Foredeck and Forepeak
The ability to set and retrieve heavy ground tackle is essential to safe cruising and special attention has been paid to these features on the Fleming 55. The fiberglass anchor platform is equipped with a Lofrans horizontal windlass with separate capstan and a gypsy for 3/8" Hi-Test chain. The windlass has a plug-in remote control (as well as controls in the pilothouse and on the flying bridge) and double sets of grooved rollers make it possible to self-launch and stow two anchors. These features do away with the need to wrestle with potentially hazardous chain and anchors. Hose bibs for salt and fresh water are located next to the anchor platform and there are deck lockers to port and starboard.
A lock-down hatch on the foredeck gives convenient access to the forepeak which is separated from the rest of the boat by a collision bulkhead. It has an area for storage of chain and a separate ventilated rope locker. Each is fitted with a bitter end fitting. The forepeak drains directly overboard and can be hosed down without concerns that the water will contaminate the bilges.
The flared bow turns aside green water and provides a forward deck of unusually generous proportions. The teak handrail has been brought inboard of the sloping bulwarks for convenience and security. To prevent streaking of the hull, the deck scuppers are piped down to the bootstripe, rather than being allowed to drain directly overboard.
Further protection against heavy weather is provided by the design of the Portuguese bridge. There is comfortable seating on its forward side which is also the location for the forward shore inlets. There is ample storage for fender and lines inside ventilated lockers accessed from the aft side of the Portuguese Bridge and double doors close off the forward deck areas from the side and bridge decks creating a safe area for small children. There are sturdy, stainless steel handrails around the forward face of the pilothouse and down both side decks.
Easy stairs with handrails designed for both adults and children lead down to the wide and well-protected side-decks which run down both sides of the boat. Here you will find cleats and chocks for forward and aft springlines. The inward-opening bulwark doors make for easy and safe boarding.
Aft Deck and swimstep
With an area of approximately 250 sq ft. the Fleming 55 aft deck is unusually large. Being all at one level, it becomes an extension of the salon and provides ample space for chairs, donning scuba gear or fishing.
The fiberglass skirt around the edge of the wide teak coaming conceals mood lighting and hides the engine-room air intakes where, unlike those on the exterior of the hull, they are well-protected from salt-laden spray.
Shower fittings for hot and cold water, located next to the inward-opening transom door, are conveniently placed for use while standing on the swimstep. Stainless steel handrails on the transom and a swim ladder which can be deployed by a person in the water provide safety and convenience.
Access to the boat deck is via a stainless steel ladder and a sliding hatch in the overhead. Access into the lazarette is through lockable hatches, with safe and stylish curved corners. Available as options are a console for cockpit controls and a locker which can be equipped with a basin and faucets.
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