100' sport fishing yacht

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Boat of the Week: This 171-Foot Super-Luxe Sportfishing Yacht Is the Largest in the World

The epic vessel is a super fast "battlewagon" designed to chase marlin, swordfish and sailfish. it's also decidedly lavish., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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To hook the world’s biggest fighting fish, in the words of Chief Brody in the classic 1975 movie Jaws , “You’re going to need a bigger boat.”

Privately owned fishing boats won’t come any bigger than this astonishing 171-foot super-luxury sportfisherman, set to claim the title of “World’s Largest Sportfish Superyacht.”

Designed by Dutch naval architects Vripack , and soon to start construction at the Royal Huisman yard in the Netherlands, Project 406 as it’s currently codenamed, will be a fast “battlewagon,” designed to chase marlin, swordfish and sailfish to the ends of the earth. “Project 406 is a sportfishing machine on steroids,” Vripack co-creative director Bart M. Bouwhuis told Robb Report . “It has the proportions of a typical American sportfishing yacht, with a long, flaring bow and open foredeck, and raked-back superstructure. It’s just bigger in every way.”

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Like every sportfishing boat, the focus is the cockpit, with a fighting chair in the center and multiple rocket launchers. The decks above are for ringside views of the action.  Courtesy Vripack

Bouwhuis is quick to point out “this is a sportfisher first, and superyacht second. While she will have the luxury of a true superyacht, she’ll set a new benchmark in the world of big-game fishing boats.”

Renderings from Vripack show a towering, six-deck fishing machine with the sleek proportions of smaller battlewagons from American builders like Viking, Hatteras and Jarrett Bay.

To shave weight, the hull and superstructure will be made of Alustar aluminum, a super-strong, high-tensile alloy. Bouwhuis won’t reveal the yacht’s power, though the word “huge” comes out in the conversation. “You can’t fool nature if you want a 171-foot boat to go this fast,” he says. “It will have significant horsepower.”

Designer Vripack kept the proportions similar to traditional American sportfishing designs, though those smaller battlewagons don’t have six decks.  Courtesy Vripack

The yacht has been commissioned by an experienced owner who is passionate about big-game fishing. “There are yachts out there that label themselves ‘sportfishermen,’ but they tend to be big motoryachts with a small fishing cockpit on back. Project 406 stays true to the traditional proportions.”

That means an oversized stern cockpit that’s low to the water, with a classic varnished-wood fighting chair takes center stage. Each of the decks above it will face the stern to give guests a front-row view of the sportfishing action below. For thrill-seekers, the very top deck, high above the flybridge hardtop, will provide stunning 360-degree views of the water. Perfect for spotting leaping marlin.

When the fish aren’t biting, Project 406 will offer guests plenty of places to kick back and relax. On the bow is an expansive, sunken sun-lounging area with oversize pads and sofas. The yacht’s fourth-level sky lounge will serve as an extraordinary “theater” for watching big-game fish leap out of the water. At night, it will have the relaxed ambience and stunning views of a boutique hotel penthouse.

When not in sportfishing mode, the outer decks can be used for socializing, especially the open area in the bow.  Courtesy Vripack

“It has been a steep learning curve for the whole Vripack team, discovering what makes a great sportfishing boat and understanding what kind of features are needed—from the rods, to the baitwells, the icemakers and fish boxes,” says Bouwhuis. “But it has definitely been an exciting challenge.”

It’s hard to understand the unbridled passion for fishing, especially when discussing the world’s largest sportfishing boat.  But actor Lee Marvin summed up the feeling nicely: “I only make movies to finance my fishing.”

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The 10 Biggest Sportfish Yachts Ever Built

Check out the largest sportfish yachts on the water..

The largest sportfish yachts are designed for luxurious multi-day outings with family or friends, as well as heading far offshore in search of the biggest fish in the deepest waters. Sportfish yachts are powerboats built to arrive at fishing grounds fast, with a hull design capable of cruising through any sea conditions. Most are equipped with tournament fishing options such as tuna towers, kill boxes, large tackling stations, ice makers, and live bait wells. Here are 10 of the biggest sportfish yachts ever built. These fishing boats are very impressive.

