1987 Ocean 48

This 1987 Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman, named "Dirty Secret", is a purpose-built fishing machine that got a second life through a full custom refit by Cay Marine in 2001. Buyers looking for a turn-key offshore fishing boat with solid bones will find this one worth a serious look. It is listed for sale in Bradenton, Florida.

This yacht suits serious sportfishing enthusiasts and families who want a boat for weekend trips and distance runs. With 3 cabins, it handles overnight stays well, and the Detroit Diesels deliver the range needed for moving between fishing grounds. The combination of a proven Ocean Yachts hull and a comprehensive custom refit makes it a practical choice for buyers who want fishing capability without new-build depreciation.
 

Is the 1987 Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman for Sale?

Yes, this 1987 Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman, "Dirty Secret", is currently offered for sale through its listing broker on YATCO. The boat is located in Bradenton, Florida, and is ready for an immediate sea trial. Because well-maintained Ocean Yachts 48 models with documented refit history 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, the extent of the 2001 Cay Marine refit, the 2017 bottom job documentation, service records, electronics, and interior condition should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with a documented custom refit can have a very different ownership profile from another 1987 boat that requires major mechanical or cosmetic work.
 

1987 Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman Price

The asking price for this 1987 Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman, "Dirty Secret", reflects a realistic entry point for a serious sportfisher, especially given the 2001 custom refit and the 2017 bottom job. The price should be confirmed directly with the listing broker, as values for refitted sportfishermen vary with condition, equipment, and documented maintenance history. 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, and general upkeep. The 2017 bottom job removes a major maintenance worry, so the focus should be on updating electronics and regular engine service. Fuel burn is typical for twin diesels, so a solid operating budget is essential.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman is powered by twin Detroit Diesel 6-71 TA engines with 485 HP each. The 6-71 TA is a well-known diesel engine with a long history in sportfishing applications, known for durability and dependable torque. The engines deliver the range needed for moving between fishing grounds, making the boat well suited to offshore runs and multi-day trips.

The proven Ocean Yachts hull is designed to handle offshore conditions, while the twin diesels provide the power and redundancy needed for serious 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 is typical for twin diesels, so budget accordingly.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1987 Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman, "Dirty Secret", features a purpose-built fishing cockpit designed for serious anglers. The hull received a major rebuild in 2017, including sandblasting, glassing, and re-coating with two coats of epoxy, which removes a major maintenance worry and adds long-term durability. The custom refit by Cay Marine in 2001 was completed with no expense spared, giving the boat a refreshed systems package on proven bones.

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 fish boxes, bait systems, livewell, tackle center, outriggers, rod holders, and other fishing equipment should also be tested, along with the flybridge structure and deck hardware.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1987 Ocean  48 Sport Fisherman offers 3 cabins and 2 heads, comfortable for overnight trips. The three-cabin layout handles overnight stays well and gives owners flexibility for family, guests, or crew on extended fishing trips. The interior reflects the 2001 Cay Marine refit, which upgraded the boat's systems and accommodations.

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 current owner has kept her at a high standard, and the interior condition should be verified during a showing.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1987 Ocean 48 Sport Fisherman

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 2017 bottom job documentation should be reviewed carefully. The cockpit's fish boxes, bait systems, livewell, tackle center, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested.

The twin Detroit Diesel 6-71 TA 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. If you are ready to step onto a boat that has already been made right, schedule a showing through YATCO, walk the decks yourself, and see why "Dirty Secret" is no longer a secret.