Palmer Johnson
Palmer Johnson is a Monaco-based, privately held custom yacht builder (founded 1918) that designs and constructs bespoke aluminium and carbon composite sport yachts and superyachts (19m-72m) for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1918
- HeadquartersMonaco, Germany
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Palmer Johnson does
Palmer Johnson is a privately held, Monaco-headquartered custom superyacht and sport yacht builder with production centralized in Pisa, Italy. Founded in 1918, the company sells bespoke vessels ranging from the 19.4m PJ63 OpenSport up through the 64m PJ210 SportYacht and the 72m SuperSport, targeting ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices globally. Its go-to-market is high-touch direct sales from Monaco with multi-year custom build contracts; revenue also derives from refit and service work on existing Palmer Johnson hulls. Vessels are constructed in aluminium or carbon composite using proprietary techniques including unibody construction, a hull-and-sponsons configuration (claimed 3x monohull stability and 50% fuel reduction at 30+ knots), and wave-piercing bow design; drivelines are standardized on MTU engines across the SportYacht/SuperSport range, with the PJ63 using Volvo Penta IPS. Classification is handled through Lloyd's Register (SportYacht series) and DNV (SuperSport series) under Cayman Island Registry with MCA certification. The company operates with no disclosed dealer network, no public financial reporting, and a small disclosed partnership footprint (MTU, Volvo Penta, Lloyd's, DNV, Superyachts Monaco brokerage); marketing relies on a heritage narrative and an active Instagram feed rather than broad digital advertising.
Palmer Johnson firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Palmer Johnson
- Legal name
- Palmer Johnson
- Website
- https://palmerjohnson.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1918
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Palmer Johnson is a Monaco-based, privately held custom yacht builder (founded 1918) that designs and constructs bespoke aluminium and carbon composite sport yachts and superyachts (19m-72m) for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Palmer Johnson industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Yacht Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Ship and Boat Building (3366), Boat Building (336612)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Full-Custom Superyacht & Megayacht Manufacturing (IMAJAMAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAEAM), Luxury Yacht Hull & Superstructure Fabrication (Composite/Aluminum/Steel) (IMAJAMAG)
Keywords
Where Palmer Johnson is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Monaco
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Palmer Johnson business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Custom Superyacht Sales: Design, engineering, and construction of bespoke superyachts ranging from 63ft open sport yachts to 72M superyachts. Each vessel is custom-built to client specifications with aluminium and carbon composite construction. Revenue from initial design through to delivery.
- Superyacht Refit and Service: Refit services and ongoing maintenance for existing Palmer Johnson yachts. Service operations from production facility in Pisa, Italy.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | PJ63 OpenSport - 19.4m sport yacht |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels2 records
Palmer Johnson product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Palmer Johnson designs, engineers, and constructs bespoke aluminium and carbon composite sport yachts and superyachts ranging from 19.4m to 72m. The product portfolio covers three lines: the PJ63 OpenSport (19.4m carbon composite sport yacht), the SportYacht Series (37.9m-64m aluminium vessels including 120, 135, 150, 170, and 210 models), and the SuperSport Series (42M, 48M, 72M superyachts featuring revolutionary hull-and-sponsons and unibody carbon composite construction). All vessels are custom-built to client specifications and delivered with Lloyd's or DNV classification plus MCA certification.
Product overview
Palmer Johnson builds sport yachts and super yachts through two main product series. The SportYacht Series (120, 135, 150, 170, 210) ranges from 37.9m to 64m aluminium vessels with semi-displacement hulls, known for iconic sleek profiles and exceptional seakeeping at 27-31 knots. The SuperSport Series (42M, 48M, 72M) represents the next-generation superyacht class featuring revolutionary hull designs with sponsons, carbon composite construction options, and 30-50% more living space than conventional yachts. The PJ63 OpenSport is a smaller 19.4m carbon composite open sport yacht entry point. All vessels feature signature Palmer Johnson design elements including muscular haunches, signature portholes, and no-transom aft deck layouts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SportYacht Series: Iconic sport yacht series ranging from 120ft to 210ft, built in aluminium with superyacht build quality. Features signature styling elements including portholes, muscular haunches, and no-transom aft deck design.
