christensen yachts tellico lake

• Frank Magazine
• Denison History
• Virtual Tours
• Alaskan Yachts
• Azimut Yachts
• Back Cove Yachts
• Beneteau Yachts
• Benetti Superyachts
• Bertram Yachts
• Boston Whaler
• Broward Yachts
• Buddy Davis Sportfish
• Burger Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Carver Motoryachts
• Center Console
• Chris-Craft Yachts
• Cruisers Yachts
• DeFever Trawlers
• Dufour Sailboats
• Fairline Yachts
• Feadship Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Formula Yachts
• Fountaine Pajot Cats
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks Trawlers
• Hargrave Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hinckley Picnic Boats
• Horizon Yachts
• Hydra-Sports
• Intrepid Boats
• Jarrett Bay Sportfish
• Jeanneau Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen Trawlers
• Lazzara Yachts
• Luhrs Sportfish
• Marlow Yachts
• Maritimo Yachts
• Marquis Yachts
• McKinna Motoryachts
• Meridian Yachts
• Midnight Express
• Mochi Craft
• Neptunus Motoryachts
• Nordhavn Trawlers
• Nordic Tugs
• Ocean Alexander Yachts
• Offshore Yachts
• Oyster Sailing Yachts
• Pacific Mariner Yachts
• Palmer Johnson Yachts
• Pershing Yachts
• Prestige Yachts
• Princess Yachts
• Pursuit Yachts
• Riva Yachts
• Riviera Yachts
• Sabre Downeast
• San Lorenzo Yachts
• Sea Ray Boats
• SeaVee Central Consoles
• Selene Trawlers
• Scout Yachts
• Sunseeker Yachts
• Tiara Yachts
• Trinity Superyachts
• Viking Yachts
• Westport Yachts

Christensen Yachts Set To Open New Shipyard In Tennessee

March 20, 2019 9:04 am

Christensen shipyards readies expanded facility.

American yacht builder Christensen Shipyards is getting ready to move its operations from Vancouver, Washington, where it’s been located since 1983, to a new facility in Tellico Lake, Tennessee, about 15 miles from the Knoxville airport.

“This move has been in the works for 15 years,” said president of Christensen Shipyards Jim Gilbert. However, the expansion to a new facility was delayed for a number of reasons over the years, including the onset of the recession in 2008, a subsequent decline in yacht orders, a temporary suspension of operations in 2014 and the eventual sale of the business in the summer 2015.

Under new ownership and debt-free, Christensen looked poised to restart on steadier ground after a few difficult years having delivered 50 meter Silver Lining and 49 meter award-winning Chasseur (recipient of a Judges’ Special Award for Achievement at the 2017 World Superyacht Awards) in 2016. Hull 38, a sistership to Silver Lining already in build, was sold to a new client in 2018 and the shipyard introduced a number of new designs.

However, Gilbert said the type of high-volume yachts with beach clubs that many clients want these days were impossible to build in the Vancouver yard, tucked inside a business park. “We had a structural problem,” he said. “We could only build 9.1 meter beams.” The dimensions of the sheds also limited the length to 50 meters and made painting difficult, time consuming and expensive, he added. Launching yachts in the shallow Columbia River was also a complex operation that limited the size of yachts Christensen Shipyards could deliver.

The new owners had planned to continue production in both locations, but the February 2019 settlement of lingering litigation related to the sale of the business gave new impetus to the move, which needs to happen by August. The new owners leased, rather than owned, the Vancouver yard and the facility will be taken over by Vigor Industrial to build the US Army’s new landing craft and other such vessels in aluminum, according to Vigor’s website.

For Christensen Shipyards, the immediate focus is to finish Hull 38, a 49.4 meter, 580GT yacht, which is a couple of weeks away from delivery, and Hull 42, a part-built yacht will be shipped to Tennessee to be finished.

Another challenge, Gilbert said, was access to Vancouver for owners and captains. The Tennessee yard is easier to access for clients on a tight schedule. The biggest advantage, however, is the size of the new facility. The sheds allow for the construction of yachts up to 67 meters. And although Christensen Shipyards plans to continue building yachts in composite, as it has done successfully for years, there is room to expand to include a separate building shed for metal construction for even larger yachts.

As far as the workforce is concerned, employees have been given the option to relocate. “We don’t know how much of the old staff will move, but we know there’s a lot of interest,” Gilbert said.

The new yard, which is located close to a cluster of boatbuilders in Tennessee, is nearly 90% complete. “One little known fact is that there is more fiberglass work in that area than in the whole country, including the Pacific northwest,” Gilbert said. “They are not building superyachts, but they know their way around boats.”

East Tennessee is known as a sport boat building mecca. Bayliner and Chaparral for instance are located in the area, and Master Craft announced it was starting production there last year, opening a plant in Vonore where center console builder HCB (Hydra-Sports) is also located.

