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13 Best Sport Fishing Yachts of 2023

• By Patrick Sciacca
• August 30, 2023

It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for mahi-mahi off the beach in South Florida or campaigning a pro-level crew from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back pursuing billfish during tournament season. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling, and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits fresh; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch stowed and cold; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, sometimes north of 40-plus knots. Sportfish yachts are also known for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and en suite staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hatteras GT65 Carolina : A customizable sportfish yacht with Caterpillar diesels
• Viking Yachts 64C : An eye-watering 42 knots of fish-chasing speed boat 
• Royal Huisman Project 406 : The biggest sportfish yacht ever built
• Rybovich 94 : A superyacht-sized angler’s dream
• Viking 38 Open : A family-sized express sportfisherman loaded for offshore fishing
• Bertram 61 Convertible : A tournament-ready battlewagon with a distinct look 
• Hatteras Yachts 45EX : Entry-level sportfish yacht with all the angling amenities of its larger siblings
• Huckins 45 Sportfisherman : Built for bluewater angling with the patented and sea-taming Quadraconic hull form 
• Jarrett Bay 46 : A mid-size custom-Carolina sportfisherman with a yacht-level finish
• Viking Yachts 92 : Designed to travel the world’s oceans chasing behemoth billfish
• Merritt 72 : An iconic Florida boatbuilder’s high-end fishing boat
• Bertram 35 : This 35-foot flybridge sportfish pays homage to the builder’s legendary roots.
• Viking 54 Open : This express-style fish boat also comes in a Sport Tower and Coupe version

Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina

The Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina falls in the middle of the New Bern, North Carolina, boatbuilder’s three-model GT lineup, which also includes a GT59 and GT70 . This sportfish yacht has a solid-fiberglass hull bottom built for blue-water duty and comes with a variety of diesel engine options, which starts with twin 1,622 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels.

Like all Hatteras GT models, the GT65 has notable bow flare to beat back tempestuous seas as well as a high freeboard to keep decks dry in the slop. The Hatteras GT65 also represent a design evolution for the series with a “stepped-back flybridge” an element found on in earlier Hatteras models, as well as a new window treatment and hull-side vents. With yacht-level luxury on the inside and a fishing-mission design on the outside, the Hatteras Yachts GT65 is a formidable sportfish boat.

Quick Specifications

Viking yachts 64c.

With its 180-square-foot, dance-floor-size, teak cockpit, options for a fighting chair or rocket launcher, a mezzanine perched perfectly for spotting prey in the spread and enough livewell space to keep a gaggle of goggle-eye baits frisky, the 42-knot Viking Yachts 64C is built for battle with big fish.Its impressive speed, which comes via optional 2,022 hp MTU M96X V-12 diesels , ensures that the Viking 64C is likely to be first boat with lines in the water. Cruise speed: 36 knots at 80 percent engine load. (Base powerplants are twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12 diesels.) For the traveling tournament crew, the Viking 64C has four staterooms, including three en suite guest staterooms, plus a crew cabin with upper and lower bunks.

Royal Huisman Project 406

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck, Royal Huisman’s Project 406 is. The interior and exterior design of Project 406 is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack . Vripack calls the vessel a “sportfisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight.

Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines for Project 406. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat , designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels . 

The owner of II Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside.  “Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.”

Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish is the builder’s entry point to its diesel-propelled sportfish boats. An owner-operator-size angling platform, the 38 Open is powered with twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, which gives the sportfish boat 36-knot speed. Notable angling features on board the 38 Open include a 109-swqure-foot cockpit, complete with a mezzanine seating flanking the centerline stairs to the bridge deck as well as a laminated backing plate foe either a fighting chair or a rocket launcher. For overnight canyon trips, there is a forepeak stateroom with a double bunk as well as a single above it. Additionally, the salon’s sofa converts to a berth for guests or crew. The galley is outfitted with Corian countertops, two-burner electric cooktop, microwave/convection oven and drawer-style refrigerators and freezers. Some options include a Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and electronics packages from Atlantic Marine Electronics , both are Viking Yachts’ subsidiaries.

Bertram 61 Convertible

Bertram’s 61 Convertible leads the builder’s offshore series, which also includes a 35 Convertible and the express-style 50 Sport . Like its 50 Sport sistership, the 61 Convertible has a stepped sheerline, a nod to the legendary boatbuilder’s earlier designs. It also creates an instantly recognizable profile. The 61 Convertible is ready to run out of the box thanks to its twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels. Top hop is 44 knots.

When it comes to chasing fish, the 61 Convertible has 188 square feet of fish-fighting space. A 100-gallon in-transom livewell is accompanied by twin in-sole fish boxes as well as rod stowage to port and starboard. A tuna door to starboard makes bringing in that bigeye on board a breeze. (Fish not included.) The accommodations layout belowdecks includes three staterooms. There is a full-beam master stateroom amidships.

