
Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsThe 72' Sportfish ConvertiblefromMERRITT BOAT WORKSis a purpose-builtmotor yachtin thesport fishermanclass, featuring a robustfiberglass and plastichull and composite deck. With twin inboard Caterpillar diesel power and generous fuel and water capacities, it’s prepared for extended offshore pursuits. Presented by Andrey Shestakov and the team at Shestakov Yacht Sales.
Selecting a 72' Sportfish Convertible
Choosing the right 72' Sportfish Convertiblestarts with defining how you plan to use a high-performancesport fishermanthat doubles as a capablemotor yacht. Andrey Shestakov and Shestakov Yacht Sales will help you evaluate mission profiles, trip lengths, and crew needs against this model’s proven platform, materials, and power configuration. We align your requirements with available build and brokerage opportunities to streamline your acquisition.
Features of the Model
- Bluewater-focused design as a sport fishermanwith the comfort and range potential of amotor yacht.
- Durable fiberglass and plastichull paired with a composite deck for strength-to-weight efficiency.
- Twin inboard Caterpillar diesel engines for dependable offshore performance and serviceability.
- Substantial fuel capacity (2,300 gal) and freshwater capacity (400 gal) to support extended outings.
- Beam-forward stability and deck volume from a 19 ft beam, with overall length at 72 ft for commanding presence and workspace.
- Backed by the craftsmanship of MERRITT BOAT WORKSand the brokerage expertise of Shestakov Yacht Sales.
Technical Specifications
- Model: 72' Sportfish Convertible
- Builder: MERRITT BOAT WORKS
- Category: motor yacht/sport fisherman
- Hull: fiberglass and plastic
- Deck Material: Composite
- LOA: 72 ft (21.95 m)
- Beam: 19 ft (5.94 m)
- Engines: 2 x Caterpillar
- Engine Type: Inboard
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Fuel Capacity: 2,300 gal
- Water Capacity: 400 gal
Pricing and Ordering
For current availability, pricing guidance, and tailored acquisition strategies on the 72' Sportfish Convertible, contact Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales. Our brokerage team will advise on market timing, survey and sea trial logistics, and negotiation to secure the optimal example of thissport fishermanandmotor yachtplatform.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the hull made of on the 72' Sportfish Convertible? A: Thehull materialisfiberglass and plastic, paired with acompositedeck for durability and performance.
Q: What powers the 72' Sportfish Convertible? A: Theenginesare twinCaterpillarunits withinboardinstallation, running ondieselfuel for reliable offshore operation.
Q: What are the core dimensions? A: Dimensionsinclude an LOA of 72 ft (21.95 m) and abeamof 19 ft (5.94 m), delivering ample working deck and stability offshore.
Q: How much fuel and water can it carry? A: Capacitiesinclude approximately 2,300 gal offueland 400 gal offresh water, supporting extended trips.
Q: Who builds it and who can assist with purchase? A: The builderisMERRITT BOAT WORKS. For brokerage guidance and toorderor source the model, contact Andrey Shestakov and Shestakov Yacht Sales.
Owner Experience Review
Owners and captains of the 72' Sportfish ConvertiblebyMERRITT BOAT WORKSdescribe a boat that comfortably straddles family cruising and serious blue‑water duty. Layouts are commonly used to host adult children and spouses, while the platform remains every inch a Florida‑style convertible for big‑game fishing. For longer runs, operators often carry a skiff or tender to extend the program inshore and broaden fishing options.
On the water, reports are notably consistent: "The 28‑knot cruise feels like you’re standing still." Acceleration is smooth with minimal bow rise — as the big diesels come on, it “just goes faster or slower.” Owners also cite poise in three‑ to four‑foot head seas, and the boat backs down with steering control at around 6 knots. In the spread, it backs down, spins, and trolls cleanly, reflecting its purpose‑built convertible DNA.
Life aboard mirrors the performance pedigree with a high‑end, traditional finish: a large three‑sided leather settee, real burl wood floors, and onyx/granite counters, all executed with understated taste. Accommodations are optimized for guests — a forward cabin with private head and over/under queen berths and a master with an athwartships king — while the cockpit is immense, with a dedicated rigging station that serves both anglers and guests. Service access is intentionally arranged, including easy reach to the outboard sides of the engines via the forward ends. As with most custom 70‑plus‑foot diesel convertibles, owners should anticipate high upkeep and significant service/refit costs over time; periodic engine, generator, and electronics overhauls are commonly noted, though no single recurring mechanical issue stands out across listings and reports.
Pros and Cons
- Composed ride at a reported 28‑knot cruise with minimal bow rise and smooth, predictable acceleration.
- Sportfishing control that backs down, spins, and trolls cleanly, with steering authority backing down around 6 knots.
- High‑end, guest‑friendly layout with an immense cockpit, dedicated rigging station, and well‑appointed staterooms.
- High upkeep and significant service/refit costs typical of a custom 70+ ft diesel convertible.
- Ownership commonly involves periodic engine, generator, and electronics overhauls over time.
- No single recurring failure pattern reported; condition and maintenance needs vary significantly by individual boat.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86 Convertible | 86' 0" (26.21 m) | 21' 0" (6.45 m) | 18' 1" (5.50 m) | 30 kn / 38 kn | - |
| 80' Sportfish | 80' 0" (24.38 m) | 20' 0" (6.17 m) | 16' 11" (5.17 m) | 28 kn / 34 kn | - |
| 86' Enclosed Flybridge | 86' 0" (26.21 m) | 21' 0" (6.40 m) | 17' 9" (5.42 m) | 28 kn / 34 kn | - |
| 42 Sportfish | 42' 0" (12.80 m) | 13' 0" (4.01 m) | 12' 0" (3.67 m) | 20 kn / 30 kn | 22 |
| 58' Sportfish | 58' 0" (17.68 m) | 18' 0" (5.64 m) | 16' 5" (5 m) | 26 kn / 30 kn | - |
| Sportfish | 72' 0" (21.95 m) | 20' 0" (6.10 m) | - | 30 kn / 36 kn | - |
| 77 Merritt Sportfish Convertible | 77' 0" (23.47 m) | 21' 0" (6.43 m) | 21' 1" (6.42 m) | 37 kn / 40 kn | - |
| 72' Sportfish Convertible | 72' 0" (21.95 m) | 19' 0" (5.94 m) | - | - | - |
| 72' Sportfish | 72' 0" (22.02 m) | 19' 0" (5.94 m) | 18' 7" (5.67 m) | 30 kn / 36 kn | - |
| 75' Sportfish | 75' 0" (22.86 m) | 19' 0" (5.99 m) | 18' 7" (5.67 m) | 27 kn / 33 kn | - |

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