1987 Californian 55
$129,000
Boat in La Conner, WA 98257 US
Built in 1987
55
2 Engines (Detroit, Detroit)
61 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Lady J is the culmination of a lot of love, labor, and effort in a beautful cruising Yacht. She has been well maintained by current owners. She is a two-stateroom design with a spacious V-berth with its own En-suite head and shower. The Master suite is massive. With lots of beautiful, solid teak cabinets, 3 closets, and drawers. The quantity of beautiful teak within Lady J is very hard to find now. The owners suite has a giant king bed, an En-suite head, with shower/bathtub. An amazing feature is an aft-entry/exit door on the port side from the master to the aft cockpit. This is a great safety and convenient access feature. Access to the Aft upper deck by a solidly built ladder to starboard. Boarding Lady J is also extremely easy. With a spacious swim step at dock level, the wide aft cockpit makes boarding with armloads of provisions and groceries a breeze.
The Galley with a Built-in Dinette is forward of the salon and lower level, with a microwave, electric stove, large working oven, and refrigerator, all easily accessible with the dining settee, starboard of the galley. The Salon has an expansive custom couch with storage below the cushions. The sun deck is an expansive upper fully enclosed 'California Deck." This space makes for wonderful dockside and cruising comfort, entertaining, as well as a fantastic layout for dock parties. This is an excellent family boat with great potential as a Liveaboard. She was moved on her own bottom from Southern California to WA in 2021, and has cruised the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Dual Detroit 6v92TA Turbo Diesel engines give here the stability and power, and with two generators, power is endless when needed. 15KW main, or the 8KW auxiliary generator.
EQUIPMENT LIST and UPGRADE HISTORY:
As of 11/07/2025: What's been done to the Californian 55 - Lady J
Fall 2023:
- New BBB 3/8" Perless (made in U.S.A) chain ground tackle. 350'
-New 3 braid rope spliced to chain, 150'
- New oil changes/filters
-New fuel filters (all)
- New Transmission oil-filters
- Winter antifreeze
2022/23:
- House Battery bank rebuilt with new wiring and 8 NEW Firefly house batteries model FF12D1-G31 batteries
- ( -2019 - Starting batteries = 4 'West Marine' 8D AGM, separate from house, separate charger. New Diesel truck Jumper cables to jump to house Bat if needed.)
- New 5 mile LED fwd Navigation Light, with LED 5 mile All around white light
- Virtually all cabin lights are LED
- New Detroit diesel starting motors
- New Standard Horizons Marine VHF, integrated AIS Receiver, NEMA 2000 to chart plotters.
- New Standard Horizons Horn/PA
- New Simrad Large yacht autopilot pump system w/NEMA 2000
- New Simrad autopilot compass
- New Simrad autopilot rudder sensor
- Engine Control Throttle and Shifting Cables, changed/New on Port and Stbd flybridge engine controls
- Hydraulic Steering Rams rebuilt, system flushed, refilled
- New Hydraulic Steering Reservoir, Fluid flushed, replaced
- Heat Exchangers on Detroit's removed and rebuilt (2022)
2020/2021:
- All bottom paint stripped to F.G.
- All blisters properly removed
- Hull/blister locations allowed to dry 3 months in So. California summer
- New bronze thru hulls, and seacocks for 2 Generators, A/C, and s/ water pickup. 3 unnecessary thru hills removed and holes glasses in.
- Hull professionally moisture tested in no less than 50 spots, and all blister areas until 3%-2% dryness
- Blister area repairs using PETTIT Blister repair and prevention standards Tech bulletin 1000
- Hull (bottom) sealed with PETTIT Protect 4100 white, then 4700 Gray Epoxy barrier coat. Total 11 gallons.
