x motor yacht

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Boat test: X-56 The Xtra mile

• Rupert Holmes
• March 14, 2022

The X-Yachts X56 is built to be the marque's new flagship, designed to combine luxury, style and power with a practical and seamanlike approach for extended cruising

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

Large cruising yachts are enormously appealing, but it’s imperative that they’re easy to tame in deteriorating weather. Yet if this is achieved through making the boat underpowered it will be a disappointment in lighter winds. Striking the balance between the two is therefore a key factor in establishing a successful new model, as X-Yachts would clearly like the X-Yachts X56 to be.

My first sail on the X-Yachts X56 was in very light airs, with just 3-7 knots of true wind, but even this revealed important insights about how well the boat might handle challenging conditions. With the Code 0 set we made speeds that belied its near 20 tonne displacement, hovering at around 80% of the true wind speed at an apparent wind angle of 45-50°. We achieved 2.8 knots of speed in just 3.5 knots of true wind, rising to a very useful 6.2 knots in 7 knots.

At the same time, it felt like sailing a smaller, lighter and surprisingly nimble boat. We even had enough steerage to tack with only the mainsail set in just five knots of wind.

A boat that’s so easily driven allows sail to be shortened well in advance of worsening weather, without losing much speed. At the same time, this design’s very high stability, achieved through a combination of deep draught with low-slung ballast and massive form stability, means fewer sail handling operations are needed – each sail plan works over a wider range of wind strengths.

Therefore an increase in wind of a scale that might force other boats to tuck in an extra reef can often be handled simply by trimming the sails to depower a little.

For my next trial, a few days later, we had 15-17 knots, accompanied by a large and confused sea. Upwind with full sail we made around 7-7.5 knots, with a comfortable motion, despite the sea state. There was no hint of slamming – the boat simply shouldered the seas aside, providing an impressively dry ride.

Bearing off just 5° saw the X-Yachts X56’s speed jump to 8.0 knots, demonstrating an ability to make good daily runs while on passage. On bearing away further, to a true wind angle of 110°, and deploying the Code 0, we accelerated to a relaxed and effortless 9-10 knots in 17 knots of true breeze.

Making good speed in light airs under Code 0. Photo: Mikkel Groth

X-perienced feedback

The test boat we were sailing is the 10th X-Yacht for this particular owner, having started with a 26ft X-79 many years ago. It’s set up for very long distance short-handed sailing – including transatlantic crossings – with the autopilot expected to be in use 99% of the time.

Because of this the X-Yachts X56 has twin parallel systems for redundancy, each with a permanently connected hydraulic ram resulting in a heavy helm without much direct feel. Even so, the boat itself was responsive at all times and was nicely balanced, with just a fraction of weather helm upwind.

X-Yachts offers a number of headsail configurations, with an 88% self-tacking jib on the main forestay as standard equipment. Our test boat, however, is set up with a more flexible arrangement, including a larger, marginally overlapping headsail, plus an inner forestay with a self-tacking furling staysail, and in-boom mainsail reefing. The latter is an option chosen by around 70% of owners buying a Pure X model from the X43 upwards.

We also had the benefit of a Reckmann electric top-down furler for the Code 0. This is mounted at the inboard end of the fixed bowsprit and makes the sail almost effortless to wrap away. Asymmetric spinnakers can also be flown from the tip of the sprit.

This means it’s easy to select the appropriate sail area for different conditions, with very little compromise on sail shape. It’s an excellent combination that should enable small teams to translate the boat’s potential into numerous easy 200-plus mile days.

Plenty of canvas both for sailpower and protection. Our test boat was set up to make sail handling easy, without compromising sail shapes. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Although the primary purpose of the self-tacking staysail is to avoid having to use an inefficient deep-reefed headsail in winds well over 20 knots, it also offers the enticing prospect of easy handling in confined waters.

Even in only 13-14 knots of true wind and an awkward sea state, with the staysail and full main we made around 6 knots close-hauled and, of course, were able to tack repeatedly without touching the sheets. It’s a great arrangement and illustrates how versatile it is to have a boat that will maintain speed, even when under-canvassed.

