A superb, custom-built York 88 Skylounge Motor Yacht, envisioned by its current owner as a beach house on water – a serene retreat for entertaining family and friends while cruising the east coast in total luxury.
Whatever marina she berths at, this York 88 Skylounge turns heads for her classic proportions, elegant profile and tinted glazing for privacy and protection from the elements.
Bought as a second vessel with the plan of basing her in the Whitsundays for the owner’s ‘semi-retirement’, this unique 88-footer was built to USL Code in 2000 by York Marine in northern NSW – experts in commercial craft, charter vessels and patrol boats.
She benefited from a substantial refit in 2023 which replaced interiors and upgraded navigational equipment and electronics on board. The owners worked closely with the craftspeople at Ocean Degree yacht services on refurbishing the interior. Additionally, she features new teak decking, which is extra wide for a timeless look and ease of maintenance, and a new custom-made fixed flybridge awning that provides enhanced comfort and superior sun protection while enjoying the panoramic views.
This is a true long-range, bluewater passagemaker, boasting 22,000 litre fuel tanks, aluminium hull, hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, and twin Detroit 12V-92TA 1,080hp engines.
With wide walk around side decks, versatile interior spaces and generous accommodation for up to 12 guests, including crew quarters, and use of low maintenance materials throughout, she would be the ideal family motor yacht or potential charter package, or both!
At the stern, the lower ‘fishing’ cockpit features a fold down swim platform, making it the perfect beach club area, with ample space for sunlounges, watertoys, or yoga mats for an early morning workout.
The aft deck is set up for socialising, featuring two dining tables, banquette seating and bar with refrigerator, ice maker and sink, connected to the saloon by a hopper window.
From here, external stairs lead up to the expansive flybridge with semi-shaded deck for sun lounges, and separate section for stowage of tenders and tows, and hydraulic davit.
Forward, the skylounge comprises helm equipped with full Garmin package, displaying across three screens, and a Fusion Marine Stereo. The guest dinette and seating behind the helm can convert to a bed for extra guests or when captain/crew need a rest on long passages, and there’s a handy sink and fridge for refreshments, plus a day head for convenience. The elevated side decks around the skylounge can be easily accessed via a pilothouse door and provides natural ventilation when fresh air is called for.
Inside the saloon, large windows fill the open plan saloon with natural light, complemented by a neutral palette that combines beige furniture, light timber flooring, white panelling and cabinetry in its gloss woodwork for contrast. A retractable 55-inch TV rises from an impeccably crafted sideboard for movie nights on board.
“The interiors are welcoming and laid-back, and at the same time, elegant,” said the owner.
“We wanted to create an ambience that’s fun, relaxing and spacious yet cosy. The fabrics and materials are premium quality, and every aspect of the refit has been done to the ‘nth degree’.
The white surrounds and neutral canvas means there’s still lots of scope for new owners to place their own stamp on it.”
A superbly cut curved staircase leads to the flybridge, and guest accommodation is accessed by a companionway to port.
Forward is a separate dining space located on the starboard side, opposite the professional Chef’s galley with the latest Bosch appliances and servery with bar stools that take full advantage of forward windows for panoramic views. A discreet companionway leads to the crew quarters in the bow, with two bunk berths and ensuite, as well as the full-sized laundry. There are also two twin cabins featuring a double bed and a private ensuite for each, suitable for guests or additional crew.
Below deck amidships are the three guest staterooms. The full-beam owner’s suite features high ceilings, a queen-sized bed, side cabinets, wardrobes and 43-inch TV. Flawless teak and cream accents create a mood of tranquillity. The main ensuite comprises large shower with bench seat, porthole windows for light and ventilation and plenty of storage.
There are two additional midship guest cabins both with double beds and private ensuites, 33-inch TVs and ample storage. Enjoy a pleasant night’s sleep in any climate, thanks to air-conditioning throughout the vessel. Naiad fin stabilisers provide enhanced comfort underway.
“The boat would appeal to many different types of people with many and varied interests,” said her owner, who is reluctantly placing her for sale to spend more time aboard his main yacht berthed at Sanctuary Cove.
“What’s not to like? It’s a solid, Australian-made motor yacht with no expense spared on the original build, and the recent refit. She deserves many, many happy years under new owners cruising the east coast of Australia, the Whitsundays and further, to the South Pacific, PNG and Asia if they are the cruising ambitions of her new owners.”
Click here to view the full photo library
More here: alexandermarineaust.com.au/boats/20002023-York-88-Skylounge-Motor-Yacht/
