The fisherman, or the fishing-hull hybrid, is perhaps the type of boat that best emphasizes the versatility of a hull. Evolving from boats dedicated purely to fishing, they have gradually become more and more malleable designs, in all their variations, making themselves usable for day trips as well, to the point of being excellent cruisers. Just think of great masterpieces such as the Grand Banks 42, which went from being a fishing boat to becoming the benchmark of excellence for cruisers of yesteryear. In this brief review, therefore, we will tell you about 5 Classic Boats that, although thought of or derived from the world of fishing, have also known (and still know) how to be so much more.
Whether you are interested exclusively in them for fishing, or want to get even more out of them, here then are 5 boats you absolutely must know.
Classic Fisherman, 5 cult fishing boats
As for the needs associated with fishing, everyone has his or her own needs.
Needs that vary according to the type towards which you lend yourself, the type of commitment you intend to devote to it, and, of course, also the type of catch you intend to “chase.”
Consequently, to every need its own boat.
And, in response to these, it is not necessarily the case that “vintage” does not have its tricks up its sleeve.
To provide you with some stimulation on this front as well, here are 5 Classic Boats dedicated to fishing that, over the years, have been able to make history.
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Riva 25 Sport Fisherman | 7.5 m
A marriage of great American industrial production with Italian craftsmanship of the 1960s and 1970s, the Riva 25′ Sport Fisherman is the keystone of Italy’s transition to the fishing weekender. In fact, we are in the late 1960s and Riva, under license from Bertram, produces a powerboat that is innovative in its own way and strong in easy spaces, now intended to facilitate movement, to offer ample breathing space, rather than limiting the user to the role of passenger only. Elaborating on the original Betram design, Riva adapts the spaces to Mediterranean needs, creating a boat closer to home boating, versatile both as a fisherman and as a weekender.On deck there is no shortage of space, strong with a sundeck and an easy cockpit, and as for the interior, in addition to the covered wheelhouse there is space on board for a double forward cabin and a dinette, the latter comfortable for four people and convertible into a sofa or double berth, in case of eventuality, bringing the total berths to 4.
Concorde 27 Sport Fisherman | 8.23 m
A child of the American shipbuilding avant-garde, Owens was a great source of supply and inspiration for Italy, and, precisely among his models, the 27 Sport Fisherman was one of the most successful hulls, especially in terms of lines and fashion. Designed for both sport fishing and as a weekender, its lines would, in fact, become a must-have in the homegrown fisherman segment, creating a panorama of boats that has survived to the present day. Just as much goes for the interiors, which, in layout, are not that far from some of our contemporary boats. In addition to the exteriors, which are strong with a large cockpit and flybridge, Owens’ small 8.2-meter boat in fact offers the now classic open-space configuration, with double forward berths, an indoor kitchenette, bathroom facilities and dinette with sofas, which can of course be converted into an additional bed, bringing to 4 the number of guests who can sleep on board.
Classic Boats and Fishing. Bertram 31 | 9.4 m
There are inventions that change the course of history, others that pass by quietly. The latter is certainly not the case with the Bertram 31, the first hull of the yard of the same name and the boat that changed the world of motor boating forever. The brainchild of Hunt’s original design, the Bertram 31 was made of molded fiberglass, a material in its infancy in yachting in those very early 1960s. The advantages were soon obvious: low weight, high structural strength, resistance to water and corrosion, and finishes capable of not only high hydrodynamics but also of being molded down to the smallest dimensions. The V-deep with deadrise of 23° and the addition of longitudinal skids, then ensured more lift to the volumes, helping in keeping the boat dry by deflecting spray externally. Overall, making it one of the most seaworthy harbor hulls of its time. But we are not just talking about it because it was revolutionary. It is also a comfortable and versatile hull. The cockpit is large and spacious, as ideal for family and friends outings as it is for fishing trips, so much so that among its various versions, it has models intended for the latter use specifically.
On board, then, live bait tanks, abundant rod holders and, optionally, tuna towers.
But comfort was not lacking either, with an open cabin structure offering shelter to the wheelhouse and convivial areas, thus sheltering the table, the various seats and the sofa.
Dinette complete with galley, refrigerator and sink were elements already present since the 1960s, so more than optimizable today, while, forward, toilet with shower and sink.
There is also no shortage of sleeping space on board, with a double cabin in the bow and several configurations to convert the dinette into additional bunks. Top speed? Higher than 30 knots…
Check out our in-depth article here
Grand Banks 42 | 12.7 m
Unmistakable in line and style, the Grand Banks 42 is not just a great Classic Boat. It is a true icon of boating spread all over the world. In fact, in the early 1960s, the Grand Banks 42 was born and immediately became what we would call an “instant classic,” making itself an immediate bearer of a revolution, an incredible success. Adopting canons derived from fishing boats, trawlers combine elegance and pragmatism on hulls with impeccable marine qualities, making this segment famous throughout the seas. An extremely rational and elegant boat, the Grand Banks 42 is distinguished first and foremost by its lines, characterized by an almost straight bow and large central volumes, where fine, comfortable interiors are carved out. Among the various interior layout solutions proposed by the shipyard, certainly the most popular in Italy was the one with a V-shaped forward cabin, separate toilet room, two-door saloon and dinette that could be converted into an extra berth. Then aft, under the deckhouse that faces the cockpit, is the master cabin, complete with separate toilet and shower.
Classic Boats and Fishing. Bertram 54 | 16.5 m
In 1981 the Bertram 54 made its first appearance, a future best-seller and destined from the outset to become a cult, a Classic Boat as marine as few and with great build quality. A thoroughbred sportfisher and all-weather boat, it was immediately appreciated by both those seeking a boat for deep-sea fishing and those more oriented toward cruising, strong in fact with as many as 3 double cabins and a large salon. Beneath the waterline, however, magic happened, thanks to an impressive deep V-shaped hull nestled between its 5.8-meter beam and 16.5-meter length. The 54′ was thus not just a fishing boat, but an object of desire for many, a hybrid, in short, successful on every front. Needless to say, how it influenced the market, setting a standard for what was to come.
Tell your Classic Boat story and/or discover previous articles
We have created for you an online archive of YOUR Classic Boats in which you can enter your boat and its history, while at the same time allowing you to browse through many others, like a great encyclopedia of the history of motor boating. Here’s how it works! If, on the other hand, you would like to find out about all the articles related to Classic Boats, here is a link to the dedicated portal.
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