Most 65-foot motor yachts from the early nineties were still thinking in teak and tradition. Gala was not. She comes from the moment Johnson Motor Yachts, founded in Kaohsiung in 1987 by John Huang, made a bet that would change Taiwanese yacht building: hire a European designer and build a boat that looked like it belonged in the Mediterranean, not just the showroom. That designer was Bill Dixon. The partnership has now lasted the entire life of the yard. One of its early landmarks was the Johnson 63 of the late 1980s – radical enough by European standards that the yard’s willingness to build it marked a turning point for Johnson and for Taiwan. By 1993 the same family had grown into the 65.
Gala is that boat: the High-Tech 65 Euro, a wide-beamed, plaining pilothouse yacht with the glass-and-stainless salon bulkhead, two-level living, and low-profile flybridge that defined the model. The irony, and the appeal, is that she now lives where those lines actually earn their keep. Campbell River is the door to Desolation Sound, the Discovery Islands, and the start of the inside passage that runs north to Alaska. A 19-foot beam, a 5-foot draft, and a pair of MAN V12s make more sense here to the seasoned mariner.
The Gala is 70 feet overall, fiberglass, modified-V, about 64,000 pounds. Twin MAN 2842 LZE V12s, 1,100 hp each, ZF 2:1 transmissions, roughly 2,754 hours. She is listed to cruise at 22 knots and can reach 26 knots. Range is quoted around 400 nautical miles. Fuel capacity is 1,250-gallons, water is 425 gallons. That is enough to leave the dock with purpose, not just pose for it. Injectors and thru-hulls were replaced at the last service. The layout is why people bought these boats in the first place. The salon is split: lounge aft, dining, galley, and lower helm a step up. Below, a full-beam master aft with a large private head; a forward VIP with its own head; two guest cabins; and Mediterranean-style crew quarters in the bow, reached from the foredeck. Five cabins, four heads.
Side decks and the aft deck is generous and sits under the bridge overhang, showcasing the stunning flybridge wing. Decks have been recut in Ultradeck with the Gala logo underfoot. Local artisan tables sit in the salon and on the aft deck. The flybridge has new canvas, a Lexan forward windows, an FRP hardtop on a welded aluminum frame, and roll-up plastic aft. The interior carries European styling and custom logos already in place for a possible charter program. You can keep that direction or keep it as a private boat. Either way, the bones are the 1994 Dixon Johnson. A cored hull sides, a real 19-foot beam, four proper staterooms plus crew, the MAN engines, a cruise in the low-to-mid twenties that still feels current. Gala is the West Coast version of that idea — already in the water in Campbell River, already dressed for Pacific weather, and has a transferrable moorage.
Come see her in person, she will exceed expectations.
Gala is a large format motoryacht. The forward VIP cabin has its own head followed by 2 guest cabins.
The starboard cabin has a head and portside guest cabin has a private head shared along with the VIP suite.
The master stateroom is aft on the lower deck with a full beam accommodation space that has a large private head. The laundry is located just outside the master stateroom.
Crew quarters are at the forepeak with 2 bucks and a head facilities that can be used for storage.
Gala comes equipped with a UMT hydraulic crane system that was recently installed as an upgrade.
A Nautilus RIB with console sits on the Presto XL 500 stern davit system with a 40hp Mercury engine.
Tank Capacities
Gala offers generous accommodations designed for comfort, privacy, and extended cruising. As a large-format motor yacht, she features a versatile five-cabin layout thoughtfully arranged to maximize space and livability.
At the bow, the forward VIP cabin provides a spacious retreat for guests, complete with its own private head. Aft of the VIP are two guest cabins—the starboard cabin includes an ensuite head, while the portside cabin features a shared head accessible from both the stateroom and the VIP suite, providing flexibility for family or charter use.
The full-beam master stateroom, located aft on the lower deck, serves as the owner’s private sanctuary. This suite offers a large sleeping area, abundant storage, and a luxurious private head with full amenities. The laundry facilities are conveniently located just outside the master stateroom for ease of access during extended stays aboard.
Forward in the forepeak, crew quarters accommodate two with bunk-style berths and a dedicated head. This area may also be converted for additional storage or utility use, depending on operational needs.
With ample headroom, tasteful décor, and a practical yet elegant layout, Gala ensures every guest enjoys both comfort and privacy on board—ideal for private ownership or light charter service.
Gala is powered by twin MAN 1100 hp 12-cylinder marine turbo diesel engines, each equipped with freshwater-cooled heat exchangers for optimal performance and longevity. These powerful engines deliver smooth, responsive handling and dependable propulsion across a range of conditions.
Paired with ZF MOD BW165P marine transmissions featuring a 2:1 ratio, the powertrain offers efficient torque delivery and excellent cruising performance.