Hatteras Yachts GT45X

The Hatteras Yachts GT45X express sports twin 1,150-horsepower Cat C18 ACERT diesel engines that deliver 40-plus-knot speeds. During our sea trial, the GT45X showcased remarkable handling, gracefully leaning into turns without any loss of power from the props. Hatteras has equipped the GT45X with a custom-engineered, sound-deadening system. This feature reduces noise and vibration, ensuring a relatively quiet ride for all aboard. Inside, the yacht has a luxe sensibility with its wood sole, sumptuous leather seating, a fully equipped galley and a spacious forward stateroom. On deck, there are two comfortable helm seats, an undercounter fridge, an ice maker, an inviting L-shaped settee and a table, creating the perfect entertainment area for relaxing after a successful day of fishing. The integrated hardtop enhances visibility with its one-piece windshield and large side windows, offering optimal views of the surrounding waters. To adapt to changing weather conditions, simply install clear curtains across the bridge deck aft, transforming the GT45X into an all-season sport-fisherman. Personalization is key with Hatteras Yachts, and the GT45X offers a variety of optional features. From a bow thruster and additional stateroom to teak accents and a flybridge option, you can customize your yacht to meet your specific needs. With a simple ala carte ordering process, just select your must-have options, start the engines and have your next angling adventure.

Huckins 45 Sportfisherman

The Huckins 45 Sportfisherman starts with the Florida boatbuilder’s patented Quadraconic hull . The Huckins’ Quadraconic name derives from four conical projections that make up the bottom surface shape. The sport-fisher has a deep forefoot and some measurable flare above the waterline for good buoyancy and dry running. A single chine rises from the waterline and then descends quickly to optimize spray control. The deep-V shape forward warps to a flat running surface far aft for efficient planing and excellent roll resistance.

Power is twin 480 hp Cummins diesels, which give this sportfish boat an easy 28-knot cruise. Top speed is 35 knots, so a 30-knot cruise is easily an option. The owner of the 45 Sportfisherman we got aboard is an avid stand-up angler and set up his boat with three flush-deck insulated fish boxes with macerators, a Dometic ice maker, two 28-foot Rupp outriggers, six gunwale rod holders, saltwater and freshwater washdowns, and a four-rod rocket launcher in lieu of a fighting chair.

Jarrett Bay 46

Originally named Persistence, this Jarrett Bay 46 was built for fishing enthusiast and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. When creating his fully custom sportfish boat, Burton noted that his vessel would be both a fishing boat and a family boat. Fishing features include an in-transom fish box, a sailfish pod, insulated fish boxes and a tuna door (sans bridge) in the cockpit. Jarrett Bay installed three rod holders in each gunwale and six more across the flybridge rail, plenty of rod room for setting up a trolling spread. With upper and lower helm stations (the latter being an owner request), the Jarrett Bay 46 also gives the skipper options if the weather goes south. The Jarrett Bay 46 has ZF pod drives with underwater exhaust paired to twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels. At a comfortable 2,000-rpm cruise, this sport-fisher makes about 26 knots while those diesels consume 41 gallons per hour. Dial it up to a top-end speed of 35 knots and consumption goes up to 58.3 gph.

Viking Yachts 92

The Viking Yachts 92 is the largest sport-fisher the New Gretna, New Jersey-based boatbuilder has ever constructed. Offered with an open- or enclosed-bridge setup, the hefty sportfish boat (displacing around 205,000 pounds) hits 37-knots-plus when powered with optional 2,600 hp MTU diesels. At 2,100 rpm, this battlewagon cruises easily at 31 knots at 78 percent engine load. Dial it back to 28 knots, and engine load is a mere 70 percent. The 92-footer is also agile thanks to the Viking Independent Programmable Electrohydraulic Rudder (VIPER) steering system, a fly-by-wire setup that lets the helmsman control each rudder individually.

From an angling perspective, the 92 has 55-foot Rupp outriggers , fish stowage large enough for a wolf pack of bigeye tuna, space for a season’s worth of baits, secured gaff stowage and enough tackle drawers to handle all the lures and terminal gear an owner could ever buy. The Viking 92 also has six staterooms to accommodate owners, guests and crew for tournament season and long-haul adventure angling.

Like some of the other names on this list, Merritt is an iconic Pompano Beach, Florida-based, custom sportfish builder with a current model lineup that includes 66-, 72- and 86-foot convertible designs. The Merritt 72 is a model that has stood the test of time, and one that owners flock to year in and year out, for its fishability, seakindly nature and the ability to tailor the layout to an owner’s angling needs.

