SERENITY - BURGER BOAT COMPANY FOR SALE

83’ Aluminum Motor Yacht — Classic American Craftsmanship, Contemporary Confidence

Built in 1982 in the United States, this 83-foot aluminum motor yacht embodies the enduring appeal of a true classic, thoughtfully constructed for those who value strength, range, and timeless style. Her all-aluminum hull and decks deliver the rugged reliability discerning yachtsmen seek, while the broad 18-foot beam creates outstanding interior volume and enviable deck spaces for entertaining or extended cruising.

Powered by twin Detroit Diesel inboards, she cruises comfortably at approximately 14 knots and can reach about 18 knots when called upon—an ideal blend of efficiency and spirited performance. With a substantial fuel capacity of roughly 2,500 gallons and an impressive 1,230 gallons of fresh water onboard, she’s well suited for longer passages and unhurried weeks away at anchor.

Inside, her warm, welcoming layout is designed for real living at sea. Accommodations for up to five are complemented by four heads, ensuring privacy and comfort for owners and guests alike. A generous salon invites conversation and relaxed evenings, while the well-appointed galley supports everything from casual breakfasts to elegant dinners. Large windows and thoughtful sightlines contribute to a sense of light and connection with the water, whether you’re underway or at rest.

On deck, expansive walkways and purposeful outdoor areas create natural gathering spots—perfect for sunset cocktails, alfresco dining, or simply enjoying a quiet morning at anchor. The yacht’s aluminum construction and purposeful stance inspire confidence offshore, and her proven diesel power is renowned for its durability and serviceability worldwide.

This is a yacht with presence: confident, capable, and classically styled, yet practical for modern cruising. Lying in the United States and ready for her next chapter, she offers a compelling opportunity for an owner who appreciates the combination of American metalwork, dependable propulsion, and the enduring grace of a true classic motor yacht.

Keywords: Motor Yacht, Classic Yacht, Aluminum Yacht, Long-Range Cruiser, Bluewater Cruiser, Explorer-Style, Inboard Diesel, Liveaboard Potential

Key features on this beautiful Burger classic motor yacht

Serenity is a 23.8 m / 78'1 custom motor yacht built by Burger, with her sophisticated exterior design and comprehensive engineering package by Sparkman & Stephens. Previously known as Electra, Silver Seas, and Harvest Moon, she carries the timeless elegance for which Sparkman & Stephens is renowned, with exterior styling and engineering unified by the same legendary team.

Formerly owned for seven years by the Naval Academy Sailing Foundation and only lightly used, she was acquired by her current owner in 2021, who commissioned extensive hull and engine surveys, including an audiogauge of the bottom and full opening and inspection of the fresh water, black water, and grey water tanks. Following survey recommendations, the engines and generators were tuned, both Twin Disc MG 514 transmissions were completely rebuilt, various auxiliary systems were refurbished, and the air-conditioning compressors were replaced. Proven on passage, Serenity cruised successfully from Annapolis, Maryland, down through the Keys and on to Sanibel, Florida. She is a 78' Burger cockpit motor yacht that had a TNT platform added to the swim platform; the hull was extended beneath to properly support the lift. During the hurricane the TNT platform and tender were torn away, so there is no TNT platform now, but the brackets remain in place. Both main engines were replaced in 2001, utilizing the original transmissions. Two 20 kW Onan generators were replaced in 1999; these were damaged during Hurricane Ian, and the owner is evaluating combining the pair into one good unit while also installing a brand-new 20 kW Phasor generator. Accommodations comprise three staterooms aft with ensuite heads plus three crew berths forward. For confident handling, she is equipped with a bow thruster and Naiad stabilizers. Her exterior was painted about seven years ago and still presents well, though touch-up will be required from hurricane-related blemishes. When the TNT platform was added, the original boat-deck davit was removed and the former tender bay was enclosed with railings, transforming it into a safe open-air lounge with a barbecue grill that perfectly complements the covered flybridge.

Fly bridge features

Доступ на флайбридж осуществляется из пилотхауса по очень удобной и безопасной лестнице, где вас встречают лакированные штурманское кресло и кресло для компаньона с классическими «ladder back» спинками. Перенос тузика на гидравлическую купальную платформу высвободил на флайбридже обильное пространство для отдыха, которое дополняют стол и L‑образный диван для непринуждённых аперитивов под бимини‑топом. Атмосферу «открытой кухни» придаёт гриль Fire Magic, полностью обновлённый в 05/22, — идеальная сцена для ужинов на закате.

