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Top 13 Luxury Sport Fishing Yachts You Need to See

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: August 8, 2024

It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for sailfish and mahi-mahi off the beach in Palm Beach or campaigning a professional-level billfish crew on the high-profile (and big-money) tournament circuit from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits kicking; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch chilled; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, often north of 40 knots. Sportfish yachts are also notable for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and spacious staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Viking 82 Convertible : A new breed of sportfishermen emerges from this iconic New Jersey boatbuilder.
• Royal Huisman 171 : This superyacht sportfish is touted as the biggest sportfish yacht ever built.
• Rybovich 94 : A 41-knot, super-sized sport-fisherman from a legendary name in the boatbuilding game.
• Release Boatworks 43 Gameboat : An owner-operator-size, custom-built competitor with classic lines and modern performance. 
• Viking 38 Billfish : One of the top inboard-powered sport-fishermen under 40 feet available today.
• Jarrett Bay Boatworks 64 : Rebelette is a 43-knot fish chaser from the custom North Carolina boatbuilder.
• F&S Boatworks 82 : Special Situation is special indeed: 82 feet of custom sportfisherman, with a top speed of more than 40 knots.
• Bayliss Boatworks 60 : The first walkaround model for this noted boatbuilder, Sequentis is designed to fish the competitive South Florida tournament sailfish circuit .
• Viking 90 Convertible : The flagship of the Viking fleet, the 90C leads a new breed of mega-yacht sport-fishing boats. 
• Merritt 88 Sky Bridge : The renowned custom boatbuilder introduces an 88-foot sky-bridge model designed for global sportfishing adventures.
• Duffie 70 : This 70-footer from Maryland’s Duffie Boatworks blends craftsmanship, performance and fishability.
• Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition : Blending production efficiency with custom-boat design was a dream several years in the making, and the result is well worth the effort.
• Winter 46 : The boatbuilders at Winter Custom Yachts have optimized the walkaround concept with this MAN-diesel-powered 46-footer.

Viking Yachts 82 Convertible

Viking Yacht Company recently debuted its newest sport-fisherman: the 82 Convertible . Hull No. 1 is serving as the factory demo for the busy summer tournament season in Bermuda and along the East Coast. Thanks to many factors, including the use of computational fluid dynamics, performance is exceptional: twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines provide a reported 42-knot top hop and a 36-knot cruise speed. This 82-footer also leverages several proven systems for ease of use and efficiency, such as digital switching from Octoplex as well as the Optimus electronic power steering system. The Viking 82 is engineered for many systems that were previously custom installations and are now on the options sheet, including omnidirectional sonar, multiple water makers and crushed ice machines, tuna tube bait systems as well as the extensive use of refrigerated storage boxes. The Viking 82 is available in three models: open bridge, enclosed bridge and sky bridge.

Quick Specifications

Royal Huisman 171

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck Special One is, from Dutch builder Royal Huisman. The interior and exterior design is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack, which calls the vessel “a sport-fisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight. Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich and Sons checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat, designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels.

The owner of III Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside. Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.

Release Boatworks 43 Gameboat

Reminiscent of arguably one of the most classic sport-fishing boats of all time—the 43-foot Merritt—the 43 Gameboat from Release Boatworks takes that design to a new level of sophistication and performance. These include a hull built using blister-resistant modified epoxy resin, which is vacuum-infused using Airex foam cores with E-glass hybrid fiberglass laminates to maximize strength while minimizing weight. The stringers are built with fiberglass encapsulated foam, and the bulkheads are vacuum-infused with composite cores. The extensive use of composite materials throughout the boat creates a strong finished product and saves a great deal of weight, providing admirable performance. With standard twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, the 43 Gameboat cruises at 30 knots and tops out at 35 knots. Notable options include 600 hp Cummins QSCs or Volvo Penta D-8s, omni sonar, gyrostabilization and various tower options. The Release 43 Gameboat is also available in walkaround, flybridge walkaround or express layouts.

Viking Yachts 38 Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Billfish offers a special place in the hearts of bluewater sport-fishing enthusiasts around the world, with its combination of versatility, comfort and performance. The reasons are numerous. As an owner-operator vessel, the 38 Billfish offers simplicity and ease of maintenance, serving as a ready-to-go fishing machine that is equally adept at inshore and offshore excursions as well as for extended cruising with family and friends, thanks to its reliable inboard diesel power. It has a large cockpit as well as the speed and range to fish well offshore alongside much larger vessels, while also providing a fast, safe and comfortable ride in a variety of sea conditions.

Jarrett Bay Boatworks 64

North Carolina’s Jarrett Bay Boatworks latest build is the 64-foot beauty known as Rebelette . From its spacious tackle center to a one-of-a-kind walnut interior Hull No. 65 is a tailored fit, and it also has the latest in propulsion tech in the form of twin 2,025 hp Caterpillar C23B diesels. Taking full advantage of the Cat power, Rebelette cruises ­comfortably at 1,750 rpm while making an easy 31 knots. With 1,650 gallons of fuel, it has range to spare at this speed. Push this vessel up to 1,950 rpm to reach a fast cruising speed of 37 knots, which is impressive in any book. Wide-open throttle is 43 knots, fully loaded and ready to fish.

F&S Boatworks 82

F&S Boatworks’ stellar reputation stands tall in the world of custom sportfish builders so it’s no surprise that its latest creation, the 82-foot Special Situation , continues the tradition. One of the hallmarks of any F&S is the performance and Special Situation certainly doesn’t disappoint in that department. Powered by a pair of  2,600 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, at 2,000 rpm and 80 percent engine load, cruising speed is 36 knots, burning just south of 200 gallons per hour. Backing off to 1,650 rpm, it’s using 122 gph at 28 knots. At the other end of the spectrum, the top hop is more than 42 knots at 2,450 rpm.

Bayliss Boatworks 60

The 60-foot Sequentis was recently delivered to its new owners by the team at Bayliss Boatworks and it represents the first walkaround design for the storied North Carolina custom boatbuilder. Designed for live-bait tournament sailfishing in South Florida, Sequentis has 360-degree fishability as well as multiple livewells and pitch-bait tubes. And in a sport where having the ability to quickly relocate to a hot bite can mean the difference between finishing in first place or dead last, Sequentis is also fast. Powered by two MTU 12V2000 M96X diesel engines, it reportedly hit speeds of well over 42 knots during the initial sea trials in July 2024.

Viking Yachts 90

The flagship of the Viking fleet, the 90 Convertible , has improved elements including the builder’s latest lifting-strake design, a refined driveline and prop pockets, and advanced propulsion systems. Performance was optimized through the use of computational fluid dynamics software, allowing the Viking design team to analyze pressure distribution, study trim angle and trim tab effectiveness, and modify the strakes and chines to increase running efficiency.

Merritt 88 Sky Bridge

Merritt’s Boat & Engine Works introduces its latest, an 88-foot sky bridge designed for global sportfishing. Featuring luxurious interiors, advanced electronics and twin 2,600 hp MTU engines, this sport-fisherman offers yacht-level comfort, high performance and functionality for long-range angling adventures. The Merritt 88’s performance is greatly enhanced due to the extensive use of carbon fiber, Corecell and advanced epoxy in its construction, making this boat not only stronger, but also lighter weight and faster than its predecessors.

The new 70-footer from Duffie Boatworks , Dem Boys exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, with notable features such as a luxurious four-stateroom layout and high-tech systems, including a proprietary closed-loop freshwater cooling system to virtually eliminate fouling. At 2,000 rpm, the Duffie 70 has a fast cruise of 36.5 knots, enough to make those long runs to the distant offshore canyons considerably quicker, while consuming less than 200 gph. At top hop, Dem Boys hit 43.5 knots.

Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition

Albemarle Boats and Spencer Yachts formed a partnership to design and build a semicustom Carolina boat, with the goal of bringing in the characteristic design elements, styling and performance from the custom world but to do it in a production setting, allowing for faster build times on the order of months rather than years. It was a dream several years in the making, and the result is the Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition .

Winter Custom Yachts

Tim Winters and his team of boatbuilders at Winter Custom Yachts in North Carolina have truly optimized the walkaround concept, taking full advantage of its inherent versatility. Anglers are no longer confined to the limited space in the cockpit and have the freedom to fight fish all the way around the boat from bow to stern. Even just taking the family on a shorthanded picnic cruise is safer and easier since everyone has full access to the bow without having to navigate a slippery deck. Its latest 46-footer , Thumper , is one of the most versatile boats in this size range on the water today.

• More: Albemarle Yachts , Bayliss Boatworks , Duffie Boatworks , F&S Boatworks , Jarrett Bay , Merritt , Release Boatworks , Royal Huisman , Rybovich , Sportfish Yachts , Sportfishing Boats , Viking , Winter Custom Yachts , Yachts
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25 Best Sportfishing Boats of the Last Decade

• By By Jim Hendricks and Chris Woodward
• Updated: March 27, 2019

We all have our list of we think are the best boats for fishing. If we’re lucky, we already own them. If not, we lust after them with undiminished fervor. We dug through our archives and found 25 awesome sport fishing boats that we felt are worthy of making our best of the best list. Is your favorite among them? If not, is your dream boat one of these captains’ favorites ?

We listed our best boats for fishing alphabetically by manufacturer. You’ll find a wide variety of fishing boat brands, and we also did our best to incorporate a combination of small and big fishing boats.

Albury Brothers 23

Boston Whaler 370 Outrage

Carolina Skiff 218DLV

Contender 32 ST

EdgeWater 318CC

Everglades 243cc

Grady-White Express 330

Hell's Bay Professional

Hydra-Sports 3400 CC

Invincible 36 Open Fisherman

Jarrett Bay 77

Jupiter 41 Sport Bridge

Maverick Mirage 17 HPX-V

Pathfinder 2200 TRS

Pursuit OS 385

Regulator 28

Scout 350 LXF

SeaHunter Tournament 37

Southport 29 TE

Sundance DX20

World Cat 320CC

Yellowfin 36

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Top 5 Sportfish Yacht Brands [Buyer’s Guide]

The best sportfish yachts for sale..

Travel further and faster with a sportfish yacht . These unmistakable boats are built with purpose. Fishing enthusiasts enjoy the amenities and speed packed into a single machine, while families enjoy the comforts of a much larger yacht.

Sportfish boats can range in price from as low as $90,000 to upwards of a few million — it depends on the year, size, model, and amenities. If you’re in the market for a new or used sportfish yacht , simply choosing a brand can be overwhelming. We narrowed down the top 5 sportfish brands and examples of yachts for sale with Denison.

1. Bertram Yachts

Bertram sportfish yachts are legends in the marine industry. Their business history began over 60 years ago when the 31 Bertram won the Miami to Nassau Offshore Race. That boat and her performance set the stage for Bertram’s continued success and reputation. Today, Bertram boats are the result of state-of-the-art construction techniques, incorporating vacuum resin-infused composite construction.

Bertram delivers unmatched performance and luxury while still delivering a tournament-winning fishability. For example, the new Bertram 61 , which revolutionized the deep-V hull. This hardcore fishing machine is constructed using cutting-edge composite materials; it incorporates the raised deck and stepped shear of the past with present day elements for a unique look that is all Bertram. And the ride is better than ever.

2. Viking Yachts

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the word ‘Viking’? Scandinavian seafaring warriors… and the New Jersey-based boat brand. Viking Yachts was founded by brothers Bob and Bill Healey in 1964. The business soon become a leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production with over 4,000 Viking sportfish and motor yachts delivered. Viking’s highly regarded seafaring reputation is rooted in its commitment to producing 90 percent of the boat in-house.

Viking sportfish yachts are characterized by their massive presence and deep-V hull. Like NINA MARIE , an 82’ Viking 2010. Her 5 stateroom, 6 head layout has the interior volume of a much larger motor yacht, yet the seakeeping ability of a Viking sportfish. This used Viking yacht for sale is powered by twin MTU M93 16V2000 2400HP with just 1800 hours.

3. Hatteras Yachts

When your slogan is “experience life without limits” then you’ve caught our attention. Hatteras sportfish yachts are designed and built to offer an unmatched boating experience. The business began in 1959 in North Carolina, when founder and marlin fisherman Willis Slane envisioned a fishing vessel that could withstand the unforgiving waters off Cape Hatteras. 

In 1960, the company introduced the Hatteras 41 Convertible, the first all-fiberglass sportfishing boat available in the 40-foot range. What followed were continuous innovations and a remarkable legacy of superior craftsmanship, engineering, and attention to detail that remain the brand’s hallmarks sixty years later.

Hatteras sportfish yachts – such as JUST LIKE THAT , a 70’ Hatteras 1999 – offer plenty of outriggers, rod holders, storage, and spacious lounge areas. This used Hatteras for sale features an aft cockpit that’s a fisherman’s dream with a molded-in transom fish box, updated refrigerator/freezer plates, fresh/salt water wash downs, rod holders, and built in step boxes. The Hatteras modified-V hull delivers a sharp entry and a stable ride. No pounding here.

4. Merritt Yachts

Merritt’s Boat and Engine Works is a family-owned and operated business that started in 1948. The yard is located in Pompano Beach, Florida, and has gained a reputation for high-quality work and friendly customer service. The first boats built by Merritt were strictly for catching tuna. But they lacked creature comforts. With enhancements over the years, the small mom-and-pop business became known for building all-around outstanding boats.