Because these boats are custom-built, the specifics can change from one 72 to another, but 30-knot cruise speeds and nearly 40-knot top-end speeds are common in all 72s, as are massive cockpits for fighting Hemingway-worthy marlin, stout construction for chasing those fish in the blue water and superyacht-level finishes inside and outside.

The entry point into Bertram’s three-model Offshore Series⎯spanning from 35 to 61 feet length overall⎯the Bertram 35 blends a familiar profile with modern power and technology to create a 36-knot angling juggernaut. This owner-operator-sized, Michael Peters -penned, flybridge sport-fisher starts with a wave-slicing, deep-V hull form with 22 degrees transom deadrise. The form is supported by a solid fiberglass hull bottom with cored hull sides for added strength without added weight.

The 35 has a 126-square-foot cockpit ready for any fish-fighting fanatic. Bertram sets up the 35 with rod holders, a livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a transom door for the big ones. Optional teak decking and covering boards add a custom look. Inside, the salon is accented with teak and maple Amtico soles and overhead dimmer lighting. A wainscot-style ceiling houses rod stowage for big-game gear. Power is twin 500 hp Caterpillar C7.1 diesels matched to ZF drives. At a comfortable 27.5-knot cruise at just 68 percent engine load, the Bertram 35 has a 253-nautical-mile range, making it easily canyon-capable.

Viking Yachts 54 Open

Many anglers like open- or express-style sportfish designs as they enable the captain and crew to keep in close proximity, and the Viking 54 Open , which also is offered in a Sport Coupe or Sport Tower, does just that. The 54 Open’s bridge deck has a Palm Beach-style helm on centerline, flanked by a double-wide companion seat to port and a single seat to starboard. Abaft the helm and to port is U-shaped seating with a walnut table, creating a respite from the sun on tournament day while still allowing the crew to keep an eye on the spread via the open after bulkhead. Across from that seating is an L-shaped settee.

With a focus on fishing, the 54 Open has 154 square feet of cockpit real estate. Two sets of mezzanine seats offer perches for the crew to watch the spread. Other fishing-friendly features include a transom livewell, an in-deck fish box to starboard (with an optional livewell tub), an insulated in-deck box to port, a deck plate for mounting a rocket launcher or fighting chair, cooler stowage in the mezzanine steps (a bait freezer in the steps is optional), and a tuna door. Power is either twin 1,400 hp or 1,550 hp MAN diesels. For owners who prefer a three-sided fiberglass enclosure to a clear-plastic setup—but still want an open after bulkhead—Viking offers the 54 in the Sport Tower version. The 54 Sport Coupe model closes the after bulkhead, completely protecting the bridge deck from the elements.

• More: Bertram , Hatteras , Huckins , Jarrett Bay , Merritt , Royal Huisman , Rybovich , Sportfishing Yachts , Viking , Yachts
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Best Offshore Fishing Boat Brands By Size and Region

28th oct 2023 by lenny rudow.

There are many different types of fishing boats out there, but if you plan on prowling the offshore fishing grounds for pelagic species like marlin and tuna, you need a boat designed specifically for the task. So, which are the best offshore fishing boats? Which are the best small offshore fishing boats, and which are the best large ones? Let’s dive right in.

Best Types of Offshore Fishing Boats

Before we get specific about stand-out brands, we need to remember that there are a number of different types of offshore fishing boats. Center consoles are the most popular when it comes to the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet, but anglers in search of the best offshore family fishing boat may be better served by a boat with a cabin or a dual-console model. Those with budgets that are more or less unlimited may even choose a convertible. And fishermen who treasure a smooth ride above all else may well opt for a catamaran fishing boat . The bottom line? The best types of offshore fishing boats for each person will vary depending on their specific needs. So before you even begin shopping, it’s a good idea to make a list of your priorities and nail down exactly what sort of performance, layout, and amenities will fit the bill for you, personally.

Best Offshore Fishing Boats with Cabins

Anglers who plan to overnight on their boat will naturally want a cabin. Families with small children and people who plan to fish in inclement weather may decide a cabin is a must-have, too. Finding the best offshore fishing boats with a cabin can present a significant challenge, especially for anglers on a budget, but these top picks are sure to show up on your radar.

Boston Whaler

This brand is best known for building unsinkable boats, by molding a hull and a deck and then pumping the voids between them full of high-pressure foam to create a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass sandwich. They are indeed unsinkable, adding a significant layer of safety and confidence to long runs offshore. And they have three offshore-capable cabin boats in their lineup: the 285 Conquest, 325 Conquest, and 405 Conquest. All are rigged for serious fishing, too, with integrated livewells, rod holders, fishboxes, and more.

Boston Whaler boats for sale

BostonWhaler 325 Conquest, BostonWhaler photo. 

