Palmer Johnson Yachts

Palmer Johnson is a builder of custom luxury yachts. The American company is based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, with sales offices in various worldwide regions. Palmer Johnson Yachts began in 1918 by building wooden fishing boats. They have grown to be a leader in the United States for custom mega luxury yacht construction.

Palmer Johnson has a history for building the world’s most innovative yachts. When combined with Bugatti’s signature engineering traits, accentuated centre line, sweeping curves and perfect symmetry, Palmer Johnson superyachts are like no other. Superior materials like carbon and revolutionary hulls have also been incorporated into their distinctive designs for maximum speed and power. Custom made superyachts by Palmer Johnson are built in a variety of materials, colours and finishes. Notable yachts include the 41.4m PJ 135 Sport Yacht Dragon, launched in 2007 to international acclaim and the superyacht Bliss, launched in 2014 at the PJ shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, USA.

Many of the yachts feature an emphasis on a quiet, low vibration ride. The first aluminum super yacht in the United States to have both a United Kingdom MCA and Lloyd’s certification came from Palmer Johnson (MALUNGA). It was also a Palmer Johnson yacht which set a world speed record (at one time) in the large motor yacht class.

Palmer Johnson was founded in 1918 as Johnson and Gmack. Then the company built and repaired boats for the Great Lakes commercial fishing fleet. This continued until 1928, when Palmer Johnson, the founder’s son, built the first wooden yacht. As the reputation for high quality yachts grew, so did orders for their custom wooden yachts.

When the United States entered WWII and country rallied behind the effort, Palmer Johnson (then called Sturgeon Bay Boat Works) began producing 45’ air-sea rescue vessels and 65’ T-class freighters. At the end of the war custom yacht manufacturing began. It wasn’t until 1956 that the company was officially named Palmer Johnson Boats and was at that time sold to a group of local Sturgeon Bay businessmen. In 1961, after being sold to Texas Instruments founder Pat Haggerty, a commitment was made to begin producing yachts constructed of aluminum. Later, Palmer Johnson was purchased by Andrew McKelvey from Monster.com.

Today, Palmer Johnson yachts is headed by Mike Kelsey, Jr., who’s father Mike Kelsey Sr. is largely credited with developing Palmer Johnson into a mega yacht company. Mike Jr. seized the opportunity to purchase and expand Palmer Johnson's in the early 2000’s. He then turned it back into one of America's premier yacht building companies. Mike Jr. is often credited with resurrecting the company and arranging the financial restructuring that has allowed Palmer Johnson to continue building on its successes.

Palmer Johnson Yachts has created several new high-style motor yachts at the Sturgeon Bay Yard, ranging from 90 feet up to 123 feet, including the first ever fiberglass Palmer Johnson built. They have recently successfully completed a 142’ tri-deck luxury motor yacht as well as a Palmer Johnson 150' motor yacht called M/Y HOKULANI. Other striking vessels by Palmer Johnson include the 2013 motor yacht LADY M and superyacht project HERMES.

Palmer Johnson Yacht Charters

A Palmer Johnson yacht charter is the best way to discover some of the world’s most pristine and luxurious locations. A masterful blend of design, technology and performance is used to create a unique class of superyacht. These “go anywhere” types of vessels are built for speed to charter to many incredible destinations such as the Caribbean, North America, the Bahamas, South Pacific as well as the eastern and western Mediterranean. Explore secluded bays, coves and remote islands in complete luxury when chartering a Palmer Johnson yacht.

Palmer Johnson yacht charters really do offer exceptional value for money. Special qualities include cutting edge styling coupled with sleek profiles. Sun or shade, the choice is yours. Many PJ yachts have optional hardtops and large deck areas. Being more stable, spacious and efficient allows Palmer Johnson yacht charter vessels to cruise at high speeds. During your time onboard, enjoy all of the amenities and facilities of a five-star hotel as well as mouth-watering catering, created specifically for you. Every PJ yacht for charter is quite unique in design, appeal and performance. There are around 87 yachts available for charter, so take your time browsing online for a dream superyacht.