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.
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
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
A true custom built-to-order sportfish yacht, Merritt’s hull #91, SIR REEL, is a magnificent tournament-ready, fish anywhere convertible yacht. Originally built in 2009 by legendary Merritt’s Boat and Engine Works in Pompano Beach, Florida, SIR REEL was continuously upgraded by her owners over the ensuing decades.Designed and built to perform and raise fish in any sea conditions, SIR REEL delivers a dry comfortable ride, slicing through head seas with minimal bow rise. She is solidly built of epoxy-infused multi-directional E-glass and carbon fiber that is vacuum-bagged with Core-Cell composite coring for exceptional lightweight strength and endurance.
PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/merritt-sportfish-2009-sir-reel-2792433
5.) "GRAND SLAM" - Paul Mann 61'
If you're in the market for a truly remarkable custom sportfish, look no further than GRAND SLAM, a true masterpiece from the iconic Paul Mann shipyard. From the extraordinary craftsmanship to the gorgeous accents throughout, this boat will have you competing in style. GRAND SLAM is powered with twin CAT C-32 1,925hp engines that come with the CAT platinum warranty. Other notable features include 2 Kohler generators, Furuno Omni Sonar, Palm Beach Towers Tuna Tower, and so much more. Currently located at Los Suenos in Costa Rica.
PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/paul-mann-custom-carolina-sportfish-2018-grand-slam-2797148
"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
7.) "WOMBAT" - 2015 Huckins 45 Sportfisherman
This custom-built Huckins 45 is unlike anything else on the market today. Strong and light, she is very fuel efficient. Tests show the twin Cummins QSB 6.7 engines will burn 29.6 GPH at 15 knots for a 481 mile range which can take you from Miami to Bimini and back four times. At 35 knots, they burn 50.5GPH. Other features include Rupp outriggers, 20 rod holders, a customized rod-and-tackle station, ice maker, and lots more.
Price & Details: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/huckins-45-sportfisherman-2015-2797950