Johnson Yachts, based out of Pine Harbour Marina in Auckland, New Zealand, are currently working on the construction of the luxury motor yacht Johnson 80, destined for a NZ/Canadian couple living in Australia. Designed in partnership with NZ yacht designer Kevin Dibley, the new superyacht Johnson 80 is a light displacement-to-length powerboat (LDL), designed and being built to Australian NSCV LR SSC-2B survey requirements.
Superyacht Johnson 80 in the lovely Bora Bora yacht charter location, nestled in South Pacific
The design brief to Dibley was for a vessel that has a sleek and low profile, and a very stable and highly efficient hull form A go anywhere, anytime launch that the couple could use with family and friends both here and abroad. The interior had to allow for good entertainment with a large groups, but also comfortable and private for smaller groups and luxury yacht charter.
LDL, or Light displacement-to-length ratio powerboats are becoming more popular over the past few years due to their efficiency and low power consumption, so Dibley and Johnson studied the concept further and decided this was the best solution to achieve the brief. To do this properly, a low VCG (vertical centre of gravity) had to be implemented to maintain the safety at sea aspect of the design. To help with that stability, the hull will be built in steel and the superstructure in composites.
Luxury motor yacht Johnson 80 - Profile and Accommodation Layout
Further to that, all tankage is kept low in the bilges and keel of the hull. Another aspect of the design that was important for the success of this project was for all the major weights, like the engine room and tankage, to be located close to the LCB (longitudinal centre of buoyancy) to reduce pitching in a seaway as well as maintaining constant trim between Full and Lightship loads.
To further add comfort and to prevent roll, a Seakeeper Gyroscope will be placed in the bilges of the hull. It is a computer controlled gyroscope that eliminates most boat roll, including the fatigue, anxiety and seasickness that goes with it. Supplied by Twin Disc, the Seakeeper is a game changer in the overall comfort and enjoyment of boating offshore or coastal.
The Johnson 80 yacht is powered by twin 740 hp MTU Series 60 engines that produce a very efficient and comfortable 11 knots cruising speeds, but allowing 23 knots when tanks are fully loaded. As the owners will be heading offshore often, this cruising speed is more than required, and yet gladly taken.
Johnson 80 Yacht - Render
The interior comprises two large guest cabins amidships, and a spacious owners cabin forward, as well as a separate ‘overflow’ cabin/office to port. Separating these cabins is a TV/Entertainment lounge area that is luxurious and open. Right aft with a separate external entrance from the aft cockpit, is a very comfortable spare cabin for those wanting a bit more privacy.
On the main deck is the formal Saloon with panoramic views spaciousness. Forward lies the large and efficient Galley. The Helm Station lies forward and is open to the aft accommodation, but can be closed off when required such as when underway at night. Aft of the formal saloon is the mid deck where there is access to the flybridge and dayhead. Further aft again is the lower aft cockpit with boarding platform and all the space required for deep sea fishing and other water activities and sport.
This is a special build combining the aesthetics, ergonomics and efficiency expected in the latest designs offered. Alternative accommodation layouts can be discussed.
Technical Specifications of Johnson 80 superyacht:
LOA 24.765 m 81′ – 3″
LOH 22.965 m 75′ – 4″
LWL 21.450 m 70′ – 4″
BEAM 5.500 m 18′ – 0″
DRAFT (Loaded) 1.418 m 4′ – 8″
DISP (Loaded) 48,000 kg 105,820 lb’s
DISP (1/2 Load) 42,000 kg 92,593 lb’s
POWER 2 x MTU Series60 740hp @2300 rpm
SPEED (Cruising – Loaded) 12 kn
SPEED (Max – Loaded) 23 kn
FUEL 7,500 litres 1,981 USGal
WATER 1,650 litres 436 USGal
