Motor Yachts, Semi and Full-custom Yachts
From 43m (141’) to 50m (164’)
Semi-Displacement, Full-Displacement
Christensen Yachts started with one man’s personal vision. In the early 1980s, Dave Christensen set out to build a yacht that reflected his own expectations—something solid, elegant, and better finished than what he’d seen on the market. The result quickly attracted attention within the yachting community. It wasn’t long before others asked for something similar, and in 1985, Christensen founded his own yard in Vancouver, Washington.
The company made an early name for itself in composite construction. They weren’t just building lighter yachts—they were creating stronger ones, too. Their vacuum-infused fiberglass hulls were quieter, more efficient, and surprisingly rigid. Noise and vibration were kept to a minimum, even on longer trips. And because nearly every stage of the build was handled in-house, projects moved efficiently and stayed consistent in quality.
Most builds sit between 35m (115') and 50m (164'), though no two are exactly alike. Interiors vary widely, often shaped by names like Glade Johnson or Carol Williamson. Some yachts lean classic, others more modern. SILVER LINING at 50m (164'), JACKPOT also at 50m (164'), and ODESSA at 48.8m (160') all reflect that range. The yard later announced a move to a larger facility on Tellico Lake, Tennessee, but production came to an end in 2020.
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Christensen yachts
An Overview of the Shipyard's History, Specialty, Iconic Builds, and Partnerships
Christensen Shipyards
Shipyard History
In 1982, Dave Christensen, a home builder and real estate developer from Vancouver, Washington, began his foray into boatbuilding when he retired at the age of 50 and purchased an 80-foot (24m) motor yacht. Once he encountered issues with it, Dave decided to build another by ordering a hull from Westport Shipyards and completing it himself. Before the project was finished, an interested party made an offer to purchase the yacht, which Dave accepted. Seeing potential in this new venture, he officially incorporated Christensen Shipyard in 1985 with the business officially opening its doors a year later.
With over 30 years of experience and 44 yachts delivered, Christensen Yachts earned its reputation as one of the most renowned superyacht builders in America. Located in Washington, the production of this renowned luxury fiberglass motor yacht builder came to an end in 2020. Christensen yachts continue to be sought after on the brokerage market.
Shipyard Specialty
Christensen Yachts was a leading US motor yacht builder, specializing in constructing semi-custom units exceeding 40m (131') with composite materials since the mid-1990s. Well-known among North American clients, Christensen offered superior craftsmanship and high-quality interior finishes, as well as close proximity to its client base.
Their in-house disciplines ensured quality and flexibility throughout the construction process, while the foam-cored structure provided natural absorption of mechanical and structural energy, reducing onboard noise and vibration. Christensen Yachts built a track record of delivering high-end yachts on time and on budget.
Notable deliveries and models
Over more than three decades in Vancouver, Washington, Christensen Yachts established itself as one of the world’s leading builders of composite superyachts of up to 50m. Its yachts were built using large-scale vacuum infusion and proprietary techniques that, according to the yard, gave them strength-to-weight ratios seven times higher than those of steel and solid laminate, producing deep-water vessels engineered for the toughest of global voyages. Notable deliveries include the 49m CHASSEUR and her sistership, the 50m SILVER LINING, both delivered in 2016. Production came to an end in 2020 with the 50m JACKPOT, the final yacht completed at the Vancouver facility.
Design collaborations
Christensen designed most of its superyachts in-house, giving its fleet a distinct and easily recognizable aesthetic.The yard nonetheless collaborated with several American design studios: Apollonio Naval Architecture on the 42.7m DAYDREAM and 36.6m SILENT WORLD II, Glade Johnson Design on the interior of the 47.2m ZEAL, Setzer Design Group on the 43.3m GRADE I and Carol Williamson & Associates on the interior of the 50m D’NATALIN IV. VARO Interior Design created the interior of CHASSEUR, which won Best Power 40m–65m at the 2017 International Superyacht Society Awards and a Judges’ Special Award at the 2017 World Superyacht Awards.