Her semi-displacement hull gives her great flexibility in performance. The Fleming 55 has a range of 2,000 nautical miles at 8 knots yet, with her standard Twin Cummins QSC 500 HP common rail engines, she can attain a top speed of approximately 20 knots. Maximum sustained cruising speed is around 17 knots where her moderate dead rise provides a comfortable ride unlike those boats for which speed is the main design criteria. These high speed, planning hulls require flatter sections making for a hard ride and the need to slow down in a seaway. On long passages, Fleming owners prefer a more leisurely and economical speed of 10 knots, where the typical fuel burn is slightly more than 10 gph.

The Fleming’s deep keel provides protection for the running gear and stability in following seas. Because noise and vibration contribute to fatigue, Fleming has paid special attention to producing a yacht which has become the standard in the industry for its whisper quiet, smooth ride. Fundamental to this achievement is the use of Aqua drive anti-vibration drive systems. Other builders either charge a heavy premium for this or do not offer it at all.

The Fleming 55 was first introduced in 1986, and since that time it has benefited from a rigorous program of evolution. There have been literally hundreds of improvements made, both big and small. While its legendary hull design remains essentially the same, today’s Fleming 55 is a thoroughly modern yacht utilizing advanced technology, materials and construction methods. In 2008 hull number 200 was launched, making it one of the most successful production yachts in history.