Parker Offshore

Parker makes a lineup of boats for inshore and offshore, with both center consoles and cabin boats. Three in their Sport Cabin lineup are large enough for offshore duty. All have the stout construction, voluminous fuel capacity, and basic fishing features to get the job done. And unlike some small cabin boats, these are fully enclosed cabins with aft bulkheads. Parker also offers a second station in the cockpit, so you can control the boat from both inside and outside the cabin.

Parker boats for sale

Parker 2820 XLD Sport Cabin, Parker Offshore photo.

Viking Yachts

In the “money is no object” department, we have Viking Yachts. Their entire lineup is suited to offshore fishing, and the smallest boat they build is the 38 Billfish convertible – which will seem quite large to most anglers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, they offer a 90-footer, which qualifies as a fishing superyacht. If offshore fishing boats with niceties like private staterooms, satellite TV, and air conditioning strike your fancy and your checkbook knows no bounds, it’s time to check out a Viking.

Viking boats for sale

Viking 38 Billfish, Vikink Yachts photo.

Best Offshore Family Fishing Boats

Taking the entire family offshore fishing puts some different demands on the vessel. You need a certain level of comfort, some protection from the elements, and in most cases the ability to use the boat for things other than offshore fishing, too. Just what you need personally depends on the makeup of your family, but all of these choices are great ones.

Grady-White

Grady-White boats are among the most popular fishing boats on the water, thanks to their combination of family-friendly features and design along with a healthy dose of fishing acuity. A number of their models are suitable for offshore duty, including center consoles up to 45’, dual consoles to 36’7”, and cabin models up to 36’7”. Grady-Whites are also known for their excellent seakeeping abilities, thanks in no small part to their variable-degree deadrise hull designs. 

Grady-White boats for sale

Grady-White Freedom 335, Grady-White Boats photo. 

Pursuit makes a model line called the Sport Center Console, which places a heavy emphasis on comfort along with fishability. All of the models in this line, which stretches from 25’8” to 43’9”, are equipped with all the goodies anglers need. But they also boast heads in the consoles and on the larger models, complete cabins with berths, galleys, and settees. All feature plenty of luxury seating along with creature comforts like freshwater showers and stereo systems, and all but the smallest have big loungers as well.

Pursuit boats for sale

Pursuit S 358 Sport Center Console, Pursuit photo. 

This new builder has a pair of models which offer unusual utility to the family. These boats don’t fit neatly into any one mold, as they’re a combination center console and cabin boat, which Solara has dubbed “center walkarounds.” They have a centered console and helm, which stretches all the way to the port side of the boat but leaves a walkaround side-deck to starboard. That greatly enhances the space inside the console cabin, which on the 25’ model has a berth and head, and on the 31’ model includes a forward berth, a fully enclosed head compartment, and a galley.

Solara boats for sale

Solara S-310 CW, Solara photo. 

Best Small Offshore Fishing Boats

Different sized boats are more or less capable of offshore fishing in different parts of the nation, because in Florida you may need to run for just a couple of miles but in New Jersey an 80-mile run to the fishing grounds isn’t out of the question. So, how small is too small for offshore? It depends on many variables beyond geography, like the weather conditions, the captain’s experience level, and the condition of the boat itself. That said, in areas where small boats can get offshore during the right weather window, these picks are among the best small offshore fishing boats.

This builder offers plenty of big boats, but their 20- to 24-foot offerings are what lands them on this list. They’re built with the PermaGrid fiberglass stringer system, a high-density composite transom, and a variable-degree deadrise hull that handles the seas far better than most boats of the same size. Even the smallest, the 208CC, carries a whopping 87 gallons of fuel and cruising at 30 mph, can run for almost 300 miles. The fishing features are all in place, too, ranging from livewells, to fishboxes, to rodholders.

Edgewater boats for sale

Edgewater 208CC, Edgewater photo. 

This builder’s lineup of bay and hybrid bay boats ranges from 22’5” to 27’0”, and although they’re not dedicated offshore boats even the 22- and 24-footers prove competent for popping through the inlet on days when the wind isn’t pumping. The smallest, the 2200, carries 65 gallons of fuel, and rigged with an F150 Yamaha outboard has over 250 miles of range at cruising speed. And Pathfinder’s vacuum-infused stepped hulls provide a ride that shines offshore every bit as much as inshore.

Pathfinder boats for sale

Pathfinder 2500 Hibrid, Pathfinder photo. 

Regulator Marine

Regulator has a lineup that runs all the way up to a 41-footer, but they make our list for one single model: the Regulator 23. With a wave-splitting 24 degrees of transom deadrise and a hefty 7,120-pound displacement, this is one of the smallest dedicated offshore fishing machines around. And it has a well-deserved reputation for proving competent beyond virtually all other boats of its LOA. It’s also a serious fishing machine, with two 87-gallon integrated fishboxes, multiple leaning post tackle station options, a 46-gallon livewell, and more.

