Sportfishing yachts have long been the vessel of choice for those passionate about angling, blending robust construction with the performance needed to chase game fish across vast oceans. These aren’t just boats; they are meticulously engineered platforms designed for serious anglers who demand both capability and comfort. The ideal sportfish yacht masterfully combines seaworthiness, speed, and agile handling with the opulent amenities expected in a luxury yacht. On deck, they feature expansive cockpits built for intense fish-fighting action, complemented by essential fishing gear like livewells, fish boxes, and numerous rod holders. Below deck, these yachts surprise with luxurious interiors, boasting premium materials, state-of-the-art appliances, and lavish staterooms. They represent the pinnacle of self-sufficient angling, ready for adventures far beyond the horizon where the biggest fish swim.
This article dives into a curated selection of top-tier sportfish yachts that exemplify this hybrid luxury sport fish ethos. Each vessel listed below has been rigorously reviewed, showcasing the best in breed for discerning anglers. They are presented in no particular order, each offering unique strengths in the realm of luxury sport fishing.
Viking Yachts 82 Convertible: A Tournament-Ready Marvel
Viking Yachts continues to innovate with the 82 Convertible, their latest sport-fisherman designed to dominate the tournament circuit. Hull No. 1, serving as the factory demonstrator, has already made waves in prestigious tournaments from Bermuda to the East Coast. Performance is at the forefront, thanks to advanced computational fluid dynamics in design and powerful twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines. This combination allows for a blistering top speed of 42 knots and a comfortable 36-knot cruise. The 82 Convertible integrates user-friendly and efficient systems, including Octoplex digital switching and Optimus electronic power steering. Previously custom options like omnidirectional sonar, multiple water makers, and extensive refrigerated storage are now readily available, highlighting Viking’s commitment to comprehensive angling solutions. Offered in open bridge, enclosed bridge, and sky bridge models, the Viking 82 is a versatile luxury sport fish yacht built for serious anglers.
The Viking 82 Convertible in Pamlico Blue, featuring a custom tuna tower, exemplifies the open-bridge design for optimal sport fishing visibility. Courtesy Viking Yacht Company. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 82’11” |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 21’5” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2,671 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 425 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’9” |
| Displacement: | 154,647 lb. |
Royal Huisman 171: The Superyacht Sportfisher
Breaking boundaries in size and luxury, the Royal Huisman 171, known as Special One, redefines what a sportfisherman can be. This six-deck marvel from the renowned Dutch builder is a true “sport-fisher on steroids,” as described by Vripack, the Dutch design firm behind its interior and exterior. Constructed with Alustar aluminum, known for its strength and lightweight properties, this supersized sportfish achieves both durability and impressive performance.
Despite its expansive six decks, Vripack has sculpted sleek lines that defy its size. A high freeboard forward makes a bold statement, while the sheerline gracefully slopes towards the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck design create a striking aesthetic, an impressive achievement for a 171-footer. Equipped with all the angling necessities and capable of speeds up to 30 knots, the Special One is a global-ready hybrid luxury sport fish yacht, unmatched in its class and scale.
Project 406 by Royal Huisman, deemed the world’s largest and most luxurious true sport-fish yacht, sets a new standard in hybrid luxury and angling capability. Image courtesy of Tom van Oossanen. Manufacturer Details
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Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 171’ |
|---|---|
| Hull & Superstructure: | Aluminum |
| Design & Architecture: | Vripack Yacht Design |
| No. of Decks: | 6 |
Rybovich 94: Agility Meets Uncompromising Luxury
The Rybovich 94, III Amigos, perfectly balances size, speed, and agility, a rare trifecta in the sportfish category. Built by Michael Rybovich and Sons and designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture by Dusty Rybovich, this 94-footer is constructed from cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets contribute to a shallow 5-foot draft, ideal for navigating the Bahamas. Power comes from twin 2,600 hp MTU diesels, propelling this luxury sport fish to speeds exceeding 41 knots.
The owner, also a superyacht owner, insisted on luxury-yacht finishes within a sportfish exterior. Solid, ¾-inch thick stateroom doors, reminiscent of those on his 196-foot Feadship, exemplify this. These flush-closing doors with hidden hinges close with the satisfying sound of a Rolls-Royce, highlighting the refined luxury integrated into this high-performance angling machine.