The standard rig has a keel-stepped triple spreader mast with oversized discontinuous rod rigging, while carbon spars are optional. Lines are led aft to winches on the cockpit coamings well ahead of the helm stations. In our case these were the beefy optional electric Andersen 72 units, which make for speedy sail handling and eliminate the need for powered headsail furlers.

Positioning the winches on the coamings minimises the number of deflections in each line that add friction and loads. The downside, compared to winches on a pedestal further inboard, is that they are harder to work, especially when short-handed.

I’m often critical of boats where sheets can’t easily be trimmed from the helm, but the loads of a yacht of this size make this impractical for much of the time. Once you accept that, it makes sense to position the winches where there’s ample space to work them.

There’s plenty to hold onto in the cockpit when the boat is well heeled. Photo: Mikkel Groth

Cockpit solutions

Three options for the mainsheet are offered: a German system with a simple padeye in the cockpit floor, or a recessed traveller. The third option, as fitted to our test boat, is a central pedestal with an electric winch. It’s an arrangement that works well and frees up the remaining winches for other operations.

Maximum beam is carried right aft, yet the cockpit doesn’t feel as though it’s defined by the wide open spaces of many of today’s broad transom, twin rudder yachts. This helps confer a feeling of safety and security at sea, yet there’s still plenty of space. On one of my test sails we had seven people on board, with no hint of it feeling crowded.

Helm station pods have ample space for big MFDs, plus controls for thrusters, windlass, Code 0 furler and so on. Photo: Mikkel Groth

Although the transom is open, helm stations are forward of the stern rail and there’s a central two-person bench seat aft that incorporates liferaft stowage. The back of the boat therefore doesn’t feel unduly exposed. Particularly wide side decks, secure deep bulwarks and a low profile coachroof all help to make it easy to move around when going forward. The optional low-profile sprayhood gives an aerodynamic shape and has obvious appeal to anyone with a racing background, but the sleek shape means there’s not full standing headroom beneath, so many owners are likely to opt for the full-height standard version. Both stow neatly beneath teak faced deck panels when not in use.

External stowage includes a large tender garage that will accommodate a 3.0m RIB, with a crane for launch, recovery and stowage. There are lockers under each of the cockpit benches, while the sail locker forward has enough room to be fitted out as a skipper’s cabin if required.

The cockpit table is a conventional central unit with two folding leaves and space for a drinks fridge. This means there’s no central walkway from the transom to the companionway but it doesn’t seem to matter, as the table is large enough for several people to sit on one side, keeping the other side clear other than at meal times.

Joinery is of a high standard, in a choice of Nordic oak or teak. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Pace with space

For a performance yacht with a hull length of just under 55ft there’s an impressive amount of internal volume, and with the X-Yachts X56 the yard has aimed to lift the style and level of interior finish to a notch above the existing models in this range. As standard the joinery is in a very attractive Nordic oak, with teak as an option. There’s a wide choice of soft furnishings and X-Yachts is happy to work with owners to create a style to suit their tastes.

Delving around the details of a new yacht’s interior can reveal much about how well it’s set up for long distance passagemaking and living on board for extended periods. X-Yachts has clearly spent a lot of time and budget to get this aspect of the X56 right, although the standard tankage is on the small side for anyone contemplating long periods of autonomy. Two choices are offered for the galley layout, with the test boat having a conventional U-shaped arrangement. The other option is a more open layout with a central island unit, but less worktop and stowage space.

The owner’s cabin is bright and well appointed. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

Both should work well at sea, while allowing space for the cook to have assistance when in port. Stowage is very well organised in both cases and there’s provision for a huge amount of refrigeration, including a double-size top and front-loading unit, a drinks fridge and a further unit at the aft end of the central section of the galley. Our test boat also has a small dishwasher.

The full-width saloon has separate dining and lounging areas to port and starboard respectively. The latter has a deep domestic style settee with thick cushions, which helps make this a lovely space in which to relax, yet it’s a very practical arrangement for a serious sea-going yacht. There’s also a proper forward-facing navstation, although this is too far forward for easy communication with the cockpit.

