Courtesy Ocean House

Chanticleer: A Classic 108-Foot Burger Motoryacht Returns to Watch Hill

Any experienced boater navigating the waters off Watch Hill, Rhode Island, recognizes a true classic when it appears on the horizon. This summer, visitors to the harbor should keep an eye out for Chanticleer, the 108-foot Burger motoryacht whose history and thoughtful restoration make her a standout on the New England coast.

Launched in 1973 as Buckpasser, she was commissioned by prominent thoroughbred owner and breeder Ogden Phipps, who named the yacht after his celebrated racehorse—Horse of the Year in 1966. Built by the respected Burger Boat Company and penned by naval architect Jack Hargrave, the vessel was notable from the outset: at the time of delivery she was the largest yacht Burger had completed and the first from that Wisconsin yard to include a helipad.

In 1986 the yacht changed hands when entertainer Frances Langford, who was married to Ralph Evinrude of the outboard-engine family, acquired the boat and adapted her to a new role focused on fishing and entertaining. During that period the helipad was transformed into an open-air dining area and the hull was lengthened to 108 feet with the addition of a dedicated fishing cockpit. It was then that she received the name Chanticleer, a name she retains today.

The current owners approached the yacht with a clear appreciation for her original character. Rather than modernize her completely, they chose to preserve her classic American motoryacht identity while making careful, sensitive updates. Chanticleer recently completed a comprehensive restoration at Cracker Boy Boat Works in Riviera Beach, Florida. The project included new paint, refreshed teak decking and interior updates designed to respect the vessel’s original materials and lines.

Designer Kellie Burke collaborated closely with the owners to lighten and modernize the interior palette while retaining the warmth of original wood and varnished finishes. The refresh introduced softer, nature-inspired hues and updated fabrics and finishes that complement rather than replace the yacht’s character. Staterooms were refinished, the master bathroom was rebuilt, and modern systems—such as updated navigation electronics and an air purification system—were integrated discreetly so the boat’s original structure remains evident.

Power comes from twin 435-hp Caterpillar engines, which provide a comfortable cruising speed of about 10 knots and a top speed of around 12 knots. Those figures underline the truth that Chanticleer is not a high-speed performance craft; she instead embodies the enduring appeal of well-built American yachts—designed and constructed to be seaworthy, comfortable and long-lasting.

This summer, Chanticleer will be visible around Watch Hill and is being offered through the Ocean House resort for dockside stays and private charters. While new, flashy yachts often attract attention for their novelty, vessels like Chanticleer command respect for their craftsmanship, history and the care taken to preserve their original spirit.

Why Classic Yachts Matter

Classic motor yachts like Chanticleer represent a period when American yards emphasized durable construction, elegant proportions and practical onboard layouts. Restorations that honor those priorities—updating safety and comfort while preserving defining features—help ensure these boats remain in active service for decades. For owners, charter guests and maritime enthusiasts, seeing a restored Burger motoryacht in a historic cruising ground like Watch Hill is a reminder of both nautical heritage and thoughtful stewardship.

Whether admired from a tender, chartered for a special occasion, or simply spotted while passing through the harbor, Chanticleer offers a living example of classic yacht design maintained with modern sensibilities. Her presence this season is a quiet celebration of a bygone era of boatbuilding that still resonates with today’s sailors and guests.