Vicem 55 Classic — 55ft Custom Motor Yacht Overview

With a beam of 4.41 m and a draft of 1.12 m, the Vicem 55 Classic slots into most Mediterranean berths sized 15–18 m and can access many shallow anchorages; combined with 2,000 L diesel tanks and a maximum speed around 27 knots from twin Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800 units, it’s set up for efficient coastal repositioning between ports and marinas.

Construction choices: cold‑molded wood vs GRP

The Tuzla, near Istanbul, shipyard’s experience in cold‑molding shows in the Vicem 55 Classic. The traditional technique uses cross‑laminated timber vacuum‑laminated with epoxy to control weight, stiffness and acoustic insulation. More recently, an alternative GRP polyester laminate version has been offered for owners prioritizing standardized maintenance and lower operating costs.

Practical implications for owners

Cold‑molded wood brings a distinctive look and favorable structural behavior, but it demands ongoing varnish care and joinery attention. GRP eases resurfacing and routine upkeep, trading some of that character for predictability. Either way, the exterior maintains teak on side decks, bathing platform and cockpit furniture, preserving the classic finish.

Quick comparison

Hull form and propulsion: how it performs

The 16.85 m hull, displacing about 23 tons, uses a pronounced deep‑V shape intended to preserve trim in choppy seas. Twin Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800 pods provide thrust and maneuverability; owners will value the IPS steerable pods and bow thruster for tight marina work and the DPS dynamic positioning when staying on station for fueling or a swim stop.

• Engines: 2 × Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800
• Fuel capacity: 2,000 L (diesel)
• Fresh water: 757 L (approx. 200 US gal)
• Max speed: ~27 knots (full tanks)
• Stabilization: fin stabilizer for reduced roll at anchor or low speed

Real‑world use

That speed and fuel load makes the vessel handy for shuttle hops along coasts — a useful attribute for charter operators and private owners who need to reposition without burning daylight. For owner‑operators, IPS reduces the crew burden: docking becomes less of a stress test, and the DPS adds a safety margin when anchoring offshore.

Deck layout and liveability

The cockpit is configured as a genuine outdoor living area: an L‑shaped settee, refrigeration, storage lockers and a built‑in barbecue encourage social anchorages. The hydraulic aft platform simplifies tender launching and swimmer access — a small detail that matters a lot when you want to drop the dink without 30 minutes of wrestling.

Interior options and joinery

Inside, buyers can pick between mahogany or oak, gloss or satin finishes. A TV riser integrated into the salon joinery shows that the design aims to pair classic craftsmanship with modern comforts. The Custom range (46–79 ft) allows owners to change cabin counts, materials and layouts to match cruising plans: family outings, Mediterranean charters, or transatlantic seasons.

Customisation checklist

• Number and arrangement of cabins
• Choice of interior wood and finish
• Flybridge vs Sedan deck plan
• Additional systems (watermakers, AV packages)

Operational considerations for renters and charter operators

From a rental/charter perspective, the Vicem 55 Classic’s dimensions and draft make it friendly for popular marinas and charter bases. Maintenance choices (wood vs GRP) affect turnarounds between bookings: GRP can shorten downtime, whereas wood models may appeal to premium clients seeking authenticity. Either configuration offers a comfortable platform for a skipper or a small captain‑and‑crew setup.

In short: whether you’re looking to rent, run a charter or keep it as a private weekender, the blend of classic joinery, IPS maneuverability and practical deck layout gives you options — and a fair bit of curb appeal while you’re at it.

Summary: The Vicem 55 Classic pairs traditional craftsmanship (cross‑laminated timber option) with modern systems (Volvo Penta D8 IPS 800, DPS, stabilizer), offering a 16.85 m platform that fits many marinas and shallow anchorages. Choices between wood and GRP affect maintenance and character; the cockpit, hydraulic platform and interior joinery make it a versatile boat for private use or limited charter. Overall, it’s a solid candidate for yacht owners considering charter or sale markets, and a practical option for those wanting to rent or crew for destinations from gulf marinas to open ocean cruising — perfect for activities like sailing, boating, fishing or simply soaking up sunseeker days on clearwater bays and beaches.