The owner’s cabin is well lit thanks to a pair of hull windows, two opening overhead hatches and forward facing coachroof windows. There’s stowage to starboard in a big cabinet, under the aft end of the bed and in four useful eye-level lockers each side. Nevertheless, the total stowage volume is not overly generous for those who plan to sail in cooler climates and there’s no dressing table or desk area. On the plus side, the en-suite is nicely appointed, a good size, and with a separate shower stall.

Galley layout with the island unit option. Photo: Andreas Lindlahr/EYOTY

As standard a large single heads compartment aft, with separate shower, serves both the aft cabins and day time use. There’s also an option for a third heads, at the expense of some galley space and aft cabin stowage.

Both aft cabins are impressively large and don’t feel as though they are tucked away under the cockpit. They are wide enough for twin berths that convert easily to large doubles. There’s also provision for a washer/dryer in part of the port cabin’s big hanging locker.

Any yacht of this size is a complex entity that has potential to be difficult to look after, especially in far-flung parts of the globe. X-Yachts therefore steers clients towards a standard list of options. These are well proven products that engineers more or less anywhere in the world are likely to have encountered already and have established supply chains for spares. It’s a commendable policy that ought to reassure owners. In extremis, if neither a local engineer, nor the local X-Yachts dealer, is able to solve a problem, the yard can fly a staff member out to a boat anywhere in the world.

On a more detailed level, time and effort have obviously been expended on ensuring deck gear is easy to look after. For example, fastenings for turning blocks and other fittings are accessible via access panels in the deckhead, which facilitates maintenance.

The construction of X-Yachts is also worthy of note. Since 2018 this has been of epoxy infusion, with hulls baked at 70˚C for 24 hours. It’s much more expensive than using conventional polyester resins, but results in more reliable laminates, as well as a lighter vessel that’s both stronger and stiffer.

JP54 boat test

Xp44 boat test

Check out our pick of images from the latest Yachting World boat test, the Xp44. You can read more in…

Xc50 boat test video

Here’s the video from our boat test on X-Yacht’s new flagship cruising model. The full report is in the YW…

If you enjoyed this….

Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.

Overall the concept behind this design and its general set up is very impressive. The X56 is a real sailor’s boat, but one that also offers enormous comfort and style. It’s bang up to date, yet the execution is extremely seamanlike and well thought through, making it one of the most appealing yachts of its size that I’ve sailed for a long time. A slippery hull shape combined with powerful rig will minimise the amount of time spent under power, yet the massive stability will be enormously reassuring in heavy weather. The sail plan of our test boat suits this design perfectly, providing plenty of power when necessary, while allowing the boat to be safely snugged down well ahead of challenging weather.

• Boats for Sale

New and used X-Yachts for sale

• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• United States
• X-Yachts IMX 40
• X-Yachts IMX 45
• X-Yachts X-332
• X-Yachts X-382
• X-Yachts X-40
• X-Yachts X-41
• X-Yachts X-412
• X-Yachts X-43
• X-Yachts X-442
• X-Yachts X-45
• X-Yachts X-452
• X-Yachts X-46
• X-Yachts X-482
• X-Yachts X-50
• X-Yachts X-512
• X-Yachts X-612
• X-Yachts X-70
• X-Yachts X-79
• X-Yachts X-95
• X-Yachts X-99
• X-Yachts Xc 35
• X-Yachts Xc 38
• X-Yachts Xc 45
• X-Yachts Xp 33
• X-Yachts Xp 38
• X-Yachts Xp 44
• X-Yachts Xp 50

Search for a X-Yachts on TheYachtMarket today. We have X-Yachts brokers and sellers from around the world at great prices.

History of X-Yachts

X-Yachts is a Danish based company that was founded in 1979 with a vision to create exceptional sailing boats. It started out as a small scale production of eight boats a year but has grown to become an internationally recognized and respected manufacturer of sailing and racing yachts.

Since then X-Yachts has let its passion guide its boat building approach, taking every detail into account and continuously optimizing performance and outcomes. Innovation is at the heart of the company’s DNA, constantly collaborating with renowned Naval Architects, Yacht Designers and leading experts who are all pushing for excellence and striving to keep the boat performance consistently high.

