Merritt Boat & Engine Works has built custom sportfishing boats since 1955, creating a reputation around craftsmanship, fishability, offshore capability, and refined styling. The company has produced more than 100 boats and continues to build custom sportfish yachts in Pompano Beach, Florida.
For buyers comparing sport fishing yachts for sale, Merritt occupies a different part of the market from a high-volume production builder. Each yacht reflects a custom or semi-custom build philosophy, with layouts, machinery, fishing equipment, interior details, and owner preferences varying significantly from boat to boat.
That individuality makes Merritt especially attractive to serious anglers and experienced owners who value offshore performance, cockpit function, machinery access, and long-term build quality.
A used Merritt can appeal to buyers who want a custom sportfisherman with a proven reputation and a relatively limited number of sisterships. Current brokerage inventory includes boats from the mid-40-foot range through yachts above 80 feet, with many examples still actively fishing decades after launch.
Used Merritts may feature open or enclosed flybridges, large fighting cockpits, tuna towers, mezzanine seating, substantial fish boxes, custom tackle centers, livewells, generators, high-horsepower diesel inboards, and interiors finished to a much higher level than many purely utilitarian fishing boats.
For buyers reviewing used yachts for sale, individual condition is critical. Repowers, refits, tower work, paint, electronics, interior upgrades, and machinery service can materially affect the value of one Merritt compared with another of similar age.
Merritt’s current new-build program focuses on advanced-composite 77- and 88-foot sportfish models. The builder states that these yachts use modern composite construction techniques while preserving the craftsmanship and offshore fishing focus that define the brand.
The 77 and 88 sit firmly in custom sportfishing yacht territory, providing the volume required for large cockpits, substantial diesel power, multi-stateroom interiors, crew accommodations where specified, and tournament-level fishing equipment.
Because each Merritt is highly customized, exact engine packages, bridge arrangements, interior layouts, tower specifications, fishing systems, and tender arrangements can vary between boats even within the same length range.
Buyers considering larger yachts for sale may find the current 77 and 88 especially relevant when serious offshore fishing capability remains the primary mission.
Merritt’s history includes early 37- and 42-foot hulls that helped establish the company’s reputation. These smaller custom boats are part of the builder’s heritage and remain important to buyers interested in classic Florida sportfishing craftsmanship.
The current brokerage market also includes 46- and 48-foot examples. These boats provide a more manageable entry into Merritt ownership while still delivering the cockpit design, diesel propulsion, and custom construction associated with the brand.
Older examples should be evaluated with particular attention to hull condition, previous repairs, engines, tanks, wiring, windows, towers, and refit documentation, as many have received substantial upgrades over their lifetime.
The 58, 60, and 65-foot range is strongly represented in the used Merritt market. Current listings include a 58, a 60-foot 1987 Merritt, and a 65 Sport Fish, giving buyers several ways to enter the brand in a size category suited to serious offshore fishing and multi-day use.
These yachts typically combine large cockpits, flybridges, diesel inboard propulsion, multiple staterooms, generators, and the storage and machinery capacity required for extended offshore trips.
Buyers comparing 60 to 70 foot motor yachts should understand that Merritt boats in this range are purpose-built sportfishermen rather than conventional luxury motor yachts, with cockpit function and offshore performance taking priority.
The Merritt 72 is one of the most visible larger models in the current brokerage market. Current listings include the 2017 72 Sportfish NEVER SAY NEVER and the 2004 72 Convertible BUSINESS STINKS.
This size gives Merritt significantly more interior volume, machinery space, storage, and fishing capability while retaining the custom sportfishing character that defines the brand.
Depending on build specification, 72-foot Merritts may include open or enclosed bridge arrangements, tower controls, multi-stateroom accommodations, large bait and tackle systems, mezzanine seating, and extensive electronics and communications equipment.
The used Merritt market also extends into the 80- to 100-foot category. Current brokerage listings include the 80 Sportfish REMAIN CALM and the 86-foot enclosed-flybridge BREE.
At this size, the yachts combine serious tournament fishing capability with superyacht-level interior volume, professional crew support, large machinery spaces, greater fuel capacity, and extensive onboard systems.
Enclosed flybridge arrangements can provide a climate-controlled helm and additional living space during long passages while preserving an upper driving position with strong visibility over the cockpit and surrounding water.
Buyers considering luxury yachts for sale may find these larger Merritts particularly relevant when offshore fishing remains central to the ownership plan.
Merritt states that its current 77- and 88-foot yachts use advanced composite construction. The builder emphasizes modern manufacturing techniques while maintaining the hand-built craftsmanship and fishing-focused design philosophy established by the Merritt family.
This combination matters in the used market because Merritt boats can span several generations of construction methods. Older boats may use traditional materials and systems, while later builds can incorporate advanced composites, modern diesel packages, updated electrical systems, integrated electronics, and more sophisticated stabilization or climate-control equipment.
Buyers should evaluate the exact construction method and refit history of the individual yacht rather than assuming all Merritts were built to the same specification.
When buying a used Merritt, buyers should inspect hull condition, engines, transmissions, shafts, propellers, fuel tanks, generators, electrical systems, steering, cooling systems, exhausts, and navigation electronics.
On older yachts, previous repowers, structural repairs, tower installations, paintwork, wiring upgrades, tank replacement, and interior refits should be documented and evaluated carefully.
Fishing systems should also be tested, including livewells, pumps, fish boxes, cockpit freezers, outriggers, fighting-chair mounts, tower controls, tackle centers, and hydraulic or electric fishing equipment.
On larger enclosed-flybridge boats, buyers should additionally inspect HVAC systems, bridge windows, electronics integration, crew spaces, hydraulic systems, communications equipment, and any major refit work.
A professional marine survey, detailed mechanical inspection, and sea trial are essential before completing a purchase.