News of the move has prompted renewed interest from clients who were looking to build bigger than the series Christensen had been producing for the past few years. “The move is a good one for the company and US shipbuilding,” Gilbert said.

Article sourced from  BoatInternational.com

Latest News

NEWS | June 5, 2024

Superyachts: art on board.

Superyachts: Art on Board Learn how art experts and Susan Almrud, Valentina Zannier, and Pascale Reymond integrate art, architecture, and aesthetics on some of the world’s largest superyachts. This article was written by Jill Bobrow. Photography courtesy of the designers. Owning a superyacht is

NEWS | June 4, 2024

Miami beach marine and waterfront authority: yacht broker mike kiely gets appointed.

Miami Beach Marine and Waterfront Authority: Yacht Broker Mike Kiely Gets Appointed Denison broker Mike Kiely has been appointed by Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner to the City of Miami Beach Marine and Waterfront Authority. Denison is proud to announce that Steven Meiner, the city of Miami Beach mayor, has appointed Denison

60 Sunreef 2021 Sold by Brian Ragsdale [GYPSY SOUL II]

60 Sunreef 2021 Sold by Brian Ragsdale [GYPSY SOUL II] GYPSY SOUL II, a 60′ Sunreef power catamaran built in 2021 was sold by Brian Ragsdale, who represented both the Seller and the Buyer. GYPSY SOUL II features new exterior paint, new bottom paint with prop speed, and has undergone

• Search Used Yachts For Sale
• Search Boats By Brand
• Search Boats By Type
• Search By Location
• Search By Price
• What's My Boat Worth?
• Search Boats Just Listed
• Small Yachts
• Custom Sport Fishing Boats
• Finance A Boat
• Amer Yachts
• Aquitalia Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• Century Boats
• French Yachts
• Gulfstream Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Shelter Island Yachts
• Solaris Yachts
• Sunpower Yachts
• Sunreef Yachts
• Vela Boatworks
• Virtus Yachts
• Why List With United?
• Why Own A Boat Or Yacht?
• Custom Website For Your Yacht
• United Sold Boats
• Buy A Yacht With Crypto
• Find a Yacht Broker Near Me
• Search For Broker By Name
• Meet The United Support Team
• Our History
• Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
• Stuart Boat Show
• Miami Boat Show
• Palm Beach Boat Show
• Other Boat Shows
• Yachting News
• Yacht Closing Services
• River Forest Yachting Centers

Search All Yachts

Christensen Yachts For Sale

Christensen Yachts are world-class sea-going motor yachts built right in the United States. Known for extravagant interiors that included custom cabinetry, modern stonework, and the finest upholstery, every Christensen is a work of art. United Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchased or sale of a pre-owned Christensen Yacht.

Learn More About Christensen And Find Your Next Boat

Christensen Yachts was born from a partnership between Dave Christensen and Westport shipyards, as the once construction industry icon looked for a yard to commission his personal boat. After several frustrating interviews at various factories, Dave decided to build it himself. Westport built the hull, while Dave did all of the finishing on his own. By the time the yacht was finished, Christensen was inundated with orders for boats and soon realized the opportunity.

Focusing on completely custom-built luxury yachts between 100-feet and 165-feet, Christensen soon made a name for itself as one of the top manufacturers every to come out of the U.S. The original shipyard was located in Vancouver, Washington and over the years produced over 120 motor yachts . Christensen was known to be a pioneer in using composite fiberglass in the construction process. In 2009, Christensen Yachts began the production of a superyacht facility on Tellico Lake in Tennessee. The facility remained unfinished until 2019, but is now home to Christensen where they have two yachts currently under construction.

Every Christensen Yacht splashed was built to the very best capabilities of the American shipyard. Only the finest materials were used and every hull would undergo a large-scale vacuum-bagging resin-infusion process for the perfect strength-to-weight ratio. Other innovative construction techniques have also greatly improved interest in the builder. For example, Christensen invested in their own comprehensive HVAC systems that replace copper nickel salt-water piping with composite piping which is easier for maintenance. 

United Yacht Sales is committed to helping you find the perfect pre-owned Christensen Yacht for sale or helping you sell your existing one. Our network of over 175 brokers greatly increases your chances of a quick sale and our industry-leading support team ensures that it is marketed strategically and successfully. 

List Of Christensen Yachts On The Brokerage Market

• Page 1 of 1

Interesting Boating Links

Worldwide yacht sales.