Today X-Yachts is the largest independent, or non-group owned, producer of sailing yachts in Europe. It is also the only yacht builder in the world to have won the four most prestigious yacht races in the world: the Rolex Fastnet, Middle Sea Race, Sydney - Hobart and the Gold Cup Race. X-Yachts is the sailing world’s leading boatbuilder in terms of design, quality and performance.

Which models do X-Yachts produce?

X-Yachts produce a range of boats including the X-Yachts X-46 , X-Yachts Xp 50 , X-Yachts X-41 , X-Yachts X-612 and X-Yachts Xc 45 . For the full list of X-Yachts models currently listed on TheYachtMarket.com, see the model list in the search options on this page.

What types of boats do X-Yachts build?

X-Yachts manufactures a range of different types of boats. The ones listed on TheYachtMarket include Sloop , Cruiser , Aft cockpit , Racing boat and Keelboat .

How much does a boat from X-Yachts cost?

Used boats from X-Yachts on TheYachtMarket.com range in price from £13,400 GBP to £1,090,000 GBP with an average price of £203,000 GBP . A wide range of factors can affect the price of used boats from X-Yachts, for example the model, age and condition.

Sign up to our newsletter

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy & Cookie Policy

Change units of measure

This feature requires cookies to be enabled on your browser.

Show price in:

Show lengths, beam and draft in:

Show displacement or weight in:

Show capacity or volume in:

Show speed in:

Show distance in:

Sailing Holidays in Greece

Combine family or friends' vacations with authentic sailing and unparalleled comfort on a charter boat. enjoy the unforgettable x-yachts charter experience., watch our trailer, luxury performance cruising x-yachts by x-yachting.

Designed as a model center made by sailors for sailors, our goal is to address all sailing enthusiasts around the globe. Whether you’re sailing solo or with loved ones, we offer boats and services for those who appreciate true sailing and impeccable service. The result is an uncompromised and unprecedented sailing charter experience which we like to call ‘X-Yachts Charter Experience’.

Our charter base is in Lavrio, Greece, which is a 35 minute drive from Athens International Airport and just 16nm from the beginning of the most beautiful area of the Greek archipelago.

Our X-Yachts fleet consists of five boats of the very fresh X4 6 , the ideal family performance cruiser. The ultimate performer and very easy to handle Xp44. One of the all time classic Xc45, our mile eating machine, an X4 9 with an impeccable set up, and two X-Power 33c, the open powerboat for quality-conscious boaters. The X4⁰ and  X4³ joined our fleet during the 2022 season, enhancing our continually expanding range.

Our Yachts & Powerboats fleet

Charter one of our x-yachts and sail the greek islands, one of the best sailing arenas in the world.

• X-Yachts X4⁹
• X-Yachts X4⁶
• X-Yachts X4³
• X-Yachts X4⁰
• X-Yachts Xp44

X-Power 33c

Our services, bareboat or skippered charters, racing charters, daily escapes.

• Sea Transfers
• Corporate Events

Training Programs

X-yachts sales, x-yachts care program, maintenance & refit.

• Emergency Support
• Concierge Service
• Testimonials

“ We had a fantastic day of boating on the Aegean with X-Yachting. Everyone on their staff was very professional and helpful. Our skipper was great. We highly recommend X-Yachting. ” Brett Lebhar

“ Great yacht “Sophia” and great shore crew from the X Team 💪 Outstanding experience with fantastic service from the entire X-yachting crew. Will come back! ⛵️ ” Jesper, Denmark Charter

“ Last but not least, the beautiful, heart driven, professional, highly motivated and supporting Crew from X-Yachting Lavrio !!! They where just great, gave us the boat in an outstanding state, even partially catered with nice attentions. Their sailing options and product management is also on a complete different level compared to the usual market!How not going back to these beautiful friends!!! ” Francois, Switzerland Bareboat Charter

“ The best charter yacht I have ever sailed on. ” Ole, Luxembourg Charter

“ Highly welcoming xyacht team at the base, was wonderful. What an amazing yacht, with a fabulous skipper in such a wonderful area around the cyclic islands. What an amazing wonderful sailing week. We will come back. ” Andy, Switzerland Charter

