Brand Story: Silverton Yachts

Silverton Yachts holds a unique place in the American boating industry with a legacy that blends family-owned craftsmanship, innovative design, and a reputation for delivering affordable luxury motor yachts. From humble beginnings in New Jersey to a respected name across marinas nationwide, Silverton’s history is filled with standout models and a dedicated following…

The Origins of Silverton: Built on Grit and Vision

Silverton Yachts was founded in 1969 by brothers John and Warren Luhrs in Millville, New Jersey. The Luhrs family had deep ties to boatbuilding, with their roots going back to Henry Luhrs, a German immigrant who started refurbishing boats in the 1800s.

By the time John and Warren started Silverton, they already had success with the Luhrs fishing boats, but they envisioned something slightly different: stylish, family-oriented cruising yachts that combined comfort, affordability, and seaworthiness. Silverton was born as an answer to the rising demand for motor yachts that were as suitable for weekend getaways as they were for long coastal cruising.

1971 27 Silverton

The company focused early on mid-size cruisers in the 30- to 45-foot range, catering to families, couples, and seasonal boaters seeking a balance between liveaboard comfort and manageable performance. Over the years, Silverton earned a reputation for maximizing space, introducing clever layouts, and offering strong value relative to European and domestic competitors.

Rise to Prominence in the 1980s and 1990s

Silverton’s heyday arguably began in the 1980s and extended well into the 2000s. Their boats became synonymous with “affordable luxury,” offering trawler-like space in smaller footprints, thanks to innovative design elements.

One of Silverton’s most notable contributions to yacht architecture was their “SideWalk” system, first introduced in the 2001 Silverton 453 Motor Yacht. Instead of steep ladders or narrow sidedecks, SideWalk routes walkways from the cockpit up molded stairs to the flybridge and forward deck, making the boat safer and easier to navigate—especially for families and older boaters.

This design was so well-received it became a brand signature, and helped Silverton distinguish itself from competitors like Carver and Sea Ray. Alongside layout innovation, Silverton also focused on:

• Generous staterooms and full-beam salons
• Home-style galleys
• Molded stair access throughout
• Quality cabinetry and finishes for the price

Silverton boats appealed to both first-time yacht owners and seasoned cruisers looking for more comfort in an affordable, American-made package.

Notable Silverton Models Over the Years

Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic and best-selling Silverton models over the decades.

Silverton 34 Convertible

Years Active: 1989–2001
Length: 34'10"
Beam: 12'8"
Top Speed: ~27 knots
Layout: 1 stateroom + convertible salon

One of Silverton’s most popular early models, the 34 Convertible was a compact, capable flybridge cruiser that blended fishing features with family comfort. Its open cockpit made it friendly for anglers, while the interior offered enough space for weekenders or even light liveaboards.

Many of these models are still on the water today and are prized on the used market for their simplicity and value.

Silverton 392 Motor Yacht

Years Active: 1996–2001
Length: 43'9"
Beam: 14'1"
Notable Feature: “SideWalk” design debut

This model redefined what a sub-45-foot boat could feel like inside. With a full-beam salon, two queen-sized staterooms with private heads, and those molded stairs to the flybridge and bow, the 392 offered the living space of a much larger vessel.

Its raised profile was a subject of debate in terms of aesthetics, but few questioned the value it delivered. It remains a favorite in the pre-owned market for liveaboards and intracoastal cruisers.

Silverton 453 Motor Yacht

Years Active: 2001–2006
Length: 47'7"
Beam: 15'4"
Engines: Twin 480hp diesels standard
Price when new: Approx. $600,000 USD
Used market (2025): $180,000–$300,000 USD / $240,000–$400,000 CAD

This model is a showstopper in the Silverton lineup. Nicknamed the “condo on the water,” it featured three full staterooms, including a full-beam master aft with a walkaround queen bed and ensuite.

