2000 Merritt Works 80

The 2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish is an 80-foot custom sport fishing yacht built by Merritt's Boat and Engine Works. The fiberglass yacht measures approximately 80 feet in length, with a beam of 20 feet 3 inches and a draft of about 5 feet 2 inches. Its design combines a large offshore fishing cockpit with substantial interior accommodation for extended fishing trips and cruising.

The 2000 example currently documented in brokerage records is named “REMAIN CALM.” It features four staterooms and three heads, along with a large salon, flybridge, crew accommodation, and extensive fishing equipment. The boat has also received numerous updates over the years, including newer teak decking, generators, air-conditioning components, electronics, and mechanical equipment.

Is the 2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish for Sale?

The 2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish “REMAIN CALM” has appeared on the brokerage market, but its availability has changed. HMY's listing showed an asking price of US$1.95 million, while other brokerage listings for the same yacht showed US$2.95 million. A more recent brokerage record states that the listing is no longer available, so buyers should verify current availability directly with a Merritt broker.

The different listings also demonstrate why buyers should verify the status of a specific yacht rather than relying on an older online listing. “REMAIN CALM” has been marketed from Lighthouse Point, Florida, and its documented equipment and maintenance history indicate that it has received continuous updates during its ownership.

2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish Price

Historical asking prices for the 2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish “REMAIN CALM” have ranged from approximately US$1.95 million to US$2.95 million in brokerage listings. The US$2.95 million figure appeared in several listings, while HMY later displayed US$1.95 million, illustrating that asking prices can change significantly during a yacht's time on the market.

For a yacht of this age and size, the asking price should be considered together with its maintenance and refit history. The documented example has completed a 2,000-hour MTU service, received new teak decking, updated generators, newer air-conditioning components, and other mechanical and electronic upgrades. These items can materially affect the condition and ownership budget of an individual 80-foot sportfish.

Performance and Propulsion

The 2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish “REMAIN CALM” is powered by twin MTU 16V2000 diesel engines rated at 1,800 hp each. Brokerage specifications report approximately 2,600 hours on both engines, while published performance figures indicate a cruising speed of about 28 knots and a maximum speed of approximately 34 knots.

The yacht carries approximately 3,200 gallons of diesel fuel and uses ZF transmissions with a 2:1 reduction ratio. Its engine room has also received ongoing maintenance, including completion of the 2,000-hour engine service and replacement of exhaust risers. Buyers should nevertheless verify current engine hours, service records, diagnostic results, and sea-trial performance rather than relying solely on the published specifications.

Exterior Design and Construction

The Merritt 80 Sportfish uses a fiberglass hull and a traditional custom sportfishing layout. Its 20-foot-3-inch beam provides substantial cockpit and interior volume, while the large aft cockpit is arranged around offshore fishing operations with a fighting chair, livewells, fish boxes, tackle storage, cockpit refrigeration, and deep-drop electrical connections.

The exterior equipment on “REMAIN CALM” includes a 51-foot Pipewelders outrigger system, a 36-foot Jack Hopewell tuna tower, transom door, electric teaser reels, cockpit controls, rod holders, and teak covering boards. The yacht's flybridge includes three helm chairs, seating, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, bow-thruster controls, and updated electronics, although individual equipment should be verified during inspection.

Interior and Accommodation

The 2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish provides four staterooms and three heads, giving the yacht enough accommodation for extended offshore trips with family, guests, and crew. The salon features a large U-shaped leather sofa with storage, a custom coffee table, an electric salon door, and a television center mounted on an electric lift.

The galley includes granite countertops, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, custom refrigerator and freezer storage, a cooktop, convection microwave, wine chiller, washer and dryer, and additional storage. The available example also has updated cabin mattresses, LED lighting, granite bathroom surfaces, new fixtures, and other interior improvements, so the exact condition and equipment should be confirmed on the individual yacht.

What to Check Before Buying a 2000 Merritt 80 Sportfish

Before making an offer, a complete marine survey, haul-out inspection, and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. The inspection should cover the fiberglass hull and structure, stringers, bulkheads, deck, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel system, electrical system, generators, air-conditioning, plumbing, hydraulic steering, bow thruster, and bilge systems. On a sportfish of this size, the cockpit, livewells, fish boxes, outriggers, fighting chair, teaser reels, and other fishing systems should also be tested.

The twin MTU 16V2000 engines should be inspected individually, including engine hours, service records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, and evidence of previous repairs. Buyers should also review records for the two Kohler 32 kW generators, watermaker, air-conditioning system, electronics, batteries, and major refits. A complete maintenance log is particularly useful because the yacht's current condition depends heavily on how these systems have been serviced and upgraded over its long service life.