MARSAL - RYBOVICH FOR SALE

An iconic Rybovich express sportfish, this cold‑molded mahogany/epoxy build received a comprehensive refit and repower in 2017. Twin Cummins QSC 600s, showing low hours, deliver a 25‑knot cruise with efficiency, ideal for a serious sportfishing yacht. The 2017 worklist was sweeping: all new wiring, replacement fuel tanks, the machinery space taken to bare and re-equipped throughout, followed by a topside repaint and brightwork taken down and brought back in varnish. The cockpit was renewed with fresh teak and subdeck, a heavily insulated fishbox was installed, and every hatch was guttered and plumbed to a redesigned scupper system. Also in 2017 came a new bow rail and polished stainless anchoring gear. Indoors saw updated finishes, new wallcoverings, appliances, plumbing, and more. Teak coverboards with rounded teak coamings were added in 2022. In 2023 she gained new Rupp outriggers and another hull respray. Seldom does such a timeless classic receive this depth of care.

Description

A classic Rybovich express sportfish, this vessel showcases a cold‑molded mahogany and epoxy hull and benefited from a comprehensive refit and repower in 2017. Her Cummins QSC 600 hp engines are a superb low‑hour power package, delivering effortless 25‑knot cruising with impressive economy. The extensive 2017 refit encompassed complete rewiring, new fuel tanks, and an engine room that was fully stripped and rebuilt with all‑new equipment. She received a full exterior paint, with all brightwork completely stripped and varnished, while the cockpit was renewed with fresh teak and a new subdeck. A heavily insulated fish box was added, and every hatch is guttered and drains into a new scupper system. Also in 2017, a new bow rail and stainless anchoring system were installed. The interior was refreshed with new wall coverings, appliances, plumbing, and more. Teak cockpit coverboards with a rounded teak coaming were fitted in 2022, and in 2023 she gained new Rupp outriggers along with fresh hull paint. It is rare to encounter a beautiful classic that has received this level of detail and devotion throughout.

Comments and history

Rybovich hull number eighty-eight, built in West Palm Beach by the company then named Rybovich Marine Services, is the second of three similar 44' Express Sportfishermen, each featuring a hull bottom designed by naval architect Donald Blount. The hull construction is cold-molded, triple-layered, diagonal mahogany with epoxy. Originally named "BOSS LADY," the yacht has had only four owners since new, with the current owner being the fourth. From 2016 through late 2017 it underwent a thorough, comprehensive refit designed to enhance its capabilities while faithfully preserving the classic character of this beautiful boat.

Accommodations

Entered through a centered opening door capped by a tilt-up upper hatch on the forward side of the bridge deck, the cabin invites you down four teak steps to a beautiful gloss-finished teak-and-holly sole. All the way forward, a large V-berth sleeps two, and just aft to port a booth dinette converts to an extra berth. To starboard, a solid-surface countertop with cabinetry above and below is followed aft by the entrance to the head, which features a separate shower stall. Across and back to the port side, another countertop area hosts a stainless sink and a microwave oven, with a set of Vitrifrigo refrigerator/freezer drawers neatly tucked beneath. The teak cabinetry is Rybovich artwork, accented by silver push-button latches and knobs, while the countertops carry an off-white, cloud-effect finish and the seating cushions are white with blue piping. Light tan wall coverings and abundant teak trim elevate the ambiance, including a headliner framed by fore-and-aft teak batten strips. Natural light filters through a center overhead opening deck hatch with a screen and through the hull-side portlights. Immaculate, orderly, and clearly cherished, the interior boasts dry bilges, no odors, and the benefits of an owner who understands the value of proper ventilation.

Cabin and galley

Forward, a V-berth with thick upholstered cushions invites effortless rest, with a door ahead granting direct access to the anchor locker. Flush-mounted LED lighting sets a refined tone, while a CTM reverse cycle A/C with digital thermostat ensures personalized comfort in the berth area. Practical details are thoughtfully executed, including three drawers beneath the berth and a step to assist easy entry, a cedar wood–lined hanging locker to starboard just aft of the berth, and hanging rod storage above the V-berth. Natural light and ventilation are enhanced by an overhead deck hatch with screen. Along the starboard side, tailored cabinetry provides abundant organization with three drawers just below the countertop, complemented by three cabinets above and three cabinets below. A teak cushioned dinette with a gloss teak table transforms with ease into a comfortable bunk, seamlessly blending leisure with versatility.

To port aft, the galley centers on an L-shaped countertop featuring an undermounted brushed stainless rectangular sink paired with a brushed nickel faucet, accompanied by a GE stainless-trimmed microwave oven and Vitrifrigo stainless refrigerator drawers. Sliding-door cabinets with shelving and additional cabinet storage beneath the countertop keep essentials neatly stowed, while storage beneath the cabin entry steps adds welcome capacity. The head is appointed with a full-length mirror on the back of the door and an electric freshwater head, and the shower compartment is distinguished by an etched glass door depicting a jumping blue marlin, complemented by a nickel shower fixture with wand. A dedicated storage closet within the head completes this impeccably planned interior.

Electronics and bridge deck

The bridge deck is finished in teak and centers around a centerline helm console flanked by cushioned bench seating to port and starboard. At the forward end of each bench, a countertop integrates stainless-front refrigeration units, with a freezer to port and a refrigerator to starboard. A three-sided enclosure surrounds the bridge deck, its opening center panel flipping up and securing neatly to the underside of the hardtop. The varnished teak cap rail flows into the iconic Rybovich double-bridge-rail feature, while additional airflow at the helm is delivered by two opening overhead hatches accompanied by two aluminum safety grab rails on either side of the hardtop. The helm console presents a hinged teak top that lifts to reveal the lower electronics units, and an overhead compartment houses the navigation screens and radar. A teak helm pod is crowned by a chrome custom wheel with speed knob and single-lever controls, complemented by an analog engine gauge cluster under glass with a chrome bezel surround. Two Rybovich varnished teak ladderback helm chairs with footrests and cushions complete this finely crafted command center.

