the finest hand-selected furnishings and fabrics, and generous living spaces combine to create and exquisite ambience in which to relax, explore and entertain.

Fairline Squadron 55 - Brochure Foreword

The Fairline marque was born of one man's passion and vision, his labour of love combining the utmost professionalism with an intuitive understanding of a boater's needs. From the beginning, Fairline's designers and craftsmen, dealers and directors, have shared their fellow mariners' commitment to the very highest standards of handcrafted excellence.

Boating came late to Jack Newington. An entrepreneur approaching retirement age, he acquired a converted lifeboat to pursue his hobby of river cruising and, lacking a local mooring, took the bold step of creating one himself. In 1963 he bought a cluster of disused gravel pits close to the River Nene and transformed them into Oundle Marina, an inland marina with a tiny chandlery, a small hire fleet, a boat repair and fit-out shop and a simple canopy to shelter the few boats available for sale.

Even in his `hobby business' Jack Newington's passion for integrity and attention to detail shone through. So skilled at fit-outs and redesign were his small yet dedicated team that customers began to request a complete build. And so in 1967 the first ever Fairline was launched, a 19' river cruiser embodying the hand-crafted quality, functionality and innovation now a constant of the marque. The Deluxe and her twin sister, Weekender, exploited the early GRP technology, putting the young company in the forefront of the moulding revolution. Over 30 years later, nearly half the men who crafted the Deluxe remain with Fairline, among them Grant Walker, now factory manager at the company's Oundle site.

Director of Lewmar Marine Ltd, one of the world's leading marine equipment suppliers.

As the first boat manufacturer to successfully make the transition away from a founder's entrepreneurial culture, the following four years proved particularly exciting for Fairline.

Although immediately impressed by the passion and pride of the workforce, Derek in his capacity as Managing Director and Chairman instigated a new management structure, delegating greater responsibility to effect quicker, streamlined decision-making. Being a younger breed of businessman, he saw the opportunity to modernise manufacturing processes and management. He also gave the young design team a new found freedom by encouraging them to take the initiative in an area traditionally led by Sam Newington.

This professional approach has resulted in a tighter, more efficient operation with a shared understanding, providing focus and a positive direction. Naturally, an increase in profitability followed, thereby securing the future of Fairline. This also created the platform on which to realise the vision.

Now, with the entire team behind Derek, the world was indeed Fairline's oyster. By 1998, in support of Fairline's export markets, a network of some 35 overseas dealers represented the company worldwide. His focus on strong dealerships has afforded a more cohesive structure to maintain the high standards of service set by Fairline representatives in the UK and throughout Europe.

The same year Fairline established a US subsidiary company and American sales office, Fairline Boats of North America, to provide a higher standard of customer service.

New dealers were appointed, and orders, exceeding all expectations, continue robustly to this day. Although an extremely busy man, Derek still takes the time to meet every customer that visits Fairline, whenever possible.

Fairline's craftsmanship is an expression of the personal pride we take in our work, the result of which is an enduring quality. A diversity of skills and disciplines are required to build boats of such a calibre. These include electricians, plumbers, moulders, carpenters, cabinet makers, engineers, fitters and upholsterers. As with our boats, more than skin deep reflects the inner strength of our people, who as a team work with an immovable commitment to further our reputation.

From the moulding of the hull right through to the polishing and lacquering of the fine wood, pride in our work is built deep into our boats. This is mirrored in the multi-lacquered and polished surfaces of exotic woods, particularly in the sheen of American cherry. Up to eight coats of lacquer are individually sprayed on in a dust-proof environment, left to dry, painstakingly sanded back and then finished by polishing with water and a fine cloth.

Our new lacquer system, as well as being UN. stable, is designed to withstand extreme changes in temperature, so the lacquer we use possesses an extraordinary coefficient of expansion.

Rather than standardising across the range, components are designed for their specific application. To manage this diversity, sophisticated machinery is employed to rout 470 different timber sections, which are individually machined on up to seven faces in one pass. They are then numbered for their task and stored in a cool, stable atmosphere. This area, affectionately known as `the morgue', slows down the drying out process to prevent any cracking or splitting.

