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1996 Palmer Johnson TRI-DECK FB
Trideck

1996 Palmer Johnson TRI-DECK FB

“COSTA BRAVA III”
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
$6,500,000

Specifications

Year
1996
LOA
121'6"
Beam
25'
Hull
Aluminum
Fuel Type
Diesel

Engines

MakeModelPowerHours
Detroit Diesel 16V921600 HP
Detroit Diesel 16V921600 HP

Broker Overview

This 1996 Palmer Johnson 121 Tri-Deck, 'Costa Brava III', represents a significant opportunity for a discerning buyer seeking a large, custom-built yacht with a proven pedigree. Palmer Johnson's reputation for robust aluminum construction is well-established, and this vessel benefits from a design by the renowned Tom Fexas, specifically tailored for cruising in areas like the Bahamas and Florida Keys, evidenced by its shallow 6-foot draft. What truly sets this yacht apart is the extraordinary investment made by the current owner. With a reported $4,000,000 spent between 2020-2023 on refit works at reputable yards like Oceanika Yachts and Bradford Marine, this vessel has seen a comprehensive modernization. This follows an earlier $3,000,000 refit in 2007. The listing confirms a full upgrade of the engine room, new SAT TV antenna, and new washer and dryer sets, indicating a focus on both critical systems and onboard comfort. While the Detroit Diesel 16V92 engines are a classic, reliable choice, buyers should factor in their specific operational characteristics. This is a yacht that has been consistently maintained and upgraded, offering a turn-key solution for serious cruising.

Why This Boat

Palmer Johnson aluminum construction with Tom Fexas design – known for quality and shallow draft capability.
Extensive $4,000,000 refit (2020-2023) and prior $3,000,000 refit (2007) by current owner.
Full engine room upgrade, new SAT TV, and new laundry equipment confirmed.
Shallow 6-foot draft, ideal for cruising in the Bahamas and Florida Keys.
Owner highly motivated, suggesting potential for a competitive acquisition.

Best For

Long-Range CruisingFamily CruisingIsland HoppingEntertainmentLiveaboard

Considerations

Classic Detroit Diesel engines may require specific maintenance considerations.
Absence of bow/stern thrusters means docking requires more skill.
Older vessel means some systems, though refitted, may not be cutting-edge without further upgrades.

These are broker observations, not deal-breakers. Every yacht has trade-offs — a good broker helps you weigh them.

Ready to See This Yacht?

Schedule a private showing or talk to a broker who knows this boat.

Expert Review

The Palmer Johnson 121 Tri-Deck is a testament to quality American yacht building. Its aluminum hull offers durability and a lighter displacement compared to fiberglass, contributing to its shallow draft. Tom Fexas's design ensures good sea-keeping for a vessel of this size, particularly in coastal and island waters. The Detroit Diesel 16V92 engines are workhorses; while they are known for reliability, a buyer should anticipate a thorough survey of these classic powerplants, including oil analysis and load testing. The significant refit investment is a major value proposition, but a detailed list of works should be reviewed to understand the scope. Pay close attention to the age and condition of navigation electronics, generators, and auxiliary systems not explicitly mentioned as new. Comparables might include other custom aluminum builds from yards like Delta or Westport of a similar vintage, though few will have this level of recent investment. This yacht offers considerable volume and capability for its asking price, especially given the recent upgrades.

Owner Sentiment

Very Good

Owners of Palmer Johnson yachts generally praise their robust construction and customizability, often highlighting their offshore capabilities and comfortable interiors.

Strengths
Exceptional build quality with durable aluminum hull.Shallow draft for versatile cruising grounds.Spacious tri-deck layout for comfort and entertaining.Significant recent refit investment by current owner.

Full Listing Description

MAJOR $4,000,000 (2020 to 2023) INVESTED ON UPGRADED/REFITTED WORKS DONE AT OCEANIKA YACHTS MARINA, MIAMI & BRADFORD MARINE, FORT LAUDERDALE....call or write us for complete detailed massive list of works done. Ready for cruising !!!

OWNER HIGHLY MOTIVATED !! ....

The 121 ft Custom motor yacht 'Costa Brava III' was built by "pedigree brand" Palmer Johnson in United States at their Sturgeon Bay, WI shipyard , she was delivered to her first owner in 1996 and full upgraded & refitted in 2006 at Bradford Marine, Fort Lauderdale by current owner. Now from 2020 to 2023 current owner just finished a second major refit.

This luxury vessel's sophisticate exterior & interior design and engineering is the work of the famous Tom Fexas Yacht Design team who were also responsible for the entire engineering package.