1. 144′ Trinity 1998 | MARLENA

At the time of her delivery in 1998 by Trinity Yachts , MARLENA was the largest sportfish yacht in the world at 126 feet. In 2013, she was purchased by an owner who lengthened her to her current length of 144 feet. She was sold again and is undergoing a refit including a complete repower.

2. 138’ McMullen & Wing 2003 | MEA CULPA

When Jack Sarin was tasked with designing MEA CULPA, he was given the challenge of designing a boat that could fish in the most remote corners of the world but hold her own in the stylish ports of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean . With no expense spared in terms of quality and comfort and decked out with an impressive array of fishing equipment, she manages to achieve both and has fished and cruised all over the world.

3. 128′ Heesen 1999 | RED SAPPHIRE

Capable of 34 knots, RED SAPPHIRE is a Heesen 3900 sportfishing yacht built to ABS class. She features a semi-displacement aluminum hull and aluminum superstructure, with teak decks. Equipped with an ultra-modern stabilization system, she’s powered by 2 MTU 16V4000 M90 3,644hp diesel engines and propelled by her twin screws propellers. Heesen also built OBSESSIONAS, a 125-foot sportfish in 1996, and KARYATIS, a 105-foot sportfish in 2005.

4. 122’ Trinity | MARY P

MARY P was the first hull built and launched by the Trinity Yachts’ New Orleans shipyard after its post-Katrina reopening of that shipyard on July 5, 2006. With naval architecture by Doug Sharp of Sharp Designs, many other unique details enhance her role as a sportfishing yacht, such as a fully automated anchor deployment and retrieval system, specially designed underwater lighting to enhance her performance when night fishing, and a flybridge that maintains a good line of sight for the captain.

5. 119’ Denison 1991 | PHARAOH

With naval architecture by Joe Langlois, PHARAOH, now SEACALL, is considered the queen of tournament sports fishing and angling. The sportfish motor yacht features four double staterooms, 5 heads, a spacious salon and galley, extensive electronics, and twin 1960hp MTU diesel engines. She was refit in 2005.

6. 114′ Logos Marine 2008 | SEYA

SEYA raises the question — at what point does a yacht stop being a sportfish and instead becomes a superyacht with a fishing cockpit? She was built in 2008 for a Middle Eastern client who specifically requested a cold-molded yacht due to his positive experience with this sturdy material. Logos’ 105-foot custom sportfish is also built with the same cold-molded, laminated epoxy wood with a fiberglass/epoxy skin.

7. 112’ Hakvoort 1988 | ACE OF DIAMONDS

ACE OF DIAMONDS (formerly SEA EAGLE) was custom built by Hakvoort Shipyard . This luxury sportfish vessel’s sophisticated exterior design and engineering are the work of Pieter Beeldsnijder Design. She was last refitted in 2005.

8. 108′ Burger 2001 | SARAH BETH

Few sportfishing yachts have what it takes to make long passages to remote fishing locations with both speed and comfort. One that does is the 108’ Burger SARAH BETH. Powered by a pair of Detroit Diesel MTU 12V4000s, this sportfish exploration yacht has an 8,025-gallon fuel capacity can cruise at 24 knots, and tops out at 28 knots.

9. 105′ Jim Smith Boats | MARLENA

The latest masterwork by Jim Smith Tournament Boats of Stuart, Florida, MARLENA was designed and built for Sam Gershowitz, owner of Star Island Yacht Club in Montauk, New York. She is the largest boat built by Jim Smith Boats.

10. 105′ Broward 2002 | ODYSSEY

Delivered in spring 2002, this Broward was powered with the new MTU 16V2000 series easily one of the most amazing sportfish yachts ever built. ODYSSEY was built for Glenn Straub, the former owner of Broward Marine. She was designed by Luiz de Basto and the interior is by the Broward in-house design team.

Sportfish yachts, no matter how big or small, are well suited for offshore fishing and cruising. Contact a Denison yacht broker to purchase your next fishing boat.

Speak With A Sportfish Specialist:

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The biggest sportfish superyachts in the world

Related articles, superyacht directory.

