Kokomo II is a 37.5-metre motor yacht built by Lloyds Ships in Brisbane, Australia in 1987. Following an extensive eight-month refit completed in 2023, this aluminium-hulled vessel features a three-metre stern extension and comprehensive modernization while maintaining her classic charm.
Kokomo II represents a significant achievement in Australian superyacht construction and refit excellence. Originally built in 1987 by Lloyds Ships at their Brisbane shipyard, this 37.5-metre motor yacht has undergone a remarkable transformation that honors her heritage while introducing modern capabilities. The vessel, previously known as Achilles II, showcases the timeless design work of renowned naval architect Jack Hargrave, whose influence remains evident throughout the yacht's elegant lines and functional layout.
After cruising extensively throughout Australia, Fiji, and the South Pacific under her current ownership, Kokomo II returned to her birthplace in Queensland for a comprehensive refit that would redefine her capabilities. The eight-month project, completed in 2023 at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, involved far more than routine maintenance, evolving into a complete modernization that extended the yacht's length and updated virtually every onboard system.
Kokomo II's technical specifications reflect both her original construction quality and recent enhancements. With an overall length of 37.5 metres and a beam of 8.4 metres, the yacht offers substantial interior volume within her 307 gross tonnage classification. The aluminium hull and superstructure construction provides an optimal balance of strength and weight efficiency, contributing to her performance characteristics and fuel economy.
The yacht's draft of 2.3 metres allows access to a variety of anchorages while maintaining stability in open water conditions. Jack Hargrave's exterior design emphasizes classic proportions and timeless aesthetics, avoiding trendy elements that might date the vessel's appearance. The teak decks, completely replaced during the 2023 refit, provide both traditional beauty and practical non-slip surfaces throughout the exterior spaces.
Twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines power Kokomo II, each producing 839 horsepower for a combined output of 1,678 horsepower. This propulsion system enables a comfortable cruising speed of 13 knots and a maximum speed of 15 knots, providing reliable performance for extended passages throughout the Pacific region. The engines received comprehensive overhauls during the recent refit, ensuring continued reliability and efficiency.
The yacht's displacement hull configuration prioritizes fuel efficiency and seakeeping comfort over outright speed, making her well-suited for the long-range cruising her owners enjoy. The twin-screw arrangement provides redundancy and maneuverability, essential characteristics for a vessel operating in remote cruising grounds where support infrastructure may be limited.
The decision to undertake a major refit originated from a conversation between Captain Luke Caldwell, who has commanded Kokomo II for 11 years, and Rivergate's general manager during a routine yard period in 2019. Recognizing the owner's lifestyle and extensive use of water toys and tenders, the yard proposed a transom extension that would significantly enhance the yacht's functionality without compromising her aesthetic profile.
What began as a five to six-month project expanded to eight months as the team identified additional systems requiring attention. The scope grew to include generators, steering pumps, a complete electrical panel system with new switchboard, PLC system integration, and radar upgrades. The comprehensive approach ensured that all systems would meet contemporary standards and provide reliable service for years to come.
The three-metre stern extension represents the most visible change to Kokomo II's profile. Aus Ships fabricated the new transom and associated structural elements, carefully integrating them with the existing hull to maintain the yacht's original design language. According to Captain Caldwell, the extension adds considerable practicality and function without altering the overall lines of the boat, a testament to the careful design work that preceded fabrication.
The new lazarette created by the extension provides dedicated storage for water sports equipment and additional technical spaces for systems that support the expanded capabilities. This structural modification demonstrates how thoughtful yacht design can enhance functionality while respecting the original architect's vision.
The superyacht refit process involves comprehensive planning and coordination across multiple specialized trades. For Kokomo II, the eight-month project at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard brought together over 20 different trades working seamlessly to modernize the vessel while preserving its original character and design integrity.
Modern superyacht refits extend beyond cosmetic updates to include structural modifications, systems upgrades, and performance enhancements. The scope typically encompasses hull extensions, engine overhauls, electrical system replacements, and complete exterior refinishing to meet contemporary standards while respecting the vessel's heritage.
Beyond the visible structural changes, Kokomo II received comprehensive systems upgrades throughout the vessel. The engine room underwent complete rewiring and replumbing, addressing decades of incremental modifications and returning the space to optimal configuration. MPS led the engineering work, while M2i Electrical Services handled the extensive wiring amendments required by the new electrical architecture.
The installation of a new switchboard and PLC system brings Kokomo II's electrical distribution and monitoring capabilities to contemporary standards. These upgrades provide enhanced safety, improved diagnostics, and greater flexibility for future modifications. The radar system replacement ensures the yacht maintains current navigation capabilities, essential for safe passage-making in the vessel's typical cruising grounds.