• 4 Million Dollar Yacht
• Used Mega Yachts For Sale
• Yachts For Sale NC
• Boat Trader Canada
• Boats For Sale Charleston SC
• Boats For Sale Cape Cod
• Yacht Locator
• Million Dollar Yacht
• Luxury Yacht Price
• Trawlers For Sale New York
• Boats For Sale Washington
• Silent Yacht
• Virginia Yacht Brokers
• Boats For Sale in Maryland

Luxury Boats & Yachts

• 2 Million Dollar Yacht
• Luxury Center Console Boats
• Marlow Yachts For Sale
• 48 Ocean Super Sport For Sale
• Sabre 45 Se For Sale
• Yacht Broker
• Yachts For Sale by Price
• Yachts For Sale Houston
• Ocean Boats For Sale
• Used Boats Near Me
• Trawlers For Sale

Popular Builders & Models

• Long Range Expedition Yachts
• Flybridge Fishing Boats For Sale
• Sport Cruiser
• Raised Pilothouse Trawlers For Sale
• Used Pursuit Boats
• Used Aquila 36 For Sale
• 60 Hatteras For Sale
• Sea Ray 410 Sundancer For Sale

Trending Brands & Types

• Sunseeker Boats For Sale
• Intrepid Boats For Sale
• Jupiter 30 For Sale
• Sport Fishing Boats For Sale
• Sea Ray Boats
• Tartan Yachts
• Grady White Boats For Sale

Speak to A United Sales Professional About Christensen Yachts

• Yachts for Sale
• Yacht Builders & Shipyards
• Christensen

Christensen Yachts for Sale

Specializing in premium craftsmanship of composite yacht building technology, Christensen Shipyards is one of America’s biggest custom superyacht builders. Renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship and artisans’ craftsmanship Christensen yacht builds range from 115-feet (35m) to 196-feet (60m), and they have recently increased their facilities to allow for even larger builds. Christensen has delivered several award-winning yachts over the years, working with renowned designers on some of the world’s most celebrated superyacht builds, including notable vessels such as the 196-foot (60m) CASINO ROYALE, and the 160-foot (48.5m) ODESSA.

Christensen History

After retiring from the construction business in the early 1980s, the late Dave Christensen decided to build a yacht but at the time he struggled to find a shipyard that could deliver a vessel to his particular standards of finish. Partnering with Westport to build the hull, he went on to complete his own yacht’s fit and finish with great success, and so became the first Christensen yacht build. He went on to establish the original Christensen shipyard in 1986 in the Pacific Northwest in Vancouver, Washington. Located directly across from Columbia River, the huge facility comprised 180,000 square feet of climate-controlled manufacturing space and 12 large assembly bays within a seven-acre marina. The flagship facility is where Christensen constructed the majority of its almost fifty yacht fleet of up to 164-feet (50m) in length. Early in 2019, the yard announced that it was moving all production to its larger facility in Tennessee, which was founded in 2012.

Comprising of a 450,000 square foot climate-controlled facility with 13 large manufacturing and assembly bays within a 55-acre site on Tellico Lake, Tennessee, the larger facility allows Christensen to build yachts of any size without restriction. To date Christensen yachts have been built with the finest composite materials with a strength-to-weight ratio seven times stronger than steel and solid laminate, allowing for superior strength hull forms. The Tennessee facility also allows Christensen to build larger megayachts in steel.

Renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship and interior finish, Christensen builds are amongst some of the most highly sought-after superyachts for sale and charter. One element that differentiates Christensen from other yacht builders is the extent of the work completed in-house. From the elegant woodwork and elaborate stonework to the stainless steel finish and custom upholstery, the shipyard employs up to 120 artisans and boat builders in order to maintain the utmost build quality in a timely manner.

Carrying on the superb pedigree builds for which Christensen has become known, the group joined forces with Ocean Alexander Yachts in 2012 to build a series of semi-custom tri-deck superyachts. Designed with an efficient and effective layout, the semi-custom yacht series allows Christensen to deliver bespoke superyachts in a shorter build time than other vessels of the same size. With in-house experts in all fields, the fit and finish is unique to the client making for a bespoke vessel within a series.

Christensen Yachts For Sale

Yacht brokerage news.

Building Your Dream

Our new construction experts will help you navigate the waters to build your dream yacht.

Your Next Yacht is Waiting

Our industry-leading database showcases the largest number of yachts for sale on the market.

Proud to be part of the MarineMax family

© 2024 Northrop & Johnson

• Advertising
• Shipbuilding
• Coastal/Inland
• Law & Regulations

Christensen Yachts To Build Megayachts in Tennessee

August 16, 2006

Related News

Libra group exits container shipping in $2 billion sales play.

Libra Group exited the container shipping market this week after selling close to 100 vessels for more than $2 billion over…

DEME's New Fallpipe Vessel Named Yellowstone

DEME's new fallpipe vessel—the world's largest—was officially named Yellowstone by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium…

Ageing Fleet a Problem for the Crude Oil Tanker Market

The crude oil tanker market is grappling with an ageing fleet of vessels which need to be replaced, posing a challenge as shipyards are focused on bui

Retired US Navy Admiral Arrested for Bribery

A retired U.S. Navy admiral and two business executives were arrested on criminal charges related to a bribery scheme involving a U.S.

