Christensen 38.4m Yacht for Sale in California, United States

This 38.4-metre luxury motor yacht from Christensen Shipyards presents a compelling opportunity to acquire a proven American-built yacht that combines classic pedigree, dependable engineering, and a meaningful 2022 refit. Originally delivered in 1992 and maintained through a long operational life of responsible ownership, she continues to stand out as a refined cruising platform for buyers seeking comfort, range, and practical long-term usability. Designed with naval architecture by the builder, elegant exterior styling by Glade Johnson Design, and timeless interior work by Sylvia Bolton Designs, this yacht balances traditional yachting character with the onboard functionality expected in today’s market.

Measuring 38.4 metres in overall length with a 35-metre waterline, a 7.9-metre beam, and a 2.1-metre draft, the yacht offers a stable and comfortable footprint for both coastal cruising and offshore passages. Her approximate internal volume of 165 gross tons gives her an impressive sense of usable space without compromising her streamlined exterior profile. Built with a semi-displacement composite hull and composite superstructure, she benefits from reduced structural weight, performance efficiency, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. Finished in classic white and arranged across two principal teak-laid decks, the yacht presents an attractive and enduring profile while offering excellent deck circulation, secure footing, and a warm visual finish that suits luxury private cruising.

Design, Construction & Build Quality

Christensen’s build standards are clearly reflected throughout the yacht’s structure and systems integration. Her semi-displacement hull form has been engineered to deliver a balanced combination of cruising comfort, respectable speed, and good internal volume. Reinforced hull sections, carefully integrated onboard systems, and practical engineering access all support long-term reliability and ease of maintenance. The builder’s construction approach is evident in the yacht’s robust feel underfoot, thoughtful separation between operational and guest areas, and the durability of her major structural components. Registered under the United States flag and having operated historically under several previous names, she represents a yacht with pedigree, traceable history, and continued upgrades rather than an anonymous platform without background.

Performance & Engineering

Power comes from twin Detroit Diesel 12V-92 diesel engines, each producing approximately 1,100 horsepower, for a combined output of roughly 2,200 horsepower. These engines have long been respected within the yachting sector for mechanical toughness, service familiarity, and suitability for long-range cruising applications. Delivered through a twin-screw propulsion setup, the yacht benefits from dependable thrust, smooth acceleration, and consistent maneuverability in a variety of operating environments, whether underway offshore or handling marina approaches.

With this configuration, the yacht reaches an approximate top speed of 15 knots and cruises comfortably at around 12 knots. At that efficient cruising speed, she offers a range of approximately 2,500 nautical miles, supported by a substantial fuel capacity of 25,852 litres. This makes her particularly attractive for owners planning extended itineraries, island cruising, or passages between major yachting destinations without constant dependence on refuelling infrastructure. Freshwater storage of around 6,435 litres further supports autonomy, helping maintain guest comfort during longer stays at anchor or while cruising remote areas.

Stabilization systems are fitted to improve comfort underway by reducing roll motion, helping maintain a steadier environment for guests and crew in moderate sea states. The machinery spaces have been arranged with service practicality in mind, allowing access to engines, cooling systems, filtration equipment, exhaust lines, and associated mechanical components for inspection and routine servicing. The yacht’s electrical infrastructure includes centralized distribution panels, battery banks, and shore power connectivity, forming a dependable platform for onboard hotel loads, navigation electronics, climate systems, and guest amenities.

Accommodation & Interior Living

Accommodation is arranged for up to eight guests in four well-proportioned cabins, comprising a dedicated owner’s suite, one VIP cabin, and two additional double guest cabins. Each cabin is designed to provide privacy, comfortable storage, and en-suite bathroom facilities, making the layout well suited to family use, private cruising with guests, or selective charter deployment. Sylvia Bolton Designs’ interior concept introduces a welcoming atmosphere through warm materials, balanced lighting, and comfortable furnishings, producing a setting that feels classic, polished, and genuinely livable rather than overly stylized.