Engine room and mechanical features

In 2001, when she sailed as Silver Seas, the yacht was delivered to Rybovich in West Palm Beach for a comprehensive repower in which both main engines were removed and replaced; according to her then-captain, the original 12V71s had about 10,000–12,000 hours, while records show the current motors have slightly fewer than 5,000 running hours. The driveline has been attentively maintained, with Twin Disc gearboxes rebuilt in 03/22 and the Glendinning engine synchronizer aboard for smooth, balanced operation. Fuel delivery and filtration are robust thanks to dual Racor fuel filters, while Groco sea strainers safeguard the raw-water intakes and a Wagner steering system delivers precise helm response. Roll comfort is assured by Naiad 252 stabilizers with 9 sq ft fins.

Climate control is provided by a Cruisair air-conditioning system comprising seven 12,000 BTU units, one 16,000 BTU unit, and one 20,000 BTU unit with SMXII controls; compressors have been replaced over the years to maintain peak performance. Fresh water autonomy comes from a Spectra Ultra Whisper water maker rated at 400 GPD, renewed 05/22. The machinery space is thoughtfully outfitted with a fuel polishing and transfer system, two 40‑gallon hot water heaters, and a Wesmar DC bow thruster added in 2007 for confident close-quarters handling. Safety and serviceability are elevated by a Halex fire suppression system serviced 04/22 and nine ABC fire extinguishers serviced 04/22, along with a practical workbench and a large toolbox that make maintenance straightforward and sea-ready.

Pilothouse electronics and features

The pilothouse offers purposeful functionality with port and starboard side-deck access doors and a versatile bench seat that doubles as a watch berth. Command cues are crisp and classic with Kahlenberg air horns and whistle control, a Carlyle & Finch searchlight, and paired navigation suites that inspire confidence: two Furuno radars, one 72‑mile and one 48‑mile, and Furuno NavNet chart plotters at both the pilothouse and flybridge. On the bridge, a Garmin GPSMAP 4212 plotter and Garmin GMI 10 multifunction display add intuitive situational awareness, while Danforth Constellation compasses are fitted in both stations.

Long‑range steering precision comes from a Simrad AP300 autopilot with flybridge remote and a Robertson rudder angle indicator. Communications are comprehensive, with an ICOM M‑127 VHF in the pilothouse, an Icom M‑422 VHF on the flybridge, Standard Horizon VHF/DSC/AIS sets on both stations—including a pilothouse unit new in 5/22—and a SARSAT EPIRB for offshore safety assurance.

Crews quarters

Forward of the lower saloon and galley, a short companionway leads to the engine room entrance, with a practical laundry station—washer and dryer—situated at the foot of the steps aft of the crew lounge. Continuing forward, the crew head lies to starboard opposite a stall shower to port. Further forward are twin lower V‑berths with enclosed lockers and abundant storage. The crew lounge itself can convert to serve as a third crew bunk when needed, creating a flexible, hardworking service area.

Electrical/ primary systems

Electrical autonomy is anchored by two 20 kW Onan generators installed new in 1999, showing 7,000 and 7,200 hours and currently undergoing repair. Corrosion protection and shore‑power quality are managed by a Fail‑Safe Max galvanic isolator and a Charles C‑Power IsoBoost 100 transformer. Thruster power is supported by an independent 48 V battery bank with dedicated charger, while ship’s batteries benefit from a Dometic Sentry 32 V 30 A charger, a Newmar PHD‑25 12 V charger, and a Mastervolt 12 V 25 A charger dedicated to the flybridge.

Shore power flexibility is excellent, with the choice of a single 100‑ampere feed or two 50‑ampere cords, with connections available on the port or starboard side forward of the pilothouse.

On deck exterior features

Her Flag Blue Awlgrip hull presents in above‑average condition, setting a distinguished profile alongside a teak cockpit deck replaced in 2007. The foredeck and side decks retain the original Burger fiberglass construction for enduring strength. Ground tackle is robust, with an Ideal anchor windlass, a 110 lb Bruce anchor on 300' of chain, plus a spare 20' length of chain and a 300' anchor rode. A transom door eases water access, and the mast on the flybridge folds to reduce air draft to about 19', broadening passage options.