Millennium Marine Australia undertook the complete exterior paint job, stripping the yacht to bare metal before applying modern coating systems. This labor-intensive process ensures maximum adhesion and longevity while providing a flawless finish that showcases the yacht's classic lines. Wright Marine handled the teak deck replacement, installing new decking throughout the exterior spaces using traditional methods that ensure both beauty and durability.
The combination of fresh paint and new teak decks transforms Kokomo II's appearance while protecting the underlying structure from the harsh marine environment. These cosmetic improvements complement the technical upgrades, presenting a yacht that appears nearly new despite her 1987 construction date.
Kokomo II accommodates up to six crew members who ensure smooth operations and attentive service. The crew complement reflects the yacht's size and operational complexity, providing sufficient personnel for watch-keeping, maintenance, and guest services during extended cruises. Captain Caldwell's 11-year tenure demonstrates the stability and professionalism of the yacht's operational team.
The vessel's range and fuel capacity support extended passages between the remote anchorages of the South Pacific, where the owners have cruised extensively. The reliable Caterpillar propulsion system and comprehensive onboard systems provide the independence necessary for exploration beyond well-developed yachting infrastructure.
Lloyds Ships, the Brisbane-based builder responsible for Kokomo II, contributed significantly to Australian superyacht construction during the 1980s. The yard's expertise in aluminium construction and custom yacht building produced several notable vessels during this period. Kokomo II's return to Queensland for her major refit represents a homecoming, with some Rivergate employees having family connections to the original construction team.
Jake Whittle, Production Foreman at Aus Ships, noted the pride his team felt working on a vessel built in the 1980s by relatives and acquaintances of current employees. This continuity of craftsmanship and institutional knowledge contributed to the refit's success, as the team understood the original construction methods and could seamlessly integrate new elements with existing structure.
Kokomo II is not currently available for charter or sale, remaining under private ownership for personal use. The yacht ranks at number 3026 in global superyacht size rankings and represents the sixth-largest yacht built by Lloyds Ships. While these rankings reflect the vessel's modest size compared to contemporary megayachts, Kokomo II's quality, condition, and capabilities position her well within the classic motor yacht segment.
The investment in the comprehensive 2023 refit demonstrates the owner's commitment to maintaining the yacht to the highest standards. This approach to yacht ownership, prioritizing quality maintenance and thoughtful upgrades over replacement with newer tonnage, reflects a sophisticated understanding of value and the enduring appeal of well-designed classic yachts.
Kokomo II exemplifies the enduring value of quality yacht construction and the transformative potential of comprehensive refit work. The 37.5-metre motor yacht successfully bridges her 1987 origins with contemporary capabilities, offering her owners a vessel that combines classic aesthetics with modern reliability and functionality. The eight-month refit at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard demonstrates the expertise available within the Australian marine industry and the possibilities for extending the service life of well-built yachts.
For yacht owners considering similar projects, Kokomo II provides a valuable case study in scope management, trade coordination, and the balance between preservation and modernization. The three-metre extension shows how structural modifications can enhance functionality without compromising design integrity, while the comprehensive systems upgrades ensure the yacht will provide reliable service for decades to come. Under Captain Caldwell's experienced command and with her refreshed systems and structure, Kokomo II is well-positioned to continue her exploration of the South Pacific's most beautiful cruising grounds.
Kokomo II measures 37.5 metres in length following the 2023 refit, which included a three-metre stern extension. The yacht was originally 34 metres when built in 1987.
Jack Hargrave designed both the exterior styling and naval architecture for Kokomo II. His design work emphasizes classic proportions and timeless aesthetics that have aged gracefully since the yacht's 1987 construction.
Lloyds Ships built Kokomo II at their Brisbane shipyard in 1987. The 2023 refit was completed at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard in Queensland, Australia, bringing the yacht back to her birthplace for the comprehensive modernization.
Twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines power the yacht, each producing 839 horsepower. The propulsion system provides a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 15 knots.
No, Kokomo II is not currently available for charter. The yacht remains under private ownership for personal use by her owners who cruise extensively throughout Australia, Fiji, and the South Pacific.
The eight-month refit included a three-metre stern extension, complete exterior repaint, new teak decks, engine overhauls, new generators, steering pumps, electrical panel system with switchboard, PLC system, radar upgrades, and comprehensive engine room rewiring and replumbing.
Kokomo II accommodates up to six crew members who handle all operational, maintenance, and service requirements. Captain Luke Caldwell has commanded the yacht for 11 years.
Kokomo II has a gross tonnage of 307 GT. The yacht features an aluminium hull and superstructure with a beam of 8.4 metres and draft of 2.3 metres.
The Kokomo II refit involved collaboration with leading Australian marine specialists
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