Twin MTU diesels power the Rybovich 94 III Amigos, showcasing the powerful performance within a luxury sportfish design. Photo by William Smith. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 94’ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 22’ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4,400 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 600 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’ |
| Displacement: | 165,000 lb. |
Release Boatworks 43 Gameboat: Classic Design, Modern Performance
Evoking the iconic 43-foot Merritt, the 43 Gameboat from Release Boatworks elevates this classic sport-fishing design with contemporary sophistication and enhanced performance. The hull is constructed using blister-resistant modified epoxy resin, vacuum-infused with Airex foam cores and E-glass hybrid fiberglass laminates, maximizing strength while minimizing weight. Fiberglass encapsulated foam stringers and vacuum-infused composite core bulkheads further contribute to its robust yet light structure. Standard twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels allow the 43 Gameboat to cruise at 30 knots and reach a top speed of 35 knots. Options include more powerful Cummins or Volvo Penta engines, omni sonar, and gyrostabilization, making it a highly customizable hybrid luxury sport fish yacht. Available in walkaround, flybridge walkaround, or express layouts, it offers versatility for various angling preferences.
The Release Boatworks 43 Gameboat, designed by Erwin Gerards, boasts an economical cruise speed of 24.8 knots and a top speed of 35 knots, blending performance with efficiency. Courtesy Release Boatworks. Manufacturer Details
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Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 43’ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 14’10” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 620 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 60 Gal. |
| Draft: | 3’9” |
| Displacement: | 34,000 lb. |
Viking Yachts 38 Billfish: Versatility and Bluewater DNA
The Viking Yachts 38 Billfish holds a special place for bluewater sport-fishing enthusiasts, offering a compelling blend of versatility, comfort, and performance in a smaller package. Designed as an owner-operator vessel, the 38 Billfish emphasizes simplicity and ease of maintenance. It’s a ready-to-fish machine equally capable of inshore and offshore adventures, as well as comfortable extended cruising. Reliable inboard diesel power, a large cockpit, and the speed and range to compete with larger vessels make it a standout hybrid luxury sport fish option. It delivers a fast, safe, and comfortable ride in diverse sea conditions, proving that luxury and capability can come in a more compact form.
Powered by twin Cummins diesels, the Viking 38 Billfish achieves a 31-knot cruise and a top speed of 35 knots, combining speed with the trusted Viking build quality. Courtesy Viking Yachts. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 38’8” |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 14’ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 460 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 69 Gal. |
| Draft: | 3’4” |
| Displacement: | 30,953 lb. |
Jarrett Bay Boatworks 64: North Carolina Craftsmanship and Power
Jarrett Bay Boatworks from North Carolina presents the 64-foot Rebelette, a testament to tailored craftsmanship and advanced propulsion. Hull No. 65 features a custom walnut interior and a spacious tackle center, perfectly blending luxury with functionality. Twin 2,025 hp Caterpillar C23B diesels deliver impressive performance, allowing Rebelette to cruise comfortably at 31 knots at 1,750 rpm, with a range to spare thanks to its 1,650-gallon fuel capacity. Pushing to 37 knots at 1,950 rpm and reaching a top speed of 43 knots fully loaded, this hybrid luxury sport fish yacht offers both speed and opulent comfort.
The Jarrett Bay 64 Rebelette showcases custom lines and a pronounced bow flare while underway off Morehead City, North Carolina, highlighting its bespoke design. Courtesy Jarrett Bay/Luke Pearson. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 64’8″ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 18’8″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,650 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 550 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5′ 3″ |
| Displacement: | 98,000 lb. |
F&S Boatworks 82: Custom Sportfish Pedigree and Performance
F&S Boatworks is renowned for custom sportfish excellence, and the 82-foot Special Situation continues this legacy. Performance is a hallmark, with twin 2,600 hp MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines delivering a 36-knot cruise at 2,000 rpm while burning under 200 gallons per hour. Efficiency is also notable at 28 knots and 122 gph at 1,650 rpm. Special Situation exceeds 42 knots at top speed. This yacht exemplifies the custom builder’s art, blending high performance with luxurious appointments to create a true hybrid luxury sport fish vessel.
With a top speed exceeding 42 knots, the 82-foot Special Situation ranks among the fastest sport-fishing boats available today, showcasing F&S Boatworks’ commitment to performance. Courtesy F&S Boatworks. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 82’ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 21’9” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3,200 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 500 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’5” |
| Displacement: | 110,000 lb. |
Bayliss Boatworks 60: Walkaround Design for Competitive Anglers
Bayliss Boatworks introduces their first walkaround design with the 60-foot Sequentis, specifically designed for live-bait tournament sailfishing in South Florida. Sequentis offers 360-degree fishability, multiple livewells, and pitch-bait tubes, essential for competitive angling. Speed is critical in tournaments, and Sequentis delivers, reportedly exceeding 42 knots in sea trials thanks to twin MTU 12V2000 M96X diesel engines. This walkaround design enhances fishability while maintaining the luxury and performance expected from Bayliss, making it a standout hybrid luxury sport fish yacht.