Overhead, the electronics suite includes a Garmin 8616 GPS/chartplotter/depth sounder, a Furuno NavNet TZ Touch 13-inch chartplotter/CHIRP fish finder, a Furuno open-array radar with a four-foot scanner, and an ICOM Command MIC paired with an ICOM M506 VHF.

Within the center helm console, a Furuno FCV 295 recording color depth sounder, a Simrad AP24 autopilot with wireless remote, two Vessel View 4 digital engine gauge displays, a Glendinning engine control selector panel, a Fusion MS-NRX200 stereo remote-control panel, a Zip Wake control panel for the automatic-adjusting trim tabs, and a Ritchie PowerDamp magnetic compass provide precise command and feedback.

Up in the tower, a Garmin 8610 GPS/chartplotter/depth, a Standard Horizon Explorer VHF radio, a magnetic compass, and two VHF antenna masts with Rupp collared standoff support extend the boat’s capability and awareness when running from the high perch.

Hull and deck equipment

The white painted hull is set off by a varnished teak transom refreshed in 2023, framed by a blue boot stripe and a red accent pin stripe over a Navy blue anti-fouling painted bottom. A bow spray railing blends into the chine, while the cockpit’s splash rails are fitted to the notable transom tumblehome contour. The entire boat received a complete paint and varnish refinish in 2017.

Forward, an aluminum bow rail leads to a stainless steel anchor chute served by a Maxwell electric windlass with control from the lower helm. The ground tackle features a stainless steel plow anchor mounted with a stainless steel chain lead and nylon rode. The sheer is finished with a varnished teak toe railing and a solid stainless strike plate/rub rail, complemented by chrome line chafe strips and fairleads for clean, reliable line handling.

Above, a six-step gap tuna tower with hard top rises over the cockpit, with navigation and running lights mounted on the tower station platform. Night operations are supported by two cockpit LED spreader lights aft, plus one mounted forward toward the foredeck, and a Razor light bar mounted on the forward tower platform. Command comes easily from the tower bench seat and backrest, a tower control box with VHF, a black helm wheel, and a Glendinning engine control binnacle. An arch-style canvas buggy top with blacked-out supports to minimize glare can be unbolted as desired, and a rubber-surface sole at the tower helm provides secure footing.

Underway, confidence is inspired by a rudder system that has been reworked, including backing plates, along with dripless shaft logs and rudder logs. Zip Wake auto-adjusting trim tabs optimize running attitude, while Marlon thru hull valves and two Arid bilge systems—Series 1 Nano aft and Series 2 in the engine room—attend to critical systems. The hullside carries six non-opening port lights for natural light below, and the cockpit benefits from a canvas fly shade with side panels for cool, versatile shelter.

Fishing equipment and cockpit

The cockpit is finished with a teak deck, teak coverboards, and a rounded teak coaming, complemented by a transom door with a hold-open latch. Custom fiberglass scupper drain boxes and a dedicated cockpit drainage system keep the area clear, while all cockpit deck hatches are carefully guttered and drained. Below deck, an insulated fish box pairs with an underdeck livewell, both wells painted light blue, with livewell connections to a deck livewell on either side of the cockpit stanchion and a livewell pump box positioned aft underdeck; a Whale Gulper Grouper pump serves for fish box and livewell pump-out.

Silver double-spreader Rupp outriggers with an auto-locking tower support feature control lines led to the cockpit for raising and lowering without climbing the tower, and they are joined by a Rupp center rigger. A rocket launcher with a canvas cover stands ready, and teaser reels are mounted under the hardtop by the helm. The cockpit is fully outfitted for tackle and line management with eight flush rod holders in the cockpit boards—four of them swiveling—three rod holders on each aft tower leg, two electric reel plugs under the coverboards, and rod storage beneath the bench seating secured by gas-shock hatch keepers. The portside cockpit console houses a tackle center with eight drawers, while the starboard console features three rigging sinks and a spray hose, supported by a saltwater washdown to complete this highly functional fishing environment.

Electrical and mechanical systems

Power flows effortlessly through a 50-amp shore power cord into robust 120 V/240 V AC and 12 V DC systems, all managed from a main electrical breaker and switching panel at the front of the helm console with subpanels thoughtfully placed in the cabin and the starboard tackle center. Oversight is precise with voltage and amp meters, including battery voltage meters, while a 6.5 kW Phasor generator installed new in 2017 delivers dependable onboard power. A Victron Energy 12 V/60 amp battery charger, radial battery shut-off and parallel switches, and a custom battery system ensure reliable energy management, and a hot water heater adds welcome comfort at anchor.

Performance is driven by 2016 600 hp Cummins QSC 8.3-liter diesels, installed in 2017, monitored by mechanical engine gauges beneath the helm console. Engine health and efficiency are further supported by an air filter and crankcase ventilation system, Racor primary fuel filters for the mains and generator, a fuel transfer pump, a fuel priming pump, and an oil change pump, with an engine room blower to maintain optimal ventilation.

Safety and serviceability are paramount, with emergency crash bilge pumps in the aft and engine room, five auto/manual bilge pumps, and high water alarms providing vigilant protection. A Fireboy auto/manual engine-room fire suppression system, complemented by many handheld extinguishers, delivers confident peace of mind underway and at the dock.