Sponsored Content

Survitec calls for greater industry oversight for fire safety inspections to combat increase in ship detentions and ship losses due to fire.

Global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec has highlighted the dangers of inadequate maintenance, testing, and inspection of ship fire safety systems in a new white paper

Lowering marine fleet carbon intensity — the easy way!

Calculate and report your lower carbon efforts by switching your fleet to biodiesel.Learn How

Tour Operators Trust Scania Engines for Reliability and Fuel Efficiency

Commercial vessel operators, whether tour operations or offshore crew delivery companies, are constantly looking to get more out of their vessels – more speed, better reliability

Able Seaman

First assistant engineer - mixed work schedule, electrician, first officer, medical services officer, shipbuilding 4.0: using digital twins to enhance efficiency.

FMD Rides Digital Twin

Embracing Human and Organizational Performance (HOP): A Paradigm Shift to Address Safety and Workforce Challenges

Subscribe for Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week

• {{>productsMenu}} Products
• {{>trendsMenu}} News & Trends
• News & Trends >
• Industry News >
• Harbors and port terminals >

Christensen Shipyards to move production to Tennessee

# Industry News

American yard Christensen Shipyards has announced that it is moving production from Vancouver, Washington to Tennesee.

In a deal announced at the beginning of February, the yard's existing 180,000 square-foot facility in Vancouver's Columbia Business Park will be used by the American shipbuilding company, Vigor Industrial, which intends to manufacture a new type of landing craft for the US army called the Maneuver Support Vessel (Light), according to The Columbian.

Based at Tellico Lake, Tennessee, the new shipyard is substantially larger than the yard's existing facility, consisting of 55 acres with 450,000 square feet of climate-controlled manufacturing space and offering 13 large manufacturing and assembly bays. The new facility will allow the yard to expand its portfolio and build hulls up to almost 70 metres. We sat down with Christensen's President, Jim Gilbert, to find out more about the new facility and the shipyard's plans for the future.

The new yard will have facilities for yachts up to 70 metres: what kind of boats will you be looking to build moving forward?

We will be looking, of course, to build larger yachts both in length and beam. One of the drawbacks of the Vancouver facility is that it was set up in the early 1990s to build yachts up to 45 metres and a maximum 10 metres of beam. The 50-metre class yachts we have been building really were difficult to build in the facility, and as you know, the strongest part of the market continues to be in the construction of over-500 GT vessels. The new facility offers us unlimited beam and no future limits on length, as we have plenty of space and ability to expand on the length of yachts we construct spending on market demand. But for starters, we will be building up to 220’ in length.

Have you already sold any projects which will be built in the new yard?

We are currently in negotiations for our first contracts in the new facility. We have six months of work left to finish construction, move existing equipment, and so on. So we are looking to use the intervening time to develop designs for several new lines of boats. But our main aim remains the same, to build seaworthy, large volume boats to the highest standards of maritime safety and finish quality.

You have two boats currently in build at your yard in Vancouver, one of which was sold in 2018 (038). Has the other boat, the 042 been sold and will it be finished in the current yard, or taken to Tennessee?

Hull 42, a 50M MCA/ABS-classed boat will be moved to Tennessee this summer and finished there.

How do you envisage the recruitment process and finding enough new staff will be for the new facility?

Most people don’t understand that this particular area is a centre for medium-size yacht construction. Within a 20-minute drive of the plant are various high-quality manufacturers, including Sea Ray, who at peak production have as many as 5,000 boatbuilders in employment.

The region is also a traditional centre of high-quality cabinetmakers and furniture makers. In addition, the lake boat industry is centred in the same region, offering a workforce experienced in wiring, plumbing and various welding trades. We have offered our current employees the chance to move to Tennessee at their current salaries and are in the process of developing a program for moving benefits, etc. But we don’t anticipate it will prove difficult to staff up the new yard with high-quality craftsmen, artisans and boatbuilders.

Christensen Yachts builds a lot of yachts in GRP. If you are moving towards potentially building bigger boats, would you be looking towards building vessels in steel or aluminium?

Yes, while now we are strictly limited to GRP construction, we will have the ability to build in other materials, as well. If the demand is strong enough for steel hulls, for examples, we have enough surrounding property to build a dedicated steel fabricating shed.

What is your view of the American New-Build market in general terms?

We remain firmly committed to strengthening US yacht-building capacity and quality. But we also believe that in order to tap into a larger portion of the yacht market, it is important to build closer to the centres of American and European yachting. Not only does the Tennessee location add value to our clients due to the lower cost of labour in that region, but having a facility located less than two hours’ flight time from 75% of America’s population we think will make Christensen Shipyards a more accessible and convenient place to build our customers’ yachts.

