Our Favorite Sports Fishing Boats

For the boating enthusiasts out there, we compiled a list of our favorite sports fishing boats. Let us know what you think.

Ocean 40 Super Sport

Launching New Jersey's Leek family into prominence, the Ocean 40 Super Sport debuted in 1977. Boasting a top speed of 30 knots, unprecedented for the time, the 40 was the first of a series of successful designs by the Ocean building company. Ocean eventually became the leader in the convertible- and express-boat markets, as many imitators failed to match the quality construction and solid value of Ocean yachts.

43 Merritt

No list would be complete without the 43 Merritt, widely considered the epitome of sport fishing boats. The 43 looks clean and unostentatious, with a large cockpit, simple controls, and supreme maneuverability. It augured the transition from framed to cold molded construction, inspiring the love for sports fishing in the United States. Only 11 were ever built, and in the hands of the world's top crews, the 43s hold many world records for blue marlin and bluefin tuna fishing. In fact, the bluefin trolling record was set by Captain Buddy Merritt in 1968 aboard the first 43 model and broken in the mid-1980s by the last 43 ever built.

57 Spencer

The 57 Spencer took North Carolina's boat building reputation to a whole new level. Building upon the sturdy, seaworthy models of North Carolina tradition, Spencer added speed and sleekness that brought new attention to the state's boats. Before becoming a shipbuilder in 1996, Paul Spencer worked as a chartermate and captain. His experience helped modernize the look and build of the North Carolina fleet, and the 57 is the epitome of that revolution.

Boston Whaler Nauset

Reputed to be the first production center console in the world, the Nauset changed fishing boat design forever. The design remains the most popular in the world, and rightfully so. Their "unsinkable" design made it one of the most popular fishing boats in all of history, with ads showing a boat sawed completely in half still returning to shore. Thousands of Nausets were sold, primarily on the East and Gulf Coasts of the US, and spawned later popular Boston Whaler models Montauk, Menemsha, and Newport.

Synthetic Oil for Your Fishing Boat in Ogden

We have already told you many of the benefits of synthetic oil, but you will be amazed by the line of boat products AMSOIL offers. Visit our online store to shop for yourself. Call your local AMSOIL Dealer in Ogden, S.O.S. Sales, at (801) 773-2175 to find out more.

53 Hatteras

Representing the standard in offshore fishing boats is the 53 Hatteras. First produced in 1969, the Hatteras combined a spacious cockpit with a comfortable living area to make it a favorite of the big production fishing boat world. Its heavy build made for a stable, if wet, ride, and became the model to emulate for the modern boat builders.

26 Regulator

Built for the treacherous shoals and inlets of the Outer Banks, the 26 Regulator outgrew its North Cackalacky roots to become an iconic figure of fishing boats in many regions of the country. The Regulator's deep-V hull is something of a legend for its exceptional handling in rough waters. The 26 is solid, practical, and enduring.

22 Pathfinder

Initiating the movement toward versatile bay boats is the 22 Pathfinder. It success has redefined what a bay boat should be and solidified the 22's reputation as the SUV of the water.

54 Bertram

Running from 1981 to 1993, the 54 Bertram is one of the best-selling large sports fishermen of all time. Built ruggedly, the 54's impressive deep-V hull was able to withstand waters that would keep most boats on the dock. Its large cockpit made it a favorite for both weekend fishermen and tournament pros, making the 54 one of the most widely admired fishing boats ever.

31 Contender

The 31 Contender is an icon, one of the best-selling boats of its size in all of history. Its sturdy construction, intelligent layout, and high-class performance made it very popular with fisherman around the country. You are likely to see one in any dock, and it has posted a respectable list of tournament victories as well.

25 Mako

Debuting in the mid '70s, the 25 Mako started the trend toward larger center consoles that survives today. Its long-range capabilities made it very popular in the Gulf Coast, but it was mostly used as a canyon boat in the Northeast.

Your Fishing Boat Needs Synthetic Oil in Ogden

Because of the heavy load a boat represents, you should go with a synthetic oil. Call S.O.S. Sales, your local AMSOIL Dealer in Ogden, at (801) 773-2175 to find out which AMSOIL products are right for your boating needs. If you already know what you are looking for, you can shop for yourself at our online store.