Freedom - BURGER BOAT COMPANY FOR SALE

1979 Burger 86' Raised Pilothouse

A timeless expression of American yachtbuilding, this 86-foot Burger Raised Pilothouse combines pedigree craftsmanship with the surefooted performance of a semi-displacement aluminum hull. Her 20-foot beam gifts remarkable volume, inviting you into a serene, light-filled main salon where panoramic views, refined joinery, and understated detailing set a sophisticated tone for relaxed cruising and elegant entertaining.

The raised pilothouse is a captain’s haven—quiet, protected, and superbly sightlined—offering confident command on extended passages. Underway, twin MTU diesel inboards deliver a composed, efficient ride, with an easy 13-knot cruise and the ability to stretch to approximately 17 knots when called upon. A generous 5,000-gallon fuel capacity and 900 gallons of freshwater underscore her long-range ambition, while the strength and durability of aluminum construction reflect Burger’s storied heritage.

On deck, thoughtfully arranged lounging and dining areas invite alfresco moments—from breakfast at anchor to sunset cocktails under way. Inside, the layout encourages effortless flow between conversation, dining, and relaxation zones, with ample natural light by day and warm ambience by night. Practicality meets luxury throughout: abundant storage, ship-wide utility spaces, and five heads provide comfort and privacy for owners, guests, and crew alike.

Equal parts classic and capable, this Burger is at home on a coastal weekend or a bluewater itinerary. She rewards an experienced yachtsman with responsive handling and enduring build quality, yet remains welcoming to family and friends who value quiet refinement over ostentation. For those seeking a distinguished motor yacht with authentic presence, purposeful range, and the enduring elegance of a raised pilothouse, this 86-footer is a compelling opportunity to cruise with confidence and arrive with style.

Keywords: Motor Yacht, Raised Pilothouse, Classic Yacht, Semi-Displacement, Aluminum Hull, Luxury Yacht, MTU Diesel, Inboard, Long-Range Cruiser, American-Built

Main description

1979 Burger 86' Raised Pilothouse Freedom is a handsome, classic Burger Yacht that distills the marque’s most sought‑after hallmarks into a single, beautifully balanced motor yacht. Built with four watertight bulkheads, a double bottom and a full keel that shields her propellers, she delivers the reassuring integrity of true yacht‑ship construction. At displacement speeds she offers excellent range and fuel economy, while at full power she runs comfortably at 20 knots in moderate seas. Every upgrade has honored her original lines and design intent, so the rich Burger craftsmanship, warmth and grace are evident in every space. Meticulously maintained and thoughtfully modernized over the years, Freedom shows and operates like a much newer yacht. Under her current ownership she has been freshly restyled with marble countertops throughout, textured wallcoverings, new flooring and a host of curated refinements that infuse a Carolina Chic into the timeless elegance of the classic Burger aesthetic. The top of the flybridge windshield measures 17'08" from the waterline, making her Great Loop capable.

Vessel walkthrough

The raised‑pilothouse layout centers on a full‑beam main salon that welcomes guests from port and starboard side doors, the aft deck, or either side of the pilothouse, creating a seamless circulation flow. The main salon spans the beam with a forward wet bar, while a convenient on‑deck powder room sits just ahead. Continuing forward on the main deck, the galley precedes a formal dining room, with stairs leading down to the crew quarters and the air‑conditioned engine room; the crew area provides two staterooms. A graceful curved stairway from the salon sweeps aft to the owner and guest accommodations: three staterooms, each with a private head and shower, culminating in a full‑beam master suite all the way aft with a king berth. Above, the flybridge was conceived for entertaining, with generous covered seating under a new Bimini and additional open seating aft, plus space for a tender and jet skis served by a powered davit. A comprehensive interior and exterior update in 2019/2020, carried forward continuously, blends a breezy beach‑cottage flair with Carolina Chic while preserving the unmistakable Burger taste and ambiance; Freedom is, quite simply, beautiful.