Designed for South Florida sailfish tournaments, Sequentis is Bayliss Boatworks’ first walkaround model, offering enhanced fishability and high performance. Courtesy Bayliss Boatworks/Eden Saunders. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 60′ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 18′6″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,650 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 225 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5′ |
Viking Yachts 90 Convertible: Flagship Performance and Innovation
As the flagship of the Viking fleet, the 90 Convertible represents the pinnacle of Viking’s engineering and design. Improvements include an advanced lifting-strake design, refined driveline and prop pockets, and state-of-the-art propulsion systems. Computational fluid dynamics software was used to optimize performance, analyzing pressure distribution and trim effectiveness to enhance running efficiency. Available in open bridge, enclosed bridge, and sky bridge models, the Viking 90 Convertible embodies luxury and performance at the highest level, setting the standard for hybrid luxury sport fish yachts.
The Viking Yachts 90 Convertible, shown here in the sky bridge configuration, is the flagship of the Viking fleet, representing top-tier luxury and performance. Courtesy Viking Yachts. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 90′ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 23’2″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3,801 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 480 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’11” |
| Displacement: | 203,659 lb. |
Merritt 88 Sky Bridge: Global Sportfishing in Ultimate Comfort
Merritt’s Boat & Engine Works introduces the 88-foot sky bridge, designed for global sportfishing expeditions with no compromise on luxury. Featuring opulent interiors, cutting-edge electronics, and twin 2,600 hp MTU engines, this sport-fisherman delivers yacht-level comfort and high performance for extended angling adventures. The Merritt 88 achieves enhanced performance through extensive use of carbon fiber, Corecell, and advanced epoxy in its construction, resulting in a stronger, lighter, and faster vessel than its predecessors. This sky bridge model is the epitome of a hybrid luxury sport fish yacht, blending long-range capability with lavish amenities.
Reel Tight, the first 88-foot skybridge model from Merritt’s Boat and Engine Works, achieves a top speed exceeding 41 knots despite its substantial displacement, showcasing impressive engineering. Courtesy Merritt’s Boat & Engine Works. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 88′ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 21’2″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3,900 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 500 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’6″ |
| Displacement: | 153,000 lb. |
Duffie 70: Handcrafted Excellence and High-Speed Cruising
The new 70-footer from Duffie Boatworks, Dem Boys, exemplifies exceptional handcrafted quality with a focus on both luxury and performance. Notable features include a luxurious four-stateroom layout and advanced systems like a proprietary closed-loop freshwater cooling system. At 2,000 rpm, the Duffie 70 cruises at a rapid 36.5 knots, significantly reducing travel time to distant offshore canyons while maintaining fuel efficiency. Dem Boys reaches a top speed of 43.5 knots, making it a high-performance hybrid luxury sport fish yacht with a focus on refined craftsmanship.
The Duffie 70 Dem Boys showcases signature design elements, including clean lines and unique engine room vents, reflecting Duffie Boatworks’ distinctive style. Courtesy Duffie Boatworks. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 71’6” |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 20’ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2,600 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 405 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’11” |
| Displacement: | 125,000 lb. |
Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition: Carolina Heritage, Production Efficiency
Albemarle Boats and Spencer Yachts collaborated to create the Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition, a semi-custom Carolina boat that merges custom design elements with production efficiency. This partnership aimed to bring the characteristic styling, performance, and design of custom Carolina boats into a production setting, reducing build times significantly. The result is a hybrid luxury sport fish yacht that delivers both performance and heritage, designed to run far, fast, and fish hard in challenging conditions.
The Albemarle 53 Spencer Edition is engineered for extended range and high speed, capable of tackling trophy pelagics in virtually any sea condition, highlighting its robust design. Courtesy Albemarle Yachts. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 53’ |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 16’6” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,100 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 150 Gal. |
| Draft: | 5’ |
| Displacement: | 48,000 lb. |
Winter Custom Yachts 46: Walkaround Versatility Redefined
Winter Custom Yachts and their 46-footer, Thumper, showcase the full potential of the walkaround design, maximizing its inherent versatility. This design allows anglers to fish from anywhere around the boat, bow to stern, offering unparalleled freedom. Beyond fishing, the walkaround layout enhances safety and ease of movement for family cruising. Thumper is presented as one of the most versatile boats in its size class, blending fishability and family-friendly features into a compelling hybrid luxury sport fish package with a 35-knot cruising speed.
The Winter Custom Yachts 46 Thumper features a highly functional walkaround design and a 35-knot cruise speed, pushing the boundaries of fishing boat versatility. Courtesy Winter Custom Yachts. Manufacturer Details
Our Review
Quick Specifications
| Length Overall: | 46’1” |
|---|---|
| Maximum Beam: | 14’2” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 600 Gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity: | 75 Gal. |
| Draft: | 3’2” |
| Displacement: | 33,000 lb. |