Regulator boats for sale

Regulator 23, Regulator photo. 

Best East Coast Offshore Fishing Boats

Priorities can differ quite a bit along the East Coast, especially from north to south, since travel time to and from the offshore grounds differs quite a bit between places like Florida and New York. That said, just about all East Coast offshore anglers need fishing boats that can handle diverse tactics ranging from trolling rigged baits to live bait fishing.

Contender boats are known for having aggressive deep-V hulls that can chop through the rolling waves at high speeds without beating up the boat’s passengers. Originally popular in Florida in particular, their appeal has expanded up the coast and Contenders are now found the length of the Atlantic seaboard. The company’s extensive model range goes from 24 feet all the way up to 43’10”, and all also feature voluminous fuel capacities for extended runs offshore.

Contender boats for sale

Contender 28T, Contender photo. 

Invincible Boats

Invincible is one of those rare manufacturers that builds both monohull boats and powercats. The range goes from 33 to 46 feet, includes center consoles and pilothouse versions, and each and every model is designed to be a serious offshore fishing platform. Tremendous livewell capacity, huge number of rodholders, and massive fishboxes are all part of the mix.

Invincible boats for sale

Invincible 37' Catamaran, Invincible photo. 

World Cat boats builds, as one might guess from the name, a lineup of power catamarans. They range from the 235CC hybrid bay boat to the 400 CC-X. The offerings include a mix of center consoles and dual consoles, any of which can be run offshore and used for fishing. Serious offshore anglers, however, will be most interested in the center console CC-X models, which come fully armed for battling pelagics. The highpoint of these boats is, without question, the smooth powercat ride those twin hulls deliver. 

World Cat boats for sale

World Cat 235CC, World Cat photo. 

Best Gulf Coast Offshore Fishing Boats

Gulf Coast anglers generally make exceptionally long runs to reach the offshore grounds, often running to oil platforms many hours from port. As a result, fuel capacity and high-speed cruising are critical elements. Since those runs are so long some Gulf anglers like to make overnight trips, which makes having some form of berth belowdecks a big perk.

This relatively small builder has a range of 22- to 39-footers, all of which are designed solely for fishing. They have the gear, fuel capacity, and deep-V hulls to take on long fishing trips in the Gulf, but what really sets them apart from much of the competition is that they tend to have few frills and niceties. That helps Cape Horn undercut the competition’s price, so serious anglers who aren’t worried about goodies like luxury loungers and air conditioning can get the most LOA bang for their buck.

Cape Horn boats for sale

Cape Horn 24OS, Cape Horn photo.

Freeman Boatworks

Freeman builds a line of powercats that’s incredibly popular along the Gulf coast, especially among charter captains. They offer amazingly smooth rides that most monohulls can’t match, along with hat-stripping-fast cruising speeds. In fact, much of their model line is capable of cruising in the 40- to 50-mph range and can hit blistering speeds in excess of 70 mph. Each of their boats, which range from 28’9” to 47’0”, are also rigged with just about every fishing accouterment ever invented.

Freeman Boatworks boats for sale

Freeman 42LR, Freeman Boatworks photo. 

Yellowfin Yachts

Another boat builder known for crafting speedy creations is Yellowfin, which has a line of offshore-capable boats from 26 to 54 feet. Larger models have cabins inside the console with comforts like heads, berths, and air conditioning, and no matter the size these boats are rigged out with the best in multiple livewell systems, fishing rod holders, and massive fuel tanks.

Yellofin boats for sale

Yellowfin 54 Offshore, Yellofin photo. 

Best West Coast Offshore Fishing Boats

West Coast offshore anglers have very different needs depending on if they’re located in the north or the south, much like those along the Atlantic coast. In southern areas long runs into the Pacific are the norm, and often the same sorts of boats found in the Gulf or North Atlantic are ideal. In the northern areas, however, where there are rocky shores and islands to contend with, anglers will often be looking for the best offshore aluminum fishing boats as opposed to standard-issue fiberglass models.

Defiance boats are relatively small for offshore action (their largest model is the Guadalupe 290 XL), but these are a favorite among southern California anglers for their full pilothouse designs which provide all-weather protection. They also feature huge fuel capacities and wide-open aft cockpits.

Defiance boats for sale

Guadalupe 290 EX, Defiance Boats photo. 

Located in Clarkston, Washington, the entire Duckworth line is welded aluminum and they have three models appropriate for this conversation: the 26 Offshore, 28 Offshore, and 30 Offshore XL. All have a full pilot house for offshore fishing in difficult weather conditions, and they even offer diesel stove/heater options so you can keep fishing all winter long. Anyone searching for the best offshore aluminum fishing boats around is sure to run across this manufacturer.

