Berckemeyer 53 DS: Evolution of a successful model

Aluminium construction makes it possible: the BM 53 DS model number 4 already shows consistent further development right through to fresh hull lines.

With the latest version, the deck saloon yacht from Berckemeyer presents its most consistent further development to date. What began in 2018 with the "Sunbird", which was also successful on the German regatta courses, is now the result of a continuous optimisation process - driven by experience on the water, dialogue with the owners and the uncompromising demands of the designer. The length and width remain unchanged compared to the construction numbers 2 and 3. What has changed fundamentally are the hull lines - and significantly so. Inspired by the latest designs of the BM 50 and the BM 42 DS (now known as the PURE 42), the hull of construction number 4 has a fuller bow and an even flatter stern. The forefoot in the bow area was completely omitted and the stem was modified from vertical to negative. Above the chines, the frames now run almost vertically - a geometry that creates a wider underwater hull surface when heeling and thus significantly increases dimensional stability, according to designer Martin Menzner from Stein an der Kieler Förde.

Faster, stiffer, more stroke

The result: faster hull lines, more righting moment. One of the technical highlights of construction number 4 is the completely redesigned lifting keel. The principle that Martin Menzner from Berckemeyer Yacht Design has already successfully developed in recent years for the smaller models - from the BM 40 to the BM 42 and PURE 42 to the BM 50 - is now being used for the first time in the BM 53 DS.

The keel extends out of the deck in front of the mast and offers two decisive advantages. Greater stroke: 1.80 metres instead of the previous 1.60 metres, the draught now ranges from 1.45 to 3.25 metres. Can be fixed in any position: The keel can be locked in any position - so if you want, you can sail with a draught of 2.50 metres, for example. In addition, the new system allows the mast to be moved even further aft - with positive effects on the sail plan and the overall balance of the boat.

Layout and deckhouse remain

The deck, superstructure and cockpit layout remain unchanged from its predecessors. The interior also continues to impress with the characteristic layout of the BM 53 DS: a spacious, genuine deck saloon in a closed U-shape with a 360-degree panoramic view - a feature that makes the BM a year-round boat and an explorer. Like build number 3, build number 4 is also equipped with a carbon mast from Pauger - it is light, stiff and matches the boat's high performance standards. The rig is equipped with double aft stays to allow for a fathead mainsail, and the spreaders are also heavily swept. A cutter jib (trinquette) is positioned far aft of the forestay. The boat is equipped with a stern garage for a dinghy. Double rudders, a sail load and a centre cabin are further features.

More stability, faster lines, a more effective sail plan - and yet the BM53DS remains what its owners appreciate about it: a good-natured, comfortable cruising yacht that can be sailed safely and relaxed even with a small crew. Performance meets seaworthiness and comfort, a desirable ideal combination that is rarely achieved in this distinctive form.

The hull construction of build number 4 was completed in March 2025 at the renowned and experienced yacht builder Benjamins in Emden - the shipyard that has already welded the first three hulls of the BM53DS. The interior fittings will follow in autumn at MFH (Maritime Faserverbundtechnik Haring), also in Emden, who have already completed construction number 3. The handover to the owner is planned for March 2028.

Typical Martin Menzner/ Berckemeyer

The fact that the BM53 DS remains so clear in its character despite all the evolution has a lot to do with the signature of Berckemeyer Yacht Design (BM) to do. Since the death of Oswald Berckemeyer (2004), the office has been run by Martin Menzner. The designer from Stein near Kiel consistently thinks of yachts in terms of their use: modern, performance-orientated yachts that do not sail for "show", but for efficiency, control and reserves - and thus aim for precisely the mix that makes a fast cruising yacht a reliable long-distance platform.

The aluminium construction is more than just a robust material promise. It creates constructive freedom, which can be seen again and again in the BM series: Because the load-bearing structure comes from frames and stringers, bulkheads and furniture do not have to share responsibility for the rigidity of the hull in the same way as is the case with many standard GRP yachts. This not only makes repairs and conversions easier, but also enables an interior layout that can be planned more individually according to the owner's profile - from storage space and technical focal points to genuine year-round use, where insulation, systems and operating logic play a greater role than maximum living space at any price.

Another typical BM feature is the idea of variable area selection via adjustable keels. Not as a compromise, but as a tool: shallow draught for bays, harbours and anchorages - and maximum lever arms and stability if required when making way. In this light, the new lifting keel of construction number 4 is not an isolated improvement, but the consistent continuation of a design line that Menzner has developed over several models.

Technical data BM 53 DS

• Hull length 16.40 m
• Waterline length 15.70 m
• Width 4.80 m
• Draught 1.45 - 3.20 m
• Ballast 5.2 t + 2 x 1.0 t water ballast
• Weight 19 tonnes
• Mainsail 95.0 m²
• Jib 75.0 m²
• Storm jib 35.0 m²
• Code Zero 150, 0 m²
• Gennaker 240 ²
• Water tank 2 x 320 litres
• Fuel tank 2 x 350 litres

Equipment/suppliers

• Hull: Benjamins
• Extension: MFH
• Mast/boom: Pauger, Carbon
• Furler: Facnor
• Winches: Harken, Andersen
• Control system: Jefa
• Engine: Yanmar 80 hp
• Bow thruster: MaxPower VIP 250

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