Guide To Buying A Sportfish Yacht

Learn about key features onboard the best sportfish yachts for sale.

Sportfish yachts are built with purpose. They’re the kind of boat that will get you out to sea further and faster, whether that’s for a fishing tournament or a weekend trip to Bimini.

A common feature among most sportfish yachts is a hull design that’s capable of cruising through any sea conditions. They’re usually equipped with fishing in mind and furnished for comfort at sea. Sportfish boats can range in price from as low as $90,000 to upwards of a few million — it just depends on if it’s new or used, size, model, year, and amenities. Let’s pause at the amenities. If you’re in the market for a new or used sportfish yacht, you’re going to be presented with plenty of options and even more added technologies, gadgets, and features to each boat.

We made it simple and created a quick guide to buying a sportfish yacht — look for these 5 stand-out features when purchasing a sportfish.

Plenty of storage

No matter how you use the boat, it’s beneficial to have plenty of onboard storage to free up space in the cockpit and inside the main cabins. A boat like NINA MARIE, an 82′ Viking comes with a large storage area for fish, bait, tackle, rods, and equipment. You’ll find ample rod storage in the bridge seats and salon sofa, plus a refrigerated chill box in step, 8 release screwless rod holders, large pullout drawers, and a transom-mounted fish livewell. Organized storage options are one of the best features onboard sportfish yachts.

Strong fighting chair

A strong fighting chair is a specific feature for serious fishermen. Modern fighting chairs are usually made with teak because it’s durable and can handle heavy tackle fishing. A boat like SIX PACK, a 76’ Viking 2015, comes with a brand new revarnished fighting chair that’s made to reel in the biggest marlin or tuna. Padding on the sides adds comfort to uncomfortable sportfishing situations. It even comes with a custom cover so you can keep it protected year-round.

Flared Hull

We mentioned that a common feature among most sportfish yachts is a hull design that’s capable of cruising through any sea conditions. The more pronounced the flare, the better ride through rough waters because it adds buoyancy to the bow.

You’ll notice a nice flare on a boat like DAVINAKI, a 55’ Viking 2002. This popular sportfish is one of the best-selling models to come off the Viking assembly line. It boasts excellent performance thanks to a great riding hull and is a proven platform while fishing in the swells.

Comfortable Accommodations

Moving inside, it’s beneficial to have comfortable accommodations onboard a sportfish yacht for your family or fishing team. After a long day in the sun and using muscles you didn’t know you had to reel in the biggest catch, it’s worth it to have a dedicated place to lie down and rest.

While SEVEN THUNDERS is a fishing machine, it also comes with 5 cabins to give everyone on board a chance to re-group. The full-beam master stateroom on this 80’ Bertram comes with a king-size walk-around bed, teak flooring, and large vertical windows starboard and port. Perfect for a relaxing snooze.

Overall Condition

While gadgets and technology are great features onboard sportfish yachts, the overall condition is more important. You want a boat with strong muscles and bones, like this custom-built 70’ Viking 2015, PIPE DREAMER.

This sportfish has been maintained by a captain and serviced at the Viking service center since new. She’s a high-performance Viking that can pull almost 20,000 pounds of weight by using Kevlar parts and deck house. PIPE DREAMER is equipped with 2,600-hp MTU M94 diesels, with extended warranties through March 25, 2022, or 3600 hours.

When you’re buying a new or used sportfish yacht, make sure it has updated service records and is well cared for — because, in the end, that’s more important than having the latest electronics. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or veteran boat owner, a sportfish is an exciting purchase. Contact a Denison yacht broker to find your ideal yacht and to discuss options and features.

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