EL CHUPACABRA is an 80-foot Merritt built in 2006 that boasts a high-quality composite construction and exceptional craftsmanship. Her unmistakable profile is bound to attract attention on the water as she’s powered by MTU M91 16V2000 engines. Run, don’t walk to this opportunity to own a classic Merritt sportfish .

5. Cheoy Lee

Cheoy Lee is backed by five generations of shipbuilding expertise. The company began in Hong Kong in 1936 building merchant sailing vessels during World War II. By the 1950s, the Cheoy Lee began building motor yachts while embracing the latest technological advances. Today, the company builds semi-custom yachts for owners who value performance, innovation, quality, and service.

FOUR ACRES , a 70’ Cheoy Lee 1988, remains one of the more aggressively styled big sportfishing yachts in the late-model marketplace. The ride is soft and dry as she’s built on a double-V bottom and Carolina flare bow. The accommodations of the boat rival those of a good-sized motor yacht thanks to an impressive 20-foot beam. This used sportfish for sale is available with Denison.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or veteran boat owner, a sportfish is an exciting purchase. You’ll gain access to a different world of boating and fishing thanks to advanced technology, amenities, and performance. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find your next sportfish yacht.

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Best Sport Fishing Boats

• By Marlin Staff
• Updated: May 2, 2019

Who doesn’t like to look at sleek, gorgeous sport fishing boats? Even those who’ll never have the means to purchase one or ever feel the need to venture offshore in pursuit of blue-water species love to stop and ogle the big pretty sport-fisher at the end of the dock. Gleaming bright work, rich teak and lines that seem to stretch on for days captivate anyone with a touch of saltwater in their veins.

But sport fishing boats haven’t always looked the way they do today. In the not-so-distant past (our sport is barely more than 70 years old), sport-fishers were more or less working boats, and they looked like it. The need to go farther and faster in pursuit of bigger fish or more productive waters slowly pushed builders to the edge of the technological capabilities of the time. Any changes that came about were rooted in competition — one guy wanted to go farther faster and catch more fish than the other guy.

While that may sound simple, it takes a special character to start experimenting with a sport fishing yacht that might cost several times one’s annual salary, with no real way of knowing if something is going to work until it splashes in the water. Of course, sport fishing boat manufacturers now can use computer-aided design software to make models and run simulations that take a lot of the guesswork out of the process, but boatbuilding is still a fine art, which makes each and every builder an artist.

So here’s a glimpse into what makes 30 of the top boatbuilding artists in our industry tick and how they go about creating one masterpiece after another.

The entire coastline of North Carolina enjoys a long fishing tradition, so it’s no wonder that the state has spawned an enormous number of boatbuilders. Albemarle Sportfishing Boats started building boats in 1978 after Scott Harrell, a Ford tractor dealer, started vacationing and fishing in Hatteras Village, North Carolina. He eventually started selling boats as well, but even so, he wasn’t satisfied with what was available on the market at that time. The rough waters tore apart most of the trailer boats that Harrell sold and fished on, so he decided that he wanted to build a boat that would take a beating and still provide a dry, comfortable ride.

Burch Perry, Albemarle’s general manager and Harrell’s grandson, says that while the company may have left trailer boats behind, they still build boats that are meant to last.

“We are on our 35th year, and we are still a pretty traditional builder when it comes to the construction techniques we use on our boats,” Perry says. “The materials have got a lot better and much stronger. We still build our boats to fish comfortably and to last a long time. In fact, a lot of times we find ourselves trying to sell a new Albemarle to someone and competing with one of our boats that we built years ago.”

Although Albemarle builds boats from 24 to 41 feet, in recent years the company has focused on boats in the upper end of its range — vessels from 36 to 41 feet. “Even though the outboards have gotten bigger and more economical, we felt it would be better for us to build more of our larger boats,” Perry says. “We like the diesel inboard power because we believe it provides the best fishing platform since you don’t have to fish around an outboard. We think the pod drives are really cool, but they are bit cost prohibitive in our size range. We will build you a boat with pods if you prefer them, but we think that we will continue to see a big demand for shaft-driven inboards.”

New owner Scott McLaughlin purchased the company from Brunswick several years ago after admiring the brand for years. “He definitely wants to continue the brand’s legacy and see it carry on,” Perry says. “And his ownership allows us to do just that.”

Since 1992, when Dominick LaCombe teamed up with the Chouest family to create American Custom Yachts Inc., the company has focused on building boats that can really scoot. The first ACY that Marlin reviewed back in 1994 topped out at 50 mph — incredibly fast by even today’s standards. Today, the company is still going strong, building super-fast boats built to match the specific needs of each customer.

“It’s extremely important to get to know your customers and find out exactly how they plan on using their boats,” LaCombe says. “It’s good to know how they are going to be traveling and what kind of accommodations will be needed for crew and guests. Some customers might come in here and say that they want a 60-footer that they can travel the world in. I might have to tell them that if they made the boat a bit bigger, that they would have better range, more overall efficiency and room to carry spare parts. With our extensive fishing experience, we can give an owner a list of pros and cons concerning all aspects of the boat, and between us, we can usually come up with the best scenario that matches how they want to use it,” LaCombe says. “Every bit of input we can get from the mates, captains, etc., helps us match up the right boat to fit the owner’s needs.”

LaCombe says his customers usually have a pretty extensive knowledge of boatbuilding, so it makes his job a little easier. “You get to really know these people after seeing them around at the boat shows and tournaments. We never build the same boat twice, so we listen to our customers’ ideas and incorporate them whenever possible. From the first time I meet a potential customer, sometimes a year goes by before we sit down and sign a contract. And it should take that long. The customer should check out everybody and look at all the options out there. I prefer a well-educated customer.”

Most of the boats featured in these pages, while exceptional sport-fishers, were never built to be full-time, working charter boats. Private owners who travel extensively to fish in remote areas have a totally different set of needs than the average charter-boat captain who’s more concerned about staying efficient and being able to fish hard in any kind of weather. Capt. Buddy “BC” Cannady, one of the B’s in BB Boats Inc. (the other being Billy Maxwell) has built more than 132 boats, and some of them have been chartering for a long time. Tuna Duck, Cannady’s oldest boat and one that has been chartering for 35 years, does 150 trips a year or more with Capt. Dan Rokes at the helm. Another BB boat Trophy Hunter was in second place at the Pirates Cove Big Game Tournament at the time this article was being written.

Maxwell met Cannady during the winter in 1989, when Maxwell was repairing a torn-up boat. “After I finished the boat, he asked me to come to work for him during the winter of 1990 because I had worked so hard on that first boat,” Maxwell says. “We became partners in 1999 and built my brother-in-law David Graham the Easy Rider.”

While Cannady has 36 boats at more than 50 feet under his belt, 23 of those were built under the BB partnership with Maxwell.

“The cool thing about working with Buddy is that it’s always been a wintertime project, providing four or five months of work for the working captains and mates that have to quit fishing,” Maxwell says. “Everybody who works in our shop is either a captain, mate or involved in the commercial fishing industry. All of our guys know how to fish and where to put things. They are all experienced watermen … Buddy is a legend. It’s been a pleasure to work with him.”

And both men take pride in the fact that they work on the boats as well. “We have our hands on everything — and that’s the way we like it,” Maxwell says. “Our first priorities are economy, safety and ease of use. We want you to be able to make it back safely, hose the boat off and go again the next day.” As an added bonus, a BB can hit 30 knots while burning just 60 gph — you can’t beat that.

Bertram Yacht got its start in 1960, when Richard Bertram began racing and winning on an experimental hull called Moppie. That hull went on to anchor one of the most successful sport-fishing models of all time, the legendary 31 Bertram. The company went on to build just fewer than 13,000 boats in its 53-year history, expanding the line and making more history with iconic fishing hulls like the 54 and 60 Bertram.

“We build saltwater sport-fishing boats,” President Alton Herndon says. “And that means we focus on the fishability, ride, speed and comfort on every boat that leaves this facility. Our customers go to sea often enough that they are sometimes going to get caught in rough sea conditions; we build boats that will bring them home.”

Bertram Yacht recently relocated from the Miami area north to Merritt Island, Florida. “It’s been a very good move for us,” Herndon says. “We had outgrown the Miami facility in terms of the size of the boats we could build and launch there. We had to lift our 80-footers over the buildings on a crane to launch them into the canal, so it just didn’t make any sense to stay down there.”

Bertram also benefited from the huge number of skilled boat builders in the Merritt Island area, and Herndon says that they have on file more than 2,000 applications without advertising. “We’ve got a wonderful team here, and the folks we’ve hired were selected from this large group of applicants. It’s really a wonderful area.”

But that’s not to say that everyone is new. Herndon says that quite a few employees made the move to Merritt Island and that the total Bertram team averages 15 years of experience per employee in the boatbuilding business.“They know their jobs, and they know them well, and the quality of the product reflects that. I’m very proud of our team,” he says.

“The other side of being a successful boatbuilder is to take care of your customer after the sale. And that’s actually the most enjoyable part — spending time on the water with them and getting to the know them. We design and build our boats for their intended use, so who better to learn from than our customer?”

John Bayliss made a pretty big splash in the sport-fishing world in 2002 when he opened up his shop in Wanchese, North Carolina. Like so many builders before him, Bayliss started his career as a fisherman before moving on to boatbuilding. One of his early side trips, a stint as the factory captain at Hatteras Yachts, opened his eyes to a whole different world of boatbuilding and gave him a bunch of good ideas that he would one day incorporate into his own line of gorgeous sport-fishers.

“Boatbuilding is a lot like an arms race,” Bayliss says. “You build a boat with all these good ideas in it, and someone sees those features and says those are great, but how about this, this and this? So then you incorporate those ideas, and it just keeps growing from there. The owners who are really into fishing, like we are, come up with excellent ideas. So it’s a never-ending cycle to make the next boat better than the last one.”

Bayliss says that a passion for the sport and building boats is one of the main reasons behind his success.

“My employees are as passionate about fishing and boatbuilding as I am,” he says. “They might be out with their wife at dinner, but you can be sure that they are thinking about a fix for a little problem on the boat they are working on. Our guys take that level of commitment and creativity to the next level. Creativity fosters more creativity. If the people you surround yourself with share the same passion, then you are going to be successful — and that goes for fishing, football, just about anything,” he says.

“We are extremely committed and will stop at nothing to make sure that we will build the very best sport-fishing boat that we can build. I’m very competitive with myself, and my people are right there with me. If we make a mistake or see something that we need to make better, then we will make it right. We are way more particular than even our owners,” Bayliss says. “Boatbuilding is, in a lot of ways, just like fishing -— you’re not going to make a ton of money doing it, but it sure is a pretty dang cool way to make a living. Between fishing and boatbuilding, I don’t feel like I’ve ever really had real job yet.”

Like most boatbuilders in North Carolina, Capt. Sunny Briggs got his start working during the winter months in the yard for some of the area’s legendary boatmen, such as Capt. Omie Tillet and Capt. Sheldon Midgett. In fact, Capt. Buddy Davis and Briggs worked side-by-side under Midgett until Briggs broke off to start his own shop in his backyard in 1982.

“We all started out the same way, charter fishing during the spring and summer and then boatbuilding in the winter,” Briggs says. “I was mate for 13 years before I started running boats. That was my whole life … I didn’t do anything else but go to school and fish.

“Most of my customers come to me with a size of boat that they are already interested in, so I’ll sit down with them and draw something up to see what we can put into a boat that size,” he says. “We’ll calculate the range and speed and go from there. Many people think that they can get away with a more reasonable price by building a 50 versus a 60, but that’s not really the case. Those two boats have the same equipment, pretty much the same horsepower, with a bit more fuel and water on the 60. We haven’t added much that would make the price go up. The most reasonably priced part of the boat is the hull. So if you can add a couple of the feet to the hull to get a better running surface and riding surface and pick up a bit more room on the inside, then you are far ahead of the game.”

Briggs says that his 61 or 62 is his favorite size. It doesn’t have excessive power, provides a nice space for entertaining, a big cockpit, and he can still achieve a great look that is appealing to the customer. In his opinion, the 61-footer even rides better than smaller sizes, such as a 57 or 58.

“I look back to the Johnny Harm days, and all the really good guys had a wooden boat and diesel engines. And when the Cummins diesel first came out, you’d seldom saw any of the greats going around in anything other than a wooden hull — it’s just a better ride,” Briggs says.

In 1988, Henry Morschladt and Michael Howarth sold their iconic sailboat company, Pacific Seacraft, deciding to build what they thought would be the premier sport-fishing yacht on the market. In 1991, Cabo launched its Ed Monk-designed 35-foot flybridge model. Immediately, the marketplace saw a new standard, and the bar was set high. Offshore anglers couldn’t believe that sailors had designed the boat. Several of what would become Cabo’s signature features caught their eyes, including oversize custom hinges, molded-in bait tanks with the first windows to turn the lighted livewell into an aquarium, fully gel-coated bilges and spacious interiors. In addition, the wiring and plumbing runs were true works of art.

In August 2013, Versa Capitol Management, a private equity investment firm with $1.3 billion of assets, purchased Hatteras and Cabo Yachts. Cabo/Hatteras president and CEO John Ward, a 24-year marine executive whose experience includes Boston Whaler and Mercury Marine, will continue to lead the Hatteras/Cabo team.

“Three things define Cabo,” Ward says. “Fishability, the highest quality components like hinges and hardware, and wiring and plumbing that have no peers.”