Tom Fexas specifically designed this yacht to be used in the shallow waters of Bahamas and Florida Keys.....draft only 6 feet !!!! PALMER JOHNSON is a "pedigree 100% USA brand !!!......"COSTA BRAVA III" is ready for cruising !!! ....this yacht never has been chartered....only family use by current owner.  "COSTA BRAVA III" was purchased by current owner on 2006 and it was invested $3.0M on upgrades done during 2007 with everything new inside (floors, walls, ceilings, kitchen, electronics, hydraulics, cranes plus a complete new flybridge re-design including Jacuzzi and every equipment and toys needed for a long cruising. This is a unique PALMER JOHNSON 121' !!! Accommodates owner and Ten (10) guests in Five (5) staterooms with their own individual heads. Crew quarters for Seven (7) in three (3) cabins with two heads. Two extra day heads in main salon and sky lounge.

A central spiral staircase runs from the lower guest quarters up to the sky lounge including a food elevator from the kitchen to the main deck.

ABS certified hull super structure. Cruise at 15 knots for a 2000 miles Range.

New marine signature paint job done just in November 2019


!!! MAJOR $4,500,000 REFIT WORKS 2020 - 2023 !!!:

Works done in OCEANIKA YACHTS MARINA, MIAMI:

NEW 2020....full 2 x Nothernlight generators overhaul.

NEW 2020....full new NAVIGATION electronics and computers.

NEW 2020.....full master cabin bathroom upgrade

NEW 2020.....new kitchen top upgrade.

NEW 2021....full 2 x engines overhaul done on both DETROIT DIESEL engines.........10 hours since overhaul .

NEW 2021....full 2 x engine transmissions overhaul done....10 hours since overhaul.

NEW 2021 ....2 x electronic engine operating controls.

NEW 2021......new 2 x washer/dryer sets.

NEW 2021.....full 2 inch real TEKA floor on all the 3 x outside decks

NEW 2021.....full 2 x hydraulic cranes overhaul.

NEW 2021....new SAT TV antenna

NEW 2021.... new backup second electric windlass in bow.

NEW 2021...new full upgrade of engine room: ceiling, walls, LED lights, every pump: fresh water, A/C, diesel transfer,

black water, gray water, etc, etc...

NEW 2021....new ceiling leather panels on every deck inside & vinyl outside

NEW 2022....new TV and music systems on cabins and recreational areas.

NEW 2022....full LED lights inside and outside.

NEW 2022....new 7 x toilets systems

NEW 2022....new 4 x A/C chillers + all evaporators

NEW 2022....new refrigerators + ice makers NEW 2022....full hydraulic system overhaul: bow thruster, side NAIAD stabilizers, windlass, steering, etc.

NEW 2022... full Boston Whaler tender refit + new Mercury outboard engine

NEW 2022...2 x new reverse osmosis watermakers NEW 2022...new battery charges + batteries

NEW 2022...new 2 x LED search lights

NEW 2022...new 2 x water heaters New 2022....full upgrade hydraulic pasarelle at transom.

New 2022.....full 4 x diver tanks and accesories.

NEW 2022.....full 5 x diesel tanks cleaning

New 2022......new 2 x complete Engines Exhaust System (D'Angelo Premium brand)


Works done in BRADFORD MARINE, FORT LAUDERDALE:

NEW 2022-2023.....full hull ultrasonic survey (100% perfect global aluminum integrity, fixed/reinforced few aluminum

areas with same naval aluminum material)

NEW 2023.....new Underwater lights in hull.

NEW 2023.....shaft, props balancing + new 2 x struts built

NEW 2023.....hull coating + antifouling + Pro Speed

NEW 2023.....full 2 x ASEA electrical transformers refit.


NOTE: Painting /Sculpture Art and Marine decoration objects are not included in this selling price. These items can be negotiated apart if interested to the Buyer.


Yacht Access is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by SYS Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel

Notable Upgrades

!!! MAJOR $4,500,000 REFIT WORKS 2020 - 2023 !!!:

MLS Features & Equipment

Detected Equipment

Automatically extracted from listing description — 7 items detected

Comfort & Climate
Air ConditioningWatermakerWasher / DryerStabilizers
Docking & Maneuvering
Bow Thruster
Communication
Satellite TV / Internet
Tender & Water Toys
Tender / Dinghy
Disclaimer: This listing is provided through cooperative brokerage via the IYBA MLS. The listing broker is SYS Yacht Sales (Tony Hernandez ). Yacht Access is acting as a buyer's broker and can assist you with this purchase.
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