- SuperSport Series
- PJ63 OpenSport
Products and services
- PJ63 OpenSport A 19.4-metre open sport yacht featuring carbon composite hull and superstructure, capable of 34 knots maximum speed with three Volvo Penta IPS1 D600 units. Designed with sleek curved surfaces and aggressive styling, CE category B certified.
- 120 SportYacht A 37.9-metre aluminium sport yacht reaching 28 knots maximum speed, accommodating 6-10 guests and 5 crew. Features Lloyd's classification, semi-displacement deep V hull, MTU 16V 2000 M94 main engines, and open aft decks seamlessly transitioning into interior living areas. Registered under Cayman Island Registry.
- 135 SportYacht A 41.1-metre aluminium sport yacht achieving 30 knots maximum speed, with capacity for 12 guests and 7 crew. Features Lloyd's + 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono HSC G6LMC MCA LY2 classification. Known for wide open interior spaces and dynamic lifestyle design.
- 150 SportYacht A 45.7-metre aluminium sport yacht reaching 27 knots maximum speed, accommodating 12 guests and 8 crew. Features flowing elegant lines with a predatory feline profile, MTU 16V 4000 M93L main engines.
- 170 SportYacht A 52.4-metre aluminium sport yacht achieving 31 knots maximum speed, with 12 guest and 8 crew capacity. Features flowing, feline and aggressive design lines with luxury of open space.
- 210 SportYacht A 64-metre aluminium sport yacht with superyacht build quality, accommodating 12 guests and 15 crew. Features unpartitioned spaces offering grandeur and homeliness, with 750 gross tonnage.
- 42M SuperSport A 43.3-metre superyacht available in carbon composite or aluminium construction, achieving 28-32 knots maximum speed. Features floor-to-ceiling windows, open plan design, with 15m² beach club and 80m² full beam owner cabin. DNV classified with MCA LY3 certification.
- 48M SuperSport A 49-metre superyacht with aluminium hull and superstructure, reaching 32 knots maximum speed. Features daring evolved design with floor-to-ceiling windows, 68m² full beam owner's cabin, and 105m² main aft deck. DNV classified with MCA LY3 certification.
- 72M SuperSport The largest SuperSport model at 72 metres, with aluminium hull and superstructure, achieving 27 knots maximum speed. Features 128m² owner suite, 145m² salon, 208m² main aft deck, helicopter deck, and 90m² beach club. DNV classified with MCA LY3 certification.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50% less fuel consumption while maintaining 30+ knot speeds with transatlantic range
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Palmer Johnson
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Palmer Johnson technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Palmer Johnson partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MTU (Rolls-Royce Power Systems)coreMTU engines are standard powerplants across the SportYacht and SuperSport series. PJ120 uses MTU 16V 2000 M94, PJ135/PJ150/PJ170/PJ210 use MTU 12V/16V 4000 M93L, PJ48M uses MTU 16V 2000 M94, PJ72M uses MTU 12V 4000 M90.
- Volvo PentacorePJ63 OpenSport is equipped with Volvo Penta IPS1 D600 propulsion system. Three IPS1 D600 units provide the power for the 34-knot sport yacht.
- Lloyd's RegistercoreClassification society for yacht certification. SportYacht series carries Lloyd's + 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 LMC MCA LY2 certification. Ensures compliance with international safety and quality standards.
- DNVcoreClassification society for SuperSport series. 42M, 48M, and 72M SuperSport yachts classified by DNV with MCA LY3 certification. Provides regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
- Superyachts MonacominorMonaco-based superyacht brokerage representing Palmer Johnson yachts for sale and charter. Featured at Monaco Yacht Show events.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves3 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Palmer Johnson competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sunseeker International: British luxury motor yacht builder offering a wide range of performance sport yachts and superyachts from ~15m to 40m+. Direct competitor to Palmer Johnson's SportYacht and PJ63 ranges, with similar target customers in the UHNW segment and overlapping European production footprint.