The next few years are shaping up well for the super-sportfish market with the Global Order Book reporting 26 projects currently on order or in build. Some special mentions include the Viking 90 flagship, a 24 metre sportfish chase boat underway at Vanquish and Royal Huisman 's mega 52 metre sportfish hull Project 406 which was announced in 2021. As we patiently await this new wave of uber-luxe fishing vessels, we take a look at the biggest already afloat...

1. Bad Company

The 43.9 metre sportfish yacht Bad Company (née Marlena ) was delivered in 1998 and was the largest sportfish in the world at the time. She changed ownership in 2013 and sent to Spain where she received a comprehensive refit and lengthened by six metres to her current length of 43.9 metres. ABS classed and MCA compliant, this all-aluminium superyacht accommodates up to 11 guests in a master suite, VIP, two doubles and one twin with a Pullman berth, all with LCD television screens and full en suite bathroom facilities.

2. Mea Culpa

Despite her size, Mea Culpa can reach a top speed of 23.5 knots thanks to a pair of 2735hp MTU 12V4000M90 diesel engines. The McMullen & Wing superyacht, designed by Jack Sarin , measures in at a hefty 42.28 metres. Mea Culpa can accommodate up to eight guests and six crew in her interiors, which have been designed by Marnell Corrao . She boasts a deck jacuzzi on board for post-fishing relaxation.  Mea Culpa was delivered in 2003.

3. Forty Love

Forty Love , formerly Don Elegante , began life in 1988 when she was commissioned by her first owner. According to BOAT Pro, the yacht ended up being reconstructed on an existing hull built by Westport in 1990 and was finally finished in 2002. Today, the 42 metre sportfish motor yacht sails under the name Forty Love and was the recipient of a two million-euro refit in 2020. Highlights include a main dining area with 360-degree views as well as a swimming platform with steps down into the water.

Lanakai , built by Yachting Developments , is the newest addition to the list of mega sportfish yachts. Delivered in 2017, the 39.5 metre superyacht is constructed entirely from carbon fibre to a design by Michael Peters  and can reach a top speed of 30 knots thanks to the power of two 3100.0hp MTU diesel engines. Spread over four decks, Lanaki can accommodate 10 guests and six crew. Her interiors, designed by Naylor Booth , sport an alliance of finely crafted American walnut joinery and muted fabrics. Lanakai boasts two saloons within her spacious interiors as well as a bar and stainless-steel aft deck barbecue for preparing the catch of the day.

5. Red Sapphire

Dutch shipyard Heesen , known today for its sporty steel and aluminium hulls, launched a series of sportfishing superyachts including Red Sapphire which splashed in 1999. The 39 metre is easy to spot with its distinct triangular form and a red stripe that runs the length of the yacht. Built for speed, she was capable of reaching speeds of 35 knots back in the day, powered by twin MTU 16V4000M90 engines.

6. Obsessions

The 38 metre Obsessions is the second Heesen built to make it into this round-up of supersized sportfish yachts. Launched in 1996, she arrived three years earlier than her sportfishing sister Red Sapphire . She was designed by Dutch studio Mulder Design and can sleep up to 10 guests.

The 37.19 metre sportfish Mary P was delivered in 2008 by Trinity Yachts . Built to satisfy the ultimate fisherman, this custom yacht incorporates a Simrad forward-looking sonar in the bow and a transom specifically designed to back down on fish at 10 knots. Twin 2,550hp Caterpillar diesel engines give her a top speed of 25 knots. Mary P was designed by Doug Sharp  together with Geoff Van Aller and is the only sportfish yacht to be built to ABS class. Her interiors have been designed by Judy Bell Davis and she can sleep up to eight guests and three crew below deck. On board amenities include a skylounge, bar and a formal dining area forward.

Boss was delivered by Dutch shipyard Feadship 1988 under the name Gallant Lady - the fifth in a series of yachts owned by the late Jim Moran. When she was launched she measured 35.35 metres in length but has since been extended to 36.27 metres. The yacht was refitted at Palmer Johnson in 1999 and can sleep up to 10 guests across four staterooms. 

