1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish MY

The 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y is an 80-foot custom sportfishing motor yacht built by Palmer Johnson in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The yacht features an aluminum hull, flush decks, an enclosed flybridge and a large aft cockpit designed for offshore fishing. With a 21.5-foot beam and substantial fuel capacity, the design combines serious sportfishing capability with the space required for extended cruising and onboard accommodation.

The example currently associated with this model is “CHAIRMAN,” which was built in 1997 and delivered in 1998 according to the listing description. It has twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines, four heads and three guest cabins. The yacht also received a major refit in 2018 that included exterior paint, generators, LED lighting, air conditioning, carpets, headliners and other equipment upgrades.

Is the 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y for Sale?

Yes. The 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y “CHAIRMAN” has been publicly offered for sale in Key Largo, Florida. Current YachtWorld and Boat Trader listings show an asking price of $2.75 million, while other brokerage listings have displayed different asking prices, so buyers should confirm the latest price and availability directly with the broker before relying on a listing.

The vessel is represented as a custom-built sportfish motor yacht rather than a standard production boat. Its enclosed flybridge, large cockpit, extensive fishing equipment and long-range fuel capacity make it suitable for offshore fishing as well as longer private cruising. The listing also notes updated generators, air conditioning, electronics and other systems, which should be verified against the vessel's current condition and maintenance records during the purchase process.

1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y Price

The current advertised asking price for the 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y “CHAIRMAN” is $2,750,000 on YachtWorld and Boat Trader. Other online brokerage listings have shown asking prices ranging from approximately $2.75 million to $2.95 million, demonstrating that the advertised figure has changed across listings. Buyers should therefore confirm the latest asking price with the current listing broker.

For a yacht of this age, asking price alone does not provide a complete picture of acquisition cost. The condition of the aluminum structure, Caterpillar engines, generators, electrical systems, air-conditioning plant, navigation equipment and fishing equipment can all affect the value of an individual vessel. A professional survey, engine inspection and sea trial should be completed before determining whether the asking price is appropriate for the specific boat.

Performance and Propulsion

The 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y is powered by twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines, each rated at 1,350 hp at 2,300 rpm, giving a combined rated output of 2,700 hp. The engines are freshwater-cooled and turbocharged and are connected to ZF BW1950 marine reversing gears with a 2.03:1 ratio. The installation uses direct drive and is designed for the demands of a large offshore sportfishing yacht.

The yacht carries approximately 4,100 US gallons of fuel, providing substantial onboard fuel storage for offshore operations and extended cruising. Available specifications list a 5.58-foot maximum draft, although some brokerage databases contain differing dimensional information, so the builder's documentation should be used for final verification. Buyers should also review the Caterpillar service history, engine hours, recent overhauls, cooling systems, transmissions and fuel systems before purchase.

Exterior Design and Construction

The 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y has a custom 80-foot aluminum construction with flush decks and a 21.5-foot beam. The enclosed flybridge provides a protected helm position while retaining visibility over the fishing cockpit, and the stern includes a dedicated sportfishing cockpit with a swim platform. The current “CHAIRMAN” example is finished in white two-part polyurethane paint with a black boot stripe, with the exterior paint reported as having been renewed in 2018.

The cockpit is arranged around offshore fishing activities, with a bait station, fish box, fighting chair, rod-launcher storage and access to the engine room and dive locker. The yacht also carries a dive compressor and related equipment, expanding its use beyond traditional sportfishing. The combination of a large cockpit, enclosed bridge and substantial beam gives the yacht a practical layout for both fishing operations and longer stays offshore.

Interior and Accommodation

The interior of the 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y is arranged more like a large motor yacht than a basic fishing boat. The accommodation plan includes three guest cabins and four heads, with teak cabinetry, carpeted living areas and multiple entertainment spaces. The forward guest area includes upper and lower berths, while another guest cabin provides twin berths. A separate master stateroom is located farther aft, providing additional privacy for the owner.

The enclosed pilot house functions as both a helm and social area, with a fully equipped helm, seating, a settee, wet bar and entertainment equipment. The main living areas include a galley, dinette and salon finished with teak veneers and carpet. The yacht also has laundry facilities, multiple refrigeration and ice-making systems, substantial storage and upgraded air conditioning, making the interior suitable for extended cruising rather than short fishing trips alone.

What to Check Before Buying a 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y

Before purchasing a 1997 Palmer Johnson 80 Sportfish M/Y, a complete marine survey and mechanical inspection should be considered essential. Particular attention should be given to the aluminum hull and deck structure, including welds, corrosion, moisture intrusion around fittings, previous repairs and the condition of the painted surfaces. The twin Caterpillar 3412 engines should be inspected individually, with buyers reviewing total hours, overhaul history, oil analysis, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust systems and ZF transmissions.

The buyer should also inspect the generators, air-conditioning system, electrical equipment, navigation electronics, water systems, fuel tanks, pumps, stabilizing or steering equipment and onboard safety systems. Fishing-specific equipment such as the fighting chair, bait station, fish boxes, dive compressor and refrigeration systems should be tested under operating conditions. A sea trial should then verify engine performance, steering, vibration, transmission operation and overall handling before a final purchase decision is made.