The Tennessee location cuts by a third the post-delivery time and cost and substantially diminishes the wear and tear to which our yachts were exposed during the previous 5500nm post-deliveries from the Columbia River through the Panama Canal to South Florida.

• Manufacturer account
• Buyer account
• Our services
• Newsletter subscription
• AboutVirtualExpo Group

• Automotive News
• Auction Block
• Motorsports
• Industry News
• TSJ Exclusives

Find A Driving Experience

• Find A Driving School
• Friends of TSJ

Submit a Press Release

Motorcycles

Find a Driving School

• Latest News & Features

LATEST NEWS

• Cars for Sale
• Exclusive Features

NEWS BY MANUFACTURER

• Aston Martin
• Lamborghini
• Driving Experiences
• Driving Schools
• Submit a Sponsored Post
• Privacy Policy

Don't Miss Out on Our Latest News & Features

Subscribe to get our "Daily Drive" news alerts delivered to your inbox.

Christensen Shipyards: Old World Craftsmanship and New World Technology

For nearly 40 years Christensen Shipyards has been building superbly crafted and ruggedly reliable luxury yachts for the global superyacht market. One of three remaining major shipbuilding companies remaining in the United States, Christensen Shipyards …

By: Christensen Shipyards | Photos Courtesy of: Christensen Shipyards

Latest News

Hennessey partners with bring a trailer & pennzoil for charity auction in support of wounded wa..., sales exceed $108 million at dana mecum’s 37th original spring classic auction, the next lamborghini hpev super sports car will be equipped with a hybrid twin-turbo v8 engine, mclaren, the americas celebrates the 50th anniversary of johnny rutherford’s 1974 indianapolis 500 v....

For nearly 40 years Christensen Shipyards has been building superbly crafted and ruggedly reliable luxury yachts for the global superyacht market. One of three remaining major shipbuilding companies remaining in the United States, Christensen Shipyards prides itself in offering Old World craftsmanship and New World technology to discerning superyacht buyers.

While the facility in Vancouver WA, located directly across the Columbia River from Portland, OR, can build yachts from 35 (110’) to 50 (164’) meters in length, the majority of its production for the last decade has been at the upper end of its production capacity, reflecting the strong upward trend in the global luxury yacht market. Christensen is preparing a new facility, a 250,000 square foot boat shed capable of building a dozen 50M to 68M yachts at the same time, located in Lake Tellico, TN.

Its current two 50M builds, Hulls 38 and 42, are of equal length but are entirely different in their finish. Hull 38 is a high-volume yacht of 580 gross tons, which will launch the summer of 2018. She is a traditionally finished vessel featuring high-gloss black walnut raised paneling cabinetry with vast expanses of fine marble and onyx floors, entryways and bathrooms. By comparison, Hull 42 is 499 gross tons and built to international commercial yacht standards to enable her to charter VAT-free in European waters. She, like Hull 38, are in search of owners and unless a client selects a different interior will be finished in a clean, contemporary style with flat panels of lightly-bleached, fine-grained sycamore. She will also feature elaborate stonework with beautiful inlays.

Christensen is unique among the finer shipyards in the world in that all the boat-building crafts, including, cabinetry, stone, stainless steel bending and polishing, and even upholstery, are done completely in-house, along with mechanical trades, engineering and naval architecture. “Christensen prides itself on being a company of boatbuilders,” says Jim Gilbert, president. “We believe our 115 employees are equal to those of any yacht builder in the world. Our men and women take great pride in their work and in the extraordinary historical tradition of American shipbuilding.”

All Christensen yachts are built to the exacting certification standards of the American Bureau of Shipbuilding and offer 15-knot speed and a 4000nm cruising range, capable of crossing the Atlantic or Pacific without refueling. Unlike many shipyards which saddle clients with substantial up-charges during the course of a 24-27 month build period, Christensen provides a virtually unlimited selection of woods and stone for a set initial price, and delivers its boats in sail-away condition, including tender, mooring lines, anchor and chain and custom-made deck cushions and covers.

For more information please feel free to visit www.christensenyachts or contact the shipyard at: [email protected].

• Christensen Yachts

ADVERTISEMENT

Jordan-Ford 191 Formula 1 (1991)

Offered by: dk engineering, price: inquire.

1963 Ferrari 330 LM Berlinetta

Offered by: copley motorcars.

1993 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 ‘Jubilee’

Offered by: trofeo cars, you might also like.

Automotive News Auction Block Motorsports Lifestyle Motorcycle Technology Industry News

Exclusive Features Exclusive Videos For Sale Videos

Contact Us Friends of TSJ Submit Your Press Release

All contents copyright © 2024, The Speed Journal | All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy |  Takedown Notice

• Subscribe Manage Login Logout
• Go Knoxville
• News Sentinel Openings
• Career Fair
• Home Market Now
• Open Houses
• Auto Seller
• Auto Preview
• All Legal Ads
• Statewide Legals (TPA)
• Celebrations
• Special Sections
• Today's Paper

Get the new News Sentinel app

$20m shipyard still set for tellico lake, christensen yachts plans to go ahead with plant in loudon.

