Johnson Yachts has just launched a four-stateroom, 27-knot, 80-foot cruising boat that it says is an entry-level superyacht. That’s because no two Johnson 80s will be the same. Each owner can enjoy a high level of customization in the interior, just as he or she would be able to choose on a much larger vessel.
The new Johnson 80 is designed by Bill Dixon, of Dixon Yacht Design in Southampton, England, one of the world’s leading yacht designers. The interior is by Karen Lynn Interior Design of Fort Lauderdale.
“The Johnson 80 combines our proven engineering with fashionable comforts of Karen Lynn Interior Design for an unbeatable result, able to impress yachting enthusiasts the world over,” said Andy Huang, president of Johnson Yachts. Founded in 1987, Johnson Yachts in Taiwan, a family business, has built more than 350 yachts from 70 to 125 feet.
In its sea trial, the new Johnson 80 hit a top speed of 27 knots and a cruising speed of 19 knots. It’s powered by twin 1,550-hp MAN V-12 diesels.
The yacht carries its 20’ 8” beam well forward, providing a generous amount of interior volume. The salon has wraparound windows in front and teardrop-shaped windows on the sides to let in a lot of natural light, and to give guests a great view underway.
A country kitchen is forward, with an open galley and marble countertops. It also has an island and breakfast bar in matching marble. A large L-shaped dinette is forward to take advantage of the view.
Aft in the salon is the main social area, with an L-shaped settee, a pair of armchairs and ottomans. A multi-panel sliding door opens to the aft deck, to combine the two social areas. The aft deck has a long settee against the transom, with a highly varnished teak table on a stainless steel pedestal. The aft deck is well protected by the overhang from flybridge. A pair of sun lounges grace the foredeck.
Up top, the flybridge has a single helm seat with a three-person bench seat to port. Aft, on the port side, is a large U-shaped settee and teak table. A wet bar is on the starboard side.
On the lower deck, the master stateroom is full-beam amidships with a lounging area and a vanity/desk and an en suite head and shower. The VIP stateroom is forward with an island berth, a dressing table and a private head. A pair of en suite guest cabins are a bit aft; they each can have a double berth or a pair of twins.
Specs.: LOA: 80’0”; Beam: 20’8”; Draft: 6’0”; Disp.: 65 tons; Fuel: 1,550 gals.; Water: 320 gals.; Power: 2×1,550-hp MAN V-12 diesels.
