1985 Ocean 55

This 1985 Ocean 55 is a serious offshore fisherman with a three-cabin layout that sets it apart from two-stateroom competitors. The galley-up design keeps the salon open and practical, while the Detroit Diesel 8V92s give it the muscle to run through sloppy inlets. For a buyer who wants a true sportfish without the price tag of a new build, this is a very worthwhile look.

This boat suits someone who fishes seriously but also wants to bring the family along. The three staterooms give every couple their own space, and the galley-up design lets the cook stay in the conversation. It's also a solid choice for a first sportfish owner who wants a proven hull instead of a brand-new project.
 

Is the 1985 Ocean 55 for Sale?

Yes, this 1985 Ocean 55 is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The boat is being actively marketed to buyers searching for a true sportfish without the price tag of a new build. Because well-maintained Ocean 55 models have a dedicated following and do not appear on the market frequently, 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, service records, generator condition, electronics, hull condition, stringer and shaft log condition, interior refurbishment, and previous refit work should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with a recent interior refresh can have a very different ownership profile from another 1985 boat that requires major mechanical or cosmetic work.
 

1985 Ocean Yachts 55 Price

The asking price for this 1985 Ocean 55 should be confirmed directly with the listing broker, as pricing for 40-year-old sportfishermen varies widely with condition, equipment, and documented maintenance history. The price represents a sensible way into a serious offshore fisherman without carrying a huge mortgage, especially given the three-stateroom layout and recent interior refresh. 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 40-year-old diesel sportfisherman. Buying a 1985 boat means looking at more than the purchase price. The Detroit Diesels are workhorses, but they will need periodic injector service and raw water pump attention. Fuel economy won't match modern common-rail engines, so budget for around 60 gallons per hour at cruise. Expect maintenance costs around $15,000 to $20,000 a year if you use it regularly, plus insurance, dockage, and haul-out expenses.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Ocean 55 is powered by twin Detroit Diesel 8V92s producing 735 HP each. The 8V92 is a well-known diesel engine with a long history in sportfishing applications, known for durability and easy service. The engines give the boat the muscle to run through sloppy inlets, and the boat cruises efficiently at 24 knots with a top speed near 30 knots for quick runs to the fishing grounds.

The hull is designed for offshore fishing, and the engines provide the power and redundancy needed for serious canyon runs and tournament schedules. 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. Fuel economy won't match modern common-rail engines, so budget for around 60 gallons per hour at cruise.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1985 Ocean 55 features a large cockpit with plenty of room for a tuna tower or fighting chair, ready for tournament rigging. The hull is a proven offshore design, and the deck layout is set up for serious fishing with space for outriggers, rod holders, and bait systems. The cockpit is the working heart of the boat, designed to handle the demands of offshore angling.

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 stringer system and shaft logs are common areas of concern on older fiberglass boats, so your surveyor should focus on these. The cockpit's fish boxes, bait systems, livewell, tackle center, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1985 Ocean 55 offers three staterooms, including a full-beam master forward, which is an unusual find in a 1985 sportfish. The three staterooms give every couple their own space, making the boat well suited to owners who fish seriously but also want to bring the family along. The galley-up layout with an open salon gives the crew and family real living space between fishing trips, and the recent interior refresh with updated upholstery and headliner makes the cabin feel more like 2005 than 1985.

Individual boats may have different upholstery, appliances, flooring, entertainment systems, and interior finishes depending on subsequent refits. Buyers should inspect the galley equipment, refrigeration, air-conditioning, plumbing, bilge systems, and all accommodation spaces for condition and evidence of regular maintenance. The galley-up design keeps the cook in the conversation with the salon, which is a practical advantage for entertaining and family use.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1985 Ocean 55 

Before making an offer, a complete marine survey, haul-out inspection, and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. The survey should cover the 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. Make sure your surveyor focuses on the stringer system and shaft logs, as these are common areas on older fiberglass boats. The cockpit's fish boxes, bait systems, livewell, tackle center, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested.

The twin Detroit Diesel 8V92s should be inspected individually, including engine hours, service records, injector service history, raw water pump condition, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, shafts, and propellers. A sea trial is essential to check the 8V92s under load, and a compression test will tell you a lot about engine health. Buyers should also review generator history and test navigation electronics, autopilot, VHF radios, refrigeration, pumps, air-conditioning, and other onboard systems. If the boat checks out, this is a sensible way into a serious offshore fisherman, so contact the broker to set up a viewing and put this Ocean Yachts 55 on your shortlist.