Johnson Yachts announces construction has begun on the new Johnson 70
by Johnson Yachts 7 Jan 2019 19:55 PST
Johnson 70 construction © Sand People
Johnson Yachts is proud to introduce the Johnson 70, a new model that will help welcome new owners to the excitement of custom construction and built-to-order design. Discerning yacht buyers know that Johnson Yachts has had more than 30 years of success by building yachts that provide better interior volume, a concept the rest of the boatbuilding world is only beginning to understand. The new Johnson 70 is no exception, and her builder capitalizes on her 18-foot 3-inch beam to offer a choice of three or four staterooms.
Johnson 70 Skylounge
In a market segment that's becoming crowded by production yachts that, while serviceable, direct their buyers to accept a cookie-cutter layout in the name of production efficiencies, the Johnson 70 is different.
This new model shows the same level of customization as the rest of the Johnson line, encouraging owner input on the design of the accommodations, as well as the helm area, the saloon, dining area, and galley. In addition, the flexibility of the design will allow either an open flying bridge or an enclosed skylounge, enhancing the onboard living space to suit the needs of each owner.
"With our proven engineering, we have the flexibility to accommodate their needs, and can work with each owner to create a unique Johnson 70," said Andy Huang, president of Johnson Yachts. "Every yacht owner knows his or her needs far better than we do—but we can build a Johnson 70 to suit each one of them, and create something special. We're very excited to get the word out about the Johnson 70."
Johnson 70 Flybridge
The Johnson 70 features an exterior design by Bill Dixon of Dixon Yacht Design to provide much of the superyacht experience in a manageable LOA, and indeed the design shows advances in styling and space usage that will set the yacht apart from the available production boats. Should yachtsmen request a skylounge, the layout precludes the need for a lower helm, and the result is truly a single-level blank canvas on which yacht owners can work with Johnson to create the shared spaces they've always wanted. A fishing cockpit can increase the yacht's flexibility as each build in the series is expected to be set apart from those before.
"We designed the Johnson 70 as a sporty flybridge, with class-leading accommodation, and a large single-level main deck," Dixon says. "One of the key features of the design was to be able to offer both flybridge and skylounge versions. We like to think that for the size of vessel the skylounge version is extremely sporty in its styling."
Interiors for Hull No. 1 will showcase a concept created by Design Unlimited, and provide a mix of textures in fabrics and materials that provide a stylish and comfortable environment that encourages relaxation in shared areas and accommodation spaces.
The main deck offers a forward galley with wraparound counters and a peninsula that's a roomy workspace that keeps the chef involved in the conversation—the ideal setup for serving large groups. Appliances and stowage are specified to meet the owners' needs. Whether it's wine chillers and refrigeration for entertaining or freezer and pantry space for long-range cruising, or somewhere in between, Johnson Yachts can easily oblige. Opposite is an L-shaped settee served by a large dining table and loose chairs for easy dining for large groups of family and friends.
Abaft the galley and dining area, a large settee with a built-in chaise longue and a loveseat opposite comprise the main saloon social area, surrounded by large windows. Wide sliding doors open for access to the spacious cockpit, where a wide transom settee welcomes guests to enjoy the breezes beneath the long overhang of the flying bridge above. One option on this design is to add a fishing cockpit, which will have obvious appeal to those who want to get closer to the water, be it for fishing or diving. Prospective owners will appreciate Johnson's engineering and design, which will allow the cockpit to be engineered the right way so it will not adversely affect the boat's performance.
Stairs lead to the flying bridge from the cockpit's port side. The choices abound on the flying bridge, where a roomy deck can offer a wide-open fore-and-aft space suited to the needs of each owner, with the options of open lounging space, a boat deck with davit and chocks for a tender, sun pads, lounges, and settees with tables, a grilling station or even an al fresco galley for outdoor entertaining and spectacular 360-degree views.
An available skylounge adds numerous features, including a centerline helm with unparalleled lines of sight for the owner/operator to enjoy. The skyloung also has a seating area for family or friends to enjoy the views from large wraparound windows as they keep the skipper company on cruising legs. A bar console and access to the open deck aft make for a flexible space that augments the yacht's social possibilities.
Belowdecks, an amidships master stateroom uses the full beam to expansive benefit, with a king-size berth flanked by a desk or dressing table to port and a settee for lounging in private to starboard. Large hullside windows add natural light and an enhanced feeling of openness. A head compartment with large shower and a walk-in closet area help to insulate the master from the engine room and mechanical space.
Forward in the bow, a VIP stateroom has a queen-size island berth and hullside windows. The stateroom also has a hanging locker and additional stowage, and is served by a private head compartment with separate shower.
In the three-stateroom layout, the guest stateroom is to starboard with a private head and an athwartships berth situated to optimize the onboard space. Opposite the passageway to port is a generous laundry room replete with copious amounts of stowage suitable for extended cruising.
In the four-stateroom layout, that service area becomes the fourth stateroom, as the third and fourth guest staterooms become twin-berth affairs and share a portside head compartment, which also serves as the dayhead. As is typical on Johnson yachts, the twin berths can be specified to slide together to form doubles, depending on the desired sleeping arrangements. Abaft the engine room is a two-berth crew's quarters, with its own head with separate shower, suitable for crew on extended cruises or for kids who need some space in a true owner/operator arrangement, and is finished to high standard. Johnson Yachts encourages customization on all parts of the boat, and indeed these two layouts should serve prospective buyers as guidelines, to illustrate what is possible.
While the interior factors the space needs of family and guests into the design, Johnson Yachts has always understood the importance of maintaining a high standard of engineering for the yacht. This means that the mechanical spaces are not compromised by the interior—proper attention is paid to maintenance and mechanical needs. Also weight and balance receive their due, and the result is a yacht that handles well and performs at sea, all the better to be enjoyed by her owners and their guests.
"With the design and engineering of the Johnson 70 – together with Design Unlimited and Bill Dixon - we have a yacht designed to be versatile," said Peter Chang, general manager of Johnson Yachts. "We want to create a new line of yachts that sets the trend rather than follows it."
Stay tuned for additional news from Johnson Yachts as the build of the first Johnson 70 progresses and new models are developed.