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Interested in purchasing a Sport Fishing Yacht? Send us a message below and we will help you with the process.

Sport fishing yachts for sale.

Combining performance and practicality, sportfisher yachts are built with game-fish in mind. Whether you're a serious fisherman or just enjoy weekends with the family while trying to catch dinner, sportfishing yachts can give you speed, comfort, stability, and reliability.

Because the reefs and depths that these waters present more opportunity, the realm of offshore sportfishing is one that you will enjoy once you have some experience. But that's not to say you require experience to enjoy your sportfishing adventure, in fact it's easier than ever for beginners to start.

There's a bevy of equipment that can maximize your yield on any sport fishing yacht, from outriggers to towers and livewells, there are many modifications you can make for your sport fishing yacht. Fishing towers can give you an eagle eye view to spot large schools of fish, or where your next huge catch is waiting.

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Nordhavn 100: The Global Angler

• By David Schmidt
• Updated: October 8, 2019

When most yachtsmen think of sport-fishing yachts, they likely conjure up images of long waterlines, flared bow sections, skyscraper tuna towers and planing-friendly undercarriages. Expedition-grade trawlers do not come to mind.

And for good reason. Expedition vessels are built for itineraries measured in days or weeks, not in the number of hours it takes to zip out to the canyons. Most expedition yachts struggle to crack the 15-knot barrier, a speed deficiency that most anglers cannot abide.

With Serenity , a heavily customized Nordhavn 100, the longtime builder of world-class expedition yachts sought to break those stereotypes. Serenity ‘s owner worked with the California-based builder to create an expedition-grade sport-fishing yacht that’s as adept at wrangling pelagic species as she is at hosting elegant dinners.

I first spied her proud silhouette dominating the western skyline of Seattle’s Elliott Bay Marina last fall, but I didn’t fully appreciate her capabilities until I stepped into her steering room with Capt. Zach Gallagher. There, on the bulkhead, hung 30-plus custom-made fishing rods, each slightly different than the next but each painted the exact same Alexseal “Stars and Stripes” blue—perfectly matching Serenity’s custom-painted topsides—and handsomely engraved with the superyacht’s moniker. Gallagher also showed off dozens of reels, including serious-looking hydraulic setups, gaffs and fishing tackle, all organized and stowed in custom-built cabinets.

“If you think this is cool, wait until you see the fishing cockpit,” he says with a knowing smile.

Serenity is a stretched version of Nordhavn’s N96, which itself is based on the N86’s hull, adding a 10-foot extension to the “California deck” (­Nordhavn ­parlance for the outdoor space abaft the salon). Serenity’s owner evolved this long-range cruising design for his angling ambitions by requesting an additional, low-freeboard aft fishing deck and swim step. Additionally, the owner worked with Destry Darr Designs to create five en suite staterooms and an enlarged galley with seating for four guests around an island.

“The owner wants to introduce his family to a full international cultural experience,” Gallagher says as we walk from the galley to the salon, which has a table with seating for 10 and a drop-down screen. The table’s after end leads to a carpeted seating area that spills out onto the California deck.

Climbing the spiral ladder and stepping into the pilothouse, I see a helm with a marble dash, two white leather Stidd seats, four Furuno touchscreens, and a combination of Furuno, Simrad, FLIR and KVH equipment for long-range navigation and security, as well as satellite communications and entertainment. Suffice it to say, this yacht can cruise far while staying in touch.

Serenity’s propulsion comes from twin 600 hp Caterpillar C18 Acert engines sitting atop vibration-absorbing mounts and spinning dual 48-inch propellers. DC power comes from dual Caterpillar C4.4 generators. An ABT-Trac stabilization system should enhance ride quality, while a pair of 50 hp bow and stern thrusters are installed for docking maneuvers.

Serenity is also equipped with four fuel tanks collectively holding 7,000 gallons of diesel, plus a 500-gallon centerline tank that serves as her day-use dromedary, and 100 gallons of gasoline for her tender. All told, Serenity has a 3,000-nautical-mile ­cruising range at 10 knots. She also carries a U.S. Coast Guard-­approved TidalWave HMX waste-management system, allowing her crew to discharge safely and legally, further facilitating the owner’s off-the-grid ambitions.

