By Zack Devin
Sportfishing yachts combine the thrill of angling with the luxury of open-water cruising, and two prominent American shipbuilders, Hatteras and Viking Yachts, have set the standard in this category. Boosting more than 60 years of experience, Hatteras was founded by Willis Slane, who wanted to construct a yacht capable of handling the challenging waters around Cape Hatteras. His vision led the yard to making several groundbreaking innovations, including the industry’s first 41-foot fiberglass sportfishing yacht, a milestone that redefined sports fishing. Viking Yachts, established in 1964 by the Healey brothers, also helped revolutionize sportfishing yacht design when the yard transitioned from building wooden yachts to semi-custom fiberglass yachts. The yard’s iconic Viking 33 Convertible, launched in 1971, was, at the time of its unveiling, the largest resin-infused sportfishing convertible yacht in the world. Together, Hatteras and Viking demonstrate American leadership in sportfishing manufacturing, delivering yachts that balance performance, durability, and comfort. The ideal yards to look at when searching for a sportfishing yacht, here we share three leading sportfishing yachts from Hatteras and Viking Yachts, currently available for sale with FGI Yacht Group.
Freak Show | Viking Yachts | 80’/24.38m | 2023 | $8,950,000
Launched and delivered to her owner in 2023 by Viking Yachts, Freak Show is a nearly brand-new sportfishing yacht maintained in perfect condition. Measuring 24.38 meters in length, she features a timeless design by Viking Yachts. With a fiberglass hull and superstructure, she has a beam of 6.5 meters and a shallow draft of 1.7 meters, ensuring she is ideal for shallow water fishing as well as deep sea fishing and an internal volume of 92 GT. Key features onboard Freak Show include her nardo gray custom hull color, a
Bluewater fighting chair with rocket launcher back and offset pedestal by her cockpit with refrigerated boxes for fishing, and a spacious main saloon complete with three custom bar stools by the galley. The lower deck includes five- brilliantly appointed staterooms, accommodating up to ten guests with crew accommodations for a crew of two. Freak Show is currently located in Florida, with an asking price of $8,950,000.
Panacea | Viking Yachts | 82’/24.99m | 2012 | $4,195,000
Panacea is a sportfishing yacht from Viking Yachts that was launched and delivered to her original owner in 2012. Originally custom-built by a very knowledgeable owner, she features several additional amenities and equipment not typically found on similar vessels her size. Measuring 24.99 meters in length, she has a beam of 6.84 meters and a low draft of 1.68 meters, making her perfect for accessing shallow water areas and cruising closer to the shoreline. Maintained to the highest standards, this GRP fishing yacht has impressive speeds and great fuel efficiency, thanks to her planing hull. With a timeless interior by Viking Yachts, she offers a well-appointed three ensuite stateroom layout in addition to accommodation for a crew of five, providing an ideal crew-to-guest ratio. Powered by twin diesel MTU 16 2000 M94 engines, she has a top speed of 34 knots and a cruising speed of 27 knots, with a range of 500 nautical miles. Panacea is currently located in Florida, with an asking price of $4,195,000
Maha | Hatteras | 82’/24.99m | 2000 | $1,350,000
Launched and delivered to her original owner, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in 2000, Maha is a rare 82′ Hatteras with every conceivable option at the time. She has undergone several upgrades over the years, including new furnishings, engines, and appliances, as her current owners maintained her in pristine condition. Measuring 24.99 meters in length, she has a beam of 6.4 meters and a draft of 2.44 meters, with a GRP hull. Featuring an enclosed bridge, Maha is ideal for new or seasoned owners looking for a sportfishing yacht and includes a 14ft tender. Her well-appointed interiors include a four-stateroom layout for eight overnight guests, as well as an additional stateroom for a crew of two. Powered by twin caterpillar diesel engines, she has a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 22 knots. Maha is currently located in Florida, with an asking price of $1,350,000
