Johnson Yachts

Euro-style motor yachts gained popularity in the 1990’s American market thanks to their sleek styling, aggressive performance, and practical pilothouse layouts. Built in Taiwan, the Johnson 58 (also marketed as the High-Tech 56 from 1992–99) rides on a modern semi-V hull with cored hull sides and a relatively wide 16-foot beam. Her standard three-stateroom interior includes three full heads and a spacious salon dominated by a huge U-shaped sofa. A separate raised dining area with a permanent table is opposite the lower helm, and the large L-shaped galley is forward, three steps down from the salon. Her bold styling aside, one of the more attractive features of the Johnson 56 is her superb cockpit with its protective bridge overhang, waist-level enclosure panels, and beaujpgul teak sole. Wide side decks make bow access easy, and sun pads are located on both the flybridge and foredeck. Early models with 550hp 6V92 Detroit diesels cruise at 22 knots (about 25 knots top). Twin 735hp 8V92 Detroits cruise in the low-to-mid 20s and top out at 26–28 knots. Later models with 800hp Cats cruise in the mid 20s and deliver a top speed of about 30 knots.