Duckworth boats for sale

Duckworth 26 Offshore, Duckworth photo. 

With a lineup of 22- to 32-foot fiberglass pilothouse-style cabin boats, Sea Sports are another popular line built in Washington State. What sets these apart from the crowd is their cabins, which extend aft a bit more than most to provide additional interior space. While this does reduce cockpit space, it also gets you a lot more cabin for the LOA as compared to most competitors.

Sea Sport boats for sale

Sea Sport Explorer 2400, Sea Sport photo. 

There are so many different boatbuilders out there that the search for the best offshore boat brands is no small endeavor. But if you plan to point the bow for distant horizons in search of pelagic predators, it’s a search you will undoubtedly be making. We can’t say if any of these boat manufacturers offer the ideal model for you, personally, but hopefully this roundup will help you get started finding the perfect boat for your needs.

Written By: Lenny Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites. Rudow lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk ; he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

More from: Lenny Rudow

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Center Console Boats

Offshore fishing boats.

Our center consoles offshore boats have a timeless athletic stance and unmatched fishing amenities, the Everglades CC series is the benchmark in offshore fishing vessels. Available in sizes from 23' to 45', they perform with near-perfect weight balance and unimaginable agility.

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The building layout and hoisting systems provide for smooth transitions through all stages of manufacturing and have been engineered to be not only efficient but extremely safe as well. From bow to stern, every aspect of the boat has been ergonomically engineered for functionality and safety.

SeaHunter’s hull design is a full padded v-bottom with a stepped transom. Our hulls are about 10-15 percent faster than regular v-bottom or abbreviated hull design (full stepped hulls).

The sharp entry (60 degrees) and deep-vee at the transom (24.5), combined with our oversized chines allow a smooth, dry ride at any speed. These boats are made to run fast and dry in the roughest conditions: the rougher the better.

39 TOURNAMENT

35 tournament, 33 tournament, 31 tournament, 30 floridian, 28 floridian.

If you are in the market for a large catamaran center console, the 46 CTS MUST be experienced. It’s like nothing currently on the market. Like the 41, on this build we really tried to incorporate everything we love about a mono hull, while doubling down on everything we love about a cat hull.

We set a new standard for catamarans with our 41 CTS. This cat gives you all the benefits of a twin hull boat with the performance and appearance you are used to seeing from Seahunter.

A compact, do-everything catamaran,  the SeaHunter 38 CTS can take you anywhere it’s bigger brothers can with the absolute comforts of riding rough seas in a catamaran.

Redefining Offshore Fishing & Family Adventures. Experience Offshore Ultimate Fishability, Incredible Comfort, and Serious Performance in this game-changing vessel. Join us on the open waters for unforgettable moments. Discover the epitome of luxury, versatility, and excitement. Explore the Seahunter 45 VTS today!

With an overall length of 39 feet 3 inches and a beamy, 11’6” width, this fishing machine is at the top of its class for good reason. The Seahunter 39 features eight power options and offers triple and quad outboard configurations. All yielding over 1MPG at cruise. Like all Seahunters, it boast a long list of standard features and an options list that is sure to accommodate to any of your needs.

With the classic Seahunter deep V and oversized chines, the Tournament 35 is an excellent mid-30 foot center console that offers a top-of-the-line comfortable, dry ride. At 35 feet long and a beamy 11.5 feet, this boat offers more room & storage than any other center console in this size class. Its wider beam means more power options, more fuel capacity and more interior room than ever before.

If you’re looking for everything that a big tournament boat has to offer packed into a slightly smaller size, look no further. You’ll find all the storage, power, and fun you need in the Seahunter Tournament 33.

With an overall length of 31’10” and a 10’2” beam, the Seahunter 31 offers a lot of room, in both the bow and transom area. It’s wide beam provides an unbelievably stable platform making it perfect for drift, kite and bottom fishing.

The SeaHunter 30 Floridian builds on the strengths of the 28 model, offering enhanced stability and more deck space for a versatile fishing experience. With its larger design, it navigates smoothly through diverse sea conditions, making it ideal for both inshore and offshore adventures. This model combines the practicality of its smaller counterpart with additional comforts and luxury, ensuring a seamless experience for anglers and leisure seekers alike. The 30 Floridian is a superb choice for those who value flexibility and performance, without the necessity of a larger tow vehicle.

With the ability to gather bait in shore and head offshore at impressive speed, all in the same boat, The Seahunter 28 is truly our go-anywhere, do-anything model.

