1959 Rybovich 36

The 1959 Rybovich 36 Express is a classic sportfisherman that blends vintage character with practical updates. Repowered in 2008 with twin Cummins QSB 5.9 diesels, she's been meticulously maintained and recently upgraded, making her a solid choice for anyone seeking a proven offshore boat with real pedigree.

This Rybovich suits buyers who appreciate classic lines and don't mind a bit of traditional character. It's ideal for day fishing, weekend Bahamas runs, or simply enjoying the water in style. Families or individuals looking for a project-free classic with modern reliability will find her very livable.
 

Is the 1959 Rybovich 36 Express for Sale?

Yes, this 1959 Rybovich 36 Express, Hull #39, is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The boat is located in South Miami, Florida, and is being actively marketed to buyers who appreciate classic lines and a project-free classic with modern reliability. Because Rybovich yachts are built in limited numbers and hold a dedicated following, availability of a comparable example in similar condition may be limited.

For buyers, availability is less important than the condition of the specific boat. Engine hours since the 2008 repower, the 2023 full service records, hull condition, teak and holly sole condition, and the extent of the 2008 refit should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with documented service history can have a very different ownership profile from another 1959 boat that requires major structural or mechanical work.
 

1959 Rybovich 36 Express Price

The asking price for this 1959 Rybovich 36 Express should be confirmed directly with the listing broker, as pricing for classic Rybovich sportfishermen varies widely with condition, refit history, and documented maintenance. She's priced competitively for a piece of yachting history, and classic Rybovich yachts hold value well because of their build reputation. Asking prices are subject to change and should not be treated as confirmed transaction values.

The purchase price is only part of the budget for a 65-plus-year-old sportfisherman. Buyers should also account for a professional survey, haul-out, insurance, dockage, fuel, engine servicing, generator maintenance, and general upkeep. Maintenance is straightforward but demands attention to wood and systems. With diesel power, fuel costs are reasonable for her size, and recent upgrades reduce immediate repair worries, but ongoing care of a classic wooden boat should still be budgeted for.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Rybovich 36 Express is powered by twin Cummins QSB 5.9 diesels producing 380 HP each, installed in 2008 with a full service completed in 2023. The Cummins QSB 5.9 is a modern common-rail diesel known for reliability and reasonable maintenance costs, and the 2008 repower gives this classic hull contemporary performance and efficiency.

The 1959 hull was built by John Rybovich & Sons, a true piece of Florida sportfishing history, and the repowered diesels provide dependable power for day fishing, weekend Bahamas runs, or simply enjoying the water in style. Actual speed and fuel consumption depend on load, sea conditions, propeller condition, and hull maintenance, so a sea trial should be used to verify the performance of the individual yacht. With diesel power, fuel costs are reasonable for her size.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1959 Rybovich 36 Express, Hull #39, features a hull built by John Rybovich & Sons in 1959, a true piece of Florida sportfishing history. The 2008 extensive refit included new plumbing, wiring, tanks, decks, shafts, and an Awlgrip finish, while a full paint job with a new keel was completed in 2024. The cockpit teak and interior holly sole were refinished recently, and a new Northern Lights 6kW generator on a sliding mount was installed in 2023.

Buyers should inspect the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, and any signs of water intrusion or previous structural repairs. The 2024 paint job and new keel should be reviewed as part of the survey, along with the recently refinished cockpit teak and interior holly sole. The cockpit's rod holders, bait systems, tackle storage, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1959 Rybovich 36 Express offers a classic interior that reflects the boat's vintage character, with the interior holly sole refinished recently. Families or individuals looking for a project-free classic with modern reliability will find her very livable, and the layout suits day fishing, weekend Bahamas runs, or simply enjoying the water in style.

Individual boats may have different upholstery, appliances, flooring, and interior finishes depending on subsequent refits. Buyers should inspect the galley equipment, refrigeration if equipped, plumbing, bilge systems, and all accommodation spaces for condition and evidence of regular maintenance. The 2008 refit included new plumbing and wiring, which improves the reliability of the interior systems compared with an un-refitted classic.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1959 Rybovich 36 Express

Before making an offer, arrange a viewing in South Miami to inspect her condition firsthand, and plan a full survey and sea trial. The survey should cover the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, electrical equipment, generator, plumbing, and bilge systems. The 2008 refit work, the 2024 paint and new keel, and the recently refinished teak and holly sole should all be reviewed.

The twin Cummins QSB 5.9 diesels should be inspected individually, including engine hours since the 2008 repower, the 2023 full service records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, shafts, and propellers. Buyers should also test the 2019 Garmin electronics, VHF radio, the 2023 Northern Lights 6kW generator, pumps, and other onboard systems. Ask your broker about survey results and sea trial availability. This is a unique opportunity to own a lovingly kept vintage sportfish with updated machinery, so contact the broker to schedule a showing.