“The N96s carry 900 gallons of fresh water, but we have 1,000 gallons,” Gallagher says, adding that Serenity’s two Dometic Sea Xchange watermakers each generate 1,800 gallons of potable water every 24 hours. “We have no daily water ration. We just carry extra filters.”

Serenity also carries a quiver of toys, including eight sets of dive gear, a dive-tank air compressor and an 18-foot aluminum-bottom RIB that’s hoisted via a Nautical Structures crane rated to 3,500 pounds. Additionally, Serenity sails with four surfboards, four stand-up paddleboards and two Jet Skis.

Gallagher guides me through Serenity’s master stateroom, just abaft the bridge, noting the custom Miele coffee maker and the room’s wraparound views. Stepping onto the owner’s deck, Gallagher lights the yacht’s fire pit, which is protected by a glass shroud and flanked by two deck chairs. I notice a box fitted to the starboard quarter rail and walk over to inspect a set of rudder, throttle and thruster controls.

“It was the owner’s idea,” Gallagher says. “All of [these] controls are mounted backwards because you’re facing aft when you’re using them.”

Next, he leads me to the flybridge, which has a second helm and a table with a leaf and seating for 10. “We’ve got a Wolf gas grill, a Miele teppanyaki grill, a sink, fresh water, refrigerators and ice makers here,” Gallagher says. “We can cook the whole meal up here.”

Abaft the flybridge’s protective coachroof sits a Jacuzzi with a custom awning and cushions. I glance over the rail at the water below, guesstimating the drop to be a solid 20 feet. Gallagher reads my mind. “The owner’s kids and I jumped from up here when we were down in the Sea of Cortez on the boat’s shakedown cruise,” he says, with a been-there-done-that smile. “They’re up for anything.”

The fishing deck is our final stop, and I can tell that Gallagher is keen to show off his boss’s brainchild.

“The owner is an experienced boater and is really drawn to fishing,” Gallagher says as we admire the side deck’s 30-foot teak runs. “Take an avid fisherman and multiply by 10, and that’s the boss man.”

This much becomes obvious as we step onto the open fishing deck. Gallagher points out the 10 inset fishing-rod holders mounted around the teak rail, as well as the receptacle that accommodates the yacht’s Bluewater Large Marlin fighting chair.

“The chair’s got a three-axis mount and a 360-degree swivel, an offset swivel, and 11 rod holders,” he says. “We have handheld and hanging scales for weighing fish, and we’re hoping to catch one that’s big enough to need to hang from the crane.”

The fishing deck also has portable livewells, along with tackle boxes and floodlights for nighttime work. Gallagher says landed fish quickly graduate from the rod to the kill box to the fillet table to the vacuum sealer to the custom cockpit freezer. Once frozen, the fillets are transferred to one of Serenity’s two deep freezers.

“I try to take all of the family’s interests into account when planning itineraries,” Gallagher says, adding that nonfishing activities have included paddling around icebergs, spotting grizzly bears and whales, and visiting mountain hot springs. “If it’s a guys’ fishing trip, the boat will be set up ­differently than if it’s a family cruise.”

Serenity’s owner took delivery in Dana Point, California, in June 2018, following a three-year build. He immediately started voyaging. There was a shakedown cruise to the Sea of Cortez that was followed by a cruise to Canada’s Desolation Sound and then a more ambitious third trip that took the boat from Campbell River, British Columbia, to Alaska’s Glacier Bay as well as Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof islands before ending in Juneau.

These passages have been 10 to 14 days in length, but Gallagher says the boat is spec’d for world cruising. “ Serenity can carry 13 ­people on board for 11 days without taking on provisions,” he says.

Granted, that’s not running at 30 knots, but Serenity —as her name suggests—offers the ability to cruise, fish and ­explore in style and comfort, sans the usual durational and ­latitudinal limitations. Most important, she’s equipped to ­cater to her owner’s love of hunting pelagic species and enjoying quiet, far-removed anchorages.

“The owner wanted to go anywhere and fish the whole time,” Gallagher says. “When he’s aboard, we spend zero time at the dock.”