By Ed Marcum of the Knoxville News Sentinel

Word from Christensen Yachts that the company plans to follow through with completion of a $20 million shipyard on Tellico Lake offers some hopeful news for the Loudon County economy.

"There is no question this is a very exciting project," said Ron Hammontree, executive director of the Tellico River Development Agency. "The plant could employ as many as 1,000 to 1,200 people."

The plant was announced to much excitement in 2006, but in early 2009 work on the 400,000-square-foot facility came to a halt because of the recession, an industry drop in boat sales, a decline in the stock market and other factors. However, Hammontree said the project's lead investor, Chattanooga businessman Henry Luken, was in the area last week and talked about plans to finish up the plant soon and get it in operation when the market improves a bit more.

John Lance, marketing and advertising director for Vancouver, Wash.-based Christensen Yachts, expressed similar optimism.

"We're starting to see signs of (economic) recovery and we're optimistic about what will happen here (Loudon County)," he said this week. "We hope to be moving forward with the Tennessee facility before long. We just have to wait until the market says its ready."

Christensen Yachts serves a high-end market, producing yachts priced at $50 million and up. The Loudon County facility, built on 60 acres, would augment the company's main production plant in Vancouver, producing yachts that are 164 feet or longer. Hammontree said Christensen Yachts officials told him the Vancouver plant only builds boats up to 165 feet long and the Loudon County plant will be able to build them up to 210 feet long.

Besides the direct benefit of providing jobs, the development agency anticipates there will be much spin-off economic benefit because of the nature of the customers the plant will attract to Loudon County, Hammontree said.

"The people who purchase these yachts are the doers and movers and they tend to visit about once a month while their yachts are being made, purchasing furniture and other things to fit them out," he said.

Business writer Ed Marcum may be reached at 865-342-6267. Business editor Bill Brewer contributed to this report.

About Ed Marcum

Ed Marcum covers business news for the Knoxville News Sentinel.

• [email protected]
• 865-342-6267

BUSINESS Topics

• Business Home
• Business Journal
• Personal Finance
• Book of Lists
• Cathy Ackermann
• Heather Anderson
• Lowest Gas Prices
• Janet Hayes
• Jimmy Rodefer
• Laura Mansfield
• Mildred Culp
• Sharon Pryse
• Tom Coulter
• Wayne Bledsoe
• Will Overstreet

Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is a paid advertising product.

Nominate by Sept. 23

Now Trending

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

Christensen Yachts

One of America’s biggest custom superyacht builders, Christensen Shipyards in Vancouver, Wash., is known for its artisans’ craftsmanship and painstaking attention to detail.

History of Christensen Yachts

Founder Dave Christensen’s first career was construction, which he pursued from the mid-1950s to the early 1980s, building both commercial and residential projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. After retiring from the construction business in 1982, he decided to build a yacht, but could not find a manufacturer that lived up to his exacting specifications. So he partnered with Westport Shipyard, which built him a hull, then personally completed the yacht’s fit and finish. The resulting luxury yacht was so successful, he incorporated Christensen Shipyards in 1986.

Dave Christensen continued at the helm for another quarter of a century, building ever-larger yachts, until he retired from his “second career” in 2008. The luxury superyacht shipyard he founded continues to build in his exacting tradition today under the management of CEO Joe Foggia.

Notable Launches

While Christensen has developed “series” hull moulds for composite yachts of different sizes up to 50 metres in length, each yacht it builds is fully custom and most feature the work of a noted interior designer. Recent notable luxury superyacht launches include American owner John Staluppi’s former 59.68-metre Casino Royale , which launched in 2008. The superyacht’s interior design was a collaboration between the Staluppi and Carol Williamson & Associates. Carol Williamson also created the interior design for the successful, black-hulled luxury charter yacht Odessa , a 48.77-metre Christensen custom yacht that launched in 2009.

In 2012, a new alliance between Ocean Alexander Yachts, Christensen, and interior designer Evan K. Marshall resulted in the launch of the 36.9-metre Ocean Alexander 120 Megayacht. This is the first in a planned series of tri-deck luxury superyachts ranging up to 47.2 metres.

RELATED ARTICLES

Yachts for sale

Yachts for charter, specialisations.

Christensen Shipyards is known for its composite-yacht building technology. Of particular note as well is the elaborate stonework its artisans install in its superyachts. The shipyard is capable of building new custom yacht projects up to 56 metres, and also is collaborating on the Ocean Alexander semi-custom luxury superyacht range.

Yacht Features

Propulsion System

Shipbuilding History

Home > U.S. Builders of Large Yachts

Christensen Yachts

Vancouver wa.