Other changes have come along as well. A redesigned hull now runs smoother and drier. Overall, Cabo’s sea-keeping ability is vastly improved compared to the first hull. Fortunately, the public took notice of these small, well-built sport-fishers, and they’ve become extremely popular throughout the Gulf states and abroad. “This is a tough segment, suffering huge declines with the advent of big outboards,” Ward says. “Fortunately, the Cabo brand still has an incredible following all over the world and is going strong.”

Morschladt and Howarth pioneered many of today’s styling and construction advances, Ward says. “We’re still waiting to define any new direction our new owners feel necessary.”

Like Pacific Seacraft before it, Cabo’s customer service philosophy has always had the goal of “out-servicing” its competition, no matter what it takes. With Cabo, warranty claims became painless. And it shows in every customer loyalty brand survey.

Ward feels Cabo’s service has never been better. “We treat the two brands the same when it comes to customer service,” he says. “Except in Cabo’s case, I think we are better today, since the boat is now built on the East Coast, and we have our service facility down in Fort Lauderdale, [Florida]. We can react more quickly and efficiently. Plus, when necessary, we’ll get on a plane to fix it.”

Ira Trocki, a cosmetic surgeon with a passion for boating, created a company that builds some of the most iconic sport-fishing brands in the business. One of the iconic names that Trocki still honors with his builds is Buddy Davis, who died at the age of 62 in January 2011.

Like many builders in the Dare County, North Carolina, tradition, Davis Yachts builds custom Carolina boats. These are purpose-built boats with sharp entries and exaggerated bow flares to meet the strong currents of Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, and the often rough seas of the Gulf Stream.

“Buddy Davis designed boats to handle huge head seas, to perform in a following sea like it is riding on rails and yet be stable on all points,” Trocki says. “The beautiful bow flare isn’t just for looks. The spray from the knife-sharp bow gets blocked by the flare, so it’s beautiful but functional.

“We build each Buddy Davis by hand,” Trocki says. “But we use all the latest technology. In fact, we are more advanced than many, as we employ a resin-infusion process for each hull.” The gelcoat is sprayed onto the mold, and then multidirectional fiberglass, Divinycell composite foam coring and more fiberglass is laid — dry — into the mold. “We cover the entire mold in a vacuum bag and then draw the resin from one end of the mold to the other. This makes for an exact resin-to-glass ratio while eliminating any and all air pockets. It is the most perfect laminate you can muster. It makes for an extremely light, strong and stiff hull. There’s no wood in a Buddy Davis hull,” Trocki says.

And while it gets a lot of lip service in the industry, at Buddy Davis, customer service truly does take priority. “We go a step above just making it important,” Trocki says. “One of our customers had an engine problem on July Fourth. Of course, the engine company didn’t answer its phones. The customer called us and said that he had eight people coming from afar to spend the holiday and was terribly disappointed he couldn’t use his boat. The president of Buddy Davis, Bob Weidhaas, himself a mechanic by trade, left his family’s events and drove two-and-a-half hours to the customer’s home to personally fix the engine.”

Trocki is also a Buddy Davis owner. “Like other owners, I want to be able to look out at my boat and enjoy it as piece of art … except mine can run 40 knots.”

_— Dean Travis Clarke _

In 1987, Jim Floyd and a friend decided to build a strong, seaworthy sport-fishing yacht based on the variable-deadrise running surface of Floyd’s old 23-foot Seacraft. “I grew up fishing on a 23 Seacraft,” Floyd says. “Coincidentally, the patents on its hull design ran out just about the time that I wanted to build my first boat, so I adapted the Seacraft bottom for larger hulls.”

After 10 years of designing and modeling, Floyd built his first yacht in a barn in Delaware. That boat, the 59-foot Fin-Ally, had perhaps the most unique bottom in the genre, complete with longitudinal steps for improved tracking and roll stability. To date, F&S has built more than 20 large sport-fishing yachts for its truly satisfied owners.

“I want to build the strongest boat I possibly can,” Floyd says. “The ride should be the same — the best possible. Our stepped bottom is superior to other designs on every point of performance.” F&S customers become friends because Floyd pays attention and treats them fairly. “I try to build as much boat as I can for the money allotted,” he says.

Floyd has created boats ranging from his smallest — a 36-foot center console with twin outboards — to his largest so far — a 75-foot convertible currently under construction. All F&S boats consist of cold-molded hulls with Corecell topsides.

F&S occasionally pushes the design envelope, taking lines to a more modern place. However, it also builds exquisitely traditional sport-fishermen. Though he has built one 50-footer with IPS pod drives, Floyd says, “We actually tend to stick with the tried and true on at least 50 percent of the technology decisions. Certainly we use advanced technology like honeycomb and composites for construction. But for other systems, like power, electronics and the like, we generally opt for the tried and true that we know will perform well and last.

“We have all raised the standards over the last ten years. I’d be behind the eight ball if I didn’t keep up,” Floyd says. “We step forward and embrace the latest and greatest — but with hesitation. After all, ultimately, we answer to the customer.”

Floyd also has a refreshingly realistic take on customer service. “We have a warranty,” he says. “However, with that said, we have never turned our back on any problem on any boat anywhere in the world. I have three guys who can be on a plane in no time. We are a microscopic-size business on the global scale. We can’t afford a single unhappy owner.

Like a lot of boat companies, Gamefisherman got its start when one man saw a need and decided to fill it. While working for Rybovich, Mike Matlack noticed that a lot of people were interested in buying a smaller-size day boat. “Nobody was building them,” he says. “I felt that there was still a demand for little 37-footers, so I left Rybovich, and the first Gamefisherman, a 40-foot flybridge, rolled out in 1986.”

Eventually, Matlack expanded the line, going both bigger and smaller, but he never got away from his true purpose: building smaller, nimble sport-fishing machines. In 2006, he moved the operation to Stuart, Florida. “We still build the smaller boats,” he says. “Everybody else is building 80-footers. I don’t want to get into that market. That’s what they make Holiday Inns for. Our boats are first and foremost fishing boats. There are guys who will build you a nice fish boat slash condo, but our boats are fishing boats. We are trying to start a mothership operation, since it just makes more sense. If you are traveling, it’s better to have the mothership. An 80-footer can get there, but when the boat gets there and the boat has to go fishing, where are your nonfishing guests going to go? They have to get off. With the mothership, the game boat goes fishing and everyone who wants to stay back can relax on the mothership.”

Matlack uses cold-molded, composite construction in his boats, which allows him to build a different boat for every customer. “If somebody walks in here and wants a 39, 46 or 62, I can build it because I’m not using a mold,” he says.

As far as game boats go, only a handful of boats share Gamefisherman’s reputation for nimbleness. “Our boat’s handle very well,” Matlack says. “That’s one of the things we really work at. They are as fast as we can reasonably make them, and they back up and spin real well. We have large cockpits … I build the boats from the back end forward. Out of the 17 40s that exist, there’s only one here in the States, and the rest are all in the hottest fishing spots: three in Panama, Guatemala, Hawaii, etc. They all end up where the serious fishing guys want to be.”

Peter Landeweer comes from a large fishing family that started out fishing for giant bluefin tuna up and down the East Coast on a 53 Hatteras. The growing family soon outpaced the Hatteras and decided to design and build its own boat, a 67-footer they named Snow Goose. “Garlington came up for sale in 1993, and that’s how we got into the boat business,” Landeweer says.

Richard Garlington started building boats in the mid ’80s, and his boats’ low profiles, clean lines and rounded edges immediately began to turn heads. Landeweer liked the look as much as anyone. “We like the timeless, traditional look -— a boat from 20 years ago doesn’t look old if it has the traditional sport-fish look,” he says. “There’s a certain style that you have to stick with — the S-shear, the split shear — you can’t change it too much. But just like the basic design of the fighting chair, you can make things a bit prettier, but the design doesn’t change much at all. And it really doesn’t need to in my opinion. A lot of people copy the lines of the Garlingtons.”

Landeweer says that the 61 is their most popular model, but that with the new power options now available, the smaller boats like the 44 are starting to make more sense. “You can get 1,400 horsepower out of a 12-cylinder now, which gives you plenty of power in a much smaller and lighter package,” he says. “We started building our 49-footer due to all of the resorts being built everywhere. Why do you need a huge boat when you just leave boat at the end of the day and go stay in an apartment? I’ve built three 80-footers, and most guys still get off the boat.”

Garlington Landeweer utilizes an all-composite, vacuum-bagged, wet-laminate construction. “There’s not a single piece of wood in the construction of the boat,” Landeweer says. “I like the composite. We are not the lightest, but we are stronger. Everybody does it their own way. All of our boats are molded in a female mold.

“We are not the fastest boats either, but we are right up there. We might be the softest-riding. It’s more important to me how she runs in a head sea, since it’s not always calm when you want to go out fishing.”

Willis Slane dreamed about a boat he could use to fish the rough conditions around Hatteras, North Carolina. He heard about a new material called fiberglass and contacted a young West Palm Beach, Florida, naval architect named Jack Hargrave. Together, they designed a 41-foot trunk cabin sport-fisherman with a 14-foot beam, powered by a pair of 275 hp Lincoln V-8s. She boasted a projected top speed of 30 knots. On March 22, 1960, the first Hatteras Yacht, Knit Wits, was christened.

Hatteras went on to greatness and survived a number of different owners, most recently Brunswick Corp. In August 2013, Versa Capitol Management, a private equity investment firm with $1.3 billion of assets, purchased Hatteras and Cabo Yachts.

“Both Hatteras and Cabo are cornerstone American brands in their respective markets, and both have been affected during the extended economic downturn,” Versa Capital CEO Gregory L. Segall says. “We see great opportunity to build value in these businesses, while retaining the expertise in engineering and Eastern Seaboard production that has given Hatteras/Cabo their well-earned reputations.”

Cabo/Hatteras president and CEO John Ward, a 24-year marine executive whose experience includes Boston Whaler and Mercury Marine, will continue to lead the Hatteras/Cabo team.

“Hatteras has always enjoyed a reputation as a capable, seaworthy boat,” Ward says. “One hallmark of the brand is that it never goes too light. All bottoms are solid fiberglass, some resin-infused and others hand-laid.

“I feel Hatteras sits in the middle of the technology boom. Resin infusion is one technology that we use that makes for a better laminate. Other examples include Seakeeper gyros for added stability at slow speeds and digital switching and breakers. I have no doubt that we will be employing more advanced technology in the future, as long as it differentiates us in the marketplace,” Ward says. “We don’t own an engine company, so we are fortunate that we can work with a variety of fabulous and responsive power suppliers. We rarely encounter problems with customer service there.”

Ward offers his formula for good customer relations. “What we need to do is make the process seamless and totally transparent. We need really good relationships with vendors. We need to step up and handle any vendor problems and then duke it out with those vendors ourselves rather than just handing it over to the customer,” he says.

— Dean Travis Clarke

When Jack Henriques immigrated to the United States in his 20s, he carried four generations of Portuguese boatbuilding experience with him. He founded Henriques Yachts Inc. in 1977 and quickly launched its first model, the Maine Coaster, a 35-foot downeast-style boat. Upon his death in 1997, Henriques passed the company on to his two daughters, Natalia and Maria, and his son-in-law Manny Costa.

“We are a small, semicustom boatbuilder that listens closely to our customers so that we can easily meet their needs. If you want a custom tackle center or a special interior feature, we can provide those things. We just launched a 50 footer — our biggest model — and we have a 42 under construction right now, which should be completed this spring,” Natalia Costa says.

“We build traditional sport-fishing boats used to fish the Northeast canyons, so our boats can make long runs and bring you back home. Our first boats were no-frills fishing boats, and although they are still strong and durable, we’ve grown out of the more plain interiors to much more nicely appointed staterooms. We’ve come along way since making the old Maine Coasters,” Natalia says.

Each Henriques is built to order, which opens up room to customize interiors and fishing packages. “If there is anything that can be customized, we will do it. We modify our interiors to fit the owners’ needs,” Manny Costa says.

The biggest distinguishing factor on a Henriques is the large cockpit. “We have the largest cockpits of any boats in our size,” Manny says. “The fishermen we build for require space in the two areas in which they spend the majority of their time. Our cockpits and engine rooms are the roomiest in the industry. Our 50-footer has a 210-square-foot cockpit.” This trend works its way down the line. The 42 Express offers 155 square feet of space in the pit.

As technology and building techniques improved over the years, the company philosophy remained the same. “Henriques has always been about building a safe, structurally sound vessel for the most demanding fishermen and the elements they brave when they tackle the sea,” Manny says. “Luckily, we’ve stayed very busy revamping our 50 and building our new 30 Express. We look forward to putting more sport-fishing boats out on the water.”

After charter fishing for a few years in North Carolina, Randy Ramsey decided that his old boat had had enough and began building himself a new one. “I was building the boat in a old pole barn with incandescent lighting and dirt floors,” Ramsey says. “Before I even finished it, a fellow came along and asked me if I could build him one just like it. I said sure. By 1993, we were on hull number 13 or 14. I had to sell my charter boat and start building boats full time. My life has really been a representation of the American dream. If you have a passion for something, you can still be successful.”

Jarrett Bay makes a true Carolina-style fishing boat, with a beautiful bow flare that appeals to a lot in the sport-fishing crowd. “Most of our buyers are pretty savvy, and we try to sell them much more than just a boat; we want to plant the idea of the great lifestyle that you can enjoy when owning one of our boats. We strive to build something that’s going to work for you,” Ramsey says. “If you don’t like me, then you shouldn’t build a boat here. Relationships are very important in the boatbuilding process, and we need to be friends and family. We want to be able to talk to the people and speak freely so that we build the exact boat that the customer needs.”

