Capt Hugh Wilde

I have often wondered if the classic day boat, such as a 34 Rybovich or the 37 Merritt was going to come back in style in these days of high fuel prices.

Comfortable, fast, economical FISHING BOATS, not floating condos.

Just right for 3 to 5 guys to go fishing.

No bigger than many center consoles but so much nicer.

A couple of bunks, good storage, a head and small galley.

2 small diesels and a small gen if you wanted A/C below.

Nimble fishing machine.

What say you?

KJ6TQG

Excuse me, a 34' or a 37' "Day boat" is not an inexpensive to operate machine. There is no putting it on the trailer at the end of the day. Those machines float, and while floating rack up the expenses whether they are used or not.

jbg108

It's what I lust after also with a lower helm station and L shaped seating down below instead of a dinette. The 34 Realease at miami with a real bridge would be the balls.

rocksandblues

Ocean did one couple years ago

jbg108

I love the Billfish. I've heard the lower helm is low to see over the bow. I like the Billfish's shallow draft too.

Capt Hugh Wilde

I have seen them with lower helms, as a matter of fact with 3 station, bridge, below, and cockpit.

Albert Jr.

I have wondered and wished for the same thing.
I have always thought that it was a shame that companies like Rybovich stopped producing 46 feet and under convertible boats.

On the plus side, many newer companies have started producing semi-custom boats in that size range.

SJYS PP

I love the look of the classic day boats. The 37 Ocean Billfish, is a great example and throwback to the older days where people wanted to get from the helm to the fish quick. The Billfish is a modern day example of the classic day boat. 480 Yanmars cruise the boat at 30 knots burning about 33 gph. Prop pockets on the Billfish allow you to get into the skinny water when needed. Not many used 37's on the market. It is a really nice package.

DreamWeaver21

Very unlikely. Too much money for normal people and too sparten for the limited number of people that could afford them.

Slow compared to center console and anything sitting in the water is going to be a headache compared to a trailer boat.

Albert Jr.

Do you have any pics of her ?

ThreeLittleFish

Here's the 37 Billfish. But it doesn't have prop pockets. I'd take an express over a day boat.

Albert Jr.

Dang thats a nice lil boat.

cape_fisherman

Cute Express boat...

SJYS PP

I believe the photos above are of hull #1, but i'm not sure. I dont remember if the earlier boats did have prop pockets, but I can assure you that they do now. The newer models also have the option for an over under bunk in the forward stateroom, or a queen island sleeper.

joe.giuliano

There is a 37 Strike Walk for sale down in the keys that fits the bill. Not cheap.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2009...s#.UX3AgLUZx8E

ychtcptn

About 10 years ago I had built for my owner at Hatteras a day boat in the tradition of the old Merrrits. We took the 39 express and put the 39 fly bridge on top. The back was open and the interior wash spray and go. We put a couple of small cummins in her, she was no rocket ship, but very economical.
I took the boat on her on bottom from North Carolina to the BVI's. she spent about 10 years working out of Peter Island resort.
I've always loved that style, the Billfish looks like a great boat, nice design. Wonder if the sold many?

jbg108

http://m.yachtworld.com/mobile/boats...528781/Bermuda

A freind of mine spent three years building this beauty. It fishes like a dream and is a great sea boat. Too bad he could not keep it.

walleyeguy6

I'm a huge fan of mid-30' convertibles as a day boat, fishing platform, sunset booze cruiser, weekend floating condo, and marina hangout. Exponentially less expense to procure, store, maintain, and run than a larger boat, but a ton of versatility compared to a similar-sized cc. Count me in, I'll have one docked in front of the lake house someday. Right next to the boat house with the Donzi.

MrWesson

CLASSIC would be a nice option with some economical diesels. I've seen some stuff around 50k and under.

15 year old and newer can easily outprice a house.

A center console gets you on the water for cheaper,can trailer it home, and run shallower that most.

That being said i'd take the day boat.

theolog

I actually have ALOT to say about this post, but right now I'm just going to say that the last time I checked the 37 Billfish quoted out around three quarters of a million dollars. If custom (or even production) express/convertible/dayboat type boats could be had for $125k, you'd see them everywhere. Something in the 28-34' express/convertible range is my short-term dream. A little larger custom Carolina, 38-42' is a retirement dream.