Review: Burger's 98' "Lady Pat"

Burger’s 98’ Motoryacht “Lady Pat”​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

There have been a number of notable, even famous, Lady Pats; Our own First Lady Pat Nixon; Then a prize winning 46’ Robertson & Caine Lion in Tortola; and the 48’ Elco Lady Pat – Best Power Boat. Today, a true American Southern Belle is crowned to join them, swathed in fashion, beauty and style: She is Burger’s Raised Pilothouse 98... and she's our very own Lady Pat.​

Her owners, Pat and Ralph Horn, a notable Southern couple, ordered Burger’s aluminum build as their choice for the Bahamas and Caribbean waters. It was a sea-going recreational outlet they had already tasted. Two years before, they sailed aboard Wimil, a 90’ Burger Raised pilothouse, and on that fanciful voyage decided to invest in their own version of oceanic tranquility.

If Lady Pat looks familiar, she should. She’s patterned after Burger’s first ACS (Advanced Construction Series) built boat, Wimil. Both of these builds feature a high freeboard hull that balances a timeless superstructure with a traditional touch. Burger has a magical way of maintaining their lineage with designs that impart a subliminal reflection on the past. Their in-house architecture is headed up by chief designer Don O'Keeffe, who's carried on the legendary designs of Owen Stevens and Jack Hargrave, both of which were responsible for many of the boats Burger produced in decades past... as well as boats that have proven to withstand the test of trend and time.

Although the resemblance to Wimil is unmistakable, Lady Pat has an extra 8 feet, in the form of an extended cockpit for putting dinner on the table. It also adds a knot or two to Lady Pat's top end. In order to catch the really fat fish, the cockpit has an extra station with a Glendinning control center that also links to the Quantum Marine bow thruster for fine-tuning the trolling speed, or for backing down a slip without putting a piling in pain. Due to Lady Pat’s freeboard, both midship and aft, boarding gates are integrated into the hull’s rails, in addition to a pass thru transom door for accessing the aft cockpit and engine room. Another trait of these ACS builds are large windows, fit for a view. Every space and each deck is designed to keep an eye on the horizon, putting you at one with the elements, indoors or out. A Burger trademark.

Built of aluminum, the light weight and resilient material in which Burger has specialized for several decades, Lady Pat boasts the capability to cruise anywhere other yachts might, yet is particularly capable and at home in the Atlantic and Caribbean waters which are sometimes restrictive to deep-keeled vessels built of steel. The comparably shallow draft which aluminum allows is perfectly suited for these waters, yet completely efficient in all the oceans of the world. To witness these waters with an unencumbered view, a bow seat is recessed into the forward deck housing. If being one with the water is your thing, break out the kayaks mounted inside the bow pulpit and get ready to row.

Lady Pat’s well-integrated aft deck allows space for everything yachting. If there’s a yen to catch that giant marlin or sword, the back deck flaunts enough space for all the firepower needed, plus cabinets and a pass-thru door to hoist in that big one that didn’t get away. Or, if so desired, there’s party space aplenty here as well, for evening soirees in the open air, or an all out relaxing venue to record that incredible sunset, by memory or on film.

Even underway, there is hardly a notice as the captain urges the big CAT C30 diesels up from idle. Twin ZF Marine BA transmissions spread the effort and immediately Lady Pat smoothly settles into her cruise speed. With a semi-planing, round bilge section forward, graduating to a hard chine aft, she has an efficient cruise speed of 19 knots. When she needs to outrun the weather, she’ll top 21 knots. Keeping the ride steady are Quantum QC 800 stabilizers w/ ARC controls. High in the sky, radar, antennas and sat domes gather global information to supply the B.A.S.I.C.S… Burger’s Automated Ship Information and Control System. This is an integrated monitoring system that keeps watch over all the ship's systems including the power, fire-protection, security, bilge and a variety of other systems for anomalous behavior. It provides information regarding tank levels, navigation light system, door positions, etc. The information is displayed on a touch screen monitor and is set-up to control certain functions such as fuel transferring. Optional features include acquisition of data from the main engines and electrical switchboard via serial communications links.

Partying day and night are welcomed on this well-endowed, fully covered flybridge. Striped couches and settees pave the way for comfort with or without sunshine; a built-in grill provides instant barbecue afternoons and evening delights with sink/fridge flanking starboard. All totalled, there is still ample room for an impromptu dance party. Aft on the boat deck is Sea Doo GT series model by Bombardier as well as a Zodiac 490 Deluxe tender and Nautical Structures davit/launcher. Three Ultra-leather navigator chairs face a clear, wide glass windshield with the captain’s chair centered for command.

