1997 Garlington 61

The 1997 Garlington 61 is a custom sportfishing yacht built around offshore fishing performance, substantial deck space and long-range cruising capability. The 61-foot model has a beam of approximately 17.4–18 feet, depending on the specific listing, and is configured with a large cockpit, raised helm, tuna door, fish boxes and extensive fishing equipment. The design remains focused on serious offshore use while providing a three-stateroom accommodation layout.

Several 1997 Garlington 61 examples have received major refits over the years, so equipment and performance can differ significantly between boats. Current listings include examples with MAN V8 engines, Caterpillar C18 engines, updated electronics, Seakeeper systems, new generators and refreshed interiors. Buyers should therefore evaluate each individual boat rather than relying only on the original 1997 specifications.

Is the 1997 Garlington 61 for Sale?

Yes. Multiple 1997 Garlington 61 yachts are currently advertised for sale. One example, Papi Chulo, is listed in North Palm Beach, Florida, with an asking price of $2,375,000. Another example, Safari, is listed in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, at $1,950,000. There is also a refitted 1997 Garlington 61 Convertible listed in Miami Beach.

The differences between these listings are important because the boats have different engines, equipment packages, refit histories and layouts. For example, Papi Chulo has 2017 MAN V8 engines, while Safari received new MAN engines in 2019. The Miami Beach example received Caterpillar C18 engines and extensive upgrades beginning in 2022. This means the build year alone does not fully describe the condition or value of a particular Garlington 61.

1997 Garlington 61 Price

The asking prices currently visible for 1997 Garlington 61 examples range from approximately $1.95 million to $2.375 million, depending on the individual vessel and its specification. Safari is listed at $1.95 million, while Papi Chulo is listed at $2.375 million. A separate 1997 Garlington 61 Convertible in Miami Beach is listed at $2.1 million.

This price variation reflects the significant differences between individual boats. Engine age, operating hours, hull and paint condition, electronics, generators, stabilizers, interior refits and maintenance records can all affect the asking price. For a used Garlington 61, buyers should compare the complete equipment and service history rather than comparing asking prices on a simple price-per-foot basis.

Performance and Propulsion

The propulsion system varies between individual 1997 Garlington 61 examples. Papi Chulo is equipped with twin MAN V8 diesel engines producing 1,200 hp each, giving a total of 2,400 hp, with approximately 1,800 hours reported. The Miami Beach Convertible example instead uses twin Caterpillar C18 diesels rated at 1,175 hp each, while Safari has twin MAN engines rated at 1,360 hp each.

The Miami Beach example is listed with a cruising speed of approximately 30 knots and a maximum speed of approximately 35 knots, although actual performance will depend on engine configuration, loading, sea conditions and propeller setup. The yacht's relatively narrow beam for its length, deep-V offshore-oriented design and high-output diesel propulsion support fast offshore running. A sea trial should be used to verify acceleration, cruising RPM, top speed, vibration, steering and fuel consumption on the specific boat being considered.

Exterior Design and Construction

The Garlington 61 has a purpose-built sportfishing layout with a large cockpit designed for offshore angling. Current examples feature teak cockpit decks, covering boards, rod holders, rocket launchers, large fish boxes and a substantial tuna door. Papi Chulo also has a varnished cap rail, teak helm pod and dual teak helm chairs, combining the traditional appearance of a custom sportfisher with practical fishing equipment.

The exterior equipment varies between boats because many have been upgraded after their original construction. Papi Chulo has a Seakeeper 9 installed in 2024, while Safari received twin Seakeeper SK6 units, a new teak cockpit and covering boards, and a full hull and superstructure paint job during its refit period. These upgrades can materially change the operating experience, but their installation quality and current service condition should be verified during inspection.

Interior and Accommodation

The Garlington 61 provides a three-stateroom accommodation arrangement on the examples currently listed. Papi Chulo has three staterooms and two heads, with storage integrated throughout the accommodation areas. The salon is designed for comfortable time aboard while retaining the functional character expected from a dedicated sportfishing yacht.

Refitted examples can have substantially different interior specifications from their original 1997 configuration. Safari, for example, received a new headliner, LED lighting, an L-shaped salon sofa and twin bucket chairs, while the Miami Beach boat received new upholstery and other interior improvements. Galley and hotel systems such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers and watermakers should be checked individually because these systems can represent a significant part of the ownership cost on an older custom yacht.

What to Check Before Buying a 1997 Garlington 61

Before buying a 1997 Garlington 61, a comprehensive marine survey and professional sea trial are important. The survey should cover the hull, deck, stringers, bulkheads, fuel system, electrical installation, plumbing, steering and running gear. Because these boats have often undergone major refits, buyers should also verify whether modifications were professionally installed and obtain documentation for major structural or mechanical work.

The engines deserve particular attention because the current market includes boats with substantially different propulsion histories. Buyers should review engine hours, maintenance records, oil-analysis reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, transmissions and exhaust components. Generators, Seakeeper units, electronics, air-conditioning systems, watermakers and refrigeration equipment should also be tested under operating conditions. Comparing recent service invoices with the onboard equipment list can help identify systems that may require additional investment after purchase.