- Princess Yachts: UK-based luxury motor yacht manufacturer building flybridge, sport, and superyachts up to ~40m. Competes directly with Palmer Johnson's SportYacht series on performance motor yachts sold to private UHNW owners through dealer and direct channels.
- Azimut Yachts: Italian luxury yacht builder (part of Azimut Benetti Group) producing motor yachts from ~10m to 38m. Direct competitor on the entry-to-mid sport yacht segment with similar Italian design language and overlapping Mediterranean customer base.
- Ferretti Group: Italian luxury yacht group owning Ferretti, Riva, Pershing, Custom Line, and Wally brands, building motor yachts and superyachts up to ~50m+. Custom Line is the closest comparator to Palmer Johnson's semi-custom/full-custom superyacht strategy, serving similar UHNW buyers.
- Sanlorenzo: Italian superyacht builder producing semi-custom and fully custom motor yachts from ~24m to 73m. Most direct head-to-head competitor for Palmer Johnson's SportYacht and SuperSport series in the bespoke 40-72m segment, with overlapping clientele and Italian production heritage.
- Benetti: Italian superyacht builder (Azimut Benetti Group) constructing custom and semi-custom motor yachts from ~30m to 100m+. Direct competitor in the full-custom superyacht segment where Palmer Johnson's 42M-72M SuperSport competes, with longer market tenure and broader product range.
- Heesen Yachts: Dutch superyacht builder specializing in all-aluminum and steel-hulled motor yachts from ~30m to 80m. Comparable to Palmer Johnson SportYacht series in the aluminum-built performance superyacht category, with overlapping focus on displacement efficiency and Dutch build quality.
- Feadship: Dutch builder of fully custom luxury motor yachts typically from ~40m to 100m+. Competes with Palmer Johnson's SuperSport series in the high-end custom superyacht market, with similar build-to-order model, family-office clientele, and multi-year project timelines.
Broad incumbents
- Lürssen: German luxury yacht builder producing fully custom superyachts from ~60m to 180m+. A larger incumbent in the custom superyacht space where Palmer Johnson's 72M SuperSport competes; operates at a significantly larger scale with broader portfolio but overlapping UHNW buyer segment.
- Oceanco: Dutch custom superyacht builder focused on yachts from ~80m to 140m+. Comparable to Palmer Johnson's SuperSport series on custom build philosophy and UHNW clientele, though operating at the larger end of the megayacht segment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Palmer Johnson social profiles
Digital presencePalmer Johnson compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Palmer Johnson financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Palmer Johnson leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Palmer Johnson funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Palmer Johnson M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Palmer Johnson
What does Palmer Johnson do?
Palmer Johnson designs, engineers, and constructs bespoke aluminium and carbon composite sport yachts and superyachts ranging from 19.4m to 72m. The product portfolio covers three lines: the PJ63 OpenSport (19.4m carbon composite sport yacht), the SportYacht Series (37.9m-64m aluminium vessels including 120, 135, 150, 170, and 210 models), and the SuperSport Series (42M, 48M, 72M superyachts featuring revolutionary hull-and-sponsons and unibody carbon composite construction). All vessels are custom-built to client specifications and delivered with Lloyd's or DNV classification plus MCA certification.
Is Palmer Johnson a public or private company?
Palmer Johnson is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Palmer Johnson founded?
Palmer Johnson was founded in 1918. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Palmer Johnson based?
Palmer Johnson is headquartered in Monaco, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Palmer Johnson make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Custom Superyacht Sales are the primary driver. The others are superyacht Refit and Service.
Who are Palmer Johnson's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sunseeker International, Princess Yachts, Azimut Yachts, Ferretti Group, Sanlorenzo, Benetti, Heesen Yachts and Feadship. Broad incumbents are Lürssen and Oceanco.
Does Palmer Johnson have an API?
No public API is recorded for Palmer Johnson.
What industry is Palmer Johnson in?
Palmer Johnson's product category is Luxury Yacht Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAMAB, Full-Custom Superyacht & Megayacht Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAJAEAM, Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 3366 and its SIC code is 3730.