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Owner’s Cup 2024

The Wharf Boat Show

Get ready for the ultimate marine extravaganza… Continue Reading The Wharf Boat Show

Bay Bridge Boat Show

Situated on the banks of the Chesapeake… Continue Reading Bay Bridge Boat Show

East Coast: 954-287-1561 West Coast: 949-751-1891

The all new offshore 54' pilothouse is available ask us for more details..

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Highest Quality Luxury Cruising Yachts

Featured yachts.

65’/68’/70'/72’

Engines: TWIN 1015 HP Caterpillar C18'S

Introducing the all new CE 65 - 72 Series by Offshore Yachts.  Continuing to build on the Offshore Yachts legacy of incredible seakeeping abilities and ride comfort, the CE Series moves into the realm of modern.

Engines: Twin MAN V8 1000 HP

When it comes to flowing lines and flawless proportions, the sleek Offshore 76/80 Pilothouse is the jewel of the seas.

54' Pilothouse

Engines: twin cummins qsm11 715hp.

Offshore Yachts is thrilled to present the newest Offshore 54' Pilothouse. After our recent acquisition of Offshore Yachts, we assembled our best design team with over 100+ years combined boat building, commissioning and service experience.

Since 1948 our unwavering goal has been to build the best designed and highest quality fiberglass cruising yachts possible. The Offshore philosophy of maximum comfort, safety and convenience, regardless of sea conditions, is reflected in the design of every Offshore model. Our yachts are classically designed and built with remarkable attention to each and every detail.

The more you know about boats the more you will appreciate Offshore’s demanding standards of quality. It is not until you’ve made a difficult passage in rough seas that you will truly appreciate Offshore’s maxim “The softest ride on the water”. This isn’t just an advertising slogan; it’s the result of Offshore’s superior design features that provide incomparable comfort, safety and value.

Testimonials

Trish and I purchased our first 62 foot Offshore from John Olson @ Offshore Yachts in 2017.  After owning other boats, we were so impressed with the quality and craftmanship of the Offshore that we started thinking of finding a 72 foot Offshore.  In 2019 John found a 72ft Offshore for us and with his help he was able to sell our 62ft in record time. We would never use anyone else to purchase a boat, (maybe a 76 is in our future).  Without any hesitation, we highly recommend John and his team and Offshore Yachts.

December 2021

Praise from a New Member of the Offshore Family

After a great deal of research, we determined that the OFFSHORE ™ was the ideal boat for the Northwest waters that we travel. We connected with John Olson, (who gets the award for the most patient boat broker of all time!), and began looking at various new and used Offshores’, visiting boat shows across the country, and searching for the right boat for our specific needs.

We wanted to be able to operate the boat ourselves with just the two of us on board. We wanted it to be comfortable and functional for long distance cruising, but be outfitted for hard core fishing, fish processing, and storage. John listened to us talk about all of these goals, and took several stabs at designs for new boats, as well as strategies for customizing existing hull designs.

We are proud to be new members of the OFFSHORE™ family.

Praise from a New Offshore Owner

"Pat and I REALLY love our new Offshore 76. Now that we have had a week or two aboard, we are beginning to notice the extra thought and care that went into designing and outfitting her. We wake up every morning and our first words are, "We love our boat!" Our thanks to everyone in your organization for making the transition easy.

In Ft. Lauderdale, the team at the Harbor Town office: Captain Palmer, Captain Davis, Rich, Mary Jane. They unfailingly went out of their way to get us an answer or make a connection.

I enjoyed meeting Chris at the boat show -- very knowledgeable and helpful. And special thanks to you and Rojo for direct involvement and ready phone numbers. Very impressive responsiveness.

Finally, Geir, who made it all happen. He is simply a perfect representative of your company: honest, persistent, cheerful, and the kind of old salt that appeals to other old salts like me. Together you all make quite a team, and we feel very lucky to have chosen Offshore."

Comments overheard at the San Diego Boat Show

"The details are just gorgeous."

"By far the best--this is it!"

"I'm in love."

"This is my favorite so far."

"Wow, holy mackerel! Geeez, this is cool."..."The details are just gorgeous."

"Nicely done, very impressive."

"Don't have to go any further than this one."

Comments overheard at the Lido Boat Show

"You guys make gorgeous boats. I have always admired them."

"The quality is just exceptional."

"This is just awesome. This is the boat show winner!"

"That's a lotta boat!"

"I'm ready to move in."

Hale Kai - Our 58’ Offshore Pilothouse

Our 58’ Offshore Pilothouse proved its seaworthiness during its shakedown cruise in April 94 during the ‘storm-of-the-decade’ in Southern California inter-coastal waters. Our float plan called for cruising to Avalon to pickup family then south around the bottom of San Clemente out to Santa Barbara Island around the west-end of Catalina back to Avalon and then home to Newport Harbor.

