| |  | Review: Palmer Johnson's 135' "Dragon" |  | | | |
Some who are strongly dedicated to the mechanical aspects of megayachts may not approve of this magical, avant-garde design approach; others will be enthralled at the audaciousness of the artistic level. The dining room, adjoining but separated only by a stretch of cabinetry from the main salon, carries out the theme. With black African wenge wood on the dining table and floor, a formal dining occasion seats ten. Port and starboard cabinets provide tableware storage. A full service bar with marble top is accompanied by an under-counter ice maker/refrigerator. The 42” TV entertainment module with Surround-Sound is centered within the adjoining rooms, set at floor level on a swivel, so it is easily viewed from any angle in this large open space.
| |
Forward on the main deck, with Fly by Wire electro-hydraulic steering, the Pilothouse also echoes the bright color scheme, sporting twin, adjustable Stidd helm chairs. With broad windscreens facing instrumentation – including radar, satellite navigation and performance – all monitors and panel switches are arranged within easy scan and reach.
| |
To port is a computerized nav station. Alarm systems, including engine room, bilge, fire, and fuel tank capacities, are monitored continuously from this central location. A passageway forward of the bridge leads to the Crew quarters, located in the forepeak, with a separate kitchen; four cabins with bunk beds; plus the Captain’s quarters with a double berth.
| |
On the lower deck the massive, 28’ beam-wide Master Stateroom continues the Mondrian theme with strict architectural adherence. Red, white, and black dominate and reverberate even in casual furniture and wall panels. A large overhead mirror reflects the wide use of wenge African hardwood on the floors. Green/black Crocodile leather adorns the king-size berth head board.
| |
This close-up of the seating area displays its strict attention to the modern architectural plan. The lamp shade is burnished gold.
| |
This close-up of Dragon’s vanity emphasizes the outre’ aspects of her furnishings; Note the crocodile leather counter-top, and highly polished wenge African wood trim.
| |
Following the theme, the Master Bath is all white, with trim of wenge wood, white onyx walls and marble flooring. Arranged separately as his and hers; the toilet, bidet, and sinks display starkly modern fixtures.
| |
Two VIP staterooms, facing forward, are port and starboard. Each features cedar-lined hanging lockers, as well as ensuite heads; with identical, exacting design. Both VIP staterooms have a full length mirrors, storage cabinets.
| |
A pair of Twin staterooms, convertible to doubles, are forward and side by side across the hallway. The strict design pattern continues, with leather paneled walls and overhead lighting. Each sports an ensuite head/shower. One has an extra fold-down bunk as well.
| |
Dragon’s massive power plant houses twin MTU 16V4000 M90 diesels, rated 3,650 bhp @ 2,100 rpm. Her size allows full head and walk-around room for maintenance in her spotlessly kept engine compartment; although the inside access ladder is somewhat tricky. Dragon's construction is aluminum in deck, hull, and superstructure, welded; with fiberglass components as needed – such as the aft deck and foredeck garage doors. She’s classified by Lloyds Register as 100A1 SSC Yacht Mono HSC G6 MCH; and MCA Marine and Coast Guard Administration, per Cayman Islands Registry. Short Range.
| |
Dragon's 50 Hz system provides three phase and single phase voltages. Power management, shown here, includes seamless transfer, circuit breakers, metering and ground fault indication. A workbench is located between the twin MTU 16V4000 M90 diesels.
|
Palmer Johnson, long a prized trademark in the yachting industry, has entered yet another new era in its long and fabled history. One which promises to be fruitful; it is a tribute to the shipwrights who have labored to extend her products and reputation. Under Mike Kelsey’s leadership and forward planning, PJ’s fame grows with each successful
new yacht. Now, even more innovations are underway: Stay tuned! <end>
Review by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy
Photo Credit: Marko Modic
Detail Pics: YF Publisher Specifications:
LOA: 135’
Beam: 27.6’
Draft: 5.9’
Fuel: 10,000 gal.
Water: 935 gal.
Max Speed: 34 knots
Cruise Speed: 30 knots For more information contact:
Palmer Johnson Yachts
128 Kentucky St.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
920-743-4412 www.palmerjohnson.com | |
Deck Plans: Top to Bottom...
1. Fly Deck
2. Main Deck
3. Lower Deck
| | Review Tools | | | | Rate this Review | | | All times are EST. The time now is 07:49 AM. | |