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.) “EUPHORIA” – 2000 CUSTOM CAROLINA 60 SPORTFISH

EUPHORIA is an excellent travel boat as she has everything you need to be out on the water for days on end with plenty of comfort which has been proven many times over by its current owner. This boat has an amazing range of 800+ nautical miles at “chug speed” and 400 miles at “cruise speed”. She holds a total of 1,365 gallons of diesel between two tanks which allow for that range. Also a large water tank that can be replenished anytime via the watermaker on board means all you need is diesel fuel and you are self-sufficient.

EUPHORIA is powered by CAT 3412C Engines with 3000 hours on them since her top to bottom major overhaul, and maintenance consistently done, she has a lot of hours left to give to her new owner. This package allows this vessel to cruise at 30-35 knots (70% load is 32-33 knots) with a WOT speed of 40+ knots. She also has 2 Kohler generators that each run all systems by themselves. Starboard reportedly has 1,550 hours and Port has 2,600 hours, meaning both are just getting going.

PRICE & DETAILS: https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/custom-carolina-precision-sportfish-2000-euphoria-2822210

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.) “LUCKY” – 1983 RYBOVICH 55 CONVERTIBLE SPORTFISH

“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.) 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

BONUS LISTING: 2007 RICKY GILLIKIN 50 EXPRESS CUSTOM SPORTFISH

The 2007 Ricky Gillikin 50 Express is the final Ricky Gillikin boat to be completed. With twin 700hp CAT engines’ extremely efficient fuel burn at trolling, cruise, and WOT speeds, and beautiful old growth teak throughout, the 50 Express exhibits the hallmarks of the Gillikin style and durable construction, capable of taking on the North Carolina Outer Banks seas. She is a well-equipped offshore fishing platform with tower, outriggers, rocket launcher rod holders, fighting chair, built-in transom Escardo Marine tuna tubes, and much more.

Price & Details:https://www.unitedyacht.com/used-yachts-for-sale/rick-gillikan-50-express-2007-2819253

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