Whether pushing our way thought ice flows in Alaska, skiing down twenty footers driven by Gale-force winds off Northern California, crossing unmarked reef-strewn shallow banks or bouncing through 15’ moguls off the north-eastern tip of Columbia; Hale Kai has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy partner.

News & Blog

“This Yacht is Awesome!” Captain Tony Nungary aboard Offshore 80′ “Sea Star”

Testimonial from Captain Tony Nungary. "Greetings from Barra de Navidad. We left Puerto Vallarta without one problem. Hit 40+ winds in Papa Gallo. This yacht is awesome! Absolutely zero pounding. These are really great boats. - Jim (Offshore Owner) has had a blast! Thank you!!"

Offshore 62

Offshore 54 Pilothouse

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The Gulf is full of offshore oil rigs. Here's what to know before fishing there.

T he yellowfin tuna that hung down past Tuan Nguyen’s waist would soon make excellent sashimi, he promised. Never mind what might be available in a restaurant, “nothing can compare to this fresh sashimi,” he added.

Nguyen had been on a private boat way out in the Gulf of Mexico with his friends, sleeping on a beanbag chair if necessary, when he reeled in the enormous tuna. After he posted the evidence last Friday on the Galveston Saltwater Fishing public Facebook group, other members reacted with admiration but also grilled him about where exactly he had encountered such good fortune.

“All I know is it’s 150 [miles], I don’t even ask what rig,” he replied.

Wherever it was, Nguyen’s catch highlighted the powerful allure of fishing near the untold number of offshore oil rigs in the Gulf. Whether operational or not, these hulking structures function as artificial reefs, drawing an entire food chain worth of aquatic life to the surrounding waters. Such seemingly easy pickings are irresistible to many anglers, but there are a few important things they should keep in mind.

For starters, anything past nine miles off the Texas coast is in federal waters, and the rules are a little different. Per Texas Parks and Wildlife , recreational anglers must possess a valid Texas fishing license and saltwater endorsement to keep any fish caught in federal waters. Artificial reefs like the ones created by TPW’s  Rigs to Reefs program are subject to the same regulations as other offshore locations.

Additionally, daily catch limits vary by species, particularly for red snapper, but for yellowfin tuna it’s three fish at least 27 inches long. Detailed information on a host of other species is available on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s website .

Nguyen opted for a private boat, but plenty of deep-sea fishing outfits in the area will gladly ferry aspiring anglers out to offshore rigs. Galveston Party Boats offers deep-sea trips of eight ($100 per adult), 12 ($135), and 30 ($455) hours, traveling up to 200 miles into the Gulf. Wave Dancer Charters has several trips of varying lengths and prices available, including a 36-hour overnight tuna/wahoo trip for $7,200.

Just keep in mind there’s likely to be plenty of competition out there.

“A towering structure, visible for miles around attracts a similar collection of boats and anglers of all different shapes and sizes as well,” advises Galveston Sea Ventures’ website . “On a nice, summer day there may be as many as 10 other boats joining you to fish the same platform since they’re so easily visible. This can create more competition for the number of hungry fish, or stubborn fish that have learned their lesson already to not bite whatever hooks may drop in front of them!”

Consider instead so-called “bottom structures” like rocks or shipwrecks as a potentially less popular, but equally fertile, alternative, it suggested.

100 episodes

Join Beach 104's Jody O'Donnell for a recap of the day in Outer Banks fishing each weekday morning. Jody talks with charter boat captains and all of the piers to see what's biting offshore, inshore, nearshore, and elsewhere. So wet a line and find out what's biting and where!

Daily Outer Banks Fishing Report Jody O'Donnell

• 29 MAR 2024

Daily Outer Banks Fishing Report 3/29/24

Not much fishing yesterday with all of the rain and the wind, but yellowfin tuna were the big biters for those who got out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• 28 MAR 2024

Daily Outer Banks Fishing Report 3/28/24

A few boats made it offshore yesterday, bringing with them some yellowfin tuna hauls. Not seeing much action on the northern beaches, but drum fishing is pretty good at the Hatteras point. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• 27 MAR 2024

Daily Outer Banks Fishing Report 3/27/24

Not many boats offshore but hopefully as the rain tapers later today we'll see some tuna catches resume. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• 25 MAR 2024

Daily Outer Banks Fishing Report 3/25/24

No offshore action over the weekend due to the weather, but there's lots of great tuna fishing to be had! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• 21 MAR 2024

Daily Outer Banks Fishing Report 3/21/24

Weather is putting a damper on the offshore fishing activity, but those making it out are still seeing some great tuna catches! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• 19 MAR 2024

Daily Outer Banks Fishing Report 3/19/24

Seeing nice bluefin, blackfin, and yellowfin tuna catches when and where boats are making it offshore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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