Top 5 Convertible Sportfishing Boats Under $500K

Late Model Sportfishing Boats In High Demand

The demand for 40′ to 50′ convertible sportfishing boats has declined in recent years as the demand for big center consoles and express fishing boats has grown. Indeed, the smaller the convertible size the less popular they are compared with expresses. That said, convertibles have a big advantage over express boats in that they offer the comfort of a larger cabin. No surprise, then, that choosing a convertible can especially attractive in cases where families are involved.

Historically, only a handful of manufacturers produce midsize convertibles and the selection of used models is therefore limited. The boats profiled below are among the most popular late model (2002 or newer) used convertibles priced under $500,000 we found during a recent yachting MLS search. Note that the list is confined to sportfishing convertibles only rather than family-style convertibles that were never intended for serious fishing activities.

OCEAN 50 SUPER SPORT [2004-08]

Overview: The Ocean 50 Super Sport replaced the super-popular 48 Super Sport (1995–2003), one of the builder’s best-selling models of recent years. The 50 is slightly wider than her predecessor with more transom deadrise for improved rough-water performance without sacrificing speed. Ocean has always had a reputation for good space utilization and the three stateroom, two head interior of the 50 Super Sport delivers a balanced blend of comfort and luxury. An L-shaped sofa and built-in entertainment center dominate the salon that is highlighted by grain-matched teak (or maple) woodwork, vinyl overheads and deep pile carpeting. A flat-panel TV/DVD is found in the master stateroom, a washer/dryer unit is located in the companionway, and the forward guest stateroom is available with a large island berth or an upper-and-lower berth arrangement. For the angler, the Ocean 50 comes standard with a standup livewell, bait prep center, in-deck fish box and transom door. The engine room offers good outboard access to the motors. Considered a fast ride in her day, MTU 825hp diesels cruise the Ocean 50 SS at 28–30 knots (low 30s top).

VIKING 48 CONVERTIBLE [2002-09]

Overview: Introduced in 2002, the Viking 48 Convertible (note that Viking built an earlier 48-foot convertible during 1985–90) is yet another example of why Viking so dominates the market for premium, executive-class convertibles. It isn’t just beautiful styling that sets her apart from the competition; what makes the Viking 48 special is her redundant engineering, exemplary finish and superior open-water performance. Built on a modified-V hull with a wide 16’6″ beam, the Viking’s wide open interior is big for a 48-footer. The layout is arranged with the galley and dinette forward in the salon with a choice of two or three staterooms below. Both floor plans include two full heads as well as a standard washer/dryer adjacent to the companionway steps. Varnished teak cabinets, rich designer fabrics, and deep pile carpeting are applied throughout the interior. The spacious 130-square-foot cockpit sports a recessed fish box, bait prep station and direct access to the meticulous engine room. Note that the bridge ladder is positioned over the salon steps to save cockpit space. An excellent open-water performer, 1100hp MANs (or 1015hp Cats) will cruise at an honest 30 knots (34–35 top).

Price Range: It’s possible to catch a 2003 or 2004 model priced under $500K.

RIVIERA 47 CONVERTIBLE [2003-09]

Overview: Riviera’s top selling model for several years, the 47 Convertible splits the difference between fishing and cruising by combining a cockpit big enough for serious anglers and interior accommodations for up to three couples. Like all Riviera models, the 47 rides on a modified-V hull whose solid fiberglass construction includes a watertight collision bulkhead forward and separate compartments throughout the hull. Notably, the 47 is one of just a few convertibles under 50 feet to feature three private staterooms. The galley-up floorplan includes a dinette to starboard as well as leather salon seating, quality galley appliances, and built-in entertainment center. A transom livewell, tackle center, transom door, and fish box are standard in the cockpit. Topside, an L-shaped lounge and table are forward of the helm console. Additional features include overhead rod storage in the salon, Corian galley counters, and truly exceptional range. On the downside, the engine room is a tight fit. Series II models (starting in 2005) have prop pockets and underwater exhausts. Cat 715hp C12 diesel cruise in the mid to high 20s (30+ knots top).

Price Range: Prices for early models are usually under $500K

VIKING 45 CONVERTIBLE [2003-09]

Overview: A state of the art yacht when she was introduced in 2003, more than a few boating enthusiasts still consider the Viking 45 to be about as good as it gets in a midsize convertible. Expecting good things in a Viking yacht comes naturally these days, and the 45 delivered an impressive mix of luxury and performance. Her spacious two-stateroom interior—updated in 2006 with a serving counter in the galley—features the same satin-finished cabinets and Ultraleather upholstery as Viking’s larger convertibles. The galley and dinette are forward in the salon, and rods stow handily below a posh L-shaped leather sofa. Frameless windows are capped with upholstered valances that conceal the air-conditioning ducts. A laundry center is at the base of the companionway steps, and both heads have separate stall showers. Cockpit amenities include tackle center, bait freezer, in-deck livewell and fish box, and transom door with gate. Additional features include a standard factory hardtop, large engine room with cockpit access, and teak and holly interior flooring. MAN 900hp diesels cruise the Viking 45 Convertible at 28–30 knots (low 30s top).

Price Range: Several are usually on the market for under $500K

CABO 40 FLYBRIDGE [2004 – 08]

Overview: In the world of late model sportfishing boats, the Cabo 40 Flybridge ranked at the top of her class a few years ago thanks to world-class engineering, luxury-class amenities and cutting-edge performance. Built on a modified-V hull with prop pockets, the interior of the 40 Flybridge will please anglers who journey to the canyons for a few days of fishing as well as families pursuing an extended vacation. The standard two stateroom layout has the galley down and an L-shaped dinette to starboard in the salon, a surprisingly spacious arrangement expertly finished with Corian counters, quality fabrics and traditional teak woodwork. The Cabo 40’s large cockpit comes equipped with an array of quality fishing features including tackle storage, large-capacity livewell, bait freezer, and two large in-deck fish/storage boxes. On the flybridge the center helm console (with single-lever electronic controls) offers excellent sightlines in all directions. Additional features include near standing headroom in the engine room and a handy storage locker under the galley sole. Cruise at 28–30 knots with 715hp Cat engines; low to mid 30s with 800hp MANs.

Price Range: Early models can be found priced from the low $400s.