Palmer Johnson Yachts For Sale

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Palmer Johnson Yachts

Are Palmer Johnson Yachts considered good yachts?

Yes. Palmer Johnson Yachts are respected for their distinctive styling, high-speed performance, aluminum and carbon-composite construction, and long history of custom yacht building. The brand’s best-known motor yachts combine superyacht-level accommodations with speeds that are considerably higher than those of many traditional displacement yachts. Because most Palmer Johnson yachts on the brokerage market are sophisticated, crewed vessels, buyers should carefully evaluate each yacht’s maintenance history, class status, machinery, structural condition and previous refits.

When was Palmer Johnson Yachts founded?

Palmer Johnson’s history dates to 1918, when Hans Johnson and Herman Gmack established Sturgeon Bay Boat Works in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The company evolved from building and repairing wooden boats into an internationally recognized builder of racing sailboats, custom aluminum yachts, luxury motor yachts and high-performance superyachts. The Palmer Johnson name was adopted during the 1950s, and the company eventually became one of the most prominent American names in large-yacht construction.

Does Palmer Johnson still build new yachts?

Palmer Johnson continues to present itself as a designer and builder of sport yachts and superyachts, with its current website featuring the PJ63 Sport, SuperSport Series and SportYacht Series. Its current recruitment materials also reference engineering and production positions in Pisa, Italy, including work connected with a 48-meter SuperSport project. However, the historic Sturgeon Bay shipyard closed in 2015 as the company shifted its production strategy toward Europe. A prospective new-build buyer should confirm the exact construction facility, project schedule, warranties and contractual structure before proceeding.

Where are Palmer Johnson Yachts built?

Many of Palmer Johnson’s most famous yachts were built at the company’s former shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin facility produced aluminum SportYachts such as Lady M and completed the outfitting of several other important models. The carbon-composite hull and superstructure of the 49.5-meter Khalilah were fabricated in Norway before the yacht was transported to Wisconsin for systems installation and interior completion. Current company materials reference production activity in Pisa, Italy, and design, engineering and administrative operations in Monaco.

What types and sizes of yachts does Palmer Johnson offer?

Palmer Johnson’s modern portfolio focuses on open sport yachts, high-performance motor yachts and luxury superyachts. The carbon-composite PJ63 Sport measures approximately 63 feet, while the aluminum SportYacht Series includes designs from 120 to 210 feet. The SuperSport portfolio includes 42-, 48- and 72-meter concepts designed to combine large interior volume, stability, efficiency and speeds approaching or exceeding 30 knots. Earlier in its history, Palmer Johnson also built custom sailing yachts, expedition yachts and more traditionally styled motor yachts.

What are the most popular Palmer Johnson yacht models?

The most recognizable Palmer Johnson models include the PJ120, PJ135, PJ150, PJ170 and PJ210 SportYachts. The PJ150 became one of the company’s most successful modern platforms, while the PJ170 is represented by yachts such as DB9, Bliss and Sanam. The 64-meter Lady M is the flagship example of the PJ210 series, and the gold-hulled Khalilah is the only completed Palmer Johnson 48-meter SuperSport. Buyers looking for a smaller performance yacht may also consider the carbon-composite PJ63 Sport.

How fast are Palmer Johnson Yachts?

Many Palmer Johnson yachts are capable of speeds between approximately 27 and 34 knots, depending on the model, machinery and operating conditions. The PJ63 Sport lists a maximum speed of 34 knots, while the PJ170 SportYacht lists a maximum speed of approximately 31 knots. The 52.4-meter DB9 has a reported top speed of 32.5 knots, and the 64-meter Lady M can reach approximately 28 knots. Some larger models can also travel considerable distances at reduced speeds; DB9, for example, has a reported maximum range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles at 13 knots.

What is the difference between a Palmer Johnson SportYacht and a SuperSport?

The Palmer Johnson SportYacht Series consists primarily of aluminum, semi-displacement yachts ranging from 120 to 210 feet. These yachts are recognized by their long, low profiles, sculpted arches, large outdoor decks and high-20- to low-30-knot performance. The SuperSport Series uses a more unconventional hull form with a slender central hull and stabilizing sponsons. This arrangement is intended to increase usable beam, improve roll damping and reduce resistance while maintaining high speed and transatlantic capability.