Ramsey hasn’t changed the way he builds his boats either. “We want a bulletproof hull, one that is probably a bit heavier than most,” he says. “We glass our hulls both inside and out, which makes the hulls a wooden-cored, fiberglass hull. The houses and interiors get foam coring to keep the weight down. We also like the very conspicuous Carolina look. You can trace our look and lineage back to Omie Tillet. They do have a lot more rake and a little less flare than they did at one time, but we still try to stay true to the Carolina look. We all want our boats to look like they are going 50 mph while they are sitting still … and we try hard to make sure that they do,” he says.

“We’ve been around for 27 years now, through a lot of ups and downs, so we know how important it is to service the customer after the sale — we want people to know that we will always be around to help them out,” Ramsey says.

Because of Jim Smith’s penchant for building racing boats in his early days, Jim Smith sport-fishing boats were, for a long time, looked at as primarily go-fast boats. Jim Smith Boats Inc. owner and president John Vance says that in the early days, a lot of folks were skeptical about using some of the brand new construction methods that were coming out at the time.

Always a pioneer, Smith originated cold-molded, lightweight construction while working at Monterey Boats, a big reason why he was able to take lot of unnecessary weight out of a boat. “We build an efficient boat,” Vance says. “I don’t even have to talk about the speed because that’s our reputation. It’s been a bit of plus for us that we’ve always been on the leading edge when it comes to increasing the size of boats as well. In 1981, we were building a 50-footer that many said was too big to fish from. Well, we just launched a 105. During the ’90s, when people were building 65s, we were building a 70. We’ve always been a little bit ahead in the market in the size game. If you are looking at building a big boat, our name kind of pops up.”

As with most builders, Vance is very cognizant of what his owners want and takes great pains to ensure that they get it. “These guys have usually owned a bunch of boats, and they like to take all the ideas that they’ve seen on their boats or their friends’ boats and incorporate them into a final package,” Vance says. “We listen and try to give them what they want. Sometimes we can’t due to engineering or structural concerns, but we sit down with a piece of paper and, with respect for their knowledge, make sure that they get what they came here for. Our reputation was built on speed performance, and that was what distinguished the company for many years. However, we went to using professional naval architects in the ’90s, and what that did was make our boats great sea boats. Now, we focus on ride quality in every aspect of the design and engineering of our boats.”

Like so many of his boatbuilding brethren, Paul Mann made his way in the world as a mate and captain fishing the rough seas out of Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. So he knows what goes into making a good fishing boat.

“I design my own bottoms and understand what differences are needed to accommodate each owner’s individual fishing style,” Mann says. “A client who wants to fish eight hours a day in rough seas but doesn’t want the boat to roll dramatically requires a boat with less deadrise aft, so it’s stable. Conversely, running hard and long in rough water needs a different bottom with more deadrise and convexity for a smoother ride, but it will roll more in a beam sea. Either way, every Paul Mann boat runs perfectly in a following sea with virtually no yaw and very little lag on the back of a big wave. All my running surfaces have some degree of convexity for a better ride and less drag. I design boats that most closely meet an owner’s requirements without going too far in either direction, so they’re happy with the all-around performance.

“I also like to keep the client regularly informed about where the project stands budget-wise to avoid any and all surprises. Ultimately, my goal is to give my client a high-quality boat that does everything required, comes in on budget and on time,” he says.

Just because Mann comes from an old-school line of builders doesn’t mean he’s not quick to take advantage of the modern methods and techniques that will make his boats better. “Today, everyone wants to go faster and spend less,” he says. “With the price of fuel, you have to use advanced composites in your boat to make it lighter. As for the electronic and electrical gadgetry, I find that most times, it’s the owners who push that envelope further. I would prefer to go toward more conservative operating systems. With simple and functional systems, you rarely have issues.”

Mann enjoys great repeat business because he knows that the relationship doesn’t end with the sale. “Customer service is as important as building the boat,” Mann says. “When someone buys a Paul Mann boat, the service comes with it. Our boats often travel far from the Eastern Seaboard and out of the country. Service must follow that. We’ll fly our craftsmen anywhere the work needs to be done. I am always available to my owners and captains via email or phone.”

For the last 10 years, a small-boat company in Costa Rica has been producing exceptional little fishing boats in the 32- to 46-foot range that have won one tournament after another. (At one point several years ago, there were five Maverick boats in the top five at the Los Suenos Triple Crown. Dragon Fly, a 42 Maverick, won Los Suenos’ first leg and was named overall champion last year, then won the Presidential Challenge in Marina Papagayo, Costa Rica.) The company was started by Richard Lebo and Larry Drivon but was recently purchased from Lebo by Drivon and Gary Mumford, an expat who has been living in Costa Rica for the last 14 years. “Richard decided it was time to retire, and he went back to the States, so Larry and I decided to carry on,” Mumford says. “The company is 10 years old, and we’ve built 10 boats; we are working on 11 and 12 right now.”

Maverick boats not only look like the quintessential little sport-fisher, they perform like it too. “We build a light, super strong boat that’s made to fish every day,” Mumford says. “One of our boats, Spanish Fly, which was built in early 2004, has over 30,000 hours on it. We took a potential customer out on that boat the other day, and he was amazed how tight it still was — no squeaks, nice and quite still. These cold-molded boats will last forever when taken care of properly.”

Maverick is the process of retooling its shop and hired long-time Capt. Parker Bankston as shop foreman to oversee the new changes. Bankston has worked through several builds at the Viking Yachts plant and spent some time at Merritt’s Boat and Engine Works as well, so he’s spent a lot of time in the boatyard and knows how to build sport-fishers right. Bankston also runs the plant’s new computerized numerical control machine and is the head of new product development.

“We triple plank our hulls and stringers using a combination of Okoume plywood and laurel mahogany, but we are now building all our decks and houses with Divinycell core and using Alexseal coatings,” Mumford says. “We are also starting to get some good cooperation with engine manufacturers like Catepillar, Yanmar and Cummins, which are stepping up to the plate.” If you want a super tight fishing boat with a good value for your dollar, you’d be hard-pressed to find one better than a Maverick.

Few builders enjoy the decades-long reputation for excellence that Merritt’s Boat enjoys. The Merritt family moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, from Long Island, New York, in 1947, and opened the boat shop in 1948 in order to take care of the family’s charter boats. Soon, Merritt’s quality workmanship and high-level customer service thrust the company into the forefront of the South Florida boatbuilding boom.

“We are doing real good,” Roy Merritt says. “Business is as good as it’s ever been. We’ve built so many boats over the years that they keep coming back. We are working on hull 101 right now, and we’ve got four 86s and a 72 being built right now.”

Roy Merritt’s time in the business has shown him that you don’t want to mess around with the tried-and-true shape of a sport-fisher. “Most of our customers are second-boat guys, and we are usually going to build them a boat around what we have. If they want something that we aren’t comfortable with, then we won’t do it,” he says.

“There are a lot of man-hours that go into making things right; the boat had to look special and hold up. The boats we build now, with the new materials and composites, will be around for 100 years,” Roy Merritt says. “We have all these different materials going everywhere: composite hull, outside skins made of Kevlar and e-glass, carbon-fiber decks and carbon-fiber cores — we do everything we can to make them light and make them perform. Our 86 cruises 29 knots and burns 135 gph an hour … that’s the sweet spot for that hull. Other boats that size might burn another 40 or 50 gallons per hour to do the same speed. No matter how much money you have, you don’t want to waste fuel, so we do what we can to make them light. The length of the boats just seems to keep getting bigger. Traveling fishermen like the feel of their own mattress and have their favorite pillow — you don’t have to get another room onshore when you own one of our boats.

“I have a great job; it’s like I have a hobby shop where I can do all these experiments to try to make boats that are bigger, go faster and go farther,” Roy Merritt says.

The Leek family built the first Ocean Yacht, a 40-foot flybridge model, in 1977. Since then, they have christened hundreds of boats in the 40- to 70-foot range.

“Ocean Yachts are beautiful boats,” general manager John Leek IV says. “But we mean them to be comparatively more affordable than other brands.” Ocean has always prided itself on having many owner/operators in its stable rather than boats with professional hired captains and mates. “We design our boats so as to make [do-it-yourself] work as easy as possible for those owners who want that,” Leek says.

“We provide a high-quality finished product. We fill a niche where customers feel they’re getting great value for their dollar. Our design team has always had great taste, and our interiors have always spoken to women in a family. First and foremost, the interior design has to be functional. But then the materials must speak to women — they are warm and inviting. Selling a boat to a family is infinitely easier when the wife loves it too,” he says.

“In some instances, advanced technology is just not useful when you try to make an affordable boat,” he says. “Every element you install raises the price. While Ocean is early to embrace new technology, it still has to be sensible for the end user, be affordable and both simple to own and operate. We absolutely lean toward simplicity at Ocean Yachts. With that said, we will certainly customize any boat the way the owner wants it. Gone are the days of straight production. So I guess our philosophy is that we embrace the tried and true and simplicity.”

Obviously, no company that charges hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars for a product can simply kiss the customer goodbye after the sale. But Ocean seems to have struck an even-handed attitude toward customer service.

“Our customer service department isn’t 24 hours a day,” Leek says. “But we know our customers and their spouses — and even their children and dogs — by their first names. They have all our staff’s personal cellphone numbers, and they can call us directly. Our customer service is built on a personal relationship. If the dealer is able to help them, we encourage that. If not, we will respond immediately and resolve any issue.”

It’s funny how life can throw a few curveballs at you from time to time. John Patnovic, the new president and owner of Post Yachts, wound up buying the venerable boatbuilding company after a visit to the old Post plant to purchase some of its unused lumber. “The old owner of Post keeps his boat in my marina, so when I heard that they had a bunch of wood lying around, I went over to see if I could pick it up cheap,” Patnovic says. “I ended up buying the whole company –— my wife was thrilled.”

After the purchase, Patnovic moved the operation from New Jersey to Chestertown, Maryland, where he could keep a close eye on things. Now, he’s ready to start building boats. “We are all ready to go,” he says.

“Post has always been a build-to-order company, and we will remain that way,” he says. We can build hulls ranging from 42 to 66 feet, and we should have some coming together shortly. Our bet is that the boating industry is going to be a lot different than it was in past, and we think that a small, nimble custom manufacturer is going to have a place at the table. We can make any changes you want at a reasonable cost and will provide the finished boat at a more than reasonable cost.”

Although Post is an old name, that doesn’t mean it is stuck in the past when it comes to the building process. Post boats feature resin-infused hulls and a deck house with the same bottoms that made Post famous. “They were well-regarded and good sea boats, but the new ones will be a little bit lighter for more speed and bit more range. Everybody wants to go faster these days,” Patnovic says.

Post will continue to service its two primary customers, sport fishermen and cruisers. “We will continue to cater to both parties. If you want a hard-core fishing boat with cockpit freezers and tuna tubes, we can build it. We now have all the boats digitized and put into 3-D CAD programs, which allows us to easily add staterooms or make any changes whatsoever. Give us 24 hours, and we will give you a photograph of your new boat,” Patnovic says. “We have the ability to build a superior, proven boat at a great price. Everyone will have my personal attention because we are not going to be building a whole lot of them at once. We just want a shot at your next boat.”

After charter fishing for 16 years in Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, Ritchie Howell started building smaller boats in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Soon, he found himself hook-and-line commercial fishing with none other than Paul Spencer. “We put or money together on the first couple of boats we built … me, Billy Holton, Paul Spencer and Irving Forbes,” Howell says. Spencer eventually persuaded Howell that he had what it took to be a boatbuilder, so Howell started a shop of his own. “I had a lot of help,” Howell says. “I got to learn from a lot of great guys. I wasn’t a smartass to them, and I listened to what they had to say.”

That ability to listen, Howell says, also allows him to make a boat that will satisfy the customer. “The more details a potential owner can provide to me, the better the end result. It’s like Burger King: You can have it your way, but we have to know what they want,” he says.

“I’m confident can give someone the best product for their dollar. We build only yacht-quality boats, and it wasn’t like that when we started out. I’m not in a place where we can go back and build a charter boat, and we are very price competitive for a yacht-quality boat,” Howell says. “The things that set our boats apart are the performance and the ride. On the last five or six boats we’ve built, we’ve been able to build them with a sharp entry and a stabilizer that keeps the boat from rocking. It’s really the best of both worlds.”

Howell still prefers to build plywood and fiberglass hulls. “I really think that this combination makes the strongest hulls,” he says. “Everything else has Corecell core. I don’t just want to rely on foam for the hull. With that said, we are looking to maybe build an all carbon fiber boat. I think the attraction of the carbon fiber is its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. We should be able to build them bigger, with less power to make them even more efficient,” he says.

“Everything’s about speed and performance and fuel burn. Our boats are fast and burn half the fuel at the same speed of a production boat.”

Bob Roscioli began his 51 years in the boating industry by pumping gas as a dock boy at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After several stints in various boatyards as a painter and prep man, Roscioli struck out on his own and started his own paint business. Roscioli built up the business and soon became known as one of the best brush painters around. “I went on to build some of the prettiest sport-fishers in the world, but I’m still known as painter,” Roscioli says.

Roscioli got into the boatbuilding business proper when he purchased the big boat division of Donzi in 1987 after seeing the 65 Donzi that Jack Staple and Dick Kent had built for themselves. “That big fiberglass boat with those big 1692 engines in it was an animal,” he says. “But they didn’t really know how to market it, so I decided to buy them out and give it go.” The rest is go-fast boating history.

