I currently operate a Viking 55. Absolutely, hands down the best Production boat from 50 to 60 feet. Spencer builds a fabulous boat. I spent several days over at his yard. I would highly recomend, if you are in the market for a custom boat, call Paul Spencer directly, you will find that he will be happy to talk with you himself. Hope this helps.
To me, the best boats over 50 feet come from Wanchese hands down. Paul Mann, Blackwell, Spencer, Sculley, BC, etc... These boats are made by fishermen for fishermen because a lot of them end up running charters on the east coast which tells you several things -economical, practical, and geared to fish everyday. Unless your looking for a production boat, which come with extras that push the cost and not fishability, I'd get a custom carolina boat.
IF you have to ask that type of question on a forum like this before making a huge investment, you might want to hire a couple of profesionals to help you with your choice
For a boat this size it all depends on what you are wanting. If you want a pure fishing boat or a pure cruising. Or a good mixture of the 2. Paul Spencer makes an extremely nice boat. I fish on one 3 or 4 times a year. It is extremely fast and rides very well. However the finish on the inside of this boat is not quite as nice as an equivalent Paul Mann boat. Both boats fish well. Wanchese is a great place to go get an idea of what a good boat in this size is. There are several ************************s in that area. Pirates Cove and Oregon-Inlet Fishing Center. You can go to either of these ************************s and talk to some of the Captains on the dock and find out what they think of their boat. I spend a lot of time in Pirates Cove and all the Captains there are very nice and will talk to you and show you around their boats. As far as production boats go I do not know much about them. I do have a friend that fishes an older Hatteras. It is a good solid boat. I think for what you are getting they are overpriced. I have fished a 43 foot Ocean Yacht and did not like it at all. I would rather fish a 30 foot center console than I had that Ocean on any day. If you are looking for a boat to just fish Buddy Cannady makes a good boat. They only make one a year because he is a charter fishing captain and only makes a boat during the winter months when the fishing is slow. They are geared towards a pure fishing machine and does not have the luxury of a Spencer or Mann yacht but the price of the Buddy Cannady is no where near that of a Spencer of Mann.
In my opion one of the best production boats over 50' is Hatteras. However, if your going to fish tourneys, or hardcore day fishing any of the custom carolina builders ( American, Merritt, Garlington) is the way to go.
May I ask which engine is in your 45 viking. If i is a man can you tell me If you like this engine and Its' reliability and servicing? I like the 45 open but it comes with man 900c.r.m. motor or the man 1360c.r.m. and I am a little hesitant about these.
Please can anybody advise me on the best large manufacturers of sports fishers over 50ft. I was thinking of companies like Viking, Hatteras etc.
My good friend just had his 66 Spencer built and we've fished plenty of tournaments so far on it, but if you want a boat for speed and a ride like no other, dont go any further. WOT: 47 kts. Cruise: 40 kts.
10'-12' HeadSea @ 23 kts.
Best Boats over 50 feet
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