“ We particularly wanted to sail one of the new X yachts Pure range and so chose X-Yachting. We had a great week's sail, feeling secure in the X yacht despite the Meltemi blowing, and it was also good to have the charter team at the end of the phone / whatsapp to answer questions / advise on routes etc' ” Nick, UK Charter

“ The third time we have chartered from X Yachting, and the second time we have chartered “Ariadne”, an XC45. A pleasure to sail, she is the ideal yacht for that little extra bit of comfort and stability. Professionally prepared by the team in advance we look forward to sailing on her again in the future! Thank you again X Yachting for a wonderful family holiday! Your warm hospitality, and professional attitude continues to impress us! ” Stefan, UK Charter

“ Very well equipped yacht, beyond expectations for a charter yacht, and the yacht itself just what I'd expect from an X-Yacht. A great week sailing in a lovely location supported by a friendly helpful and informative team for whom nothing was too much trouble. ” Barry, UK Charter

“ A perfectly maintained boat. The best we ever were able to charter! The closest experience to owning an X is: to charter it here ! ” Andy and the NorXL crew, Switzerland Charter

“ We chartered the X49 for a late September sail. Moderate temperatures, uncrowded marinas and towns. Impeccably clean and comfortable 50’ yacht Sails, lines, winches, navigation systems all in perfect condition. Our skipper George was very knowledgeable piloting our boat, and worked with us on plotting a fun itinerary. Gave us great suggestions on places to visit on different islands, We will be back! ” David, USA Charter

“ We had a fantastic time - on top of that your team makes the experience seamless from a to z, a real joy being your client! ” Cornelis, Germany Charter

“ We spent the summer 2022 island hopping in the Greek islands and had our x-yacht based at the Olympic Marine where there was an x-yacht agent, but did not know what to expect . After meeting Jason and his team and providing them with a long snag list of works to be done on the boat , we never looked back . The team took full ownership, resolved all snags in no time , with such professional flair and friendly approach . We were so impressed that we returned there the following year , contrary to our original plans . If you are planning for a problem free holiday on your boat in Greece , the Olympic Marine in Athens is the place you can call home , having your boat in perfect hands with Jason and his amazing team there. ” Chris, Malta

“ From the initial point of contact with X Yachting I can testify that the level of service offered was of the highest quality, from booking the charter, to arrival, to stepping off the yacht at end of the charter the very highest standards were offered in a friendly and cordial way by everyone in the X Yachting team ” Stefan, Cyprus 'Ghost skipper' Charter

“ The cruise was amazing, the boat is incredible and Taki the skipper the best we could ask. I will consider fors sure to have another experience like this one next year ” Filippo, Italy Skippered Charter

“ Absolutely great! ” Kevin, Denmark Bareboat One-way Charter

“ We had a super week as a family with two young boys on a brand new 4-6 with a fantastic skipper. All organization went very smooth from airport transfer, jumping on the boat and finding nice spots to anchor. Can't wait to come back again! ” Bas, Netherlands Skippered Charter

“ I wanted to thank all the team for the warm welcome and very professional way our cruising has been prepared and managed. All the crew have spent a fantastic week on this outstanding X 4.6 The boat is really impressive, a true X, fast, well balanced, easy to handle, and very comfortable (far more than my old 412!) Some metrics of our cruise, around 230 Nm, 37 litres of diesel, 300 liters of water, max speed 15+ kn surfing downwind in 25/33 kn of Meltemi (one reef main and jib) between Macronisi and Kea the first day. Hope to come back ! ” Patrick, France Charter

“ Many thanks to both of you and the entire X-Yachting Team! We had a truly wonderful vacation full of priceless memories! ” Charles, USA Charter

• Sailing in Greece

Mykonos Holidays

Spetses holidays, milos holidays.