Always a pioneer in going bigger and faster, Roscioli says he still feels that the most important thing to consider when heading into a boat is building a good relationship with the customer. “The first thing I want to find out is to see if there is a synergy between the buyer and our company,” he says. “We love building boats, and we want to have fun doing it. We want to make sure that the client who buys our boats feels like they are part of our family. The boats actually speak for themselves when it comes time to make the sale. I encourage our clients to ride on our boat and then ride on the others they are considering — our boat sells itself.” Besides their remarkable efficiency and speed, Roscioli boats are known for their exquisite fit and finish that extends to every part of the boat, including the engine room. “When we started building boats, going down into the engine room was a bit taboo … but I wanted to make an engine room that the ladies wouldn’t mind going into,” he says. “I saw a pair of show engines at the Detroit booth at one of the boat shows that sported a $20,000 metallic green paint job, so we were the first boats to have stand-up engines rooms and engines painted with urethane.”

Roscioli just introduced a new design called the Evolution, which will come in sizes ranging from 82 to 92 feet. “This boat is like nothing you’ve ever seen before,” Roscioli says. “This one is going to be for the brave people.”

Michael Rybovich and Sons Boat Works is the fulfillment of Michael Rybovich’s long-time dream. “We have a new family-run boatyard,” Rybovich says. “From the time we sold our yard in the ’70s, up until two and a half years ago, it was dream of mine to put the Rybovich family back into a boatyard. After a few twists and turns over the past several years, we finally got where we wanted to be.” Rybovich opened up a full-service and new construction yard in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, about 10 miles north of the old Rybovich facility.

It didn’t take long for the Rybovich name and reputation would work its magic. “We have two boats under construction right now and two more under letters of intent,” Rybovich says. “We are building custom, cold-molded sport-fishers just as we always have. We are a one-off builder that builds directly to the needs of each individual customer.”

Although Rybovich is an old name in boatbuilding, its newest build is a unique departure from the norm. “Our first hull out of this shop is a very interesting project — a 64-foot walkaround. We built two walkarounds in the ’80s and found them to be extremely practical, especially for sail fishing in the Palm Beach area. We have taken that concept to a three-stateroom, three-and-a-half bath sport-fisherman. It’s a really exciting project,” Rybovich says.

The company also has an 86-footer under construction. “It’s a more conventional flybridge sport-fish with as much power as we can put into it,” Rybovich says. “That boat is being built for one of our customers that has one of our boats right now. That kind of return business contributes greatly to the success of our yard. It’s a special thing when guys come back to you because they were happy with the first project and relationship that you have built together.”

Rybovich strives to build boats that perform at a superior level in all sea conditions, and the quality of the workmanship has to be top notch. “We like to think that our fit and finish is second to none. It’s one thing to develop a reputation for quality, but it’s another thing all together to be able to maintain that level of quality. We can do that, and that’s essentially why we are still here,” he says.

Born in the small fishing village of Wanchese, North Carolina, Ricky Scarborough Sr. did what seemed natural: commercial fishing, hunting and building boats. Boats and boating were not just a hobby but a way of life. Determining what made a boat sit the way it does in the water, ride the way it should and look the way it should all but consumed him.

In 1977, Scarborough, in need of a worthy vessel to commercial fish in but without the funds to purchase one, built his own in the downstairs portion of his home. When he began, a fellow fisherman approached Scarborough and asked to purchase the boat, but Scarborough needed it for the summer season. He agreed to sell it come fall and then began another. That was the start of more than 32 years and 80 custom projects from 25 to 85 feet, with the majority between 50 and 75. No one in North Carolina — and few anywhere else — have built more custom projects over the same time period.

In 1993, Ricky Scarborough Jr. came to work for his father after receiving a business degree from East Carolina University, and he has been building boats ever since. Ricky Jr. believes in taking the Scarborough boat to a new level while keeping the legacy and quality of what puts Scarborough boats in a league of their own. “Our boats have more traditional Carolina lines, and we can look back at 30 years of experience to help keep us on the right path. We’ve been in the same spot for over 30 years with a really low overhead. That allows us to provide a good value per dollar without sacrificing quality,” Ricky Jr. says.

“A custom boat build is as much about the relationship with customer as it as about the end product. I try hard to make the building process as easy and as pleasant as possible,” Ricky Jr. says. “With the flexibility provided by the cold-molding process, the customer can really get involved in every aspect of the build, and it wasn’t always that way. If you like the boats that we’ve put out, if you like they way they look, if you like the way they ride and you like working with us, then we are going to make a great boat together. I never take it for granted that there might not be another customer coming along, so we try to make our customers very happy.”

Few builders enjoy the reputation that Paul Spencer has earned over his long career, both as a charter captain and premier boatbuilder. Spencer got into the business like many of his North Carolina contemporaries — by building a boat of his own to go charter fishing. He’d grown up looking at the boats built by Buddy Davis, Omie Tillet and the rest, and since his father-in-law at the time was Sheldon Midgett, it was just a natural evolution for him to try his hand on his own boat. That first boat performed so well that he immediately began getting orders for more.

But even though Spencer comes from a strong North Carolina background, his boats are a bit of a departure from the style. “We have a little bit of a different look,” Spencer says. “Our boats tend to be a bit leaner and longer than most. This creates the look that we like and also helps them perform really well. I got to visit a lot of the shops up here as I was coming up, so I got to see what they were doing. I also liked some of the things I saw coming out of Florida, so I started mingling the ideas a little bit. Taking a bit of the bow flare out, lowering the bow, making my own style.” The marriage between the two styles proved to be an unmitigated success, and Spencer is now working on hull number 95.

“It’s really important that when we start a build that we sit down with the client to find out just what they plan on doing with the boat,” Spencer says. “I might ask them what kind of accommodations they may need and where they plan on taking the boat to fish. If they need four staterooms and three heads, then that means it’s going to be a pretty long boat for me … a 66- to 69-footer. The challenge is building a boat that will go as fast as the client wants to go and still have enough space for all the fuel they need to have a good range. Over the years, we’ve found ways to use every bit of space, including building integrated fuel tanks instead of metal ones.

“The second challenge is to get all the equipment on the boat that the client wants and still stick to your budget. They all start out with a budget, but when they see some of the stuff out there that they can get, they can get excited and want it all. Since the build represents this person’s dream boat, we try to make sure they get what they want,” Spencer says.

Tribute Performance Boats’ lineage starts with Rich Scheffer Sr., who was the foreman at Jim Smith until Smith passed away. Scheffer started Tribute in Smith’s memory 21 years ago. The quest for performance, one of the key ingredients in a Tribute, started in those early days when rocket ships were offered by only a few builders in South Florida. “Only a few guys were able to build a 40-plus knot sport-fish in those days without the benefit of advanced composites and today’s bigger horsepower engines,” Scheffer says. “Not only were these early Tributes fast, but they also caught fish and traveled the globe extensively when only a few boats were doing it. For example, in 1997 the Manleys caught one of the first-ever fantasy slams on the 58 Tribute Escapade in Venezuela, catching a blue, white, swordfish, sailfish and spearfish.

“Each Tribute is built with a purpose and posses her own distinct personality since we start with a clean sheet of paper. It all starts with the wish list and a good understanding of how your boat will be used and where it will go,” Scheffer says.

Tribute has indeed produced some boats that vary greatly in personality — from the more contemporary 72-foot Alican to the spaced-age 86 enclosed-bridge Double Down. With many in the fleet measuring more than 70 feet, the larger Tributes are built with the plan to travel extensively, stay on the troll and follow the fish without coming back to home port for major service for years. Superb engineering and longevity is something on which Tribute prides itself, and that becomes pretty apparent when you step into one of its engine rooms.

“We are a family business at Tribute and have grown to be very close to our owners throughout the years — over half of our owners have built two or more boats with us,” says Rich Scheffer Jr., the founder’s son and the man now leading the construction efforts alongside industry veteran Dennis Close. “We even have a few boats running around with nearly 20,000 hours on them. Constant improvement and seeking out new innovative processes is something we pride ourselves on, so our boats will last as long as you will love them.”

The Healey family started building boats in New Gretna, New Jersey, in 1964, when brothers Bill and Bob Healey purchased Peterson-Viking Builders. Forty-nine years later, the company enjoys a stellar reputation as one of the premier production builders in the world. However, just a glance at any Viking on the dock tells you that Viking Yachts is much more than a typical production boat company. In fact, its boats are about as custom as you can get in many respects.

“Basically, the first thing I want to get across to our customers is that we are boatbuilders; I’ve grown up doing only one thing in life. I live it, eat it and sleep it, and so do all of our managers,” executive vice president Pat Healey says. “We all started young as a team, and we apprenticed under some of the great ones like Bruce Wilson. Guys like Lonni Rutt, our [vice president] of engineering; and David Wilson, the man in charge of new product development; Bill Gibbons, our propulsion man; and Ryan Higgins, our company captain, are all very involved in the design and engineering of our boats. It’s all about the people and having the proper team together … most of them are 20-plus-year employees of Viking.”

One thing that’s remarkable about Viking is its incredible consistency. While a lot of builders build one or two very good boats a year, Viking somehow manages to do it 60 or 70 times a year. “Over the last 15 years, we’ve become arguably one of the best … no one is building a boat at our level and with the numbers of boats we are building,” Healey says. “And we ship them all around the world. A good 30 percent of our business comes from our international sales.”

Healey is also grateful to the high quality of customers that choose a Viking. “We’ve got great customers … they are the best of the best. We’ve got customers who purchase one of our boats over and over again, and they are a big part of why we are celebrating our 50th anniversary on April 1, 2014,” he says.

Healey is also proud of the service and dealer network that the company has put together over the years. “Having those key components, with all of dealers like HMY, Galati and Bluewater, are all part of what makes Viking the best of the best,” he says.

Jim Weaver never imagined he would end up building boats for a living; however, after years on the water and with his experience in the construction business, he decided to build a boat for himself in 1998. The vessel turned out so well that he got an offer to sell it, which he did. He then built another, and before long, Weaver Boat Works began to take shape.

“Most of the customers who come our way have already made their mind up about buying one of our boats,” Weaver says. “We have a reputation for doing what we say we are going to do, when we are going to do it and for how much. I’m not much of a salesman and don’t try to be. If you build a nice boat for a fair and reasonable price, people are going to want to buy it.”

Weaver makes fast boats, and he attributes a lot of his boats’ speed to the work of his naval architect, Donald Blount. “All of our boats have been fast,” he says. “We’ve never built anything that didn’t run at least 40 knots. When you build a boat that can go fast, that means it has a very efficient hull design. Our 80 hits a top end of 48 knots and cruises at 30 knots while burning 100 gph. At just 1,200 rpm, that boat is up on plane and doing 25.8 knots.”

That efficient hull also comes into play when it’s time to slow down and start trolling. “Our boats have a very clean wake because they are not as heavy. It’s the same when backing up; our boats are more of a sports car than a pickup truck,” Weaver says.

In 2007, Weaver built its first 80-footer and has built six more since then. “You usually sell a boat off another boat,” Weaver says. “They will see it fishing, or get passed by it, and have to have one too. We’ve been very fortunate. Out of the 25 or 26 boats that we’ve built, six of those were repeats. It’s a great feeling when a man buys your boat and 10 years later, comes back and buys another one.”

To meet the strength requirements with those speeds, Weaver uses Kevlar to reinforce the inside and outside of each cold-molded, one-off hull that comes out of his shop. “We build every boat as strong as we can make it,” he says. “They’re really over-designed and intended to take punishment.”

Willis Marine Inc. is one of the few companies that got its start in North Carolina but then relocated Florida. “I started building boats up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in a little town called Frisco,” owner Mark Willis says. “I fished professionally for several years up on the Outer Banks and decided to build myself a little 30-foot charter boat. Well, as soon as it was done, somebody bought it. Then I got real busy building boats. My ex-partner, Buddy Smith, and I started Island Boatworks up there, and after we built a few, I left and came down to start my own shop in Stuart, [Florida].”

Willis brought the lessons he learned in North Carolina to Florida and started building sport-fishers using a variety of different methods. “We specialize in building cold-molded boats out of triple-planked Okoume plywood,” he says. “Today’s plywood is always consistent, and it makes a light, strong hull. But I really don’t have a preference when it comes to building methods. If someone came to me and asked for a plank-over-mahogany hull, I would gladly do it for him, because I know it also makes a great hull. We can also build an all-composite hull if that’s what you want — we are pretty well-versed in all of it.”

No matter what materials or technique you choose, you can rest assured that when choosing a Willis, everything inside will be in the proper place. “We pride ourselves in good planning and strong, dependable systems. Some builders will rush to get a boat sold and will just start shoving stuff into the hull to appease an owner. You have to pay attention to the planning so that you can get to, and repair, anything that goes wrong without having to disassemble the whole boat to do it. It’s just commons sense,” Willis says.

“We are working on hull number 14 right now, and it’s a 77 with a cold-molded hull. All of the topsides are carbon-fiber composite, a little departure from what we have done the past, but this boat should be a very lightweight, high-performance boat,” Willis says. “We went with a much more modern look on our new one; she’s got a lot of sex appeal … a different look for us. We’ve done all of our styling in house, which is a source of pride for us on this one.”

Winter Custom Yachts specializes in building modern, Carolina-style sport-fishing boats. Capable of building custom boats ranging from 24 to 75 feet, owners Tim Winters and Will Copeland came to the business with engineering backgrounds, and their meticulous attention to detail reflects that ethic. “I think the main thing that separated us from the pack is our willingness to take the design aspect to a much greater detail,” Winters says. “Since we all come from engineering backgrounds, we are probably more methodical than most with our layouts. We are also a bit modern with our styling. We like a more subtle look and pair it with a more hybrid bottom that’s designed by Rhodes Yacht Design.

