1999 Fleming 55 Pilothouse

Leigh-Smith Yachts is delighted to introduce the 2001 Fleming 55 Pilothouse Motor Yacht LIBERTY VII to the market. This renowned long-range cruiser has been meticulously maintained by its current owners for over eight years.

Powered by twin Cummins QSM11 450hp diesels, LIBERTY VII features a comprehensive Raymarine electronics package.  This includes dual screens, a Raymarine open-array radar, Raymarine autopilot, Naiad hydraulic stabilisers and a Wesmar bow thruster.  An Onan generator of 15KW, a Victron inverter and new AGM house batteries (2025) further enhance its expedition-ready capabilities.  The yacht has also been freshly antifouled, fully detailed and polished (2026) and boasts new teak cap rail varnish (2024).

The Fleming 55’s design prioritises ease of setting and retrieving heavy ground tackle.  The fibreglass anchor platform is equipped with a Lofrans 1500 vertical windlass capstan, capable of handling both rope and 13mm galvanised chain. (This is a new addition.)  The windlass features a 3-plug-in remote control and controls in the pilothouse and flybridge.  Conveniently, salt and fresh water deck wash are located next to the anchor platform.

The flared bow design effectively deflects green water, creating a spacious forward deck.  The oval stainless-steel handrail has been brought inboard of the sloping bulwarks for added convenience and security.  To prevent hull streaking, deck scuppers are piped down to the boot stripe, rather than allowing direct drainage overboard.

The Portuguese bridge offers further protection against heavy weather.  It features comfortable seating on its forward side, which also houses the forward shore power inlet.  Ventilated lockers accessible from the aft side provide ample storage for fenders and lines.  Double doors close off the forward deck areas from the side and bridge decks, creating a safe space for children.  Sturdy stainless steel handrails encircle the forward face of the pilothouse and extend down both side decks.

Easy stairs with handrails designed for both adults and children lead down to the wide and well-protected side decks, which run along both sides of the boat.  These decks feature cleats and chocks for the forward and aft spring lines.  The inward-opening bulwark doors make for easy and safe boarding.  The 10mm polycarbonate side doors on both sides close off the breeze while the boat is anchored into the wind.

The aft deck and swim platform are approximately 250 square feet and unusually spacious.  Being all at one level, it extends the saloon and provides ample room for chairs, donning scuba gear or fishing. The fibreglass skirt around the edge of the wide teak cap rail conceals mood lighting and hides the engine-room air intakes, which are protected from salt spray.

Shower fittings for hot and cold water are conveniently located next to the inward-opening transom door, making them easy to use while standing on the swim platform. Stainless steel handrails on the transom and a deployable swim ladder provide safety and convenience.

Access to the upper boat deck is via a stainless-steel ladder and a sliding hatch in the overhead. The lazarette is accessed through lockable hatches with safe and stylish curved corners. A console for cockpit engine controls and a locker are also present.

The Fleming 55 low-profile flying bridge is spacious and equipped with practical amenities. It features a single helm seat with a folding stainless steel footrest. The control console includes full engine instrumentation and ample space for electronics. Access to and from the pilothouse is via a protected internal companionway, avoiding the need to navigate potentially hazardous steps or ladders where a slip could result in a fall overboard. A wrap-around venturi windshield with a stainless steel handrail provides protection from wind and weather.

This eight-seater is tucked away from the helm station.  A standard fibreglass table is provided, and an ingenious pass-through dumbwaiter eliminates the need to carry refreshments from the galley.  Behind the seating area is a separate boat deck for the tender and a fully hydraulic davit with remote control. A ladder offers direct access to the lower aft deck.

The hardtop with radar arch provides ample space for electronic equipment and antennas.

The Fleming 55’s main saloon features a comfortable L-settee with cushions upholstered over wood frames instead of the usual foam on plywood. The sole is hand-laid teak and holly, and all built-in furniture is of superior quality joiner work with rounded corners.  A unique table serves as both a dining and coffee table. To starboard is a cabinet with a TV and space for entertainment system components. To port is a bar with a small fridge. The saloon opens directly onto the aft deck through double sliding doors.