Olympic Marine, Lavrio 77th km Athinon-Souniou, 19500 [email protected] +302292023916

• Xc 47 to join X-Yachting Sailing Center’s fleet in 2025
• X-Yachting Marks Successful Participation at boot Düsseldorf 2024

X-Yachts Charters

• Bareboat & Skippered Charters
• Team building – Corporate Yacht Charter
• Pre-Owned Yachts for Sale
• Sail Racing
• Speedboat Sea Transfers
• Sailing Courses – Learn to Sail in Greece
• X-Yachts Xp 44
• X-Yachts X-Power 33c
• Mission & Values
• Meet our team
• X-Yachting Quality
• X-Yachts Service Hub
• X-Yachts Care Program
• Maintenance & Refit

Join our newsletter

I agree to the terms & conditions

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 X-Yachting. All rights reserved.

• Sailing Courses

• X-Yachts Xc47

XR 41 LAUNCHING 2025

• PRESS RELEASE - JULY 2024

The ideal bluewater cruiser!

• Discover the Xc 47!

Superior sailing pleasure in beautiful locations!

• Charter an X today!

X-Yachts Webshop

Go shopping!

X-Yachts Partners 2024

Discover our partners!

Service Center in Haderslev

Service of all kinds of sailing and motor boats

This website requires javascript for full functionality. Please enable javascript.

Join our Mailing List

Join our monthly email mailing list to get all the latest information and news from X-Yachts directly in your inbox.

This tiny South Jersey town has built stunning boats for 60 years at Viking Yachts

Five-minute read.

BASS RIVER TOWNSHIP - At 4 p.m., the workday is over for the 1,500 or so craftsmen at the Viking Yachts boat works. The line of cars waiting to make a left out of the factory parking lot onto Route 9 is long enough to require a police officer to direct traffic.

Of course, it wasn't always this way. Nothing rarely is. Greatness doesn't often start out great. Viking Yachts, now celebrating its 60th year in business, invested a ton of blood and sweat equity to summit the proverbial top of the luxury boat builder's mountain.

"We were the laughingstock of the industry. Originally, I didn't think we'd survive," recalls Rudy Dalinger, an 80-year-old German immigrant who hasn't shed his thick accent or long hair tied in a ponytail — now silvery grey.

Dalinger, who is Viking's new product development manager, was one of the first craftsmen hired by Bill and Bob Healey in 1964 when the two brothers purchased the ailing Peterson-Viking boat company. Three years before, the Healeys had built a marina with a vision of adding condos to their spot on the Bass River in the Pinelands, an out-of-the-way place in the 1960s. It still very much is.

The condo plan did not pan out. Instead, they became boat builders.

What's under the waves? NJ record lobster caught by Ocean County diver; no one will ever beat that record

Building better boats

The center of the boat building business then was Egg Harbor City. When the Healeys bought out Peterson-Viking they brought the company's boat fixtures north to their marina in New Gretna and set up in the dirt-floor warehouse that was used for storing boats. Then they went to work.

Dalinger was hired in September for $2.10 an hour, five months after the acquisition. A carpenter by trade who built his own home and had formerly built hulls in Egg Harbor City, Dalinger worked with an initial small crew of about a dozen boat builders. Their first boats were 37-foot wooden yachts with teak cockpits and hand-painted hulls.

Sometimes referred to as "brains and brawn," Bob Healey was the attorney and Bill Healey was the hands-on construction guy and a hard-nosed former marine. Bill was in there everyday, covered in sawdust with them. He was at the door to shake everyone's hand at the end of the day, too.

"We started with nothing. He'd keep asking us, 'what do we need to make it easier, to build a better boat," Dalinger said. "And he went out and got it. Table saws, routers, planes, sanders. They may have been second-hand or bought at auction, but they worked."

Invited on the boat? Safety tips, advice for being invited back

And that became the Viking Yacht modus operandi: to build a better boat everyday. They made it through the 1960s. The company's first major milestone came in 1971 when they launched a fiberglass 33-footer. The next year Viking made its industry mark with the 40-foot Sedan Convertible, which remained in production for 16 years, selling more than 600 models. Nobody was laughing at Viking anymore.

"We made our breakaway from Peterson-Viking then. Their boats had all been wooden. When we came out with the 40 footer, that really rocketed us up," said Pat Healey, Bill's son and the CEO and president of Viking Yachts.