The main salon serves as the principal social interior, offering a comfortable environment for relaxation, conversation, entertainment, or quiet retreat while benefiting from panoramic surrounding views. Adjacent dining spaces support both formal meals and relaxed onboard gatherings in an elegant but approachable setting. The overall interior arrangement has been planned to support extended time onboard, not merely weekend use, which is especially important in a yacht intended for longer cruising schedules.

A dedicated onboard gym adds further lifestyle value, allowing owners and guests to maintain fitness routines while cruising. Full air-conditioning supports comfortable living in a wide range of climates, while onboard Wi-Fi connectivity ensures communication and digital access remain available for both guests and crew. Together, these features strengthen the yacht’s appeal to modern owners who expect a combination of classical yacht atmosphere and contemporary convenience.

Exterior Areas, Tender & Guest Enjoyment

The yacht’s exterior spaces are designed for easy enjoyment of time at sea, with teak-finished decks creating a refined transition between indoor and outdoor living. Multiple deck areas allow for lounging, scenic viewing, entertaining, and general relaxation, while the overall arrangement encourages natural guest circulation without crowding. Whether used for sunbathing during coastal passages, evening drinks at anchor, or simply enjoying open views underway, the exterior decks support the practical rhythm of life onboard.

A 7.92-metre Chris Craft tender is carried onboard, providing convenient transport ashore, access to secluded anchorages, support for guest transfers, and the flexibility to explore nearby marinas or coastal destinations independently from the mothership. This tender capability adds significantly to the owner experience by making the yacht more self-sufficient and more versatile during extended cruising programs.

Crew, Operations & Onboard Systems

The yacht accommodates up to six professional crew members in dedicated crew quarters arranged separately from guest areas, preserving guest privacy while supporting smooth day-to-day operations. This separation of service and guest circulation is an important element of comfortable ownership, especially on a yacht designed to undertake meaningful passages and host guests in comfort. The operational platform is further supported by onboard navigation systems typically including radar, GPS chart plotting, AIS vessel identification, autopilot functionality, and marine communication equipment appropriate for offshore cruising and safe voyage planning.

Safety and support systems form part of a comprehensive cruising platform. These include fire detection and suppression measures, portable extinguishers throughout accommodation and machinery spaces, bilge pumping systems, and life-saving equipment in line with standard maritime operational practice. Plumbing systems include freshwater pumps, water heaters, holding tanks, and grey and black water systems designed to support extended occupancy onboard.

Ownership Perspective & Purchase Considerations

For buyers seeking a yacht in this category, this Christensen represents a strong combination of lifestyle utility and operational practicality. Her composite construction offers corrosion resistance and long-term durability, while underwater running gear such as shafts, rudders, and propellers can be maintained according to well-established marine engineering procedures. Her 2022 refit adds tangible value by reflecting continued care across systems, interiors, and operational readiness, reducing the gap between classic pedigree and present-day usability.

Routine maintenance for a yacht of this calibre generally includes hull inspections, antifouling, drivetrain servicing, system checks, and verification of electrical and mechanical equipment. Prospective buyers would typically proceed through inspection, professional marine survey, and sea trial to assess structural condition, propulsion performance, stabilization effectiveness, and overall operational behaviour under real-world conditions. The acquisition process usually moves through negotiated contract terms, escrow-backed deposits, and coordinated closing arrangements before delivery and handover. Included equipment such as the tender and operational accessories contributes to a more turnkey ownership proposition.

Ownership Opportunity

With proven American build quality, long-range cruising capability, comfortable guest accommodation, dedicated crew support, and a meaningful 2022 refit, this 38.4-metre Christensen is a serious option for buyers who value real cruising substance as much as classic yacht character. For an owner seeking a well-maintained, usable, and elegant luxury yacht capable of delivering memorable private voyages or selective charter use, this vessel deserves close consideration. Enquire now for full specifications, survey arrangements, viewing coordination, and purchase discussions.