Island Hopper is a distinctive Skip Johnson 43 trimaran combining performance, proven offshore capability, and a comfortable cruising setup. Originally designed and built as Skip Johnson’s personal boat, she was constructed in California using cold-moulded cedar, epoxy and fiberglass, resulting in a strong, lightweight platform with the performance characteristics for which his trimarans are known.
Following an extensive refit in Grenada and St. Maarten during 2022/23, Island Hopper has continued to cruise extensively throughout the Caribbean, up to the United States and back to the Dominican Republic. Major updates include new standing and running rigging, 400Ah LiFePO4 batteries, 960W of solar, upgraded navigation electronics, refreshed interior, watermaker, and numerous mechanical and deck improvements.
Her bright interior offers two private cabins plus additional accommodation in the saloon, while a spacious cockpit, substantial solar array and well-equipped systems make her particularly suited to extended cruising.
For sailors looking for something fast, capable and genuinely different from a conventional cruising monohull or production multihull, Island Hopper offers an intriguing combination of pedigree, extensive upgrades and proven cruising experience.
Accommodation
Bright and open interior with a practical layout designed for comfortable cruising. The vessel offers two separate private cabins, including a V-berth forward and private captain’s quarters located aft of the helm.
The main saloon provides an additional double berth, allowing for flexible sleeping arrangements for family or guests.
Throughout the interior, there is generous storage for personal belongings, provisions, and cruising gear, making the layout well suited for extended stays aboard.
Interior Comforts and Amenities
- Full interior refit – all new (2022/23)
- New fridge evaporator plate
- Gas / Propane Hob
- LED interior lights (2024)
- New portlights
- Dometic Freezer
- 12V TV
- Lewmar hatches serviced / seals replaced
- Mattresses replaced
- 20L Hot Water / Calorifier
- 12V water pump
- Jabsco toilet
- Eco-Sistems Splash 30 watermaker replaced (2025)
- Potable water hosing replaced (2025)
- Salon windows replaced (2025)
Deck and Hull Equipment
- Lewmar winches (5)
- Bimini top and all sunbrella replaced (2024)
- 30kg Delta anchor
- Fortress FX-30 backup anchor
- Cockpit cushions
- Forward and side spray screens
- Full set of dock lines
- Rear swim platform and steps
- Side stanchions
- 4 person liferaft (new 2021)
- Full stainless arch
- Nav lights
- Deck shower
Sails and Rigging
- New standing rigging (2022)
- New turnbuckles (2024)
- New running rigging (2022)
- Rig service (2024)
- Ullman Mainsail - three reefs, fully battened (Dacron)
- Ullman Genoa / Mainsail - heavy duty
- Spinnaker
Mechanical Equipment
- Rudder bearing replaced (2022)
- Saildrive membrane / gaiter replaced (2022)
- 2-blade Flex-o-fold propeller serviced (2022)
- 12V windlass serviced (2022)
- Steering cables replaced (2022)
- 12V Bilge Pumps (2022)
- Bow Thruster (2022)
- Fire extinguishers (3) (2022)
Safety Equipment
- Life Buoy
- Emergency Tiller
Engine Info
- Yanmar 3GM 30 (reconditioned 2016)
- Saildrive
- Flex-o-fold 2 blade prop
Dinghy Info
- Zodiac 10 ft
- Nissan 18hp 2020
Tankage
- Water: 63 gal = 240L
- Holding: 14 gal = 55L
- Fuel: 63 gal = 250L
Owners Comments and Boat History
Following a multi-year trip westward circumnavigation, Island Hopper has recently undergone a full refit and will soon be available for new ownership.
Skip designed a number of sleek trimarans and this 43 - his personal boat - was one of the sharpest. Built from cold-moulded cedar, epoxy and glass in California, she’s been meticulously maintained over the years and as only the fourth owners, we commissioned a full refit in Grenada / St Maarten in ‘22/‘23. Island Hopper then took us comfortably and quickly all over the Caribbean and up to the US, and back to the DR.
Island Hopper has been an incredibly comfortable boat to both live and work aboard, with plenty of interior space and generous deck areas to enjoy. Most importantly, she has been an absolute pleasure to sail. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time aboard and the adventures she has taken us on.
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