The strength of a boat, as in all structures, lies in its foundation - the hull. At Fairline, GRP (glass reinforced plastic) is hand-laid with a succession of unidirectional and woven rovings to create an extremely light, extremely strong hull. Gel is brushed on by hand to ensure density, rather than relying on automated robot arms or spray-guns. Even though it takes up to 3-4 times longer to apply, the result is infinitely stronger. Almost 100 components are then integrally bonded to the hull, systematically adding strength. In addition, the superstructure, which is also bolted every nine inches to the hull for extra strength, creates a virtual monocoque. This enables the structure to withstand considerable force and provides an extraordinary torsional rigidity, crucial for handling and stability. Flow-coated inner hulls optimise stowage space without fear of abrasions from exposed raw fibreglass and are also easier to clean.

As with many of the split-moulded components, the radar mast, which appears seamless, exemplifies Fairline's attention to detail. Moulded in two halves, it is then bonded, beaded and finally rubbed back and finished by hand. The same attention to detail applies to nut, bolt and screw heads. Where appropriate, they are sunk, filled and polished out to train the eye on the real beauty. Some might consider this obsessive, but bolt or screw heads are rarely regarded as a thing of beauty.

The practicality of Fairline boats is apparent, right down to the tiniest, yet important details; from the red night lights at lower helm, self-parking wipers and fixed crockery stowage, to the push-flush, anti-rattle door locks fitted throughout.

All aspects of social interaction have been well thought out, and the layout designed accordingly. Ingenious and effective use of space affords a roomy ambience enhanced by the curvilinear design, and allows for a greater amount of stowage. Because Fairline believe boats are for using, water and fuel tank capacities are maximised whilst maintaining the optimal weight configuration for perfect balance and handling. Another factor well accounted for is regular maintenance. Engines are first sat on their rubber mountings in a cradle and left to absorb their weight before installation. This 'settling-in' eliminates the majority of movement and the need for realignment once the engines are fitted, which in turn means less inconvenience for the owners down the line. Easy engine bay access is a prime concern for boat owners and consequently is incorporated into the design criteria on all Fairline boats.

We believe that every component should be designed to suit its particular task. That is why each of our hulls is dedicated to its superstructure. To use the same hull for both sports and flybridge boats might well save millions on tooling costs, but would simultaneously undermine the integrity of design.

Benefiting from a wealth of experience, we understand a boat is only as strong as the sum of her parts. By reinforcing outer beauty with inner strength we build boats with integrity.

In light of our immutable commitment to excellence, Fairline was the first British boat manufacturer to receive a BS5750/IS09001 quality accreditation. Further endorsement of our more than skin deep reputation - also acknowledged by the true connoisseur.

Network of Integrity
Fairline's forte lies in designing and building boats, but for our customers it is essential that their boats are looked after locally, so we have established a cohesive and reliable international dealership network. We do not own our dealerships, as that would divert our focus from what we do best. Nor do we sell directly to boat owners, which would undermine the strength of our dealerships, and in turn the `Fairline experience'.

Our dealers are selected as representatives of Fairline, having built solid reputations of their own. Together we ensure consistent standards across the entire network.

More than just service professionals, Fairline dealers are there to enhance every aspect of boating by offering the benefit of their experience and intimate knowledge. Our dealers' expertise helps to maximise the enjoyment our customers gain from their boats, providing the same high level of service and after sales care to both novice and experienced boaters alike. The commitment and integrity with which they approach their responsibilities continues to reinforce our reputation as a company that strives to be more than skin deep.

As a profitable and financially sound company Fairline is maintained by steady investment and funded by earnings not borrowings. This providence is a virtue shared by our dealers as well as many astute Fairline owners who, successful in their own right, recognise and appreciate the stable residual values we have achieved. Fairline always have, and will continue to, design and build modern classics, creating boats that retain their relevance and style many years after their maiden voyage. The enduring quality and integrity of these hand-crafted boats is reflected in a very buoyant brokerage market, making it easier for our owners to trade up. Fairline think long-term, which demands foresight and calls for solid relationships, from suppliers through to dealers and customers. We believe long-term relationships with mutual benefits provide long-term satisfaction for all concerned.

