Click for Abeking Click for Cross Click for Mulder Click for Perko Click for Northern Lights

Looking For A Fishing Yacht

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by tropical, Dec 1, 2011.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. tropical, Dec 1, 2011
    #1
    tropical

    tropical New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2011
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Panama City Florida
    Hello Everyone,

    This is my first time, so be gentle with me LOL!

    I will be looking to purchase a fishing yacht soon and I have a few questions for you seasoned vets of the waterways. I have looked and looked on line and the closest fishing yacht I can find to what I am looking for is a Cabo or Viking.

    Now, what I am looking for is, #1: A yacht that I can allow my children to roam free (if possible) without the chance of falling overboard when I am under way. I have seen the Cabo and Viking models that have railing, but it stops short of the port or starboard on each side. BTW, forgive my wrong terminology. I am also going to be new at this, so I will be hiring a Captain, until I am proficient to HIS satisfaction, that I can run the vessel on my own. I will be with him a minimum of 3 months. I may even keep him on as my Captain on call. I do NOT want to sink or destroy a million dollar craft.

    #2: I am looking for one that we can pleasure as much as fish, to include being able to sunbathe on the bow. I have not seen any fishing yachts that have the cushions on the bow to lay out on.

    I think this covers it. Does anyone know of any other manufactures that make something close to what I am looking for? Or, do they even make anything like I want? If so, please put the link or links here.

    Kind Regards!

    Tropical
  2. Capt J, Dec 1, 2011
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,534
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    It sounds like you are looking for a motoryacht with a cockpit. Sportfish by design have easy access to the water from the cockpit so you can fish, therefore no railings. Check out a Maritimo, from the sounds of things it might fit your needs with the bow cushions and layout.
  3. Capt Ralph, Dec 1, 2011
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,444
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Build up an ole Hatt FY.
    Not fast, but comfi and family / party oriented.
  4. tropical, Dec 1, 2011
    #4
    tropical

    tropical New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2011
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Panama City Florida
    Thanks Captn J. I looked at those yachts you suggested and MAN they are nice, VERY nice! I did not notice a live well though, unless I missed something. Can live wells be installed if need be?
    Thanks!
    Tropical
  5. Capt J, Dec 1, 2011
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,534
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Yeah, a livewell can usually be installed fairly easily.
  6. tropical, Dec 1, 2011
    #6
    tropical

    tropical New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2011
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Panama City Florida
    Thank you. That points me in the right direction as far as choices. I believe the swim platform it's called or is it LOL. can be removed too when fishing to make it easier right? Or does it need to stay on?. Like I said, I am new and will question you like a kid in a candy store.
    Kind Regards!
    Tropical
    Never mind, I guess I was a bit anxious. I just found the offshore convertibles.
  7. NYCAP123, Dec 2, 2011
    #7
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,208
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    A swim platform can be removed, but not easily. Lots of weight and you have the brackets to deal with and the losening of the bolts. More times you do it, the more likely you are to rattle. Best to make a choice to have or not right from the start. Not sure of your kids ages, but remember PFDs whenever out of the cabin if they're under 12. They should also be supervised whenever transiting from cockpit to the bow. Kids can easily slip under rails. Make sure there are hand-holds where they can easily reach them. Another thing to consider with a SF is the ladder to the bridge. Most cockpit MYs and Sport Cruisers have steps. Everything in life is a compromise. Set your priorities and then pick the style that best fits. Both bow sunpads and livewells can be added fairly easily if you have the space.
  8. tropical, Dec 2, 2011
    #8
    tropical

    tropical New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2011
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Panama City Florida
    Thanks NYCAP123,
    Now I know that my options are just about unlimited, since I can add a live well, hand rails and the sun pads after market or when being built. That means I can get a Hatt, Cabo, Viking, or what ever and make it my own. The only concern I guess would be, to find one that had a stern I could land big fish from, in case I went with a motor yacht instead of a fishing yacht.
    Being new to all of this, I did not know all of that. I knew you get get a few options, but not that you could do just about anything to them.
    Thanks to all of you. I will let you know when I find my prize yacht.
    Kind Regards!
    Tropical
  9. NYCAP123, Dec 2, 2011
    #9
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,208
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    The rail would be the exception to that. Very expensive. Again though hand-holds are more important than the rail as rails are easy to go over or under. As for catching the big one, the gear, baits and knowledge about the fish are more important than the boat. Some big fish have been landed on some paultry boats.