7 Custom Sportfishing Boats That Crushed The Competition

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.) “LUCKY” – 1983 Rybovich 55 Convertible

“Lucky” is Rybovich hull # 84 built as the “Marlynn”. In recent years she has undergone two major refits; the receipts for which total well above her asking price. Most recently, a full paint job was completed 6/2022. All work was done by Michael Rybovich. She is in extraordinary cosmetic condition and the 1,000 hour engine service was recently completed at 930 hours. Tuna Tower was new in 2016.

Price & Details: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/rybovich-55-convertible-1983-lucky-2790032 

6.) “REEL RISK” – 2022 Winter 53 Express Custom Sportfish

North Carolina custom builder Winters’ second largest express has all the luxury amenities and features one would expect of a high-end versatile sportfish yacht. REEL RISK is not only rigged for serious offshore fishing, capable of accommodating a number of anglers in her large cockpit with air-conditioned mezzanine and fighting chair, she is configured for entertaining family and friends dockside or at the sandbar, for comfortable overnight trips to the Bahamas or dinner cruises. A removable dive ladder attaches to hidden hinges at the transom door for scuba diving and swimming. Fuel efficient twin 1550hp MAN diesels easily cruise her at 40 knots with Twin Disc joystick controls for easy owner-operator responsive, nimble handling and seaworthy performance in just about any sea condition.

PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/winter-custom-yachts-53-express-2022-reel-risk-2799497 

7.) “GYPSEA” – 2006 Buddy Davis 48 Express

The GYPSEA is now a stunning example of the collaboration between Buddy Davis and the esteemed Donald L. Blount and Associates, re-imagining the express sportfish with 360 degree helm visibility, a stand-up engine room and great seakeeping ability. The Buddy Davis boasts modern, composite construction with a solid glass bottom, Divinicell cored hull sides and Nidacore decks. Her water-maker, Eskimo ice maker and impressive list of spare parts make GYPSEA self-sufficient for travel and extended time offshore. Her owner’s plans have changed making GYPSEA available, she’s exceptionally clean, updated, turnkey and ready to fish or cruise.

Price & Details: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/buddy-davis-48-express-2006-gypsea-2802502 

Please Read These Other Fishing Yacht Related Articles

• What Is The Best Size Sport Fishing Boat?
• Why Are Sportfishing Boats So Expensive?
• Guide To Buying A Sportfishing Yacht
• How Fast Do Sportfishing Boats Go?
• How Much Is A Sportfishing Yacht?
• Why Are Boats So Expensive?
• How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Yacht?
• How To Hire The Right Yacht Captain
• What Is The Best Sportfishing Boat?
• Is A Yacht A Good Investment?
• How Much Does It Cost To Own A Yacht?
• How Much Does A Fishing Yacht Cost?

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