1998 RYBOVICH 60 Convertible

The 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible is a 60-foot sportfishing yacht built by Rybovich, a builder known for custom sportfishing boats. The current example, ROSE, has a 17-foot 8-inch beam, a 5-foot 6-inch draft and a cold-molded wood hull. With twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines producing 1,350 hp each, the yacht combines offshore fishing capability with the accommodation needed for extended trips.

ROSE features a three-stateroom, three-head layout and is equipped for serious offshore fishing. Its configuration includes a teak cockpit, refrigerated fish box, livewell, tuna door, bait freezer, Rupp outriggers and a Bausch American Tuna Tower with full steering and controls. The interior is arranged around a comfortable salon, functional galley and private sleeping spaces, making the yacht suitable for both tournament fishing and longer stays aboard.

Is the 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible for Sale?

Yes. A 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible named ROSE is currently listed for sale in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The listing identifies the vessel as a 60-foot Rybovich Convertible with three guest staterooms and three heads, powered by twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines. The current listing is being handled by Michael Rybovich & Sons Yacht Sales.

The boat has also received updates to several mechanical and onboard systems. The listing reports approximately 450 hours since major overhaul for the Caterpillar engines, along with updated Glendinning controls, a 2025 Dolphin battery charger and other equipment servicing. As with any nearly three-decade-old sportfisher, buyers should independently verify the condition, service history and upgrade documentation before relying on the listing information.

1998 RYBOVICH Convertible Price

The current asking price for the 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible is US$1,530,000. The listing indicates that the price was reduced by $60,000, while other listing platforms also show the same US$1.53 million asking price for ROSE.

The asking price should not be treated as the final market value of every 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible. For an older custom sportfishing yacht, value can vary according to hull condition, engine overhaul history, electronics, teak condition, mechanical systems and the quality of previous refits. A professional survey and detailed review of maintenance records are important before determining whether the asking price is appropriate for the specific vessel.

Performance and Propulsion

The 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible is powered by two Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines, each rated at 1,350 hp, giving the yacht a combined output of 2,700 hp. The engines are inboard diesel installations, and the published specifications list a cruising speed of approximately 32 knots and a maximum speed of about 38 knots. The boat carries approximately 1,500 gallons of fuel.

The mechanical package also includes trolling valves, dual power-steering pumps, dripless shaft logs, Racor fuel filtration and two 21 kW Kilopak generators. A bow thruster is fitted to assist maneuvering around docks and in tighter waters. Before purchase, the engines should be tested under load during a sea trial, while oil analysis, transmission condition, cooling systems and service records should be reviewed separately for each engine.

Exterior Design and Construction

The 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible measures 60 feet in length, with a beam of 17 feet 8 inches and a draft of approximately 5 feet 6 inches. The hull is constructed using cold-molded wood, a construction method associated with many custom Rybovich sportfishing yachts. The exterior incorporates teak decks, teak covering boards, a teak transom and teak toe rails, giving the boat a traditional custom-sportfish appearance.

The cockpit is designed primarily around offshore fishing, with an in-floor refrigerated fish box, livewell, bait freezer, tackle center, rigging station and Blue Water fighting chair with rocket launcher. Fishing equipment includes Rupp 44-foot Big Gun outriggers, teaser systems and a tuna door. Above the main deck, the Bausch American Tuna Tower provides an elevated fishing position with its own steering and controls.

Interior and Accommodation

Inside, the 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible provides a three-stateroom, three-head arrangement. The salon features centerline double doors, an L-shaped sofa, barrel chairs, storage and an entertainment system, while the galley includes a refrigerator/freezer, Princess oven and cooktop, microwave and Corian countertops. The interior combines practical materials such as teak and ash flooring with equipment intended for comfortable extended cruising.

The master stateroom has a tapered queen berth, storage and a private head with a separate shower. The starboard guest stateroom and forward guest stateroom both use upper and lower berths, providing additional sleeping capacity for fishing crews or family groups. With three private heads and substantial storage throughout the accommodation areas, the layout gives the boat more overnight practicality than a purely day-use sportfishing platform.

What to Check Before Buying a 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible

Before buying a 1998 RYBOVICH Convertible, the first priority should be a comprehensive marine survey focused on the cold-molded wood hull and deck structure. Inspectors should look for moisture intrusion, delamination, previous repairs, structural movement and the condition of the teak decks, covering boards, transom and other exterior woodwork. Because this is a nearly 30-year-old custom yacht, the quality and history of previous maintenance can be as important as the original construction.

The twin Caterpillar 3412 engines should be inspected individually, including overhaul records, engine hours, oil analysis, cooling systems, exhaust components, transmissions and shafting. Buyers should also test the generators, steering, bow thruster, air conditioning, watermaker, electrical system, pumps and fishing equipment. A full sea trial should verify the reported 32-knot cruising and 38-knot maximum speeds while checking handling, vibration, engine temperatures and overall mechanical performance.