This 1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible Sport Fisherman is a serious offshore fishing machine with a documented pedigree. She carries 900 gallons of fuel, a cold-molded jig-built hull, and a 2017 repower with Cummins QSB diesels. Buyers looking for a proven bluewater sportfish should put this Maverick on the short list.
This boat fits an angler who wants a vintage Rybovich with real offshore capability and a maintenance-friendly repower. The two-cabin layout and four berths suit a small crew or owner-operator doing tournaments and long-range trips. She works well for a charter operation in Costa Rica, especially with the current owner's business structure available.
Is the 1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible for Sale?
Yes, this 1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible Sport Fisherman, named Maverick, is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The boat is located in Sardinal, Costa Rica, and is being marketed to buyers searching for a proven bluewater sportfish with authentic tournament heritage. Because vintage Rybovich yachts have a cult following and hull numbers are limited, availability of a comparable example in similar condition may be rare.
For buyers, availability is less important than the condition of the specific boat. Engine hours since the 2017 repower, the refit documentation from the Palm Beach Rybovich Yard, hull condition, interior finishes, and previous maintenance records should all be reviewed. Ownership options are available through El Jefe Charters LLC or outright purchase, and a direct call to the listing broker is the fastest way to confirm current availability.
1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible Price
The asking price for this 1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible should be confirmed directly with the listing broker, as pricing for vintage Rybovich sportfishermen varies widely with condition, refit history, and documented maintenance. Vintage Rybovich yachts have a cult following in the sportfish market, and hull number rarity helps resale appeal. The listing broker has details on both the vessel-only deal and the El Jefe Charters LLC option. 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 50-plus-year-old cold-molded sportfisherman. The 2017 repower removes a major concern for older sportfishermen, and Cummins QSB diesels are common and reasonably economical to maintain. A 900-gallon fuel tank means a full fill-up is expensive, yet that capacity pays off when reaching distant fishing grounds without stopping for fuel. Expect routine maintenance on a wood-cored hull to require attention, and factor in an open survey for the cold-molded structure.
Performance and Propulsion
This RYBOVICH 45 Convertible is powered by twin Cummins QSB 600 HP diesel engines installed during a complete refit and full repower in 2017 at the Palm Beach Rybovich Yard. The Cummins QSB is a modern common-rail diesel known for reliability and reasonable maintenance costs, and the repower gives this classic hull contemporary performance and efficiency.
The engines deliver a 24-knot cruise and a 28-knot top end, while the large 900 USG fuel tank gives serious range for remote fishing destinations. 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. Arrange a survey and sea trial with someone experienced in cold-molded construction.
Exterior Design and Construction
This 1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible features a cold-molded, jig-built hull with an extra layer of woven fiberglass mat on both interior and exterior. The boat underwent a complete refit and full repower in 2017 at the Palm Beach Rybovich Yard, and the hull is a documented pedigree build from one of the most respected names in sportfishing. Only four prior owners over 53 years is a sign of consistent care.
Buyers should inspect the cold-molded 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. Routine maintenance on a wood-cored hull requires attention, and an open survey for the cold-molded structure is strongly recommended. The cockpit's rod holders, bait systems, tackle storage, fighting chair, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested.
Interior and Accommodation
This 1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible offers a two-cabin layout and four berths, suiting a small crew or owner-operator doing tournaments and long-range trips. The interior reflects the 2017 refit, and the layout is designed for practical offshore use rather than luxury cruising. She works well for a charter operation in Costa Rica, especially with the current owner's business structure available.
Individual boats may have different upholstery, appliances, flooring, and interior finishes depending on subsequent refits. Buyers should inspect the galley equipment, refrigeration, air-conditioning if equipped, plumbing, bilge systems, and all accommodation spaces for condition and evidence of regular maintenance. The two-cabin arrangement gives owners and guests separate spaces, which is a practical advantage for extended fishing trips.
What to Check Before Buying a 1972 RYBOVICH 45 Convertible
Before making an offer, a complete marine survey, haul-out inspection, and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. This RYBOVICH 45 Convertible is not for everyone; it fits a buyer who values authentic tournament heritage over modern production fiberglass boats. The survey should cover the cold-molded hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, electrical equipment, generators, air-conditioning, plumbing, and bilge systems. An open survey for the cold-molded structure is particularly important.
The twin Cummins QSB 600 HP diesels should be inspected individually, including engine hours since the 2017 repower, service records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, shafts, and propellers. Buyers should also review generator history and test navigation electronics, autopilot, VHF radios, refrigeration, pumps, air-conditioning, and other onboard systems. Arrange a survey and sea trial with someone experienced in cold-molded construction, and contact the listing broker for details on both the vessel-only deal and the El Jefe Charters LLC option.