“We incorporate a lot more curves in our boats and a lot more belly in the transom. They back up better when you put some belly in the transom, and it also lets it spin and move side to side much better. They are much more nimble, and you can really see the difference,” he says.

“Everything is 3-D molded now, which allows you to jig every structural component. This allows us to mock up the boat and let the owners see exactly what they are going to get. When we hit the floor, this makes everything go as smooth as possible. This also allows you to customize even the smallest details, including each piece of hardware and all the finishes that will go into your vessel,” Winters says.

This combination of modern styling and advanced planning has worked out well for the company, even in the hard economic times of late. “We’ve got nine in the water, five under construction and three waiting to be built,” Winters says. And not all of those boats fit the conventional mold. “We recently built two single diesel boats and equipped them with an oversize bow thruster. You can really make those things dance, and you wind up using a lot less fuel. Maybe this will be my niche going ahead,” he says. Winters embraces all engine and layout configurations; he’s got a 43-foot convertible on the floor with Zeus Caterpillars, a 35-foot walk around with a single 360 Cummins and a 46-foot walk around with conventional inboard power. In short, if you want it, Winter can build it.

• More: Sport Fishing Boats

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10 Best Fishing Boats 2024

Table of Contents

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

Choosing the best fishing boats from a very crowded field is no easy task, and if you plan to find a fishing boat rental so you can try before you buy, you’ll want to narrow your search down to some top picks ahead of time.

Among all the top fishing boat brands and all the different models on the market, each of the 10 on this list offers something special (listed from A to Z).

Explore All Available Fishing Boat Rentals

1. Carolina Skiff 21

Photo Courtesy of Carolina Skiff

Carolina Skiffs are straightforward, simple boats, and that’s their greatest asset. They’re easy to run, easy to maintain, and easy to enjoy. Plus, with few systems aboard there’s little to go wrong.

The Carolina Skiff 21 comes in three models: an E21 DLX version that’s simple, open, and best for all-around utility; a more upscale LS model designed for shallow-water fishing with more accessories and accouterments; and an Ultra Elite version that has additional creature comforts like wrap-around bow seating and illuminated stowage compartments.

Visit Carolina Skiff to learn more.

2. Cobia 220 CC

Anglers with young children will love the Cobia 220 CC for its high sides and deep interior, which are great for containing the kids. These are sporty boats, too, with a top-end breaking 40 mph, so you can give those kids a real thrill-ride. On top of that it offers all the fishing accouterments you could hope for like multiple flush-mounted rodholders, a 50-gallon fishbox, under-gunwale rod racks, and a 26-gallon livewell.

Visit Cobia Boats to learn more.

3. Crestliner 1700 Storm

Photo Courtesy of Crestliner

When it comes to finding the best fishing boats made for fishing in lakes and reservoirs, aluminum rigs like the Crestliner 1700 Storm often lead the pack. Highlights include integrated tackle and rod stowage, a Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 fishfinder, and a large aerated livewell. The Storm also sports an electric trolling motor on the bow , so you can sneak up on the fish in stealth mode.

All those goodies are great but what sets this boat apart from the pack is its construction, featuring an all-welded modified-V hull , 0.10” thick hull bottom and hullsides, extruded aluminum ribs, and 1.25” strakes. Some builders use thinner aluminum in boats of this size but with the 1700 Storm you can fish in confidence.

Visit Crestliner to learn more.

4. Key West 219 FS

Photo Courtesy of Key West Boats

Anglers looking for a 21-foot boat that runs fast but smooth in a choppy sea will want to try out the Key West 219 FS . This model features a stepped 19-degree/24-degree hull design that cuts through the waves better than an average V-hull. What about the “fast” part? Even with minimal power the 219 FS reaches speeds in the mid-40s.

The “FS” in the model name stands for “ forward seating,” so there are plenty of places to sit back and relax. Plus, there’s a head compartment in the console adding to the creature comforts aboard.

Visit Key West Boats to learn more.

5. Mako Pro Skiff 17 CC

Photo Courtesy of Mako Boats

Few fishing boat brands are as well known as Mako Boats, and their Pro Skiff line has been a huge hit since its introduction. Currently built in 13- to 19-foot models, the Pro Skiff 17 CC has enough size to take on open bays but is still small enough to handle easily. It also has Mako’s unique “Advanced Inverted V” hull design that smooths out a chop while enhancing stability.

As a result, few boats their size feel as capable underfoot. Since the Pro Skiff 17 carries its beam all the way forward, it also has more deck space than most 17-footers.

Visit Mako Boats to learn more.

6. Nitro Z19

Photo Courtesy of Nitro Boats

If you want to blast to the bass at highway speeds, enjoy casting from a purpose-built bass fishing boat , and have enough tackle stowage to fill the shelves of a bait shop, a Nitro Z19 may be in your future. It has room for you to stow a total of 14 Plano 3700 tackle boxes, as well as port and starboard lockers for rods up to eight feet. All the other fishing goodies are onboard , too, like a foot-pedal-controlled trolling motor on the bow, a fishfinder at the helm , and two 19-gallon livewells in the deck .

This boat’s strongest suit may well be its forward casting deck , which offers gobs of space for multiple anglers because the design carries a wide 7’10” beam topsides, even though the hull bottom width is 6’2”.

Visit Nitro Boats to learn more.

7. Sportsman Masters 267 OE

If you’re looking for a big, bodacious bay boat, the Sportsman 267 OE will likely fit the bill. It’s 26’7” length and 9’2” beam provide gobs of room aboard, yet even with all this size the boat can still creep into a mere 1’3” of water and fish the shallows. That size and beef also means you’ll be comfortable when cruising, and if you plan to fish open bays or even in the ocean the 267 OE will be up to the task.

Added bonus: this is one of the few bay boats around to come with a “coffin box” style fishbox in the bow, which not only has enough room for an entire school of fish inside but also has a chaise lounge on top. Double added bonus: the 267 OE also has an upper station helm atop the hard top so you can try sight fishing for heavy hitters like cobia and bull redfish.

Visit Sportsman Boats to learn more.

8. Robalo R207

Many anglers believe that only center console boats qualify as the best fishing platforms, but family fishermen often disagree. The extra protection and comfort provided by a dual console like the Robalo R207 is a better choice for some people’s needs, because the wraparound windshield and closing bow door keeps the wind and spray at bay.

This model, in particular, differentiates itself by adding unexpected perks like a locking head compartment, a 13-gallon livewell, flush-mount gunwale rod holders, and Kevlar reinforcement in the hull.

Visit Robalo Boats to learn more.

9. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX

If you’ll be fishing in a lake, reservoir, or relatively protected waterway, and you like the idea of a fishing pontoon boat , the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX will prove ideal. Fishing features include a molded livewell, rod holders, and fore and aft fishing decks with pedestal chairs.

Although this isn’t the fanciest pontoon boat around it a has a different sort of ace up its sleeve: The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX costs a whole lot less than most fishing pontoons of its size and delivers a tremendous bang for the buck. As a result it’s proved quite popular over the years and you’ll see it pop up over and over again when looking for pontoon boat rentals .

Visit Sun Tracker Boats to learn more.

10. Yamaha 222 FSH Sport

All of our other best fishing boats are propelled by propellers—but not this one. The Yamaha 222 FSH Sport runs on jet power, thanks to a 1049cc TR-1 engine that blasts water out through a 155mm high-pressure pump. Fishing features include an 18-gallon livewell, rocket launchers on the hard top and flush-mount holders in the gunwales, and stowage pods for your tackle.

Handling is uber-sporty, too, almost like that of a personal watercraft (PWC) . If you want a jet boat turned fishing machine which you can use for watersports when the bite gets slow, this one will be your pick.

Visit Yamaha Boats to learn more.

Which of these fishing boats will prove to be the prime choice for you and your needs? There’s only one way to find out: jump aboard some fishing boat rentals, and try them out for yourself.

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With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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Best Sport Fishing Boats – Top 30 Options for 2024

HCB Estrella

Mikelson 75 SF

Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

People in the non-fishing world often ask – What exactly makes fishing a sport? It’s a valid question since it’s not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sports.

To clarify, a “sport” is anything that requires some level of physical exertion, skill and can be done competitively. Any activity that meets these three criteria can be classified as a sport.

Here’s a fun fact for you. More than 49 million Americans fish every year, which represents approximately 15 percent of the population. Now, that’s a lot if you think about it.

If you’re thinking about taking up this thrilling hobby, you’ll need a proper boat to do it in. You can’t very well fish competitively in any old raggedy watercraft and expect sterling results. So, we’ve reviewed the 30 best sport fishing boats in the angling world to help you pick a high-quality craft.

If you’re looking for a sport fishing boat that offers the perfect combination of fishability and luxury, it doesn’t get any better than the HCB Estrella. This 65 ft. long beauty is powered by five Yamaha outboard engines, has a cabin that sleeps up to five people, and comes with loads of fishing-friendly features that are guaranteed to give you an edge over the competition.

 Hcb  →

The Mikelson 75 SF sits pretty at the top of the hierarchy when it comes to luxury sport fishing yachts. This 75 ft. long sport fisher comes with an enclosed flybridge, expansive salon, 360-degree panoramic windows, five staterooms, and a host of fishing features to boot. It is truly one of a kind.

 Mikelson Yachts  →

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is designed to cater to thrill-seeking sport-fishing enthusiasts and day-cruising lovers alike. This center console model has loads of comfort and convenience amenities and fishing-friendly features guaranteed to give you a memorable on-water experience.

 Boston Whaler  →

Bertram 35 Flybridge Sportfish

If you’re just dipping your toe into the sport fishing world, the Bertram 35 Flybridge Sportfish is the perfect vessel to ease you into it. It is rugged and luxurious, making it ideal for sport fishing and family cruising alike. Below-deck is a cabin that sleeps two.

 Bertram  →

Invincible Boats 42’ Open Fisherman

The Invincible Boats 42’ Open Fisherman was designed with pro anglers in mind. This sport fishing boat offers an unmatched passage-making capability and remarkable stability that you don’t get with any other long-range boat. It has 360-degree walkaround fishability and is fully customizable.

 Invincible  →

Release 46’

When fishing offshore, you need a watercraft that’s designed to deal with the choppy waters of the high seas. The Release 46’ is one of the most stable, maneuverable, and fuel-efficient boats in its class, which is why it is so popular among pro anglers.

 Release Boatworks  →

Bluewater 355E

If speed is what you crave, the Bluewater 355E is guaranteed to quickly get you to fishing hotspots. It has a maximum horsepower rating of 1,100 thanks to its three powerful outboard engines. It is designed to meet the speed, range, and fishability demands of serious anglers.

 Bluewaters  →

Grady White Express 370

If you’re looking for an express sport fishing boat, then you’ll love what the Grady White Express 370 brings to the table. This 32 ft. vessel has a spacious cabin complete with a galley, loads of storage below deck, and tons of fishing accessories.

 Grady-white  →

Contender 39ST

The Contender 39ST is the ultimate offshore sport fishing boat. It has an exceptionally long range to get you to offshore fishing sites fast, giving you more time to identify exclusive hotspots before any other boats get there. It comes with a ton of fishing-friendly features.

 Contender  →

Crevalle 26

The Crevalle 26 is the ultimate hybrid sport fishing boat. It is designed for both inshore and offshore fishing. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another boat that offers the versatility this particular vessel has. It comes with 28-gallon release wells, a baitwell, rod holders, and a ton of other fantastic fishing features.

 Crevalle  →

Scout 175 Sportfish

Fishing competitively doesn’t always have to happen in oceans and big lakes. The Scout 175 Sportfish is specially designed for sport fishing in rivers. It comes with ample seating, an aerated livewell, and a spacious casting platform.

 Scout  →

ACY58 Flow Control

The ACY58 Flow Control from American Custom Yachts is one of the most versatile multipurpose sport fishing boats we’ve come across. It is specifically engineered for speed and performance using Kevlar, fiberglass, and an ultra-light hull made from fir stringers and Bruynzeel plywood.

The below-deck cabin is simply exquisite. It is ideal for an overnight stay – something you don’t often get with other sport fishing boats.

 Willis Custom Yachts  →

Lowe FM 1900 WT

The Lowe FM 1900 WT is the ideal tournament freshwater fishing boat. It features a deep-V hull design for maximum stability and a walkthrough windshield for easy access to the bow and stern fishing decks. It can store up to 10 fishing rods at a go.

 Lowe Boats  →

Thresher 25CC

The Thresher 25CC is the ultimate saltwater sport fishing beast. It is made of a fiberglass/composite stringer construction, making it corrosion resistant against the damaging effects of salty water. It also has an extended aft deck fishing platform with removable knee pad rails and is chock-full of fishing accessories that make it every angler’s dream.

 Thresher Boats  →

Beavertail Predator 16

If you’re looking for the best watercraft to give you an edge over your flying fishing competitors, the Beavertail Predator 16 is guaranteed to do just that. It allows you to skim through the marsh in hot pursuit of your prey and stealthily stalk trophy fish once you get to the fishing site.

 Beavertail Skiffs  →

Lund 2000 Sport Angler

The Lund 2000 Sport Angler is the ideal fishing companion for hunting lake trout. It features several extruded gunwales that allow you to attach a host of fishing accessories. It seats up to six people and has ample storage for 12 in. rods.

