Review: Christensen's 157' "Liquidity"

The stateroom’s properties include dual walk-in closets and light-colored luxe side furniture, dominated by a 63” plasma TV entertainment center. The dome light at center, reminiscent of a tube light so popular in eco-friendly homes, appears to put the owner in the spotlight, but in fact it radiates light outward.

Light colored marble, accented with blue countertops and matching floor in-lays, are flanked by an oval tub-Jacuzzi, lending an atmosphere of hospitality to this home-like master bath. The full beam his/hers head is all that could possibly be asked for in conveniece and suitability.

Just barely outdone by the master suite, the VIP accoutrement also boasts a beam-wide suite, complete with a grand art painting which, when lowered, reveals at its foot another giant plasma TV. The island queen-size berth also offers bed tables, and copious hanging-storage cabinets.

The VIP bath is also a bow to the luxury life-style with its oval tub/shower sporting a built-in step to mount. There are light marble countertops, and a pair of sea-horses on the wall, appointing the space between twin his/hers facilities. The VIP is no exception to the in-layed marble artwork that lines the perimater of the bath. A circular, sliding door shower is immediately to the right and barely visible in this picture.

An additional guest stateroom, starboard, also features a queen size island berth plus amenities that could easily be suitable for a top level hotel room. Even the headliner is not ammune to the decorative touches of Christensen's craftsmen. This type of commitment to specialized artistry is rare these days.

A twin berth stateroom with a satellite bunk is forward as well, with its own head/shower facilities. Christensen strikes a remarkable balance of clean integration with traditonal, rich workmanship. Storage is actually plentful in this otherwise uncluttered room, with platform drawers beneath the twin beds. This photo highlights the crystal clear reflections to be found on any wood surface within the ship. It's simply magnificent.

The starboard guest stateroom sports its own artwork as well, which takes a backstage to the extensive patterned marble that overtakes the senses with sheer awe. Outlandish for a guest bath, a full size glass shower, lined in the same marble begs the question... is there any material on earth that is not present on this yacht?

In the professional-level galley, a departure in cabinetry and countertops is taken. It is notable for a striking poise between a country kitchen that offers a comfortable place to gather; and the effective workstation of a restaurant. Doffing its chef’s hat to modernity, the galley includes vast wine coolers, plus doubled-up freezers, dishwashers, and convection ovens, as well as a six-burner cook-top. Marble back-splashes accompany each counter, as well as a stainless backdrop and hood for the stove. This is truly an expert-grade galley that will provide years of use, showing virtually no wear. Adding to this certainty... even the floors are marble.

Christensen has spared no lengths to make their yachts the prize of success. The fit, finish and materials that are so visible elsewhere, take a backseat to the serviceable aspects of the engine room. As you enter, a generous walkway between its two MTU 12V 4000 M60 diesels connects perimeter walkways. These powerplants provide a cruise speed of 16 knots (max: 17.5 knots), with a range of 4,500 nautical miles @ 11 Knots.

A closer look at the vast open space for servicing the engines reveals twin Alaska Diesel Northern Lights generators, in addition to Village Marine watermakers. The engine compartment lay-out is clean, but more importantly... accessible. Each system interface is placed in an ergonomic position, to facilitate quick access and diagnoses. This is a mandatory protocol at Christensen... the ability to service components as needed, ensuring long vessel life and ease of operation.

Liquidity, Christensen’s hull # 027, the second hull of this new series that was conceived essentially as a revised 155, and launched in early January 2005 -- becomes another of Christensen’s soon-to-be-famous models. It is destined to be a sought-after emblem by celebrities and cruise-lovers; AND... those who expect only the finest in ship-building technology and meticulous attention to detail.

Our thanks to Christensen's marketing director, John Lance, for his cooperation in supplying images and specs for this feature.

Story by Chuck Gnaegy and Carl Camper.

For more information, contact:

Christensen Shipyards, Ltd.
4400 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver, WA 98661
www.christensenyachts.com
360-695-3238 phone
360-695-3252 fax

Specifications:

Length: 157'
Length at Water Line: 139’
Beam: 29’ 6”
Draft light: 7' 4”
Draft full: 8’ (bottom of keel)
Displacement: (full) 710,000 lbs.
Displacement: (light) 650,000 lbs.
Power: (2) MTU 12V 4000 M60 (1800 bhp @ 1800 rpm continuous)
Cruise speed: 16 Knots
Maximum speed: 17.5 Knots
Fuel: 15,800 us gal.
Range: 4,500 nautical miles @ 11 Knots
Generators: (2) Alaska Diesel Electric “Northern Lights” 99 kW, 1800 RPM, (1) 65kW 1800RPM
Bowthruster: 24” / 100hp American Bow Thruster
Water: 2,000 us gal.
Watermakers: (2) 2000 gal. Per Day Village Marine
Entertainment Electronics: Interior Audio (Stewart Barnett)
Sanitation: FAST
Security System: Christensen
Specialist Furniture: Curt Sanders / EA Fisher / Christensen
Technical Equipment: George Johnson
Paint: Awlgrip / Christensen
Construction: Fiberglass Composite
Air Conditioning: Cruise-Air 30 ton
Communication Electronics: Christensen
Stabilizers: Naiad 520 w/ 30sqft. Fins & 3 term digital control
Owner and Guests: 6 staterooms (12 – 16)
Crew: 9 - 10
Classifications: Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), & ABS X A1-AMS,
Hull and Machinery + ABS Commercial Yachting Service
Project Management: Chuck Singleton, Christensen Shipyards
Naval Architecture: Christensen Shipyards
Exterior Styling: Christensen Shipyards
Interior Design: Carol Williamson & Associates
Builder / Year: Christensen Shipyards, Ltd. / 2005

Deck plans...

The original rendering for our viewers who appreciate fine art. There are some minor changes since the 157' was conceived, including a reverse swept hardtop. <End of Feature>