Christensen Yachts built its reputation on large American motor yachts constructed in advanced composite materials, with an emphasis on structural strength, long-range capability, detailed interior craftsmanship, and extensive in-house fabrication.
For buyers comparing used yachts for sale, Christensen occupies a distinctive part of the U.S. superyacht market. The builder became particularly well known for yachts in the 115- to 164-foot range, many with tri-deck layouts, full-beam master suites, substantial guest accommodation, and transoceanic range.
The current brokerage market is primarily pre-owned. YachtWorld presently shows 11 Christensen yachts from approximately 110 to 164 feet, including Tri-Deck, Motor Yacht, Raised Pilothouse, Custom, 115, and 2020-model listings.
Christensen became known for composite yacht construction using fiberglass and vacuum-infusion techniques rather than the steel and aluminium construction common among many European superyacht yards.
The shipyard describes its construction process as using large-scale vacuum infusion and proprietary composite techniques to produce strong, relatively lightweight hulls, decks, and superstructures suitable for deep-water cruising.
This construction method is one of the defining characteristics of the brand and is a major reason Christensen yachts should be surveyed by professionals familiar with large composite structures, core materials, bonding, moisture testing, and previous laminate repairs.
The smaller end of the current Christensen brokerage market includes the Christensen 115 and other yachts around 110 to 120 feet. YachtWorld currently lists a 1988 Christensen 115 and a 1995 120-foot tri-deck yacht.
These earlier boats provide access to Christensen ownership at a lower purchase price than the later 150- and 160-foot yachts, but age makes refit history especially important.
Buyers should pay close attention to machinery replacement, generators, electrical systems, tanks, stabilizers, exterior paint, glazing, teak, interior updates, and any structural work completed over the yacht’s life.
Christensen’s fleet includes a substantial group of yachts in the 130- to 145-foot class. Current brokerage examples include the 141-foot raised-pilothouse yacht LA SIRENA and the 145-foot I LOVE THIS BOAT.
These yachts typically provide multiple guest staterooms, large main and upper salons, formal dining, extensive exterior decks, crew accommodation, and the systems expected from a full superyacht.
In this size range, refit quality can materially affect value. Recent machinery work, updated navigation equipment, stabilizers, HVAC, paint, teak, and interior modernization can distinguish two otherwise similar yachts.
The 155- to 157-foot class is strongly represented in today’s Christensen market. Current specialist listings include SEA CLASS at 155 feet and LADY JOY at 157 feet.
LADY JOY was delivered in 2007 and later refitted, while SEA CLASS dates to 1997 with subsequent updates. These yachts demonstrate the longevity of Christensen’s large composite platforms when maintained and modernized properly.
Tri-deck layouts at this size generally support large owner suites, multiple guest cabins, sky lounges, expansive sun decks, tender storage, crew areas, and substantial machinery spaces.
The 160- to 164-foot class represents the upper end of Christensen’s best-known production history. Notable yachts in this range include Silver Lining, D’Natalin IV, Chasseur, Odessa, Jackpot, and Carte Blanche.
YachtBuyer identifies several of these as Christensen 160-series yachts, while YachtWorld currently lists a 2020 Christensen at approximately 164 feet and a 2009 motor yacht at the upper end of the active brokerage market.
These yachts typically combine composite construction, transoceanic range, multiple guest decks, large crew complements, and high levels of interior customization.
For buyers comparing mega yachts for sale, the Christensen 160-class yachts are especially relevant when American construction and large-yacht volume are priorities.
Christensen’s best-known fleet includes yachts such as Silver Lining, D’Natalin IV, Chasseur, Odessa, Lady Joy, Casino Royale, Remember When, Primadonna, Jackpot, and Carte Blanche.
These yachts demonstrate the evolution of the yard’s styling and interior work while maintaining a recognizable emphasis on composite construction, long-range cruising, and extensive custom joinery and stonework.
Because many were heavily customized for their first owners, buyers should evaluate each yacht as an individual project rather than assuming identical specifications within a nominal series.
YachtWorld currently lists 11 Christensen yachts, including four Tri-Deck listings, two Motor Yacht listings, and individual 115, Custom, Raised Pilothouse, Trideck, and 2020-model yachts.
Current asking prices on YachtWorld range from under $1 million for an older motor yacht to nearly $40 million for a 2020 yacht, reflecting the enormous difference in age, size, refit condition, and specification across the fleet.
Specialist brokerage pages also currently show yachts such as LADY JOY, SEA CLASS, I LOVE THIS BOAT, LA SIRENA, and CHANSON.
CARTE BLANCHE is a 161-foot Christensen currently offered through IYC and provides a useful example of how a major refit can reposition an older Christensen in the modern brokerage market.
IYC lists the yacht with rebuilt engines completed in 2026, a transatlantic range, zero-speed stabilizers, an elevator serving all four decks, a touch-and-go helipad, and accommodation for 15 guests in six staterooms.
Features like these demonstrate why refit scope matters as much as original build year when comparing large used Christensen yachts.
When buying a used Christensen, buyers should begin with a detailed composite structural survey, build records, refit documentation, and complete machinery service history.
Mechanical inspection should cover main engines, transmissions, shafts, propellers, generators, stabilizers, hydraulics, HVAC, watermakers, fuel systems, batteries, electrical distribution, navigation equipment, communications systems, and integrated vessel-management systems.
Composite hulls and superstructures should be checked for moisture, core condition, delamination, impact damage, previous laminate repairs, bonding integrity, and paint-system condition.
On larger tri-deck yachts, buyers should also inspect elevators where fitted, tender handling, cranes, passerelles, shell doors, firefighting systems, safety equipment, crew circulation, and classification or flag-state compliance.
A professional superyacht survey, detailed machinery inspection, structural review, and sea trial are essential before completing a purchase.
