Review: Christensen's 157' "Liquidity"

Christensen Yachts "Liquidity"​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy

Traditional Design Concepts Follow a Course Endowing Long-Time Craftsmanship with Ultra Rich Luxury and Style; Liquidity is the Second in a Series from Christensen that is the Epitome of the Modern MegaYacht.​

Christensen Yachts has become known over many years – and become famous for – its Custom Series, upon which is bestowed a certain aura of perfection from its many admirers. Classed as a production yacht, it’s no surprise certainly, that a yacht boasting an efficient and effective layout involves a less lengthy construction period. Consequently, the Christensen Custom Yacht also offers the advantage of a more immediate delivery date. Their turn-key price includes all décor, navigation equipment, entertainment systems, gear, appliances, tenders, MCA outfitting, as well as a plethora of decorative plumbing and fixtures. This is truly a turn-key yacht.

Yet, even with its ingeniously standardized engineering and construction systems, Christensen allows a prodigious array of choices for creativity within its own construction specifications, as well as for its customers’ preferences. Christensen is one of the industry’s leaders in composite fiberglass yachts. Dave Christensen backed into yacht building when he commissioned a custom yacht for himself, only to find customers clamoring for it ... and the 2nd and the 3rd, so in the mid-1980s, he opened his own yacht building factory on the Columbia River to build a line of megayachts. The Christensen fleet ranges from 115 feet to 157 feet in length and is built in compliance with the American Bureau of Shipping and the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency classification standards.

The Company’s exacting construction methods also offer unlimited cruising horizons, since they are certified by ABSXA1-AMS & MCA classifications. Christensen's hull molds allow for a wide variety of options during construction. Their yachts are built utilizing a sandwich composite method. For example, the hulls are Double-Cored cell that is approx. 2-1/2 inches thick, while the superstructure is comprised of Divinycell-core. The result is a VERY strong composite yacht, as can be seen in the "two-point" presentation on their website (www.christensenyachts.com), where the entire yacht is supported (out of the water) by only 2 points... and nothing in between. Impressive!

Liquidity, launched in early 2005, is the second in Christensen’s 157' series, which – with an additional 2’ to the previous 6’ swim platform, making it into an eight-foot stern broad walk on the 29-1/2’ beam – still just two feet longer than its standard 155. The builder has three other Custom 157's on the way; due to launch in 2006 and 2007. Hull 028, for May 2006, is sold; 029 is due in August 2006; and 031 is planned for Spring 2007.

Based in Vancouver, Washington, the facility boasts 160,000 sq.ft. of climate controlled manufacturing space and a 7-acre marina. There are nine large manufacturing bays, one with expandable molds for 100’ to 165’ hulls. One is fully enclosed for environmentally controlled painting. Its gated and enclosed marina houses in-water processes and yacht deliveries. The area can accommodate 7 Christensen megayachts, with a dry-dock area for up to a 350-ton megayacht.

Far and away from anything resembling civilization, Liquidity is in her ultimate element... surrounded by her namesake and bringing light to the end of day. Generous attention has been paid to exterior deck lighting with soft, recessed illuminations that mirror Liquidity's back-lit name plate. (editors note: this photo is Liquidity's sistership)

A couch seating eight, plus barstools for an additional six, the upper deck adds a fun, relaxing air to the readily comforting atmosphere of Liquidity. Among the many accomodations on the flybridge are a commercial grade stainless outdoor grille and multi-tiered countertop bar.

An integrated hardtop compliments Liquidity's lines, providing shade by day and illumination by night. The entire flybridge deck, when stripped of cushions, was designed to battle time and the elements, providing a maintenance free environment when not in use. Take notice of the ripple-free reflection under the hardtop that rivals a mirror. This same finish will be found throughout every molded structure and surface on a Christensen.

Just forward, the pool is positioned to provide the best vantage point while soaking in water or rays. A security handrail provides assistance for entering and exiting the pool, but should you slip... there are 180 degrees of lounge pads to cushion the fall.

Liquidity’s 500-gallon pool, lined with a splash well, offers a salt water-less dip and adds yet another uncommon indulgence to the owner's and their preferred guests. Protecting wading occupants, the forward swept wind-screen keeps turbulence to a minimum while underway.

Standing like monuments to a Greek Parthenon, huge stainless steel pillars rise from the upper deck in support of the aft-flybridge, carrying the burden of personal watercraft weight above. Liquidity's outdoor space presents more than an entertainment area... it is so expansive, it defies island fever.