Fuel capacity totals 1,250 gallons, distributed across two aluminum tanks, providing ample range for extended cruising.
During the most recent service, all fuel injectors were replaced, and all through-hull fittings were renewed—ensuring peace of mind and reliability for future owners.
Two spare propellers are included with the vessel, a valuable addition for long-range cruising or offshore operation.
A Side-Power bow thruster enhances maneuverability in tight quarters, powered by two 8D 12-volt batteries configured in series and supported by a dedicated Xantrex TrueCharge 2 battery charger with ANL fuse protection.
ZF MicroCommand electronic controls are installed at both upper and lower helm stations, providing precision engine management and seamless throttle response.
Engine Instrumentation
Upper Helm: Dual sets of gauges for engine oil pressure, turbo pressure, voltage, engine temperature, and tachometers.
Lower Helm: Mirrored instrumentation, offering full visibility and control from both helm stations.
Navigation & Electronics
Gala is equipped with a comprehensive suite of modern navigation and communication systems, designed for confident operation and ease of control from multiple stations.
She features dual main steering stations—one at the upper flybridge helm and one at the lower interior helm—along with two additional docking stations on the port and starboard sides, allowing precise maneuvering in any conditions.
Navigation equipment includes:
Ritchie PowerDamp compasses at both helm stations.
Raymarine DSC VHF radios at the upper and lower helms for reliable ship-to-shore communication.
Raymarine hydraulic autopilot system with control heads at both helms and a remote unit, providing hands-free course management.
Airmar depth sounder for accurate depth readings.
Raymarine Axiom multifunction displays (MFDs)—two at the upper helm and one at the lower helm—for integrated chartplotting, radar, and navigation data.
Raymarine open-array radar for clear situational awareness and long-range target detection.
Si-Tex Class B AIS transponder for vessel tracking and safety monitoring.
Entertainment and comfort are equally well-considered, featuring a Fusion Marine stereo system with multiple control heads and speakers throughout the vessel, as well as a flat-screen TV and entertainment center neatly concealed under the counter in the main salon.
This advanced navigation and entertainment suite ensures Gala is as capable offshore as she is comfortable at anchor.
Tank Capacities
Fuel: 1,000 US gallons (3,785 L) total, split between two tanks
Fresh Water: 425 US gallons (1,610 L)
Holding (Black Water): Exact specifications for this model/year are not publicly documented. Comparable 1990s Johnson 65-series yachts (including Flybridge variants) typically have around 264 gallons (1,000 L) of total black-water capacity. For the High-Tech 65 Euro, the yacht is reported to have 3–4 separate holding tanks, generally one per head, with vacuum or electric macerator systems. Based on similar vessels in the 56–65 ft range, the combined holding tank capacity is estimated at 100–150 gallons (378–568 L). For precise figures, refer to the onboard plumbing diagram or consult a surveyor.
Gala is fully outfitted for easy tender launch and retrieval, featuring a UMT hydraulic crane system that was recently installed as an upgrade—providing reliable, effortless handling of auxiliary craft or equipment.
A Nautilus RIB tender with console is included, powered by a 40 hp Mercury outboard engine for dependable shore transfers and exploration. The tender is securely mounted on a Presto XL 500 stern davit system, offering quick deployment and recovery for added convenience during cruising or anchoring.
These systems combine to make tender operations efficient and safe, perfectly complementing Gala’s versatility as a long-range cruising yacht or charter-ready vessel.
Gala is fully equipped with Transport Canada–approved safety gear, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for coastal or offshore cruising.
Safety systems include:
(6) automatic Rule bilge pumps (1500 and 3700 GPH) with high-water alarms and float switches for reliable bilge management.
(1) 5 lb CO₂ fire extinguisher for engine room protection.
(3) 3 lb ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout the vessel.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in accommodation spaces for added onboard safety.
16-person FitzWright life raft, ready for emergency deployment.
Natural and forced-air engine ventilation systems to maintain optimal engine room airflow and prevent buildup of fumes or heat.
All equipment is up to date and maintained in accordance with safety regulations, reflecting Gala’s readiness for safe and confident operation in all conditions.
Gala is outfitted with robust and reliable anchoring gear designed for secure holding and ease of operation. She carries a 50 kg galvanized Bruce anchor, operated by a Lewmar vertical windlass equipped with both deck foot controls and helm-mounted controls for convenient handling from multiple stations.
The ground tackle includes 350 feet of 3/8-inch chain, providing excellent scope and weight for reliable anchoring in varied conditions. An additional rope rode is also carried onboard, offering flexibility for different anchoring depths and bottom types.
This setup ensures Gala is fully prepared for safe, effortless anchoring whether in sheltered bays or open-water moorings.