Are Palmer Johnson Yachts built from aluminum or carbon fiber?

Palmer Johnson has used both aluminum and carbon-composite construction. The traditional SportYacht range was built primarily with aluminum hulls and superstructures, providing strength, customization flexibility and relatively low weight for yachts of their size. The PJ63 Sport uses carbon composite, while Khalilah was constructed with a carbon-fiber hull and superstructure and became one of the largest private yachts built entirely from carbon composite. A pre-purchase survey should be performed by specialists familiar with the specific construction material.

Can a Palmer Johnson Yacht be operated by its owner?

The PJ63 Sport may be manageable for a highly experienced owner-operator, although the builder’s specifications include accommodations for one crew member. Larger Palmer Johnson yachts are professional-crew vessels. The PJ170 is designed for approximately eight crew members, while the 72-meter SuperSport concept provides accommodations for up to 17 crew. Owners of larger Palmer Johnson yachts generally employ a captain, engineers, deck crew, chefs and interior personnel to manage navigation, maintenance, guest service and regulatory compliance.

How do Palmer Johnson owners use their yachts?

Palmer Johnson owners commonly use their yachts for fast cruising, luxury entertaining, extended vacations and seasonal travel through destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Florida and the Bahamas. Large aft decks, pools, beach clubs, tender garages and water-toy storage make the yachts particularly well suited for outdoor living. DB9, for example, includes multiple swimming areas, al fresco dining spaces, tender storage and Jet Ski capacity. Many Palmer Johnson yachts also participate in the luxury charter market when they are not being used privately.

Are Palmer Johnson Yachts suitable for the Great Lakes and offshore cruising?

Certain Palmer Johnson yachts can operate on the Great Lakes and complete substantial offshore passages, but their size, draft, air draft, fuel requirements and crew needs must be considered. The brand’s roots are in Sturgeon Bay, and many of its most famous yachts were launched into the Great Lakes before traveling through the St. Lawrence Seaway. After delivery, Lady M traveled through the St. Lawrence River and Newfoundland before crossing the North Atlantic, demonstrating that a high-performance Palmer Johnson can also be a capable passagemaker. Great Lakes buyers should verify marina access, bridge restrictions, winter-storage options and available service facilities.

How does Palmer Johnson compare with Mangusta, Pershing and AB Yachts?

Palmer Johnson occupies the high-performance luxury-yacht category alongside brands such as Mangusta, Pershing and AB Yachts. As a market-positioning comparison, these builders appeal to owners who value speed, dramatic styling, outdoor living and the ability to travel quickly between cruising destinations. Palmer Johnson distinguishes itself through its American yacht-building heritage, sculpted Nuvolari Lenard styling, extensive use of aluminum and early adoption of large carbon-composite structures. Individual comparisons should consider speed, range, interior volume, draft, stabilization, service support and refit history rather than brand name alone.

What awards and industry recognition have Palmer Johnson Yachts received?

One of the more recent documented honors involving a Palmer Johnson was the 51-meter Helios 2 being named the U.S. Yacht Management Yacht of the Year at Fraser’s 2022 anniversary awards. The PJ170 DB9 was also selected as a finalist for the 2011 World Superyacht Awards and remains widely recognized for its performance and distinctive design. The 49.5-meter Khalilah has received extensive industry attention as a groundbreaking all-carbon superyacht with an unusually wide beam and expansive outdoor living areas.

Why should I use a Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales broker to purchase a Palmer Johnson Yacht?

A Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales broker can help a buyer locate Palmer Johnson yachts for sale throughout the international brokerage market and compare their specifications, asking prices, maintenance histories and refit records. Purchasing a used Palmer Johnson requires specialized due diligence involving aluminum or composite construction, engines, generators, stabilizers, class records, flag documentation, crew requirements and operating costs. A JBYS broker can assist with negotiations, documentation, survey coordination, mechanical inspections, sea trials, closing and transportation. With more than 50 years of experience and nine offices in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Florida, JBYS is especially well positioned to assist clients cruising the Great Lakes, Florida, the East Coast and international waters.