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Sportfishing Yacht

Sportfishing yachts are the ultimate fishing machines for plying the open ocean—regardless of whether you’re talking about the world’s largest sportfishing yacht or a bluewater battlewagon that’s sized more for day use.

Designed to be seaworthy in the roughest conditions and often capable of travelling 100-plus miles from land, there’s no better boat for dedicated anglers who want to chase fish like marlin, tuna, and wahoo.

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Activities with Sportfishing Yachts

GREAT FOR Saltwater Fishing  • Overnight Cruising

Obviously, sportfishing yachts are all about fishing. But they come with a bonus: since they’re true yachts as well as being fishing machines, you can use them to enjoy the other aspects of the yachting lifestyle.

Pursue big fish in even bigger waters

First and foremost, sportfishing yachts are all about running far from the sight of land to pursue big game. They commonly have massive fuel tanks so taking fishing trips to distant hotspots are no problem, and there are some long-range sportfishing yachts designed to make trips well beyond the edge of the Continental Shelf for days on end.

Their hulls (boat bottoms) are designed to maximize seaworthiness and comfort, plus their sheer mass means they’re not subject to the effects of waves to the same degree as smaller boats. And if you have a specific type of fishing in mind, there are many custom sportfishing yachts with countless touches and tweaks developed solely for different angling styles and tactics.

Room for a sizable crew

You don’t need to buy the world’s largest sportfishing yacht to have plenty of room for a big crew, on this type of boat. Even smaller sportfishing yachts have room for a half-dozen anglers, and many have room for twice that number of people.

Comfortable cabin: cruise with the family, weekend escape, entertaining guests

Since sportfishing yachts are by definition large, they tend to have tons of cabin space. Many have several private staterooms, each with their own private heads (boater-speak for bathrooms). In fact, some owners take their sportfishing yachts up and down the coast to different fishing tournaments and may spend days or even weeks living aboard as they fish competitively. While they do tend to consume more fuel than dedicated cruisers, also remember that they also offer much faster speeds—many can cruise at 30 mph or more. So, on the days you’re not fishing, you can take the family to far-off ports in less time.

Ownership Costs of Sportfishing Yachts

Whether you’re talking about the best sportfishing yachts in the world or the most modest models, one thing is for sure: this type of boat costs significantly more than many other varieties. Purchase price is usually measured by the millions—so to see if this style boat is right for you, be sure to utilize our Boat Loan Calculator .

Maintaining these boats is not cheap. Since they’re so large and complex they have many systems that need to be cared for on a regular basis, ranging from big diesel engines, to plumbing systems, to climate control. And they need constant washing and waxing, or those large swaths of fiberglass begin looking shabby in no time. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to sportfishing yachts many owners suggest planning for maintenance costs of around 10-percent of a boat’s value. 

Sportfishing yachts are certainly among the more expensive types of boats to operate. They consume large volumes of fuel and require electricity when plugged in at the dock. Quite often the owners of sportfishing yachts also hire a captain—you need serious know-how to run this sort of boat, plus it’s tougher to relax and fish if you’re concerned with operating it—and in some cases a deck-hand may be needed as well. On top of these costs, you’ll obviously want to insure your sportfishing yacht; see Insuring Your Boat for more info.

Sportfishing Yacht Technology/Materials/Features

Sportfishing yachts can be surprisingly high-tech. Many are built with advanced fiberglass molding techniques, and some custom sportfishing yachts aren’t molded fiberglass but are instead built with a combination of wood, epoxy resin, and advanced fabric like Kevlar and carbon fiber.

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Guide To Buying A Sportfishing Yacht

By Robert Bowman | Posted On Jul 12, 2023 Updated On Sep 12, 2023

One doesn't simply decide one day to go out and buy a sportfishing yacht. There have been many experiences, discussions, dreams, and research that have led up to this point. Maybe you've outgrown your center-console and looking to move into a boat with more range and more accommodations. Maybe it's about competing at billfish tournaments. Regardless of the reason, once you've become determined to own a sportfish the process begins of narrowing down the right one based on how you plan to use it. There are a variety of factors to consider when weighing your options such as how many people do you plan to bring on board overnight, how fast would you like the boat to go, do you have a slip to keep it in, and what type of sportfish is needed for the variety of fishing you plan to do.