Into the salon from the aft deck’s wide glass doors, noche’ travertine stone brightens the foyer, and the elegance of decor warmly invites us to the comforts of a home at sea. Walnut, cherry inlays and veneers define the walls, in contrast with the vanilla-cream carpeting and overhead. Wide arrays of cabinetry hold treasures of fine linens, tableware, and glassware. Draperied, large glass picture windows surround these luxurious furnishings, giving the effect of an even more spacious room. A handsome, beamed ceiling features heavily hewn wood frames covering air conditioning ducts, as ceiling star lights brighten the atmosphere. An L-shaped sofa and deep-cushioned easy chairs encourage conversation or simple relaxation. An icemaker and refrigerator assure the necessities.

Cream carpeting and broad panel, cherry wood cabinetry are featured in the formal dining area, which boasts soft overhead lighting. The Burger-designed, substantial cherry dining table, seating six, echoes the masculine strength of the décor. Nearby, a black granite ledge tops off copious cabinetry for unlimited storage, with overhead snap-opening, cherry-veneered cupboards. Just forward and to starboard, a close-by day head/powder room offers a convenient place to freshen up.

In the pilothouse, forward of the salon on the main deck, genial luxury also prevails, with the leather captain’s chair, plus a leather, elevated settee and table to oblige the entire crowd. Windows all around and across the bow are framed in cherrywood, yet provide a panoramic vista for captain, crew and passengers. Teak floors, cabinets, and storage areas add to the nautical aura. To far port, Burger has included a small cubby under the console for storage, as well as a chart station aft.

Northstar and Furuno technology prevail here with navigation and electronics, radar, plotters, radios and searchlights. High overhead the radar arch and nav-pods translate their essential information to the bridge. Satellite Comm Systems keep in touch with all the world beyond.

Just forward, a fully-equipped galley shows off its center-related plan of food-preparation. Its black granite island is primary to the cook-top, dishwasher, microwave and convection ovens, sink and trash compactor. An integrated twin refrigerator and freezer, with matching veneers stands adjacent to the stove assuring fresh party provisions. The sink is positioned to far port, rewarding clean-up with a view. Water chillers and wine coolers take care of cooling libations. A morning breakfast nook, or late night snack table, in black onyx, awaits with quick culinary options at any hour.

Centerpiece of the owner’s suite is, of course, the island berth, itself spread broadly and voluptuously in the beam-wide stateroom. Backed by an upholstered, full-height wall/headboard in pale peach, the color scheme matches the bedspread, backboard, and carpet into a sweet, monochromatic, ambrosial trio. Twin closets and vanities also decorate and expand the stateroom’s facilities, with rich-grained wood cabinets, dressers, and highly polished brass fixtures. Each side sports its own bed lamp. A full size Jacuzzi whirlpool tub graces one of the two master heads, while the other sports a regular tub and shower. Both showers are glass enclosed and well proportioned for maximum comfort.

Two additional luxury VIP suites are also on the lower deck, furnished in a style meeting the master’s criteria. Each offers a queen size berth, as well as fashionable corner wall units, closets, and fabrics in fitting with the decor. Crew’s quarters are situated forward, separate on the lower deck, and provide for one double, one single, each with ensuite heads/showers. There is also a well furnished sitting room with couch, TV, microwave, washer-dryer and refrigerator.

Lady Pat takes her vigor from a double set of Caterpillar C-30 Diesels with ZF Marine BW 2150 transmissions. With bow-thrusters – Quantum Controls QT 60 – and Fabco Power control systems, stabilizers, plus throttle and transmission controls, she is well set up for voyaging wherever the Horn’s might venture. Aiding that capability are water heaters, water makers, generators, converters, freezers, fire systems, waste treatment systems, and fuel guardian systems.

Lady Pat has, in fact, completed voyages throughout the Caribbean, far south down to St. Lucia, with its spectacular Pitons thrusting upward towards the sky in post-volcanic glory. Then even farther south, to the Grenadines and St. Vincent, to the end of the Windward Island chain at Trinidad. No question, Lady Pat is a distinctive and noteworthy yacht, from a premium builder, made for adventuring anywhere in the world.

She is… the quintessential Burger!

<end>​

Review by Carl Camper and C. James Conrad.


Specifications:

LOA: 98’02”
Beam: 20’06”
Draft: 5’03”
Displ: 114 LT
Fuel: 5,770 gals.
Water: 1,350 gals.
Power: 2x Caterpillar C30 1550 bhp@ 2300 rpm
Transmissions: ZF Marine BW 2150A
Generators: 2x Kilo-Pak 40kW
Stabilizers: 2x Quantum QC 800 w/ARC 3000
Bow Thruster: Quantum QT 60

For more information, contact:

Burger Boat Company
1811 Spring Street,
Manitowoc, WI 54220
http://www.burgerboat.com

Deck Plans; Top to Bottom...

1. Flybridge
2. Main Deck
3. Lower Deck
4. Side Profile