1988 Jersey 36 Convertible

This 1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher BITE ME packs a solid Detroit Diesel 8.2T powerplant with low hours and a thorough 2023 service record. It is a practical choice for an angler who wants a proven offshore platform without the new-boat price tag. The current owner has priced it to move, making this one of the more honest used sportfisher values on the San Diego market.

This boat fits the weekend warrior who runs offshore for tuna and dorado, or the family that wants a sealed, comfortable cabin for coastal cruising. The 36-foot length handles typical Pacific swells, and the diesel engines give you range to reach the fishing grounds. It is not a luxury cruiser, so buyers looking for a floating condo should look elsewhere. This one earns its keep on the water.
 

Is the 1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher for Sale?

Yes, this 1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher, BITE ME, is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The boat is located in the San Diego market and is actively marketed to buyers searching for a proven offshore sportfisherman. Because clean, well-maintained Jersey 36 models 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 2023 service records, generator condition if equipped, electronics, hull condition, and previous maintenance work should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with a documented 2023 service record can have a very different ownership profile from another 1988 boat that requires major mechanical or cosmetic work.
 

1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher Price

The asking price for this 1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher is positioned well below similar listings in Southern California, and the current owner has priced it to move. This makes it one of the more honest used sportfisher values on the San Diego market. 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. Detroit Diesel 8.2Ts are known for solid torque and easy parts availability, and the 2023 overhaul reduces near-term repair risk, but ongoing maintenance should still be budgeted for. Insurance and dockage in San Diego are the real ongoing costs, and this boat's low asking price leaves room in the budget for those expenses.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher is powered by low-hour Detroit Diesel 8.2T twin engines with a major service completed in 2023. The 8.2T is known for solid torque and easy parts availability, and the recent overhaul reduces near-term repair risk. The convertible layout gives you an enclosed helm and a handy dinette/salon area, making the boat usable in a range of conditions.

The well-kept 36-foot hull delivers a responsive 20-knot top end and a comfortable 16-knot cruise, and the 36-foot length handles typical Pacific swells. Fuel burn at cruise is around 20 gallons per hour combined, so range sits near 200 nautical miles with the 300-gallon tank. 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 boat.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher features a well-kept 36-foot hull with a convertible layout that includes an enclosed helm and a handy dinette/salon area. The boat is rigged for serious sportfishing with a clean cockpit ready for your gear, and the enclosed helm provides protection from the elements during long runs offshore.

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 rod holders, bait systems, tackle storage, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested, along with the enclosed helm, deck hardware, and railings. A surveyor should pay particular attention to the engine room, especially the 2023 service work and any signs of corrosion.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher offers a single cabin and head, keeping the interior simple and easy to maintain. The convertible layout provides an enclosed helm and a dinette/salon area, giving the boat a sealed, comfortable cabin for coastal cruising. It is not a luxury cruiser, so buyers looking for a floating condo should look elsewhere.

Individual boats may have different upholstery, appliances, flooring, entertainment systems, 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 simple single-cabin layout is a practical advantage for owners who want low maintenance and easy access to systems.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1988 Jersey 36 Convertible Sportfisher

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, and bilge systems. The cockpit's rod holders, bait systems, tackle storage, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested, and the engine room should be checked closely, especially the 2023 service work and any signs of corrosion.

The twin Detroit Diesel 8.2T engines should be inspected individually, including engine hours, the 2023 service records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, shafts, and propellers. Buyers should also test navigation electronics, VHF radio, pumps, and other onboard systems. The boat is priced for a quick sale, so serious buyers should move fast. Contact the broker listed on YATCO to arrange a showing and verify the maintenance records. This is a straightforward buy for someone who values function over flash.