Let's be honest, owning a sportfishing boat isn't exactly a sound economic endeavor. The money spent on fishing gear alone is not for the faint of heart. Before you begin the process of actually looking for a boat, it's important to understand the market, be clear on your objectives, prioritize your needs, and plan out a budget for the boat, as well as the after-purchase maintenance.  

USING A PROFESSIONAL YACHT BROKER

As the world's largest yacht brokerage firm, we have expert yacht brokers available to go through the market with you and help you with making an educated decision. There are over 2,000 sportfishing yachts for sale available today all across the world in varying condition, age, price, and capability. Hiring a professional yacht broker doesn't cost you anything as the commission is paid for by the seller, but it can save you tens of thousands of dollars (or more), as well as many headaches. 

If you choose to hire a yacht broker to assist in finding the right sportfishing boat for you, remember to ask for references, a list of previously sold boats by the broker, and research the firm the broker works for. A professional brokerage firm will have a substantial support staff that is knowledgeable about the regulations and closing documents to ensure everything goes smoothly.

WHAT IS THE BEST SIZE SPORTFISHING BOAT FOR YOU?

(Above: This Cabo 44' Sportfishing boat is a great option for someone moving up from a center-console. It has a bow thruster, Zip Wake Trim Tab control, and lots of fishing features on board. It also is easily managed without a captain.)

The first order of business when selecting the right sportfishing boat for you is to determine the size of boat you want to buy. Do you plan to hire a captain to run and maintain your sportfish or will you be driving it yourself? If this is your first sportfish and you want a more private, personal experience there are plenty of options that are easily managed under 50-feet. Many of the newer model sportfish will already have bow thrusters and joystick controls installed, making docking less stressful. In contrast, a larger yacht means greater range, more accommodations for overnight trips, more storage, but also will require a captain. Consider talking with your broker about these topics when deciding on the right size range for your boat:

• Can you find a slip to keep your boat and how big is it?
• What type of fishing do you plan to do? As Captain Steve Castellini says the right size boat depends on what you're trying to accomplish, "For offshore tuna fishing in the northeast for example, it's about a large cockpit with a wide beam. Tunas bite in white water so your prop wash is not that big of a deal. Big Tuna in shallow water are the opposite, they want less of a prop wash so a narrow beam boat is better. It really all depends on what you're wanting to target."
• Do you plan to do more than offshore fishing? If cruising is also in your plans, you may want a shorter boat that has less of a draft so that you can go more places, especially when in the islands.

IS A CUSTOM SPORTFISH OR A PRODUCTION BOAT BETTER?

(Above: A large custom sportfishing yacht, like this Merritt 86, is truly a work of art. While it may take longer to sell, it is handmade and will hold its value.)

One of the first questions your yacht broker may ask is whether you're considering purchasing a custom sportfishing yacht or a production boat. Many buyers keep their options open between the two and focus more on price and size. Still owning a custom boat versus a production boat is a different experience and there are pros and cons to both. Here are some facts to consider when making a decision:

• There are far more production boats for sale than custom boats. A custom boat is more scarce than production models as fewer are built, allowing them to hold their re-sale value.
• Custom Boats are unique and often have customizations requested by the owner that may or may not be something you need or want.
• Viking Yachts , a production boat builder, has narrowed the playing field by investing millions in the latest tools, machinery, and materials. They offer a great deal of customization options and quality control is much better than many production boat builders.
• There are advantages to production boats including a lower cost to produce in bulk and improvements through repetition.

Well-known custom boat builders still producing boats today include Garlington Yachts , Merritt Boats , Jim Smith Boats , and others on the list.

DECIDING WHAT EQUIPMENT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU ON YOUR SPORTFISHING BOAT

(Above: A full set of controls on the tower of a Viking 64 sportfishing yacht.)