Furthering our hard-earned reputation for being more than skin deep, behind our dealerships lies the depth of integrity essential for any ambassador of Fairline.


THIS BOAT IS CURRENTLY UNDER OFFER. Please feel free to view the brochure description, specification, consumption figures and images. For reference purposes only.
Boat Reference Number 298
Vessel Type Flybridge
Designer Bernard OIesinski and the Fairline design team
Manufacturer Fairline
Model Squadron 55
Year 2003
Price £399,500 Inc VAT
Town/Region
Country United Kingdom
   
Length Overall (LOA) 55 Feet 11 Inches (16.5 M 27.94 CM)
Length at Waterline (LWL) 54 Feet 3 Inches (16.2M 7.62CM)
Beam 15 Feet 3 Inches (4.5M 7.62CM)
Draft 3 Feet 8 Inches (0.9M 20.32CM)
Height Above Waterline (HAW) 17 Feet 3 Inches (5.1M 7.62CM)
Transport Height 15 Feet 11 Inches (4.5M 27.94CM)
   
Dry Weight 20 Tons (20000 Kilos)
   
Fuel Capacity 2182 Litres (480 Gallons)
Water Capacity 572 Litres (126 Gallons)
 
Engine(s) 2 x Volvo Penta D12 EVC Diesel 715mhp each
Drive Type Shaftdrive
Maximum Speed 34 knots
Engine Hours 274 (will vary with usage)
Last Serviced March 2010
Servicing Agents Marine Engineering Looe - Plymouth, Devon
Colours & Interior Furnishings
Antifoul: Navy Blue
Trim/Waterline: Navy Blue
External Cushions: Cream
Cockpit Canopy: Captain's Navy
Joinery & Panelling: American Cherry
Headlining & Cabin Panelling: Soft White Leather-cloth
Carpet: Natural Gigant
Galley Worktop: Avonite
Upholstery: Cream Leather
Standard Features
Raytheon R84 Radar
Electric anchor winch
Electro-hydraulic trim tabs with catholic protection
7.0 kW 240v Onan generator
Autopilot
Electronic single lever controls for engines and gearboxes Teak-laid cockpit floor
Echosounder and speedometer/ distance log with sea water temperature read-out
Dual station VHF radio telephone incorporating intercom between helm positions
Stereo radio/CD player with saloon and flybridge speakers
25kg self-stowing anchor. 25 fathoms calibrated chain
Hot and cold water transom shower
Hydraulic rear boarding passerelle with dinghy lifting facility -Aft cockpit tonneau cover
Icemaker
8 hp Bowthruster
TV/VCR
Clothes washer/drier
Door from side deck into saloon connects directly with flybridge access stairway
All joinery in genuine lacquered American Cherry and Eucalyptus or Honey Maple and Honey Bird's Eye Maple

Hullform & Construction
Designed by Bernard Olesinski and the Fairline Design Team. Deep 'V' forward; 18° deadrise aft. lsophthalic gelcoat backed by an isophthalic resin-rich powder-bound glass mat. All gelcoat and glassfibre is laid up by hand, incorporating chopped strand glass mat and unidirectional and woven rovings. Transverse and longitudinal strengthening stringers throughout hull. Full length moulded spray deflectors. The integral bathing platform gives the boat a longer waterline length for improved performance, particularly at reduced power settings. Antifouling. Engine bearers are moulded into the hull. The propellers are set in semi-tunnels enabling the engines to be located further aft, also reducing draught and improving efficiency by reducing the shaft angle. Hull/deck join bonded and bolted. The deck incorporates polyurethane foam cores for high strength and excellent thermal insulation. An 8 hp bowthruster is fitted with controls at both helm positions.