Most recent update: March 22, 2020.

Christensen Yachts was established in 1987: it failed in February 2015 and closed but was bought by Henry Luken, its major stockholder, who completed the yard's workload before selling the facility to Vigor Industrial and establishing a new yard for Christensen in Tellico Lake TN. Visit the company at christensenyachts.com and see the Vancouver shipyard from the air on Google here .

If you have an addition or correction for this page, please send it in.

Used Christensen Yachts For Sale

About christensen yachts.

Founded in Vancouver, Washington in 1983 by yachting aficionado Dave Christensen, this company was originally a labor of love. Christensen hand-finished his own first yacht to an exacting standard that he could not find elsewhere, and was so enamoured by the process that in 1986 decided to build vessels commercially. Luxury superyachts up to 225 feet in length are now Christensen Yacht’s staple product, and vessels are built at two hi-tech facilities in Washington and Tennessee. Over the years Christensen has built luxury yachts for luminaries including New York magnate John Staluppi, legendary golfer Tiger Woods and British philanthropist Len Blavatnik, and with further ground-breaking designs on the horizon, it is not hard to see why this firm continues to be so successful.

More About Christensen Yachts

Over the past four decades Christensen Yachts has developed from Dave Christensen’s singular passion into a yacht manufacturing firm of international renown. Christensen personally led many of the firm’s early projects before handing the reigns over to two new owners, both Christensen yacht owners themselves, in 2008. Nowadays the company is led by CEO Joe Foggia, who is not allowing the company rest on its already significant achievements. Growing in size year on year, the company has an experienced workforce of 120 with 1,000 years of boat building experience between them.

Though the company originated in Vancouver, Washington, and still maintains an impressive 180,000 square feet facility in the city, it is now developing an even bigger shipyard of some 450,000 square feet by the shores of Tellico Lake, Tennessee. This move will allow the firm to construct yachts of even greater size and ambition – and puts their leadership closer to valued customers on the East Coast.

Central to the Christensen Yachts ethos is a belief in the finest possible finished product: a sign over the shipyard’s entrance proudly reads, “Through these doors pass the finest boat builders in the world.” The firm works hard and works smart to live up to this motto, having equipped their shipyards with the latest industrial processes in order to keep ahead of the market. Located at their sites are facilities such as an exclusive marina, large scale vacuum infusion, proprietary composite hull manufacture, an in-house stonework center, their very own upholstery team and more, each helping Christensen achieve excellence at every step of the build.

The firm has built over 50 bespoke yachts for the rich and famous down the years, and in 2012 joined forces with Ocean Alexander Yachts to produce semi-custom tri-deck superyachts in a fraction of the time taken by rival yards. Notable Christensen yachts include the Chasseur, a dreamy off-white superyacht with a classic, 50s feel courtesy of interior designers Varo Designs. This yacht features breezy, open-plan living spaces across four levels, splendid amenities including a jacuzzi and even space for a helipad. Dating from 2016, the yacht won the prestigious “Judges’ Special Award for Achievement” at the 2017 Superyacht Awards. Yet the Chasseur is far from the only Christensen yacht to be decorated with industry awards. The firm’s yachts have won the Robb Report “Best of the Best” titles on three separate occasions, highlighting the acclaim with which their unique yachts are frequently showered.

Christensen Hull 42

This four-level template yacht comes in the style of two of Christensen’s most celebrated yachts: the Chasseur and Odessa. At 164 feet in length and launched in 2019, this model is one of the firm’s most spectacular. Twin MTU 12V engines give this model a top speed of 16 knots, and a range of over 4,000 nautical miles when cruising at 12 knots. 12 guests are able to sleep overnight in 6 sumptuous staterooms, while 5 well-appointed staff cabins can sleep up to 10 members of crew. Yet it is the range of customisation that may appeal most of all to prospective buyers, as any newly built Christensen Yachts Hull 42 can be designed as lavishly or as personalized as the customer demands. The Odessa, for instance, finishes Christensen’s typical free-flowing, wide open interior spaces with teak surrounds, walnut flooring and neutral marble surfaces. Textiles and furnishings by Armani Casa add a luxurious and sophisticated touch for supreme comfort, while main salon and formal dining room are separated by a showpiece live aquarium panel. Space for multiple water toys and tenders is also included to make this the perfect party and entertainment yacht.