 Lund  →

Grady White 251 Coastal Explorer

The Grady White 251 Coastal Explorer is specially designed for shallow-water fishing, which is where you’ll find several bass hotspots. This center console boat comes with a 25-gallon livewell, built-in rod storage, and several other amenities that make it perfect for fishing and family-use.

PolarKraft Sportsman 1860 SE

The PolarKraft Sportsman 1860 SE is the perfect all-welded pike fishing vessel. It comes with an 18-gallon livewell, 10 in. lockable rod storage, and seats up to five people at any given time. Its extra-thick hull design makes it one of the most durable watercraft around.

 Polar kraft  →

Everglades 243 CC Bay Boat

When fishing for catfish, you need a sport fishing boat with a hull designed for freshwater-use. The Everglades 243 CC Bay Boat is designed for both inshore and offshore fishing. You’ll particularly like the patent-pending upper station to help you spot catfish you never even knew were there.

 Everglades boats  →

Lund 1800 Sport Angler

If you’re looking for the perfect sport fishing boat for catching walleye, the Lund 1800 Sport Angler is just the vessel you need. Don’t be fooled by the minimalist design of this vessel. It comes with a ton of gunwales that allow you to attach a host of fishing accessories.

Alumacraft T-Pro 195

The best all-around muskie fishing boat is no doubt the Alumacraft T-Pro 195. This professional-level 19 ft. long tournament vessel was designed with serious anglers in mind. It has plenty of in-floor storage for rods and other gear, huge raised platforms, as well as timed live wells.

 Alumacraft  →

31 Power-Up

If you plan to fish for marlin, you’re going to need a hardcore sport fishing boat to venture offshore. The 31 Power-Up from Regulator Marine offers the stability you need to navigate the rough ocean waters as you head out to the fishing site.

It has a massive tackle center, a livewell that doubles up as a fish box, and several other accessories guaranteed to make your fishing expedition a breeze.

 Regulator  →

Contender 35ST

If you’re hunting for tuna, the Contender 35ST is arguably one of the best performing offshore center console boats you can do it in. It is designed with a deep-V hull for optimal stability in rough ocean waters and exhibits excellent fuel efficiency and maneuverability.

Crevalle 33 CSF

When you’re fishing for sailfish, you’re going to need an excellent offshore sport fishing boat to do it in. The Crevalle 33 CSF represents the next frontier in sailfish hunting. It has in-floor storage for a cast net, 6-rod lockable storage, three livewells, and several other handy features.

435CC Center Console

Everglades is well-known for building boats with loads of patented features that you won’t find in any other watercraft models. The 435CC Center Console is the perfect example of this. It is a top choice among pro anglers when fishing for sharks. For one thing, it is massive. Plus, it is designed for fishability.

 Everglades Boats  →

Striper 220 Center Console OB

The Striper 220 Center Console OB is built to handle offshore rough waters, which is precisely where you need to be when fishing for mackerel. The flared hull design guarantees a smooth ride even in the choppiest of waters. It comes fully loaded with several fishing accessories.

 Striper Boats  →

Spencer 87’

If you’re looking for a sport fishing boat that will get you to and from the fishing site in style, then you’ll love the Spencer 87’ yacht. It features an innovative, spacious, and luxurious interior to give you the comfort and convenience amenities of home while you’re hunting big game offshore.

 Spencer Yachts  →

Viking 92 Convertible

The Viking 92 Convertible is the ultimate tournament watercraft. In addition to being chock-full of fishing accessories and features, the interior of this sport fishing boat oozes luxury and elegance. It has six en-suite staterooms and a master suite that fits a king-size walkaround bed. It doesn’t get any better than that.

 Viking Yachts  →

Bayliss 64’

The Bayliss 64’ is not only designed for speed and range but also comfortable accommodation. It has three cabins with 2.5 heads and comes with lots of fishing-friendly features like a transom fish box, tackle storage, and a livewell supply.

 Bayliss Boatworks  →

Invincible Boats 42’ Center Cabin

If you’re looking for a fishing boat that’s built for rugged performance while also offering the creature comforts of home, the Invincible Boats 42’ Center Cabin gives you the best of both worlds. It has a 7 ft. double berth cabin below deck that’s perfect for an overnight stay.

Do Your Homework Before You Pick a Model

There you have it – the 30 best sport fishing boats in the world. The watercraft you pick will depend largely on where you intend to fish and how you plan to do it.

It should also be versatile enough to allow you to enjoy other aspects of the boating lifestyle beyond just fishing.  So, if you ever need to get away for the weekend, entertain a few friends, or cruise with the family on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the boat you get should be able to do that.

If you plan to pursue big game to distant hotspots well beyond the continental shelf, ensure that the boat you buy has a massive fuel tank suited to long-range fishing.

Moreover, since it also means that you’ll be out on the water for days on end, the watercraft in question should have enough room to comfortably accommodate a sizable crew. It also needs to come with all the amenities you would need to make the whole trip pleasant.

Finally, ensure that you factor in the costs of maintaining the boat , over and above what you would spend to purchase it. Many people often underestimate all the expenses associated with owning a sport fishing boat, some of which include marina docking fees, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and cleaning.

Good luck, and don’t forget to have fun!

In the meantime, if you’re shopping around for the best walkaround boats , check out our review on the top options to consider.

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

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7 Custom Sportfishing Boats That Crushed The Competition

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Jul 16, 2024

Part of the fun at any major offshore fishing tournament is to walk the docks and admire the different boats that are competing. Boats of all lengths, ages, and capabilities are tied up next to each other, their cockpits on display as if they were Roman chariots anticipating the battle that will soon commence. Teak decks, polished fighting chairs, and rocket launchers filled with fishing rods signal the preparation that has gone into getting ready for combat. 

While anglers move from yacht to yacht, it's the custom sportfishing boats that pause those admiring the vessels for an extra few seconds. Custom sportfish are one-of-a-kind, hand-built to the owner's preferences, and can take years to fully build. While production sportfish might go just as fast or be similarly equipped, there's something special about a custom boat that separates it from the pack. It's meant to be admired.

Our team of sportfishing yacht brokers are experts when it comes to the different builders, the nuances of owning a custom boat, and the brokerage market. They have competed alongside legendary anglers, won tournaments themselves, and been captains on aboard well-known vessels. If you are looking to purchase a custom boat, or sell your existing one, please contact our main office today at 1-772-463-3131 and we will connect you with one of our sportfishing experts. In the meantime, please enjoy these 7 amazing, custom built yachts that are currently for sale.

1.) "OWLS NEST" - Merritt 86

The remarkable 2018 Merritt 86 (Hull #105 from the iconic shipyard) is a marvel of boat building prowess only found in a true custom yacht. Extremely well-equipped for long-distance fishing trips and tournaments, OWLS NEST is the hottest custom sportfish currently on the market. The layout comfortably accommodates 8 guests and 2 crew members in 5 spacious cabins on board with 4 heads. Twin Seakeeper gyros keep everyone comfortable while underway. If you're in the market for a true offshore tournament custom boat, this is the one.

Price & Details: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/merritt-86-convertible-2018-owls-nest-2794523  

2.) "SILKY" - Jim Smith 85

Designed for speed, efficiency, sea handling, and multi-night fishing trips, this 2006 Jim Smith 85 is ready to help you win your next tournament. Powered with twin diesel MTU 16V2000-M91’s that have 2000HP each, you can expect some serious muscle when the throttle gets pushed down. The cockpit is loaded down with features including large fish boxes, multiple live-wells, pneumatic opening tackle center, Eskimo ice machine, and much more. You and your crew will want to fish endlessly thanks to the spacious 4-cabin, 4-head layout with additional crew quarters. Click the link below for more information or see what other Jim Smith Boats are on the market.

PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/jim-smith-convertible-sportfish-2006-silky-2775152  

3.) "GEORGIA GIRL" - Paul Mann 81

Paul Mann built the 81-footer Georgia Girl, the largest build ever from his North Carolina yard, to great acclaim. Georgia Girl has a 23-foot beam, which allowed the designers to create an open, airy interior, defined by hand-picked cherry veneer in the saloon and cabins. The veneer saves precious weight but still adds an element of class. The saloon includes a long island near the galley, with a granite countertop and three seats for breakfast. The yacht’s inner curves and stonework show the yard’s ability to craft a boat that is not only fast (40-knot top end), but elegant. The profile, with the long forefoot and tall helm area, also carries a Carolina classic look.

Vessel is Captain Maintained by a knowledgeable owner who cared for her with an open checkbook. If a maintenance item needed to get done it was done. Georgia Girl has been a one owner boat since she was built and lightly used primarily for cruising to the Bahamas.

PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/paul-mann-custom-81-convertible-2011-georgia-girl-2793588  

4.) 2020 F&S 61 Custom Sportfish

The 61' F&S Express Hardtop Sportfish, SOUL CANDY, was custom CAD designed to accommodate a tall owner’s height in the interior cabins as well as the helm’s line of sight—over the bow and aft to the 120 sq ft cockpit’s Release Marine fighting chair! The beautiful, Teak cockpit features the signature F&S curved mezzanine deck and centerline step, in-transom windowed baitwell, and is fully outfitted with full custom tower by Palm Beach Towers, hydraulic outriggers, custom rod storage, freezers, in-deck fish boxes and more. The helm console is designed for easy owner operation with state-of-the-art electronics that include Furuno’s Omni commercial sonar and three networked Garmin displays. Redundant equipment and systems and plenty of built-in storage allow extended fishing trips to the Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas and family vacation cruises. A Seakeeper 9 gyrostabilizer keeps her steady and comfortable.

PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/fs-61-hardtop-express-sportfish-2020-2794962  

5.) "RED WITCH" - 2001 Custom Carolina 57

This custom sportfish convertible with full tower has everything you need to fish local offshore waters. With her sturdy fiberglass over wood hull and large fuel capacity, the Lydia 57 can travel to remote destinations comfortably and safely. The large cockpit is well-equipped for fishing, including pedestal fighting chair with rod holders, bait prep station with sink and tackle drawers, insulated ice bin, cockpit controls, and plenty of storage. Flybridge helm console has excellent sightlines and electronics, storage, forward and side seating, and large cooler. Its twin Cat diesels power the boat with ease and efficiency. Clean engine room is accessed from hatch in cockpit next to bait prep cabinet.

Price & Details: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/custom-carolina-lydia-57-sportfish-2001-red-witch-2790044  

6.) "T-ZERO" - 2017 French Yachts 54 ENX

The French 54 ENX ( Enclosed Express) was built to the highest standards in yacht construction available. It is a must see for anyone that appreciates fine custom sport fishing yachts. This ENX is fully epoxy composite with a "one-piece" construction approach. The hull is infused with toughened epoxy and post cured according to the most advanced manufacturing standards. She is powered by twin C-18 Acert CATs and has the Seakeeper Gyro system. Every system in the boat was state of the art and engineered for easy operation and minimal maintenance.

PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/french-yachts-54-enx-2017-t-zero-2813359  

7.) 2018 Jim Smith 48 Custom Sportfish

Launched in 2018, the custom 48 Walkaround Express, D&D, is powered by quadruple 450 hp Mercury outboards capable of a top speed of 48 knots and a cruising speed of 32 knots. Building custom high-speed sportfish boats is the legacy of Jim Smith, who utilized his knowledge of airplane construction, hydroplanes, and cold-molded construction in 1959 to pioneer the fast (45 knot, when 20-25 knot speeds were typical), lightweight, strong fishing boats that greatly influenced the sportfishing boats of today. Jim Smith boats are built using modern cold molded techniques utilizing okoume wood composite hulls with double biased glass, honeycomb core panes, and PVC composites from the hull up, to create lighter and stronger boats, able to endure and go the distance. The time proven deep-V hull and running bottom is designed to run comfortably in rough sea conditions.

Price & Details: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/jim-smith-custom-walkaround-express-2018-2816192  

Please Read These Other Fishing Yacht Related Articles

• What Is The Best Size Sport Fishing Boat?
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Best Fishing Boat Brands: A Comprehensive Guide with Many Images

30th may 2024 by toi williams.

The best fishing boats are those that are specifically designed with the sport of fishing in mind. Fortunately, there are many boat manufacturers that have dedicated themselves to creating great fishing boats for all types of angling. But the countless options to choose from can make it difficult to determine which fishing boat is right for you, personally. That’s why we created this handy guide to the best fishing boat brands in various categories. 

Best Aluminum Fishing Boat Brands

Best fish and ski boat brands, best freshwater fishing boat brands, best center-console fishing boat brands, best offshore fishing boat brands, best bass fishing boat brands, best deep-sea fishing boat brands, alumacraft boat co..

Alumacraft has been in business for more than 75 years and is well known for creating high-quality aluminum fishing boats that are incredibly durable and surprisingly affordable. The one-piece aluminum hulls of Alumacraft boats are double-plated, and their models come with specific fishing features like large livewells with aerators and timers, locking rod stowage boxes, and elevated casting decks. Alumacraft makes a wide variety of vessels to choose from and works with an extensive network of dealers to ensure that anyone interested in one of their boats can find one.

Alumacraft boats for sale

Alumacraft Trophy. Alumacraft photo. 

Crestliner Boats

Crestliner has also been called one of the best aluminum fishing boat brands in the market today. The boats from Crestliner have many outstanding characteristics, including making their aluminum fishing boats with seams that are welded rather than riveted. After being in business for around 70 years Crestliner has a good idea of what anglers want, and they incorporate some great touches that make their boats more user-friendly. Some of these features include plentiful integrated tackle and rod-storage lockers, large livewells, and top-of-the-line electronics.  