- Hull (bottom) painted with 2 coats of Red Trinidad Pro non ablative paint
- Hull (bottom) painted with 3 additional coats of Blue Trinidad Pro non ablative hull paint
- Above water line - New boot stripe, New Hull paint up to Deck, and "California room sides" professionally painted, high gloss chip-resistant Awlgrip two-part polyurethane enamel
- Diesel tanks (all 3) inspection plates added, professionally drained, vacuumed tanks, filtered + new Diesel added.
- View level pipe added for Lazarette Diesel tanks.
- New fuel guage in Main Diesel tank
- New FULL Electrical panel, installed, and rewiring of panel and distribution area
- New Eberspatcher Hydronic Heat System with Diesel heat source and 110v electric Shore power heat source
- New Bronze Sea strainers on both Detroit engines
- New Sea strainer hoses
- New more efficiently sized Bronze propellers (Wilmington Propellers, professionally sized for efficiency)
- New Spurs Rope cutters on propellers
- New Cutlass bearings (all 4)
- New PYI Dripless PSS Shaft seals-packing
- New (2) Raritan Atlantes Freedom masserating toilets. One Fw, 1 S/w.
2018/early 2019:
- New Victron 120/30/3000 inverter-charger
- New Simrad Radar, Chartploter
- New Simrad fishfinder-depth sounder
-New Simrad Sonar forward scan
- New West marine water heater
- New 5/8 Solid teak Salon floor, and aft cabin head floor
- New extra high grade carpeting in Master cabin and V-Berth
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4/26 | Price decreased | $129,000(-9.5%) |
| 11/7/25 | Initial price | $142,500 |
1987 Californian 55 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1987 Californian 55
Customers praise the 1987 Californian 55 for its classic styling and solid construction, highlighting the spacious and comfortable interior that makes it ideal for extended cruising
Many appreciate the boat's reliable performance and smooth handling, noting it as a great choice for both leisurely day trips and longer voyages. Owners often mention the quality craftsmanship and timeless design, which continue to hold their appeal decades after its release. Some reviews also point out the ample deck space and well-thought-out layout, making it a favorite among boating enthusiasts who value both functionality and elegance.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1987 Californian 55 is a classic motor yacht known for its spacious design and solid construction. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Interior: The 55-foot layout offers generous living areas, including multiple staterooms and ample salon space, making it ideal for extended cruising or entertaining.
Classic Styling: The timeless design features rich wood finishes and traditional craftsmanship that appeal to enthusiasts of vintage yachts.
Solid Build Quality: Known for sturdy construction, the Californian 55 was built to handle various sea conditions with a comfortable ride.
Good Storage: Plenty of storage compartments throughout the vessel support longer voyages and better organization.
Reliable Systems: Many models have proven to have dependable mechanical and electrical systems, especially when properly maintained.
Cons
Older Technology: Being a 1987 model, onboard systems and electronics may be outdated and could require upgrades to meet modern standards.
Maintenance Requirements: As with any older yacht, ongoing maintenance and occasional refits can be necessary to keep the boat in optimal condition.
Fuel Efficiency: Larger displacement and older engine designs may result in less fuel efficiency compared to more modern vessels.
Limited Maneuverability: The size and design could make docking and handling more challenging without experienced operators or updated bow thrusters.
Availability of Parts: Some original components may be harder to source due to the age of the boat, potentially increasing repair times and costs.
Made For
The 1987 Californian 55 is ideal for experienced sailors and boating enthusiasts seeking a spacious and classic motor yacht that combines timeless design with reliable performance. Perfect for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and want a comfortable vessel for extended cruising or entertaining guests on the water. Its generous size and well-appointed interior make it suitable for families or groups looking to enjoy leisurely weekends or longer voyages in style.
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Seattle Yachts was formed by the merging of Northwest Yachts which was founded in 1992 and Seattle Yachts which was founded in 1983. We have a great opportunity to serve you better, with locations in Washington, California, Florida, Maryland, Canada, and the Philippines! We represent 15 lines of new boats for you to choose from, as well as a fleet of previously owned vessels.
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1019 Q Ave, Suites A & B, Anacortes, WA, 98221
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