Sometimes finding the right sized sportfishing boat is not enough to meet your needs, there are also other attributes that are required. Whether for practical use when fishing or for overall comfort on board, make a list of all of the equipment you desire. More updated and substantial equipment can raise the cost of your boat. Finding a sportfishing boat that is already equipped with what you want is ideal, but you may have to compromise and install certain equipment after the purchase. Here are some examples below of considerations for equipment on board the sportfishing boat you plan to buy:

• Do you have a preference for a specific brand of electronics? Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, Simrad, and others can vary greatly in ease of use.
• Do you require a tuna tower for spotting boiling fish or birds? Keep in mind where you live and whether or not you'll need to get under a bridge. 
• Many boats today have Seakeeper Gyro Stabilization to limit any rolling of the boat. Is a Seakeeper a requirement for you?
• Do you prefer an open flybridge sportfishing boat or will you want an enclosed bridge to stay out of the weather?
• How many rod holders will you need? Do you like a certain brand of outrigger? How many fish boxes will you need?
• Other machinery on board can include a water-maker, ice makers, satellite internet, and much more.

WHAT IF THE SPORTFISHING BOAT YOU LIKE HAS POD DRIVES?

(Above: This Sunny Briggs 61 Custom Boat was outfitted with twin ZF Zeus Pod Drives with joystick controls.)

It's not as common as finding a sportfishing boat with straight shaft drives, but there are boats on the market that use pod drives. While pod drives have been around for more than 50 years, for the last 10 years or so some builders have integrated pod drives more frequently to increase maneuverability and efficiency.

United Yacht Sales broker Greg Graham has sold 4 sportfishing boats with pod drives. "There's not many traditional shaft boats that can maneuver like a boat with pods," he says.

Still, there are challenges with owning a pod drive sportfishing boat including the perception of them in the market place and how that affects its resale value. Additionally, pod drives are meant to sheer free of the engine without leaving a hole in the boat if it takes a substantial hit. This can mean having to replace the entire pod drive system should something happen. Not all marine service technicians are skilled in servicing pods as well.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN BUYING A PRE-OWNED SPORTFISHING YACHT

(Above: Some classic custom sportfishing boats, like this Rybovich , have been re-fit with new engines, interiors, and more. Don't overlook it just because it's a older.)

Sportfishing boats are complex, high performance machines that endure corrosive saltwater, pounding seas, and constant UV rays from the sun. Things are going to break and there is a really good chance there are some items that need to be addressed on the pre-owned sportfishing boat you plan to buy. With any purchase, a survey is required and a good surveyor can give you an accurate, complete picture of the condition of the boat. This is where hiring a professional yacht broker can really make the process much easier and less stressful. 

A knowledgeable yacht broker can offer recommendations on a good surveyor, but also help to explain what your next step will be once the report comes back. Are the results from the survey major items or purely cosmetic? How many of the items should you ask to be resolved before the transaction is completed? Should you renegotiate the purchase price? Your broker should advise you to ask for a complete history of how many times the boat has been sold and its complete maintenance/service records.

NEXT STEPS: CONTACT UNITED YACHT SALES TO CONNECT WITH A SPORTFISHING YACHT BROKER

United Yacht Sales has the world's largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the industry, thanks to our team of over 250 yacht brokers in 104 different locations. To begin the process of searching for a sportfishing boat for sale, please call our main office at 772-463-3131 and we will connect you with one of our expert yacht brokers.

Whether buying a luxury boat or selling one, we have the right expert on staff to assist you in navigating the brokerage market for your type of yacht. If you're looking at selling a boat, there is no quicker way to get activity than listing it with United. Our entire team is immediately notified every time a listing agreement is made with United Yacht Sales and many boats are sold before they ever even make it online. Our support team is among the best in the industry at marketing your yacht. 100% of our marketing budget goes towards advertising our clients' listings, a claim not many other firms can make. To get started listing your yacht, fill out our online form What's My Yacht Worth ?

Enjoy these sportfishing boat related articles :

• What Is The Best Size Sport Fishing Boat?
• What Is The Best Sportfishing Boat?
• How Fast Do Sportfishing Boats Go?
• How Much Is A Sportfishing Yacht?
• How Much Does A Fishing Yacht Cost?
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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

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