For safety and seamanship, an Ideal warping winch is fitted in the cockpit, and a Viking six‑man canister life raft was certified through 6/2021. Spares are thoughtfully curated: two spare propellers mounted in the cockpit lazarette valued at $25,000, two spare shafts in the same lazarette valued at $20,000, and Lexan storm covers for the trunk‑cabin side windows with installed fasteners—used on Fort Lauderdale to St Thomas passages—valued at $20,000.

Accommodation & walkthrough

Serenity is a 78' Burger flybridge cruiser that evokes the glamorous lines of the 1930s Wall Street commuters while delivering every amenity expected of a modern yacht. Notably rare among her peers, she features a factory‑built cockpit—rather than an add‑on—so the propellers and rudders reside exactly where the designers intended.

Boarding is versatile: from a floating dock via the swim platform and cockpit, or amidships via a boarding ladder. Once on the main deck, you’ll find easy passage to the foredeck seating and the trunk‑cabin sunning area, which sits about 4' above the main deck for increased safety. From the side decks, you can enter the aft saloon through port and starboard wing doors or step in through the sliding pilothouse doors; stairs rise from the pilothouse to the well‑equipped flybridge. A few steps down and forward from the pilothouse lies the lower saloon, ideal for elegant dining. Continuing forward is the galley and the crew’s domain for two or three, with engine room access plus a washer and dryer. Aft from the lower saloon, down a gentle stairway, are the guest accommodations: the full‑beam master stateroom all the way aft with a centerline king berth and ensuite head; forward along the passageway to port and starboard are two oversized twin‑berth guest staterooms, each with an ensuite head. The starboard guest head also has a second door to serve as a dayhead. The original rich walnut joinery remains in fine condition throughout. A layout diagram is available.

The upper saloon invites conversation with L‑shaped lounge seating to port and starboard and two hi‑low cocktail tables, a writing desk forward to port, and a central bar forward fitted with a power‑lift TV. Port and starboard wing doors, a center companionway aft to the cockpit, and large sliding windows to the sides and stern allow the space to open to the sea breeze in moments.

The galley, located forward on the same level as the lower saloon, is finished with a high‑gloss teak‑and‑holly sole and equipped with a GE Profile four‑burner cooktop with oven, a KitchenAid dishwasher, a KitchenAid refrigerator/freezer, a microwave, and a large stainless‑steel sink.

Accommodations comprise one master king stateroom with ensuite head and two oversized twin staterooms with ensuite heads—an elegant, practical arrangement for family and guests.

Additional information

SERENITY sustained damage at her marina during Hurricane Ian when a 9' storm surge lifted her over a concrete dock, damaging elements of the running gear; she then floated down on the other side thanks to four watertight bulkheads and superior Burger construction—where many others sank. She has been hauled, with running gear and below‑waterline repairs completed. The TNT platform was broken off and lost with the tender and will not be replaced; however, the base remains for a new TNT lift or another tender‑lift system. Propeller shafts have been straightened and reinstalled with new bearings; one bent strut has been straightened; bent rudders have been reinstalled; the damaged swim platform has been repaired; both stabilizer actuators have been rebuilt; and new fins have been installed.

As of December 2023, two‑year‑old hull, engine, and generator surveys are available, and the engines and generators ran approximately 150 hours after those surveys without issues prior to the hurricane damage. A prior captain of SERENITY may be available to assist a buyer in completing the project. April 2024: a new hull paint job and varnish are underway, advancing the yacht toward an even finer presentation.

Description

The 23.8 m / 78'1 custom motor yacht Serenity was built by Burger, with sophisticated exterior design and engineering by Sparkman & Stephens. Previously named Electra, Silver Seas, and Harvest Moon, she bears the unmistakable Sparkman & Stephens hallmark inside and out. During Hurricane Ian, a 9' storm surge lifted the boat over a concrete dock and she rolled off to float on the far side; water entered via both engine‑room air intakes, but buoyancy and subdivision prevailed. Struts, rudders, propellers, stabilizers, and exhaust cowlings were damaged, and the TNT platform was ripped from its brackets beneath the original Burger swim platform. The yacht has been ashore since January; all of the foregoing damage has been repaired, a new Phasor generator is being installed, and Serenity is receiving a comprehensive new paint and varnish job.

Acquired in January 2022 after both transmissions were rebuilt, she was run to Sanibel, Florida, without issue and, prior to Hurricane Ian, cruised Florida’s west coast trouble‑free. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a Burger motor yacht with a factory cockpit, with running gear rebuilt or replaced and stabilizer actuators rebuilt—an American classic prepared for her next chapter.