Jim Smith Yachts For Sale

Who, you may ask, was the brains of this marine industry changing boat line?

Let’s step back in time to 1906 in Cherry Log, Georgia, when a man named James Claude Smith was born. Amazing to think, his education only reached up to sixth grade, when he dropped out of school to provide for his family and took a job cutting wood. He started outboard race boats which back then hit only 20 mph. For 20 years, Smith built and raced his very own hydroplanes. He turned his racing success towards starting a line of businesses including the largest Johnson Outboard and Chris Craft dealership in the South.

In 1949, Smith retired to Florida and enjoyed his time deep sea fishing. This led him to take notice of Rybovich and Merritt brother’s sportfishing boat creations. Taking the best of their builds, he made one for himself - only with speed on his mind.

Hence, a history changer was about to be launched!

In 1959, as mentioned above, Smith’s first boat was born. Showing bits of his knowledge of airplane construction, hydroplanes, and his innovative passion, a unique brand was in the making —and all topped with the need for speed. Known in history as the first cold-molded hull, the Boca Jima, was created with double-diagonal cedar along with epoxy resin.
Having read about these epoxy resins in 'Popular Mechanics,' he thought - ‘let’s give them a whirl’!

This new creation was not only sturdy but lightweight. She could reach 44 knots in comparison with those in her class reaching only 25 knots.

Many followed suit in this style and soon Smith saw his experiment was changing the boat industry as we knew it.

As we stand ready to learn what Jim Smith Tournament Boats has up its sleeve now, we come to find they are busy building an extraordinary project, OVATION, a 100’ custom sportfish, as the owner, Jim Smith’s second boat to be launched mid-2020. Ready to trump his present baby—hull # 27 (Samurai), Ovation will be Jim Smith Tournament Boat’s largest convertible —their second largest build ever, after the 105' Marlena.

Known as ‘The Boat Builders of Stuart’, their model line-up includes two walk-arounds, a 48 and a 60 along with five sport fish —their 71, an 86, another 86 (eb), along with a 95 and finally, a 105.

Taking a look at a few of the models, we start with their 48’ Walkaround. This was designed for groups who love to fish for those big catches or take a night cruise. This user friendly, safe, 360 degree fishing machine, is the perfect boat to run offshore. A Tournament boat complete with all the features necessary for a super day fishing or a fun family outing.

To touch base on another of their popular models, built for the most discerning of customers, their 71’ Custom Convertible, “The Fish On”, is known for its extensive range and speed along with it’s extraordinary sea keeping abilities. Jim Smith Tournament Boat’s has spared no expense in creating this stunner as you’ll find in her superior interior fit and finish.

So when looking for an expertly created vessel, all custom built to each owner’s specs, turn to the builder who creates not only proven blue - water champions, but will turn heads at the docks, with their stunning lines and signature look —Jim Smith Tournament Boats!

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