The 453 was built for serious comfort with a galley-up design, full-size appliances, and large windows that brought in natural light. Despite its size, it remained relatively easy to handle thanks to good sightlines and intuitive systems.

Silverton 50 Convertible

Years Active: 2005–2009
Length: 52'8"
Beam: 16'3"
Engines: Twin diesel inboards (up to 825hp)
Top Speed: 32–34 knots

The 50 Convertible brought Silverton into the big leagues, appealing to sportfish buyers and cruising families alike. Its massive salon, full-beam master stateroom, and three-head layout were rare in boats under 55 feet.

It offered real offshore capability and a large cockpit for fishing, diving, or lounging. Though fuel hungry, it delivered a solid mix of performance and livability.

Silverton 36C and 38C (Convertible Series)

Years Active: Mid-2000s
Length: ~38–40 feet
Notable For: Excellent entry-level family boats

These Convertibles were widely appreciated for their affordability and intelligent use of space. They offered an ideal bridge between smaller cabin cruisers and full-sized motor yachts. The flybridge layout was roomy for the size, and the interiors featured Silverton’s signature salon-forward layout and SideWalk steps.

Used models in this series continue to be among the most-searched Silverton listings on YachtWorld and BoatTrader.

Innovation with a Working-Class Heart

Silverton never strayed too far from its founding philosophy: build user-friendly boats that deliver space, value, and comfort. While the brand experimented with European styling in later years, its DNA remained rooted in American practicality.

Some of their lesser-known models, like the 43 Sport Bridge and 38 Sport Bridge, also introduced modern euro-style design without sacrificing functionality. These were seen as upscale evolutions of the mid-2000s Silverton ethos—more curves, more polish, but still walkaround access and family-friendly layouts.

The End of an Era: Transition to Egg Harbor Group and Beyond

In 2011, Silverton ceased independent operations as the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, rising manufacturing costs, and increased global competition took a toll. The brand was absorbed into the Egg Harbor Group, which had already acquired Luhrs and Mainship.

The Egg Harbor Group sought to revitalize the legacy brands, offering shared hull platforms and upgraded fit and finish. For a short period, they showcased refreshed Silverton designs under the “Silverton by Egg Harbor” banner. But ultimately, production dwindled and eventually stopped altogether around the mid-2010s.

Despite no new models in production today, Silverton boats maintain strong resale value and enjoy a loyal following, especially on the U.S. East Coast and Great Lakes.

Why Silverton Still Matters

Silverton may not be building new boats anymore, but the impact of their designs and philosophy is long-lasting. Here’s why the brand continues to matter:

• Affordable Liveaboard Cruisers: Models like the 392 and 453 offer tremendous space at reasonable prices in today’s market.
• Well-Designed Layouts: Silverton boats often “feel bigger” than their measurements due to open-plan salons, high ceilings, and SideWalk systems.
• Supportive Community: Owners’ groups, forums, and Facebook communities help with maintenance tips, part sourcing, and resale insights.
• Solid Build Quality: For boats produced in the $200K–$600K range, Silvertons were consistently well-built with sturdy hulls and quality hardware.

Estimated Market Prices (as of 2025)

Here’s a quick reference for current market ranges:

Disclaimer: All prices are approximate and depend on condition, equipment, and location. Always consult a marine surveyor before purchase.

Conclusion: A Name That Deserves Respect

Silverton Yachts was more than just a brand—it was an idea that boating could be elegant, comfortable, and family-friendly without requiring a trust fund. While they may no longer produce new boats, their legacy is visible in thousands of vessels still afloat today.

From clever design solutions like the SideWalk system to reliable diesel-powered hulls that still roam the Intracoastal Waterway, Silverton remains a brand worth remembering—and owning.

If you’re browsing for a motor yacht that delivers more boat for the buck, don’t be surprised if your search brings you back to Silverton.

Have a Silverton story? Share it with us or tag @VesselStar on social media—we’d love to hear how your Silverton has treated you.