Wheeler Yacht Company was widely-renowned, and critically-acclaimed during its heyday. As one of the premier boat builders of its era, it was lauded by many a prolific individual, including author Ernest Hemingway, who acquired the company’s iconic Pilar model in 1934. After years of silence, the nautically-inclined company has finally returned, and with it, a model that’s been reverse-engineered to mimic Hemingway’s late yacht.
The Wheeler 38 ‘Pilar’ Fishing Boat is the first release from the brand in many years. To mark its return, the outfit has partnered with the naval architect, Bill Prince, to recapture the nostalgia of its early-era yachts. Instead of remaining true to the classic design of the original, the modern-day Pilar boasts a suite of interesting additions, including a cold-molded epoxy hull, a clean-running diesel engine, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 30 knots, and a series of contemporary tech inclusions, like onboard iPad and iPhone system control, touchscreen navigation/marine electronics, air conditioning, autopilot, and Sub-Zero refrigeration. Of course, these well-integrated luxuries come at a steep price. If you’re interested in acquiring one of your own, you can expect to pay around $1,500,000.
