1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible

If you're searching for a true bluewater sportfish, this 1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible deserves a hard look. She's a classic American-built boat with a proven hull, and the current owner has kept her ready for serious offshore duty. With twin Detroit Diesel 12V92TAs pushing 1040 horsepower, she's not just a showpiece—she's built to run.

This boat fits an owner who wants a proven offshore fishing platform without the multi-million-dollar price tag. If you're planning serious canyon runs, tournament fishing, or family cruises along the coast, the 61 Convertible gives you the space and range to do it. She's also a solid choice for a first-time large yacht buyer because the layout is straightforward and the systems are simple to learn.
 

Is the 1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible for Sale?

Yes, this 1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The boat is being actively marketed to buyers searching for a true bluewater sportfish, and the current owner has kept her ready for serious offshore duty. Because classic Buddy Davis convertibles are sought after 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, interior refurbishment, and previous refit work should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with regular servicing and recent updates to electronics and safety gear can have a very different ownership profile from another 1987 boat that requires major mechanical or cosmetic work.
 

1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible Price

The asking price for this 1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible should be confirmed directly with the listing broker, as pricing for classic custom sportfishermen varies widely with condition, equipment, and documented maintenance history. This boat fits an owner who wants a proven offshore fishing platform without the multi-million-dollar price tag, so the asking price is expected to reflect a realistic entry point for a large sportfisher of this pedigree. 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 35-plus-year-old diesel sportfisherman. Buyers should also account for a professional survey, haul-out, insurance, dockage, fuel, engine servicing, generator maintenance, electronics replacement, air-conditioning, and fishing-system repairs. Insurance and dockage will be higher than a smaller boat, but the resale value of classic sportfish holds up when the hull is sound and the mechanicals are current. Fuel burn is a consideration: twin 12V92s at cruise will burn around 60-70 gallons per hour, so a solid operating budget is essential.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Buddy Davis 61 Convertible is powered by twin Detroit Diesel 12V92TA engines producing 1040 HP. The 12V92TA is a well-known large-displacement diesel with a long history in sportfishing and commercial applications, delivering strong torque and dependable power for a hull of this size. The engines are described as powerful, reliable, and easy to service, which keeps maintenance costs predictable.

The classic Buddy Davis hull design delivers a smooth, dry ride in rough conditions, making the boat well suited to canyon runs and tournament fishing. 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 burn at cruise will be around 60-70 gallons per hour, which should be factored into any ownership plan.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible features a classic Buddy Davis hull design with a proven offshore pedigree and a large cockpit set up for serious fishing. The boat is ready to fish with outriggers, a fighting chair, and a spacious working cockpit, giving anglers the space and equipment needed for tournament and canyon runs.

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 cockpit's outriggers, fighting chair, fish boxes, bait systems, livewell, tackle center, and other fishing equipment should also be tested, along with the flybridge structure, deck hardware, and railings. The condition of the hull is particularly important on a classic sportfish, since resale value holds up when the hull is sound.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible offers a three-stateroom layout that sleeps six, making it ideal for overnight trips or a family crew. The layout is straightforward and the systems are simple to learn, which makes the boat a solid choice for a first-time large yacht buyer. The interior provides the space and range needed for extended canyon runs, tournament fishing, or family cruises along the coast.

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 three-stateroom arrangement gives owners flexibility for family, guests, or crew on multi-day offshore trips.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1987 Buddy Davis 61 Convertible

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. The cockpit's outriggers, fighting chair, fish boxes, bait systems, livewell, tackle center, and other fishing equipment should also be tested.

The twin Detroit Diesel 12V92TA engines should be inspected individually, including engine hours, 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. For a 1987 yacht, documented maintenance and evidence of regular mechanical care are particularly important when determining the condition of the boat.