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| Perfect Pedigree |
Burger Boat: A History of an American Pedigree
Michael Verdon
02/02/2004
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1888 | 1901 | 1922 | 
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| | Lizzie Metzner | Vernon, Jr. | Wooden Cruiser | | In 1863, Henry B. Burger begins a shipyard in Mantowoc, Wisc., building small boats for Lake Michigan fishermen. His boats increase in size, and in 1888, he launches the stately 80-ft. schooner Lizzie Metzner. Cost: $1,200. | By century’s end, the Burger name appears on 100 vessels, including the 85-ft. motorcruiser Vernon Jr. During World War I, it branches into military craft andbuilds mine-sweepers, subchasers and rescue craft for the U.S. Navy. | After the war, Burger resumes production of large wooden cruisers and schooners. The Roaring ’20s is a record decade for the com-pany. The name gains further recognition, and by the 1930s is as well-known as Chris-Craft. |
1938 | 1940 | 1994 | 
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| | Tamaris | Pilgrim | Windrush | | In the ’30s, Burger begins to build in steel, which helps it survive the Depression. The 81-ft. Tamaris is the world’s first all-steel welded ketch. Derided as "tin cans" by yachtsmen, the hull’s strength develops a large following. | The Navy orders 55 vessels during WWII. The yard launches the 65-ft. Pilgrim, first flush-deck cruiser. Fifty years of growth ensue with a milestone reached in 1977: the 125-ft. Arara, the largest aluminum yacht built in the U.S. | From ’85 to ’90, 47 percent of all motoryachts built in the U.S. come from Burger. Despite growth, the yard is sold in 1986 and closed in 1990. David Ross buys Burger in ’93. In ’94 he launches the first yacht, the 91-ft. Windrush. |
2003 | 
| Sis W
Burger’s largest yacht, the 126-ft. Sis W, demonstrates America’s oldest yacht brand has returned to prominence. More than 25 Burgers have been launched in 10 years. |
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