In the galley, a professional‑grade workspace offers vast storage and a suite of newer appliances added between 2016 and 2024, including a Wolf cooktop new in 2017; Sub‑Zero refrigerators and freezers in both the galley and bar; an Eskimo 500 lb./day ice maker with custom bin complemented by a new smaller ice maker in 2024; a new freezer on the aft deck for extended cruising; a Bosch washer and dryer new in 2017; two Kalamera wine chillers in the main salon added in 2019; and a wet bar with grills and integrated storage on the aft deck, also new in 2019.

The air‑conditioned engine room and mechanical spaces reflect diligent stewardship: total engine hours are 8,200, with approximately 3,300 since an in‑frame overhaul. Cruisair chilled‑water air conditioning (2 x 6 ton) with reverse‑cycle heat was updated in 2017 with new compressors and computer boards, and is supported by electric auxiliary heaters in the accommodations. Handling and comfort systems include a hydraulic American Bow Thruster, Naiad stabilizers with a Datum control system and updated fin heads, and Pannish controls with a Glendinning engine synchronizer. Practical touches abound, from a workbench with sink and integrated toolbox to a Sealand VacuFlush toilet system, a Quincy air compressor, and a Matrix 1000 gpd water maker (pickled). Safety and service systems comprise an automatic Halon fire system and an automatic DC bilge pump with an AC crash pump. Fuel is polished through dual Racor 1000 FG filters with electric primer pumps for the main engines and Racor 500 MA filters for the generators, while electric and manual fuel transfer pumps with a Fill‑Rite transfer gauge simplify management. Spares include two spare props and spare stub shafts.

Electronics and navigation are comprehensive and current where it matters. A new 2024 Starlink satellite system underpins reliable connectivity. The SIMRAD electronic suite, updated in 2013, comprises a 6 kW HD radar and a 4G Broadband radar, an AP12 autopilot with Accusteer, an AIS system, Sirius Weather with two NSO processors, six IS40 Multidata displays, four 15" daylight LED monitors, and five OP40 control heads with a satellite compass. Communications and awareness are enhanced by a Panasonic two‑line phone system with intercom, Telular and Netcom 4G data modem, a Sea 332 SSB radio, and a Carlisle Finch searchlight. There are three Icom VHF radios—two on the flybridge with remote speakers and one in the pilothouse—plus a FUSION stereo system on the flybridge. Visibility and data are strengthened by engine‑room, masthead and afterdeck cameras with PTZ, Maretron windspeed, barometer, temperature and windspeed sensor, and an NVTI night‑vision camera.

On deck, the equipment list underscores capability: a 70 KG Bruce anchor with 300' of chain is complemented by two spare Danforth‑type anchors in the lazarette; an IDEAL electric windlass pairs with an aft capstan; and all teak decks have been replaced over the years and are in excellent condition today. The Nautical Structures 1500 tender lift features power luff, slew and a linear winch, while a swim platform with a custom stair to the aft deck streamlines water access. Comfort and control are ensured by a Bimini top, a Stidd helm chair, and all‑new white exterior cushions added in 2024.

Exclusions

Seller’s personal belongings and tools are excluded from the sale.

Mechanical disclaimer

Engine hours reflect the status at the time of the original listing and represent information provided by the owner and/or a direct reading of the hour meters; the broker cannot guarantee the actual hours. It is the purchaser’s and/or his agent’s responsibility to verify engine hours, any warranties (express or implied), major overhauls, and all other representations contained in this listing.

Disclaimer

The Company presents the particulars of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of the information nor the vessel’s condition. Buyers should instruct their agents or surveyors to investigate details they wish to validate. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Broker's comments

Freedom is in excellent condition in every respect, and I believe she is the best value in a motor yacht of her size available anywhere in the world today. This is a rare opportunity; a change in the owner’s life has made her an exceptional buy for a swift, confident transaction.