Boating safety: Hundreds of people die every year in boating accidents. Follow these 12 tips to stay safe

Viking Yachts enjoyed smooth seas for most of the 1980s, bringing in top talent like Lonni Rutt at the end of the decade, who was building nuclear subs for a government contractor in Newport News, Virginia, before joining Viking Yachts. He was part of the core design team responsible for building the modern Viking sportfishing yachts beginning in the mid-1990s.

"They had just finished the first expansion, the first expansion of the buildings, what we call our old lines 2, 3 and 4. They had just added the beginnings of the mill." Rutt said.

Luxury tax flops

Then Congress and the George H.W. Bush administration introduced a luxury tax in 1991, seeking to hit the rich a with 10% surcharge tax on purchases over $100,000. The luxury-boat building business grounded on a shoal. Rather than create $9 billion in tax revenue, the rich stopped buying, and the tax cost production workers their jobs.

In 1990, Viking sold 90 boats. When the tax went into effect, sales dropped to 32. A year later, the company sold just 12 boats. Rutt and many of the craftsmen who worked at Viking were temporarily out of work.

Enter Bob Healey's talents. He took the fight to Washington, busing in unemployed craftsmen and got national attention on the issue by burning a boat on a barge in Narragansett Bay. Two years after the tax was introduced, it was canned by Congress and President Bill Clinton.

"I watched as my father had to lay off people that had been here 15, 20 years for something that was completely out of our control," Pat Healey said.

Hook, Line & Sinker: Fishermen use ballyhoo to land Yellowfin tuna in Hudson Canyon

By 1994, Viking Yachts was back on the ascent. Pat Healey, who was out on the front lines at the boat shows and winning at prestigious fishing tournaments, showcased a 55-footer in 1997 that sold 115 models in five years. The Healeys would soon vertically integrate their business.

Wind in their sails

Fast forward to today and they've has grown into eight different companies in several states that form the Viking Marine Group. Their subsidies include Princess Yachts America, Palm Beach Towers and Atlantic Marine Electronics — the latter two allows them to deliver a fully outfitted luxury craft. They've added another boat works called Valhalla just a few miles away in Egg Harbor City on the Mullica River.

All told, they employ 2,005 people. Their New Gretna headquarters has over 880,000 square feet of manufacturing space and production line nearly a quarter-mile long making boats from 38 to 90 feet. The Mullica River plant has 106,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and makes center consoles from 28- to 46-feet in length.

These are no modest watercraft. Prices can range anywhere from $300,000 for a 28-foot Valhalla Bay boat to $12.5 million for the 90-foot Viking.

Strange catch: Fish falls from the sky, smashes Tesla car windshield in Atlantic Highlands

Since 1964, they've sold 5,500 boats. Bob has since passed away and Bill is retired. The future of the company lies in the hands of Pat and his three adult children. And they're in it for the long haul.

"We're all in. Totally committed," Pat Healey said.

Hook, Line & Sinker: Bluefin tuna, golden tilefish landed in the deep offshore

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; [email protected].

Donald, Melania, Barron Trump live at Mar-a-Lago. Where do Don Jr., Ivanka live in Florida?

Besides mar-a-lago, the trump family lives in exclusive neighborhoods like admirals cove in jupiter and indian creek village aka billionaire bunker..

Everybody seems to know Donald and Melania Trump live at Trump’s private club Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. What about the rest of the Trump family?

Long known as a New Yorker, Donald Trump announced on X , the social platform formerly known as Twitter, that he would permanently leave New York for Florida on Oct. 31, 2019: "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House, is the place I have come to love and will stay for, hopefully, another 5 years as we MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, but my family and I will be making Palm Beach, Florida, our Permanent Residence. ..."

When he was president of the United States, Donald Trump dubbed Mar-a-Lago the “Southern White House.”

From Manhattan to Mar-a-Lago, the former president, former first lady Melania Trump and their only son, Barron Trump, moved from Trump Tower to his private estate after he lost the 2020 presidential election. Soon, Donald Trump’s adult children followed suit. Here’s a roundup of where in Florida the Trump families call home.

Where do Donald Trump, Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump live?

Donald, Melania and Barron Trump have called Mar-a-Lago , which means “Sea to Lake” in Spanish, home since 2019.

