2004 LIBERTY 42 Custom Flybridge Sportfish

The 2004 Liberty 42 Custom Flybridge Sportfish is a compact but highly capable offshore sportfishing yacht built around a custom Liberty hull. At approximately 42 feet in length, it offers the fishing functionality of a larger tournament boat while remaining more manageable in size and operating requirements. The fiberglass hull uses a deep-V configuration, with a beam of about 14 feet 10 inches and a reported displacement of approximately 27,000 pounds.

This particular 2004 example has received substantial mechanical and equipment work in recent years. The reported upgrades include rebuilt engines and gears, new air-conditioning units, Garmin electronics, Rupp outriggers, Veem propellers, new batteries, and a newer Phasor generator. Its large cockpit, flybridge, tuna door, fish boxes, and fishing equipment make it primarily suited to serious offshore anglers and tournament-oriented use.

Is the 2004 Liberty 42 Custom Flybridge Sportfish for Sale?

Yes, a 2004 Liberty 42 Custom Flybridge Sportfish is currently listed on the brokerage market. The available example, named “Reel Steel,” is located in Cape May County, New Jersey, and has been advertised at approximately US$549,500.

The yacht's condition and recent refit work are important factors when evaluating the listing. According to the published details, the engines and gears were rebuilt, the bottom was soda blasted, the batteries were replaced, and several mechanical and electrical systems were upgraded. Buyers should still verify the scope of each refit through invoices, service records, and an independent inspection.

2004 Liberty 42 Custom Flybridge Sportfish Price

The current asking price for the 2004 Liberty 42 Custom Flybridge Sportfish “Reel Steel” is approximately US$549,500. This is an asking price for one specific yacht rather than a fixed market value for every 2004 Liberty 42. Condition, equipment, refit history, engine hours, and location can all influence the final transaction price.

When budgeting for the purchase, buyers should also consider survey and haul-out costs, insurance, dockage, fuel, routine engine servicing, generator maintenance, and future electronics or fishing-equipment upgrades. For an older custom sportfish, a well-documented refit can be valuable, but the buyer should confirm that the work was professionally completed and that major systems are operating correctly.

Performance and Propulsion

The 2004 Liberty 42 Custom Flybridge Sportfish is powered by twin MAN 2848LE403 diesel engines, each rated at 800 hp. The published listing reports approximately 430–435 hours since major engine work, while total engine hours are reported at around 1,740–1,750 hours. The engines are connected to ZF gears and direct-drive shafts.

Published performance figures indicate a cruising speed of approximately 31 knots at 1,900 rpm, with a reported wide-open throttle speed of approximately 38 knots at 2,350 rpm. The propulsion system also includes 2-inch stainless-steel shafts and four-blade Veem Nibral propellers. Buyers should verify these figures during a sea trial rather than relying solely on listing specifications.

Exterior Design and Construction

The Liberty 42 uses a fiberglass deep-V hull designed around offshore sportfishing. Its approximately 42-foot length and 14-foot-10-inch beam provide a relatively compact platform while maintaining a substantial cockpit. The reported 110-square-foot cockpit includes teak covering boards, two 200-gallon fish boxes, a transom door, bait-handling equipment, rod storage, rocket launchers, and Rupp outriggers.

The flybridge provides the captain with elevated visibility while retaining seating and storage for offshore fishing operations. The yacht also features a hardtop with EZ2CY enclosure panels, Stidd helm seating, Glendenning single-lever controls, and additional rod storage. The hull and deck should be carefully inspected for structural issues, moisture intrusion, previous repairs, and the condition of hardware and fishing-related equipment.

Interior and Accommodation

The interior is arranged to provide practical accommodation for fishing trips rather than the extensive living areas found on larger luxury motor yachts. The published layout includes a forward V-berth, dinette, galley, separate head with shower, two barrel chairs, and storage throughout the cabin. The salon area also benefits from large side and aft windows that provide additional natural light.

The galley is equipped with two Thermador refrigerators, a Chef microwave, U-Line cooktop, stainless-steel sink, granite countertops, and wood flooring. A combination washer/dryer is also installed in the accommodation area. The yacht is therefore configured for multi-day offshore fishing trips, with the interior providing the essential sleeping, cooking, washing, and storage facilities needed for extended time on the water.

What to Check Before Buying a 2004 Liberty 42 Custom Flybridge 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, stringers, bulkheads, deck, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, shafts, rudders, propellers, electrical system, batteries, generator, air-conditioning, plumbing, and bilge systems. The large cockpit should also be checked for the condition of fish boxes, bait systems, outriggers, rod holders, hydraulic equipment, and teak components.

The twin MAN 2848LE403 engines deserve particular attention because the listing indicates that both engines and gears have undergone rebuilding work. Buyers should request detailed invoices and service records and verify the reported hours through engine diagnostics where possible. The ZF gears, Veem propellers, shaft seals, cooling systems, exhausts, Phasor generator, Garmin electronics, and Glendenning controls should all be tested during the survey and sea trial before completing the purchase.