Deck
Stainless steel stemhead roller
Anchor
25 fathoms calibrated chain
Twin stainless steel bow and stern cleats
Two pairs of stainless steel spring cleats
Stainless steel cleat and grabrail on each aft wing
Stainless steel pulpit, pushpit and side deck rails
Stainless steel flybridge side grabrails
Stainless steel rubbing strake
Full set of IMCO navigation lights
Riding light
Water and fuel fillers
Deck light
Moulded slip-resistant deck surface
Sunbathing area on foredeck upholstered with cushions filled with non-absorbent foam
Teak-laid extra large bathing platform with concealed transom ladder and dinghy stowage
Hydraulic passerelle for access and dinghy handling
Electric anchor winch
Hot and cold transom shower
Twin horns

Main Helm Position
Stainless steel framed windscreen with opening side panels
Madrona finish instrument panel
Double helm seat
Radar display unit
Radio telephone
Hydraulic power steering
Triple windscreen wipers
Electronic single lever controls for engines and gearboxes
Bowthruster controls
Echosounder, speedometer and distance log with sea temperature read-out
Full engine instrumentation including: tachometers, oil pressure gauges, temperature gauges, battery condition indicators, audible alarms and engine hour meters
Trim tab and searchlight controls
Autopilot controls
Remote anchor winch controls
Helm position indicator
Chart table and light
Chart stowage
High speed compass
Fuel contents gauges
Domestic water contents gauge
Bilge pump operating warning lights and audible alarms
Control panel for generator
Switches for navigation and riding lights, windscreen wipers, bilge pumps and engine bay extractor fans
External PVC sunblinds to windscreen
Stereo radio/CD player
12v point for mobile phone
Foghorn with siren and loudhailer facility

Flybridge & Second Helm Position
Access via stairway from saloon bridge deck and by stainless steel ladder with teak treads from cockpit
Glazed door to internal stairway
Hydraulic power steering
Electronic single lever controls for engines and gearboxes
Duplicate engine instruments
Bowthruster controls
Radio telephone
Remote anchor winch controls
Duplicate autopilot controls
Compass
Helm position indicator
Trim tab and searchlight controls
Echosounder and speedometer/log repeaters with sea temperature read-out
Double helm seat in front of integral fridge unit, central barbecue griddle and sink with hot and cold water
Single co-pilot seat
Large C-shaped upholstered dining area
Table
Aft sunbed
Stainless steel guardrails and grabrails
GRP arch supporting radar antenna and nav. light mast
Glove locker
Covered chart table
Moulded slip-resistant floor surface
Moulded perspex wind-deflecting screen

Aft Cockpit
Self-draining
Teak-laid cockpit floor
Access hatch to optional aft crew cabin
Self-draining wet locker
Access hatch to large stowage hold, supported on pneumatic struts
Twin transom gates to bathing platform
Twin warp stowage lockers
Cockpit lights
Manual bilge pump locker
Stainless steel access ladder to flybridge
8 fenders
4 x 50ft mooring warps
Boat hook

Main Saloon
Semi circular upholstered settee with storage under and low table
Sideboard, incorporating bar unit, ice-maker and control panel for 12/24/240v domestic electrical circuits
Cutlery set
Set of crystal glasses
Two 240v table lamps
Stainless steel curved framed patio door to aft cockpit
Tinted glass to side windows
Halogen lighting
Twin 240v power points
TV and VCR
Access hatch to engines
First Aid kit

Dinette
Semi-circular dinette at raised bridge deck level facing the lower helm position, with an open view forward and access stairway to flybridge aft
Door to side deck between dinette and saloon settee

Galley
4-burner electric ceramic/halogen hob
Microwave/conventional grill oven unit
Refrigerator/freezer
Twin sinks with hot and cold mixer tap
Avonite® worktop with grabrail
Concealed lighting
240v power points
Fire extinguisher
Storage cupboards and drawers
Extractor fan
Bone china dinner service

Utility Room (Access from Galley)
Work top with stowage
Clothes washer/drier and freezer
Pull-out ironing board
Linen basket, storage cupboards
240v power point
Access to engine room

Master Stateroom
King-size 6'6" x 5'4" double bed with interior sprung mattress
Upholstered bedhead
Quilted bedspread
Twin wardrobes with interior lights
Drawer under the bed
Halogen ceiling and reading lights
Hatch with flyscreen to foredeck
Twin opening portholes with flyscreens
Full length mirror
Access to en suite shower/toilet
Stereo radio/cassette player

