Holman 55

1985 Holman 55 “La Dolce Vita” – Classic Offshore Sailing Yacht Overview

La Dolce Vita is a rare and beautifully maintained Holman 55, custom-built by Sail Fast Industries of San Diego and designed by the legendary Kim Holman. Hull No. 4 in her series, she was purpose-built for performance sailing and offshore capability. With her robust fiberglass construction, fin keel, and elegant racing lines, she combines timeless design with reliable cruising features — an ideal yacht for bluewater passages or coastal adventures.

Her Perkins 120 HP diesel engine was completely overhauled in September 2017 and has logged only 158 hours since. The hull was fully repainted in August 2024, and she’s registered in Panama as a recreational vessel (valid through December 2025). This yacht reflects decades of expert care, recent upgrades, and consistent attention to detail.

Builder: Sail Fast Industries (San Diego)
Designer: Kim Holman
Model: Holman 55
Year Launched: 1985
Length Overall: 55 ft
Beam: 14 ft
Draft: 6.4 ft
Displacement: 148 (LWL)
Hull Material: FRP (Fiberglass)
Deck Material: Fiberglass / Wood sandwich core
Keel Type: Fin Keel (bolted)
Steering: Wheel – single helm station
Registry: Panama #9124 (Recreational, valid through Dec 2025)
Last Antifouled: August 2024
Hull Repaint: August 2024

Engine: Perkins 120 HP Model 3778665B (S.A.C. 28 YY)
Engine Hours: 158 (after complete overhaul in 2017)
Cruising Speed: 8 knots
Maximum Speed: 9 knots
Cruise Fuel Burn: ~0.75 GPH
Drive Type: Shaft Drive
Propeller: Two-blade (prop balanced and trimmed in 2018)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Thrusters: None
Steering System: Wheel
Hot Water Off Engine: Sea Water

Fuel Capacity: 122.5 gal
Water Capacity: 157.5 gal

• House Battery: 1 × 12 V

• Engine Batteries: 2 × 12 V (replaced June 2024)

• Windlass Battery: 1 × 12 V

• Battery Type: Marine Lead

• Battery Charger: Yes

• System Voltage: 12 V (220 V shore power)

• Solar Panels: 3 × 100 W each

• Generator: N/A

• Wind Generator: No

• Inverter: No

• Air Conditioning: No

• Heater: No

Electrical Upgrades:
Rewiring and system replacement completed February 2020.

• Depth Transducer: Yes

• Autopilot: Yes (needs adjustment)

• Wind Instruments: No

• Radar: No

• Chart Plotter: No

• GPS: No

• Stereo: Sony

• VHF Radio: SeaRanger 3000

• AIS & EPIRB: Yes (registry requires update)

• TV: No

• Sat Phone: No

The detailed cabin configuration was not specified in the inventory, but the Holman 55 typically features a spacious owner’s stateroom aft, a generous saloon amidships, and additional forward berths suitable for guests or crew.

Interior Highlights (as per class):

• Open saloon with ample seating and headroom

• Galley to port with double sink and refrigeration

• Large chart table and navigation station

• Multiple hatches for light and ventilation

(Further interior details pending update.)

• Galley Location: Amidships Port

• Stove / Oven: Installed

• Sink: Yes

• Refrigeration: Yes (12 V system)

• Freezer: Yes (12 V system)

• Microwave: N/A

• Gas Alarm / Auto Shutoff: N/A

Mast / Boom Construction: Aluminum (expected for class)
Rig Type: Sloop / Cutter configuration (Kim Holman design)
Standing Rigging: Details TBD
Running Rigging: Operational condition good
Spinnaker Pole: Yes
Mainsail: Yes
Headsails: Yes
Winches: Manual (standard)
Main Sail Reefing: Standard slab reefing

• Life Raft: Yes

• Life Jackets: Yes

• Flares, EPIRB, First Aid: On board (requires date check)

• Bilge Pumps: Manual & Electric

• Fire Extinguishers: Yes

• Anchors: Primary & Spare on board

• Windlass: Installed

• Tender: Yes (details TBD)

• Davits: Yes

• Swim Ladder: Yes

• Deck Wash: Salt / Fresh water

• Deck Shower: Yes (cold)

• Cockpit Cushions: Yes

• Bimini: Yes

• Mooring Lines & Fenders: Yes

• Fishing Gear / BBQ / Water Toys: Included

• Hull Repaint: August 2024

• Antifoul: August 2024

• Electrical Rewire: February 2020

• Battery Replacement: June 2024

• Engine Overhaul: September 2017 (158 hours since)

• Propeller Balanced & Trimmed: 2018

La Dolce Vita embodies the blend of classic Holman craftsmanship and modern reliability. Recently refitted and freshly repainted, she stands ready for her next chapter — whether for serious offshore cruising or elegant coastal sailing. Her timeless lines, strong pedigree, and solid maintenance history make her an excellent opportunity for discerning yachtsmen seeking a capable and characterful 55-footer.