The galley, conveniently located on the same level as the saloon, is designed for use while underway. It features ample storage lockers and drawers, and appliances include a Westinghouse side-by-side fridge/freezer with chilled water and ice dispenser, a Miele induction cooktop with practical custom stainless steel pot holders, a Miele convection microwave, an undermount double stainless steel sink with a waste disposer, and a Miele dishwasher. A 20-gallon water heater is conveniently located near the sinks for instant hot water. A pass-through dumbwaiter makes serving food and drinks to guests on the flying bridge safe and easy.

Fleming’s signature low-profile design is evident throughout the interior, with just a few steps leading up to the pilothouse and down to the accommodations.

After a day of cruising, retreat to the comfort of a cosy cabin. The Fleming 55 boasts easy access to all accommodations via a central passageway.  Behind a sliding door, a separate washer and dryer are conveniently located.

The master cabin, forward-facing for maximum light and ventilation, features a tapered queen berth with a headboard.  The bed lifts to access storage for bulky items.  Two hanging lockers with shelves, teak louvered doors and space for a TV complete the master cabin.

The port guest cabin offers two single beds and an additional slide-out upper berth.  The aft bulkhead is lined with generous bookshelves.  The starboard guest cabin provides one lower and one upper slide-out berth.

Each guest head features a one-piece fibreglass moulding and shower stall with bi-fold stainless steel doors.  The attractive ceramic basin sits on a Corian countertop, and Hans-Grohe faucets with a thermostatically controlled shower complete the head.

Throughout the yacht, polished stainless steel fittings illuminate the interior. Teak and holly soles are standard in all areas.

The Fleming 55 engine room is meticulously designed for easy access to every piece of equipment.  A signature feature is its quietness and freedom from vibration, largely due to the Aquadrive system. This system isolates the engine and transmission from propeller thrust, allowing for softer engine mounts.  Aquadrive is standard on every Fleming 55, and their rotating couplings are concealed beneath fibreglass covers for safety.

The quietness of the Fleming is due to meticulous sound insulation.  Lead and foam insulation are extensively used throughout, and all hatches are fitted with rubber gaskets.  Even the engine hatches are double-glazed with an air gap.

Fuel tanks are made of fibreglass with moulded sumps for maximum fuel efficiency. The interior uses vinylester resin while the exterior is fire-retardant.  The fuel system is designed for foolproof fuel transfer, preventing accidental overfilling by simply switching a fuel return valve.

Access to the engine room is via two hatches in the saloon sole and a uniquely shaped oval door in the lazarette for easy access.  Engine room intake air is drawn from the lazarette to ensure it’s free of salt before reaching the engines and generators.

For safety and convenience, each Cummins QSM11 450HP engine has a start and stop button in the engine room. A PTO on the gearbox provides hydraulic power for the stabilisers, standard equipment on all Flemings.

The large lazarette contains four 300-gallon polyethylene water tanks, battery master switches and a 3,500-watt inverter. Two air conditioning compressors provide heating and cooling through four air handlers throughout the yacht.  The steering system, with its autopilot connection point, is located against the transom.  The rudder stocks tops extend above the waterline. Despite all this equipment, there’s still 95 cubic feet of storage for fenders and other cruising gear. Access to the engine room is via the oval-shaped door.

Pilothouse

The pilothouse houses the helm and controls.  The steering system is connected to the autopilot.  The rudder stocks tops extend above the waterline.

In contemporary yacht design, the interior steering station has become a thing of the past. However, the Fleming 55 boasts a pilothouse that closely resembles the bridge of a much larger vessel. This dedicated space allows the boat to be piloted and controlled without distractions from other onboard activities.  It’s only three steps away from the saloon and galley and four steps up to the upper flying bridge station.

Specialised removable consoles offer ample room for modern electronic equipment without encroaching on engine instrumentation. Overhead consoles provide additional space. A proper chart area with drawers and a chart light is also included.  Electrical panels swing out for easy access to wiring connections and the inside of the flying bridge console is accessed via a swing-out bookcase. The watchkeeper enjoys a comfortable Stidd helm seat, accompanied by an adjacent raised L-shaped settee and table. This setup creates a cosy social area with excellent visibility through the side and forward windows.

LIBERTY VII is a truly magnificent vessel with timeless lines crafted with passion and pedigree by one of the world’s finest yacht builders. An inspection will not disappoint.

For further details or to arrange a private viewing of LIBERTY VII, please contact the professional Leigh-Smith Yachts team.

Located on the Gold Coast, QLD