In 1985, Donald Trump paid $10 million for the estate, which featured 33 bathrooms, three bomb shelters and a nine-hole golf course. Ten years later, he converted it to a private club with a spa, tennis and croquet courts, a new ballroom and beach club.

Mar-a-Lago is 17 acres. It sounds like a lot for an estate, but there's a lot going on there. The private club has 500 members. We don't know the exact size of the living quarters of Mar-a-Lago — but it is speculated to be somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet.

Will Barron Trump still live in Florida when he attends college in fall 2024?

Barron Trump spent much of his childhood at Trump Tower in Manhattan — until his father was sworn in as the 45th president in early 2017. Donald and Melania Trump permanently relocated to Florida from New York in 2019.

As of Monday, July 22, it is not known which university Barron Trump will attend , though his father said college was the next step for his youngest son during a rally July 9, 2024, in Doral. Fall 2024 classes for most universities start in late August.

Where do Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle live in Florida ?

Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle purchased a $9.7 million home in Jupiter, Florida, in March 2021. The  celebrity couple live in Admirals Cove , an exclusive gated community about 20 miles north of Mar-a-Lago.

7 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms: Details about Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle's $9.7 million house in Florida

Trump Jr. (son of Donald Trump and Ivana Trump) and former Fox News host Guilfoyle, who have been a couple since 2018, own the two-story, seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom home at 492 Mariner Drive, which features a wine room, theater, elevator, chef's kitchen, guest wings, a pool and private dock.

The ultra-luxury  Admirals Cove  waterfront community has 888 homes. Features include a spa, 45 holes of golf, pickleball and tennis courts, fitness center, two clubhouses, two driving ranges and four restaurants. There's also a marina for mega-yachts and a 30-room hotel — The Inn — atop a clubhouse for guests of members.

Residents who buy a home at Admirals Cove must buy a membership in the club, which costs $195,000 to join, the Palm Beach Post reported at the time.

The move enabled Trump Jr. to spend more time with his five children from his ex-wife, Vanessa, who lives nearby in the  Jupiter Country Club .

Where do Eric Trump and Lara Trump live in Florida?

Eric Trump, son of Donald Trump and Ivana Trump, and his wife, Lara Trump, moved to Jupiter, Florida, in May 2021 from Westchester, New York. The couple bought a $3.2 million home in the gated community of Trump National Golf Club.

Donald Trump's Florida operations include Trump National, Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, and Trump National Doral in Miami-Dade County.

Both Trump sons,  Donald Trump Jr.  and  Eric Trump,  executive vice presidents of the Trump Organization, work out of the Jupiter club offices, according to the company's website. Both men also live in Jupiter. Eric Trump lives in the Trump National residential community, and Donald Trump Jr. lives in the nearby  Admirals Cove enclave .

$15 million pricetag? Trump plans office complex at his Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida

Where do Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner live in Florida ?

Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner call  Billionaire Bunker home . In 2020, the couple reportedly paid $32 million for an empty waterfront lot  on the island from singer Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias' father, according to  Business Insider .

The proper name for  Billionaire Bunker, a private island near Miami  Beach, Florida, is Indian Creek Village. And it's one of the most elite properties in Florida, and the world, given its residential list. The "island" is home to one of the  world's richest people, the former First Daughter  and the GOAT of football (who is not actually a billionaire), to name a few. The 300-acre island in Biscayne Bay has about 30 homes, an ultra-exclusive country club and golf course. The mansions and Indian Creek Country Club are connected to the mainland via the Surfside Bridge over Indian Creek. The area has its own law enforcement,  Indian Creek Village Police Department .

Where do Tiffany Trump and husband Michael Boulos live in Florida?

News reports show Tiffany Trump, the youngest daughter of Donald Trump and second wife Marla Maples, and her husband, billionaire Michael Boulos, have lived in Miami since Tiffany Trump graduated from Georgetown University in 2020. The couple, who were engaged on Donald Trump's last day of office, got married in November 2022 at Mar-a-Lago.

Contributing: Christine Stapleton, Palm Beach Post

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on  Twitter  or Instagram at  @byjensangalang . Support local journalism.  Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper .