Fast Cruiser Motor Yachts, Semi-Custom Yachts
From 37.9m (124’) to 72m (236’)
Planing, Semi-Displacement
Palmer Johnson started in 1918 as a small boatbuilder in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. For decades, it focused on wooden craft built for both work and recreation. The company’s direction began to shift in the mid-20th century, when aluminum hulls and faster designs brought new attention and set the tone for what would come next.
The launch of the SportYacht series in the early 2000s marked a new chapter for the brand. These models featured low profiles, wide decks, and a distinct design language that blended performance with sharp styling. The follow-up SuperSport series introduced a trimaran-style hull and carbon composite materials, increasing both efficiency and usable space onboard.
Although the company no longer builds in Wisconsin, its presence continues from Monaco, where operations now focus on international clients and limited-production projects. Yachts like Khalilah and DB9 reflect Palmer Johnson’s signature approach: fast, sleek motor yachts that stand out for both looks and capability.
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Palmer Johnson Yachts
An Overview of the Shipyard's History, Specialty, Iconic Builds, and Partnerships
Palmer Johnson Yachts
Shipyard History
A respected American brand, Palmer Johnson was founded in 1918 and expanded from its humble beginnings in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, building and repairing wooden skiffs and commercial fishing vessels, to become a noted superyacht builder. Building yachts in both aluminium and carbon fiber, Palmer Johnson yachts range across many styles including the sturdy Explorer line to the luxurious SuperSport series and the new SportYacht. A reputation for style, performance, innovative materials and engineering set Palmer Johnson apart for years and help make their yachts a well-recognized brand on the charter and sales market.
Notable deliveries and models
A reputation for style, performance, innovative materials and engineering set Palmer Johnson apart for years. Their launches have always been met with critical acclaim, from the 100’ (30m) 1979 motor yacht Fortuna which was built for royalty and held the record for fastest superyacht for over 10 years, to the 2015 SuperSport M/Y Khalilah, which, at 157’6’’ (48m), is the largest carbon composite luxury yacht ever built.
With vessels constructed from both aluminium and carbon fiber, Palmer Johnson yachts range across many styles including the sturdy Explorer and the Italian styled SportYacht. The yard’s luxurious SuperSport series is the yard’s most recent line, a high performance yacht series constructed from carbon fibre. All of Palmer Johnson’s yachts are well-recognized on the charter and sales market for their cutting edge design, high performance and innovative features.