Christensen Hull 38

This model, launched in 2018, matches the pedigree of great Christensen yachts like the Silver Lining and D’Natalin IV. Large enough to come equipped with a rear helipad, a towering flybridge and cockpit, as well as two spacious rear aft decks, this swish and powerful yacht is sure to be highly coveted by the world’s top yacht owners. Measuring 164 feet in length, with an overall beam of almost 27 feet, the yacht is powered by twin MTU 12V engines and an A22 Aquayloy propulsion shaft for a maximum speed of 16 knots and an impressive ocean-going range of over 4,000 nautical miles. The yacht comes with space for 12 guests and 10 crew and boasts a light and airy open-plan interior that can be arranged and decorated according to the customer’s wishes. The Silver Lining, for example, was given the Kimberly Graham treatment when launched in 2016, and impresses with a glossy yet classic interior. Inside walls are panelled with black American walnut and Christensen stonework while three sparkling cut-glass chandeliers hang above the tasteful formal dining room and bar. Bathrooms are furnished with Art Deco vanity lamps and lined with veined marble, while stateroom floors are covered with plush beige carpet for that at-home feel. Outside spaces are just as impressive, yet with a sleeker, more modern feel. An outdoor bar and kitchen space on the sun deck leads to a circular jacuzzi and modular fitted sofas ideal for sunbathing, while an aft swimming deck is the perfect launching spot for those who want to dive in and feel the saltwater against their skin.

Christen Hull 30 Party Girl

Among the most charming of the many yachts launched by Christensen in recent years is the Party Girl, a 146-foot-long superyacht built with entertainment in mind. Internal design by the Pavlik brand decks interior walls and floors with warm glazed maple and sycamore wood, while the yacht’s large main bar boasts a backlit onyx screen to create a sophisticated aura as festivities continue into the night. An Art Nouveau, etched glass mural up the yacht’s central staircase marks this yacht out as something special and is sure to wow guests lucky enough to stay aboard. A top speed of 18 knots and a 4,000 nautical mile range comes courtesy of twin Caterpillar diesel engines, while Naiad Zero Speed stabilizers offer passengers a sense of surety while out at sea. Registered in the Cayman Islands, yacht lovers can spot this yacht visiting the most exclusive ports and marinas around the Caribbean, including in tropical Guadeloupe.

QUICK FACTS

• Christensen Yachts is one of the most well-known American builders of superyachts.
• Dave Christensen is the founder of Christensen Yachts after establishing the Vancouver, Washington shipyard in 1985.
• After Christensen was sold to Henry Luken, the shipyard was moved to a new facility in Tellico Lake, Tennessee.

Search Christensen by Price

Search christensen by length, search christensen by year, used christensen for sale, staten island yacht sales.

• Yachts For Sale Under $200K
• Best Yachts Under 5 Million
• Absolute 47
• Absolute 56 Fly 2022 Price
• Yacht Sales
• 3 Million Dollar Yacht
• Pershing Yachts For Sale
• Absolute Navetta 58 Price
• Full Service Marina
• Absolute 48 Coupe
• Million Dollar Boat

Luxury Yachts & Boats

• Used Vanquish Boats For Sale
• Spencer Boats
• Meridian Boats
• Intrepid For Sale
• Sanlorenzo For Sale
• Is Viking A Good Sportfish
• Grand Banks Trawlers For Sale
• Used Regulator Boats
• Weaver Boats

Popular Models

• Freeman Boats For Sale
• Viking 44C Price
• Blackfin Boat Price
• 50 Ft Prestige Yacht
• Viking 48 Convertible
• Cantius 46 For Sale
• Bahama Boats For Sale
• 50 Foot Cruisers Yacht

Brands & Types

• Princess X95 For Sale
• Princess V65 Price
• Cruisers Inc Boats
• Valhalla 33
• Pardo 60 Price
• Viking 72C Price

TELLICO LAKE HOMES AND LOTS

Tellico lake information and real estate listings, tellico lake in tennessee, lake front homes, championship golf courses, no state income tax.

Christensen Yachts

Boating Safety

Retire to the lake, information on tellico living.

FERGUSON REALTORS 800-747-0713 - 865-690-1300 Click for E-Mail Link Tennessee Real Estate License # 15429

Tellico Online Resources

copyright (c) 2020-2024 by Sonny Ferguson | Ferguson Realtors

• Library Catalogue
• Ships database
• Books for sale
• News and events

Christensen Yachts, Vancouver WA

Christensen Yachts was established in 1987: it failed in February 2015 and closed but was bought by Henry Luken, its major stockholder, who completed the yard's workload before selling the facility to Vigor Industrial and establishing a new yard for Christensen in Tellico Lake TN.  Visit the company at www.christensenyachts.com and see the Vancouver shipyard from the air on Google here .  If anyone can add to the table below, please email [email protected] .

Most recent update: 22 March 2020.

These shipbuilding pages are part of an ongoing project; new material and data is added regularly.

Back to Shipbuilding History main page .

N aval M arine A rchive – The Canadian Collection 205 Main Street, Picton, Ontario, K0K2T0, Canada Telephone: 1 613 476 1177 E-mail: for comments, queries and suggestions.

• Where we are
• General policy

Copyright © 2024 N aval M arine A rchive The Canadian Collection ™ Revised: 1 March 2023