Centered under the broad open space of the covered aft deck and complete with it's own deck pattern, a fixed stainless pedestal gives rise to a round dining table fit for ten. It is serviced by a full bar-cum refrigerator/refreshment center just forward. Immediately aft exists ample room for a 20’ tender. Liquidity’s enormous beam extending to its stern allows for any combination of tenders/PWCs and recreational goodies, readily launched via a davit that sits out of sight in the bridge coaming until called upon.

The salon's entrance on the main aft-deck is a prelude to the artistry that awaits inside. To starboard of this gateway is a full rod & tackle cabinet. To the port, is a full service bar to toast the catch of the day's best angler. A departure from the dark walnut wood theme inside, the exterior deck and cabinetry is better suited to the salt-air environment, and is as glamorous in its own right.

The semi-curved bar with refrigerator, sink, and libation storage sits just forward and aport of the seven-place outdoor teak table and chairs. Striped black and ecru is chosen for the settee which faces the table and provides additional seating. Looking aft, the oversize swim platforum proffers perhaps another view of all those intrepid souls who simply cannot resist the urge of watersports in exotic offshore anchorages.

Up high and forward on Liquidity’s upper deck, the premiere control station offers a trio of fully adjustable Stidd helm chairs, facing a state-of-the-art console. A complete array of electronics is displayed both overhead and at desk level – a countertop embellished with exceptional verde-giada marble. The combination delivers instant information on every system within this yacht, via a six-screen display of radar, chart plotter; fathometer, GPS, engine performance, and more. All systems are continually monitored, with alarm status information at a glance. At port, a large computer desk and planning station offers a rolling swivel chair and storage, while at starboard is comfortable couch seating for onlookers. This station also includes remote docking and passarelle controls.

Just steps away, aft, is the convenient location of the Captain’s stateroom. It features a double berth, private head/shower, as well as a charting table and storage locker. The hallway offers an option down via the elevator, to starboard, or the stairwell, at center.

Artful layout of furniture in its commodious salon – on the main deck – is also color-coordinated; featuring beige carpeting and overhead, as well as handsome spreads of deep-cushioned couches and chairs. Wall coverings and wood treatments are black walnut, an excellent (though not often used) fine-grained wood, which finishes to a soft glow with remarkable depth. Its darkness could be problematic on a yacht of lesser size, but here registers as a first rate choice. The walnut pattern is continued in the large coffee table, ovoid-shaped; while extensive use of pine-green accents is also notable. Starlighting, as well as strategically placed lamps, deliver a warmth and welcome aura. At the salon's forward limit, a separating cabinet sports a 52” plasma television that descends from the ceiling on demand, or retreats to reveal fine artwork. Note the ceiling treatment of waterproof leather; it is followed throughout.

Just forward, past the richly finished china and silver cabinetry, the dining room is a study in classic traditional American décor. The burnished black walnut table, with a dozen slender chairs – accented by beige and flower-patterned seats and backs – emits a redolence of early new-continent constraint. Glass and china are highlighted in the black-walnut cabinet that separates the area from the salon. Yet another 63” plasma TV entertainment center provides videos and current programming.

Descending from the upper deck, the architecturally conceived circular stairway winds downward to the decks below. Wrought-iron grillwork reminiscent of Old New Orleans lends a bucolic flavor. The stairwell reaches downward to the second and lower decks, all the way to the crews’ quarters. Notice the in-lay outlining the floor. This artistic attention to perfection is carried throughout every detail on a Christensen.

Just slightly less plush than the main salon, featuring elegance and comfort, the skylounge is decorated in similar style. Ecru/beige carpeting and couches are accented by walnut trim, along with light-grained granite countertops for the L-shaped bar, and contrasting red bar stools. An entertainment center displays an additional 36” plasma TV and surround-sound system, all ensconced in black walnut cabinetry.

Forward of the main salon, a foyer/office suitable for a CEO extends the decorating scheme, with rich walnut wood, ecru carpeting, and an architectural grid-like beamed ceiling. The credenza and hutch hold records and business items behind glass-doors that also reflect the pattern. Perfectly matching, color coordinated surfaces, countertops and upholstery are found from the bridge to the crew's quarters... and everywhere in between.

A king size island berth nestles in the commodious master bedroom, surrounded by a flavoring aura of massive, masculine, walnut cabinets and lockers, plus artistic patterns and wood carvings on walls, dressers, and twin vanities. A room-size, round dome light above yields soft lighting, along with a splattering of starlights in the ceiling.