55' Ocean

I can't say anything good or bad about the 55. I do have a good friend that owns a 48 and loves it. Fit and finish is good, it's a dry boat also (although I've never been out in real choppy weather in his boat).

What year 55 are you looking at?

I've sold quite a few 55's. Just make sure it's 84 or newer. 892's were the power package. In '87 they did go to the wet turbos.

I like 55' Oceans...I went on a totally rebuilt 55' Ocean at the Miami Boat Show a couple years ago. The interior and internal layout is really impressive. Lots of room, intelligent design, "high bow", nice lines, etc...

Of course the spacious interior comes at the expense of an engine room from hell. You have to be a midget to work on those engines. Totally cramped, even though I am a large individual.

All post-1989 Vikings, all Hatteras's, and most Bertrams have spacious and practical engine room designs.

55 Ocean, real experience.

I currently own a 55 Ocean Super Sport manufactured in 1985. Mine is a bristol condition fresh water boat with 735hp 8V92's modified by Johnson and Towers. They currently have approximately 1500 original hours and have never been majored. Other than cold smoking as the boat is in cooler climates in Michigan, that was remedied by installing engine block heaters, the boat runs wonderfully. I really do get tremendous speeds out of the boat that has left much newer competitive boats in my wake. The boat will run an honest 25kts at 1800rpms, and top out at 32kts plus at 2300rpms. Fit and finish on the boat is well above average and has stood the test of time. I do agree with the earlier post that the boat is light by Bertram or Hatteras standards, but they cannot match the speed and efficiency of the Ocean. I have found in heavy seas to improve stability, is to simply slow down and put the hull back in the water. I have also heard that earlier Oceans have experienced hull construction issues, but I am glad to say that I never have. Just take a look at the size of the stringers in the engine room, and you will see the backbone of the boat and should realize that it is not coming apart as these boats were formidable competitors on the tournament scene back in the 80's and early 90's.

We are purchasing a 2002 Ocean 56 SS. Boat has a great layout, with a lot of interior space. Once we get it in the islands I will let you know how it runs.

55 Ocean

Had Ocean 5 years. Bought it redone top to bottom. definitely galley with removal of big frig for under counter appliances and granite counters. 750 J&T"s. Had injector problems due to poor quality rebuilds ,J&T's response, but remedied by the dealer. Ran strong usually 70+ miles off shore and we picked the weather, don' like rough days. Boat definitely utilizes all storage areas. LOVE forward head & multiple hatches, plenty of air flow & natural light below. Outboard tanks made engine room Tight for outside repairs but mirror surfaces made viewing great around engines,good idea. Keel is a problem so be careful when pulling boat, USE 3 straps and check blocking on keel on hard ground. Mine had all documents for every system and every item on board even lifting and blocking instructions from Ocean.I'd call her a Buick, Viking would be a Cadillac simply because of a stronger build, nicer interior from factory and a better resale year to year. Overall a great buy for the money.