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Looking at maybe purchasing one in the near future. I wanted to know what some god MFG's are in this size range? Any idea's ? I have seen some Bertram's but not sure how good they are?
It would help if we knew your budget, where you will be fishing and the type of fishing. Also, How far out will you be going, how many people, will it be used for pleasure as well as fishing and would you prefer gas or diesel power? Oh yea, when you mention "sportfisherman" are you referring to a Convertible (flybridge boat), Express, Walk Around or Center Console with nose cuddy?
Ther are many brands that fall into that category, Blackfin, Bertram, Luhrs, Salt Shaker, Black Watch, Albin, Albemarle, Carolina Classic, Henriques, Wellcraft, Delta, Viking, Ocean, Uniflite, Intrepid, Stamas, etc, etc........ So you can see it may be difficult to choose........
My short list for used boats in that price and size range: (in no particular order)
For at least 50% fishing:
27, 28, 32 Albemarle
28 Carolina Classic
28, 31, 33 Bertram
For at least 50% Cruising:
Searay
Ocean Yacht
Viking
Tiara
In that price range you're looking primarily used. Albemarle and Carolina Classic are good choices. The Albemarle 28 would be the economy king and their 305 Express or 32 Express being a bit more of a battle wagon. I would add Blackfin to the list as well. The 29, 32 and 33 are all good choices.
I thought "sportfisherman" was synonymous with "Convertible". No?
I normally equate Sportfisherman with a convertible or express style boat but I have found out that the definition is dependant upon region as well as the individual you are talking with. That's why I learned to ask.
My suggestions for the original poster would be to try to narrow down the size a bit more. For my own use, I would be looking for any of the following: 33 Bertram Sportfisherman (NOT the 33 Flybridge Criuser), 33 Blackfin Combi, Blackfin 33 Convertible, Albin 35 Convertible, Egg Harbor 33 Conv, Egg Harbor 35 Conv, Luhrs 35 Conv, Wellcraft/Riviera 35 Conv and Viking 35 Conv........ Of couse, I would be a sucker for a Black Watch 36 Flybridge..... If I could find one.
I just did a Yacht World search for 32' to 36' Convertibles/Offshore salt water Fish, SportFishermen with Twin Diesels between $100,000 and $170,000 while limiting the search to the South East (FL, GA, KY. PR, NC, SC, TN and VI) Over 100 boats popped up. Of those you can figure 20% or so will not be anything that will be what you are looking for and another 10-15% that may be duplicates........ So that leaves about 60-70 boats ..... In the Southeast alone. The one that caught my eye is a SWEET 1987 Blackfin 36 Convertible with twin Detroits for an asking price of $134,700.
For the way you say you are going to use the boat I cannot in good faith suggest anything under 32 feet, particularly in a convertible. The space below will get too small too soon even in a 35, let alone anything un the sub 30' range.
You better factor in a lot of maintenance costs.
Running twin diesels is costly, especially w/ a genset.
filters, oil, & periodic service costs all go up when you say the word diesel.
TRUE..............But it will be multiple times cheaper then the same boat powered by gas???? In NJ diesel is still almost a buck a gallon cheaper than gas on the water, factor in better fuel economy and no tune ups??? You still do oil changes in both gas and diesel at 100 hrs max right? The argument has always been diesels cost more to buy hands down and often times more to fix, however, a properly cared for diesel with a bit of luck will last 5-6 thousand hours! You will re power your boat with gas motors 2-3 times in the same time span.... If you run your boat 100-150 hrs a year and plan on keeping your boat 7-10 years, then diesels are a no brainer!!!!!!!!!!!! (As far as inboards are concerned, I don't want to start the inboard vs. 4 stroke outboard thing up again!)
I am partial, but certainly at least check out the 28 or 35 Henriques......the 35 is available in express or FB..........Also they are releasing a sweet 30 footer by early Spring......
Sport fisherman 27' to 32' ??? 
