1999 Ocean 48' that I like but others are scaring me

There are 3 generations of the Ocean 48 and feedback will vary by build vintage. The original Gen 1 build launched in 1986; some cosmetic changes for Gen 2 in 1991 and a complete keel up redesign for Gen 3 for 1995-2003. The early builds got caught up in the whole ‘flexible flyer’ nonsense that your cap’t friends are probably ref’ing. The Gen 3 build is a completely different and superior boat and inarguably the best of the bunch - and more expensive of course. You also get 4 cycle power options. Ocean built over 400 total boats over an 18 year production run, and most are still running happily offshore. That’s a pretty respectable career.

The Gen 3 Oceans are definitely great boats and the way to go over other generations.

What power do you have 3196s
DDECs
Series 60

I have a 1998 48, bang for buck probably one of the best out there, my only complaint is the same as a few others who have, or own one, playing "find the leak" but that is not something that applies only to the Ocean line. If you ever want to talk feel free to pm me your number

Listing says its a 1999 prob cats

What else do you want to know?

We have an 1981 42’ Sunliner.
Bought it 2014.
I’ve put lots of TLC into it due to neglect and really love the boat. Has an awesome interior layout for its size.
We use it on a regular basis, actually writing this now on the boat . Spent our new year’s on it. Lol 60 degrees out today, winter storm watch tomorrow 6” of snow they say…but we will still use it as a dock-o-minium through the winter.
Mine is solid thin hull fiberglass, no core. Anyway we are coastal cruisers and have run the boat through some nasty weather. She always does well, not much flexing going on. But I also don’t run it hard/fast in bad seas to stress the boat.

I’ve always heard good things about the 48’. It’s a sharp looking boat. There are two in my marina.
Yes , great bang for the buck vessels.

I have A 96 48 that originally had the 3196 is what about 3000 hours they were replaced in 2008 with C12 which is what I now have.
If you've got 1800 hours on those engines they should be good to good to go. the aftercooler problems were fixed long ago. You will still need to follow the cat recommended service intervals For the after cooler cores.

My boat's been great rides well does good in all types of sea conditions.

The engine rooms are pretty tight because the fuel tanks are up along the side of the boat But that keeps them away from the salt and corrosion.

The generator can be a little noisy because the engine vents are in the cockpit which gives the hull a nice sleek look.
There's no wood anywhere in the decks or hull they used a foam sandwich instead of balsa called divinicell.
Overall I think you will enjoy it they're well built they just don't have the Bells and whistles like the other Sportfish manufacturers down in Jersey we're making at that time that's why they're priced less.
The manufacturer wants The boat blocked Along the keel every 7' and stands every 5 to 7' Follow that and you won't have a problem.

And who doesn't love the galley up, the salon is a huge, other manufacturers should have jumped on that sooner.
Nice yellow hull too
Good luck

Interested in your plan to transport from PR. Fuel bladder(s) on her own bottom? Transport ship? C-5 airlift ?

In all due respect Paul, unless you are getting this boat for a steal, which would cause concern, there has to be many 48' Oceans around the continental U.S. including your back yard, for sale.
You will be spending big transport/travel bucks on an unknown boat, that is only worth so much in the first place. Also you better get some insurance quotes first before you purchase a boat in PR and run it back to Florida or Madison. Insurance is real hard to get now, no matter the boat.

Save even more money, which you will need for whatever boat you buy, look at the Ocean 46'. Fast, nice boat. I'm sure there are a few nice clean ones with fresh Detroit's in them and a new generator ready to go. Boat will pretty much do all the 48' Ocean will due at much lower price.

Sounds like he wants the boat to be in Puerto Rico the way I read his post

Ok, I did not look at the listing...did not know the current location. Got ya. Thanks.

I'd have it surveyed and if in good condition buy it. You'll say money not having to ship another one.