Crestliner boats for sale

Crestliner 1950 Sportfish. Crestliner boats.

Lund is another popular brand among aluminum fishing boats. Their construction process includes highlights like closed-cell foam injected into the hulls for better flotation and vibration-dampening, high-density composite transoms, and retractable stainless-steel cleats. The model line ranges from beginner boats to top-tier models, and includes designs dedicated to a number of different fisheries. Lund boats are prevalent in the American Midwest and Canada but can be found nearly anywhere due to their immense popularity with people who know boats.

Lund boats for sale

 Lund 1675 Adventure. Lund  Boats photo. 

Crestliner has a wide selection, including four different model lines of aluminum fish and ski boats. These range from affordable 16-footers with minimal features, to their 22-foot, 11-inch, top-end Sportfish 2250, which blasts across the waves with up to 400hp and has a convertible bow that transitions between sun pad and casting deck. All of their fish and ski models are fully equipped for angling and offer ski-tow pylon and water-toy storage options that make these boats ideal for multi-purpose use.

Crestliner 2250 Sportfish. Crestliner photo. 

Ranger Boats

Ranger builds both fiberglass and aluminum boats, including in their Reata series of fish and ski boats. They range from 16 feet, 8 inches, to 20 feet, 9 inches, and there’s a broad spectrum of pricing and features between the different boats in the lineup. All have full fishing and watersports abilities, but particularly the higher-end fiberglass Reata models are exceptionally well equipped and come with family-friendly perks like Bluetooth stereo systems, snap-in carpet, and stainless-steel cupholders.

Ranger boats for sale

Ranger 2050 MS. Ranger Boats photo. 

Triton Boats

Triton’s line of fish and skis has just two models, but they’re top-tier fiberglass boats that feature not only full fishing and watersports features, but also high performance. The 206 Allure, for example, can handle 300hp and breaks 60mph. Tritons are also packaged with high-end trailers with disc brakes and integrated tie-downs.

Triton boats for sale

Lowe Boats are some of the most popular freshwater fishing boats around, in no small part because this builder offers one of the widest range of boats on the market. They have dedicated fishing boats including bass boats, multi-species boats, and fish and ski boats; they have fishing pontoon boats and deck boats; they have Jon boats for fishing and hunting; and they have center console boats. In fact, add them all up and you’ll discover that Lowe offers more than 60 different models.

Lowe Boats for sale

Lowe FS 1800. Lowe Boats photo. 

Smokercraft Boats

Smokercraft makes the list of best freshwater fishing boat brands for its wide-ranging designs that include 20 different series of aluminum models. Many of their models are straightforward and utilitarian, making them easy to use and simple to maintain. Others are fully featured and have everything from integrated livewells to gunwale track systems that allow you to add and remove accessories as you please. Their boats come in both tiller and console-steering versions and some feature twice-baked urethane paint, giving them a finish that rivals fiberglass boats.

Smokercraft boats for sale

Smokercraft 188 Adventurer T. Smokercraft photo.

Starcraft Boats

Starcraft offers seven different series of dedicated aluminum freshwater fishing boats, as well as six lines of simple, inexpensive utility fishing boats. But casual anglers who enjoy relaxing as they fish will be just as interested in their CX Fish and EX Fish lines, which are fishing-oriented pontoon boats. With six different models between 20 and 23 feet in length, these will be tough to beat if you enjoy kicking back on the lake just as much as you enjoy reeling in fish.

Starcraft boats for sale

Starcraft CX 23 FD. Starcraft photo.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler takes a top spot for best center console fishing boat brands on just about any list you’ll see. Their boats have a reputation for being unsinkable thanks to their fiberglass-foam-fiberglass sandwich construction, and they can literally be cut in half and still float. Boston Whaler manufactures a diverse line of fishing boats ranging from a mere 13 feet to the 420 Outrage, a 42-foot, 6-inch fishing machine that can be optioned with quad 450R outboards or triple Mercury Marine Verado V-12 600s for outrageous speed—this boat will go in excess of 60 mph despite its 22,000-pound heft.

Boston Whaler boats for sale

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage. Boston Whaler photo.

Grady-White Boats

Grady-White is one of the most popular and well-respected boatbuilders around, and their lineup of 12 center console boats includes models dedicated to both offshore and inshore fishing. They’re particularly well known for having variable-degree deadrise hulls that ride incredibly well, and for including a wide range of comfort-providing family features like lots of cushy seating, freshwater showers, and electrically actuated seating, alongside angling armaments like livewells and rocket launchers.

Grady-White boats for sale

Grady-White Fisherman 216. Grady-White photo.

Freeman Boatworks

Freeman Boatworks is one of the newer additions to the list of best center-console fishing boat brands. Launched in 2007, the company focuses on building high-performance power catamaran fishing boats that can reach speeds of more than 80 mph on the open water, gaining the brand the respect of charter captains from across the Southeastern United States. 

Freeman Boatworks boats for sale

Freeman Boatworks 42LR. Freeman Boatworks photo.

Contender Boats

A great brand for offshore fishing boats is Contender Boats, which has been making boats with extremely aggressive V-hulls to slice open big waves for more than 30 years. The brand has a considerable lineup of tournament-ready center consoles built for offshore fishing. Contender boats are powered by Yamaha outboard engines and range in size from 24 feet, 6 inches to nearly 44 feet in length. Different Contender models have different fishing features, so take a look at our selection to see which models may be right for you. 

Contender Boats for sale

Contender 30ST. Contender photo.

Everglades Boats

This two-decade-old Florida-based brand is well-known for its tricked-out offshore boats, ranging from 28 to 45 feet, constructed with pre-molded high-density foam cores sandwiched between the hull and liner. This provides an amazingly solid build that absorbs sound and vibration as well as insulating the compartments. Everglades is so confident in their construction techniques that they back up every boat with a lifetime hull warranty.

Everglades boats for sale

Everglades 315CC. Everglades photo.

Regulator Marine

Regulator has a lineup of six dedicated offshore fishing boats from 23 to 41 feet, and is known for building rugged deep-V hulls designed to take on the rigors of the open ocean off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. They’re fishing boats through and through, with huge fishboxes, oversized tackle, and rigging stations, and lots and lots of rodholders. They’re also known for top performance, with some of their models exceeding the 60mph mark.

Regulator boats for sale

Regulator 28. Regulator photo.

Ranger Boats has been known as one of the best bass fishing boat brands for a long time, with some people calling the brand the pioneer of the modern bass boat. The company makes its boats based on their five-point philosophy of "Quality, Performance, Innovation, Safety, and Resale." Their excellent design and construction quality complement the numerous features added to enhance the user experience. The top-of-the-line details built into every Ranger boat provide maximum efficiency and comfort for anglers of every age.

Ranger Boats for sale

Ranger Z521R. Ranger Boats photo.

Skeeter Boats Inc.

Skeeter has been in business for more than 75 years and has spent much of that time researching and designing high-quality bass fishing boats. Some of their most popular models have ultra-large raised casting decks with conveniently located storage areas beneath, innovative locking rod stowage and tackle stowage options, and cutting-edge electronics packages. Other options include performance-designed seats, audio packages with multiple speakers, and various color options.

Skeeter boats for sale

Skeeter FXR21 Apex. Skeeter photo. 

Tracker Boats

Tracker has a reputation for being one of the most popular bass fishing boat brands available at an affordable price point. Their boats are all-welded aluminum builds and are equipped with Lowrance electronics and Minn Kota trolling motors. Fishing features for their boats include an impressive rod-storing capacity, raised casting platforms, and abundant seating. Tracker boats are sold as complete packages including trailers and electronics, and most of the available options are upgrades, so they’re ready to go fishing on day one.

Tracker boats for sale

Tracker Pro Team 175. Tracker Boats photo. 

Bertram Yachts

Bertram is the brand that made the deep-V hull design famous back in 1960 when founder Richard Bertram won the Miami to Nassau race in the 31-foot Moppie . Today, Bertram builds three models that qualify as deep-sea fishing yachts, 35- and 61-foot convertibles and a 50-foot express. All feature a blend of seakeeping abilities, luxury, and fishing armaments.

Bertram Yachts for sale

Bertram 28CC. Bertram photo. 

Hatteras Yachts

Hatteras Yachts has a selection of four deep-sea fishing machines ranging from 45 to 70 feet. All are convertibles except for the GT45X, an express. Based in New Bern, North Carolina, Hatteras Yachts have always been known for excellent seakeeping abilities along with a generous helping of luxury and sportfishing abilities. Starting in 1960, this company was one of the first to build large sportfishing boats out of fiberglass and is often credited with building the first fishing boat over 40 feet in length with the material.

Hatteras GT59. Hatteras photo. 

Viking Yachts

If you intend to fish far offshore for days at a time, a Viking would be a top choice. With 22 models including convertibles and expresses ranging from 38 feet, eig8ht inches to 90 feet in length, these are not inexpensive deep-sea fishing boats, but they are as capable—and as comfortable—as you’ll find anywhere on the ocean. Viking Yachts has been building large sportfishing boats like these since 196, and has a reputation in the industry that’s unsurpassed.

Vicking Yachts for sale

Viking 68C. Viking Yachts photo.

Related article:  A Complete Guide to Family Fishing Boats

This article was most recently updated in May 2024 by Lenny Rudow.  

Written By: Toi Williams

More from: Toi Williams

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The biggest sportfish superyachts in the world

Related articles, superyacht directory.

The next few years are shaping up well for the super-sportfish market with the Global Order Book reporting 26 projects currently on order or in build. Some special mentions include the Viking 90 flagship, a 24 metre sportfish chase boat underway at Vanquish and Royal Huisman 's mega 52 metre sportfish hull Project 406 which was announced in 2021. As we patiently await this new wave of uber-luxe fishing vessels, we take a look at the biggest already afloat...

1. Bad Company

The 43.9 metre sportfish yacht Bad Company (née Marlena ) was delivered in 1998 and was the largest sportfish in the world at the time. She changed ownership in 2013 and sent to Spain where she received a comprehensive refit and lengthened by six metres to her current length of 43.9 metres. ABS classed and MCA compliant, this all-aluminium superyacht accommodates up to 11 guests in a master suite, VIP, two doubles and one twin with a Pullman berth, all with LCD television screens and full en suite bathroom facilities.

2. Mea Culpa

Despite her size, Mea Culpa can reach a top speed of 23.5 knots thanks to a pair of 2735hp MTU 12V4000M90 diesel engines. The McMullen & Wing superyacht, designed by Jack Sarin , measures in at a hefty 42.28 metres. Mea Culpa can accommodate up to eight guests and six crew in her interiors, which have been designed by Marnell Corrao . She boasts a deck jacuzzi on board for post-fishing relaxation.  Mea Culpa was delivered in 2003.

3. Forty Love

Forty Love , formerly Don Elegante , began life in 1988 when she was commissioned by her first owner. According to BOAT Pro, the yacht ended up being reconstructed on an existing hull built by Westport in 1990 and was finally finished in 2002. Today, the 42 metre sportfish motor yacht sails under the name Forty Love and was the recipient of a two million-euro refit in 2020. Highlights include a main dining area with 360-degree views as well as a swimming platform with steps down into the water.

Lanakai , built by Yachting Developments , is the newest addition to the list of mega sportfish yachts. Delivered in 2017, the 39.5 metre superyacht is constructed entirely from carbon fibre to a design by Michael Peters  and can reach a top speed of 30 knots thanks to the power of two 3100.0hp MTU diesel engines. Spread over four decks, Lanaki can accommodate 10 guests and six crew. Her interiors, designed by Naylor Booth , sport an alliance of finely crafted American walnut joinery and muted fabrics. Lanakai boasts two saloons within her spacious interiors as well as a bar and stainless-steel aft deck barbecue for preparing the catch of the day.

5. Red Sapphire

Dutch shipyard Heesen , known today for its sporty steel and aluminium hulls, launched a series of sportfishing superyachts including Red Sapphire which splashed in 1999. The 39 metre is easy to spot with its distinct triangular form and a red stripe that runs the length of the yacht. Built for speed, she was capable of reaching speeds of 35 knots back in the day, powered by twin MTU 16V4000M90 engines.

6. Obsessions

The 38 metre Obsessions is the second Heesen built to make it into this round-up of supersized sportfish yachts. Launched in 1996, she arrived three years earlier than her sportfishing sister Red Sapphire . She was designed by Dutch studio Mulder Design and can sleep up to 10 guests.

The 37.19 metre sportfish Mary P was delivered in 2008 by Trinity Yachts . Built to satisfy the ultimate fisherman, this custom yacht incorporates a Simrad forward-looking sonar in the bow and a transom specifically designed to back down on fish at 10 knots. Twin 2,550hp Caterpillar diesel engines give her a top speed of 25 knots. Mary P was designed by Doug Sharp  together with Geoff Van Aller and is the only sportfish yacht to be built to ABS class. Her interiors have been designed by Judy Bell Davis and she can sleep up to eight guests and three crew below deck. On board amenities include a skylounge, bar and a formal dining area forward.

Boss was delivered by Dutch shipyard Feadship 1988 under the name Gallant Lady - the fifth in a series of yachts owned by the late Jim Moran. When she was launched she measured 35.35 metres in length but has since been extended to 36.27 metres. The yacht was refitted at Palmer Johnson in 1999 and can sleep up to 10 guests across four staterooms. 

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