Port & Starboard Guest Cabins
Twin 6'8" single beds with interior sprung mattresses
Quilted bedspreads
Bedside table
Wardrobe with interior light
Twin opening portholes with flyscreens
Halogen ceiling and reading lights

En Suite & Guest Toilet/Showers
Circular separate shower unit
Automatic shower tray pumpout system
Electrical flush sea toilet with seacocks to outlet and inlet
Avonite vanity unit with wash basin and hot and cold pressurised water
Opening stainless steel porthole with flyscreen
Mirrored, high level lockers
Halogen lighting
240v shaving point
Complete set of bathroom fittings

Aft Cabin (Access from Cockpit)
Twin single berths
Wash room with toilet and handbasin
Stowage space
Twin opening portholes with flyscreens
Fire extinguisher
Halogen lighting

Electrical Systems
All 12v, 24v and 240v circuits protected by circuit breakers on main electrical load control panel
Isolating switches to all batteries
Wiring diagram provided in owner's handbook

12 VOLT
Voltage dropper from domestic batteries provides 12v power where necessary for navigation and radio equipment only

24 VOLT
2 pairs of 180 a.h. batteries supply domestic services and port engine starting. These batteries accept charge from both engines
One pair of 180 a.h. batteries exclusively for starboard engine starting
Battery coupling system permits either battery to start either engine


240 VOLT
7.0 kW 240v Onan generator plus shorepower supply
Socket outlets in aft saloon, dinette, galley, engine bay and cabins
Spare circuit breakers for optional equipment
All sterngear, engines, fuel tanks, etc, electrically bonded
60 amp regulated charger
Polarity check and earth leakage trip protection system

Engines & Sterngear
Access through utility room
Engine/generator room soundproofing
Watercooled engine exhausts with silencers and side outlets
Aerodynamically designed engine air intakes
Automatic engine room fire extinguishers
Stainless steel shafts (TEMET)
Contra-rotating Manganese Bronze propellers
Manganese Bronze 'P' brackets
Balanced Manganese Bronze rudders
Cathodic protection
Automatic bilge pumps for engine and rudder bays and forward area (manual "on" override for all pumps)
Bulkhead fore and aft- High capacity emergency manual bilge pump system with changeover valves
Electric engine room ventilation fans
Engine room lights
Engine manufacturer's handbook
Seacocks on all inlets/outlets below waterline
Exhaust overheat warning system for both engines

Fuel System
Twin 240 gallon/288 US gallon (1091L) marine grade alloy fuel tanks give 480 gallons/576 US gallons (2182L) fuel capacity in total
Changeover valve system to permit each engine to draw fuel from, and return fuel to, either tank
Individual fillers and vents
Aircraft grade fuel filler and vent pipes
High capacity water separators and fuel filters
Audio/visual "water present in fuel filters" warning system to lower helm

Water System
2 x 55 gallon/66 US gallon (250L) GRP water tanks
16 gallon/19 US gallon (73L) Calorifier hot water system
1kW 240v immersion heater
Automatic, pressurised supply
Manual override switch at lower helm

Extra Equipment & Upgrades
Deck & Equipment
Bow Thruster
Stern Thruster
Twin Electric Stern Winches (w/Foot Controls)
Telescopic Hydraulic Passerelle
7 KVA Onan Generator
Holding Tank
Flybridge Griddle & Fridge
Teak Flybridge

Navigation Equipment
Raymarine RL80C Radar/GPS/Plotter (Dual Helm)
Raymarine RL70C Radar/GPS/Plotter (Flybridge)
Raymarine ST60 Tridata (Dual Helm)
Raymarine Autopilot ST6001+ (Dual Helm)
Raymarine RAY430
Mcmurdo ICS Nav 6 Navtex
Loudhailer

On-Board Entertainment
Sharp TV
Video
DVD Player
Panasonic Satellite TV system

Domestic Systems
Zanussi Studio Line 5 Dishwasher
Sharp Jet Convection Oven & Grill
Zanussi JetSystem Turbodry Washer/Dryer

Upholstery
Squadron bedding to all cabins
Overcarpets






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