2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish

The 2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish is a 52-foot sport-fishing yacht built for serious offshore fishing while retaining the comfort needed for extended trips. With a fiberglass hull, approximately 16-foot beam, and a displacement of around 62,000–65,000 pounds, it combines substantial offshore capability with the relatively compact footprint of a 52-foot sportfisher.

Its strongest appeal is its fishing-focused configuration. The boat features a large cockpit, fighting chair, livewell, fish boxes, tackle storage, rod holders, refrigerated fish storage, and a raised helm deck with tower controls. With twin MAN common-rail diesels producing 1,360 hp each, it is aimed at owners who prioritize offshore fishing performance, speed, and practical deck space over purely recreational cruising.

Is the 2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish for Sale?

Yes, examples of the 2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish can still appear on the used-yacht market. Recent listings have included boats in Florida, with individual examples showing different asking prices, engine hours, refit work, electronics, paint, and interior condition.

Because these boats are now approximately 20 years old, condition can vary significantly between individual examples. Buyers should compare maintenance history, engine hours, generator service, electronics, hull and paint condition, fishing equipment, and previous refits rather than assuming that two 2006 boats with the same model name have similar market value.

2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish Price

Recent asking prices for 2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish examples have ranged considerably. Available listings have shown asking prices from roughly US$599,000 to US$748,000, while another historical listing was offered around US$448,000 after accounting for its refit status. These figures demonstrate how strongly condition, equipment, and refurbishment can influence the value of an older sportfisher.

The asking price should therefore be considered only as a starting point. A buyer should also budget for a marine survey, haul-out, engine inspection, insurance, dockage, fuel, generator maintenance, electronics replacement, and potential upgrades to the tower, cockpit equipment, air-conditioning, and interior. For a 2006 boat, the condition of major systems can have a greater impact on ownership cost than the initial purchase price.

Performance and Propulsion

The 2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish is powered by twin MAN 1360 CRM diesel engines, producing a combined 2,720 hp. Available specifications report cruising speeds around 30–31 knots and maximum speeds in the high-30-knot to approximately 40-knot range, depending on the specific boat, loading, and operating conditions.

The boat carries approximately 1,000 gallons of fuel, giving it the capacity needed for offshore fishing and longer passages between fuel stops. Its propulsion system also includes ZF transmissions, dripless shaft logs, electronic controls, and power steering on documented examples. Actual fuel burn, range, and speed should be verified during a sea trial because engine condition, propeller selection, hull fouling, and vessel loading can materially affect performance.

Exterior Design and Construction

The exterior layout is centered on offshore sport fishing. The aft cockpit provides a fighting chair with rocket launcher and bait tray, livewell, refrigerated fish storage, in-deck fish boxes, tackle lockers, rod holders, cockpit freezer, transom door, and washdown systems. A raised helm deck provides additional seating and protection while maintaining visibility over the cockpit.

The boat uses a fiberglass hull and features a tower with additional steering and engine controls, making it suitable for locating fish and maneuvering from an elevated position. Teak is used extensively on the deck and cockpit areas of documented examples. On a boat of this age, buyers should pay close attention to the fiberglass structure, deck cores, teak condition, tower mounts, hardware bedding, cockpit drains, and areas exposed to saltwater and heavy fishing use.

Interior and Accommodation

The interior provides a practical two-stateroom, two-head layout. The main salon includes a large settee, entertainment system, air-conditioning, and direct access to the galley, while the galley is equipped with features such as a two-burner cooktop, microwave/convection oven, stainless-steel sink, and Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer on documented examples.

The master stateroom is positioned below the helm deck and includes a double berth, storage, hanging locker, entertainment equipment, and a private head. The forward guest stateroom also uses a centerline double berth and provides additional storage. This arrangement makes the Buddy Davis 52 more focused on comfortable fishing trips and overnight offshore stays than on accommodating large numbers of guests.

What to Check Before Buying a 2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish

Before purchasing a 2006 Buddy Davis 52 Sport Express Fish, a comprehensive marine survey, haul-out inspection, and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. Particular attention should be given to the hull and deck structure, stringers, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, steering system, fuel tanks, bilge systems, electrical installations, generator, air-conditioning, and through-hull fittings. The tower and its structural connections should also be carefully inspected because they are exposed to significant loads and weather.

The twin MAN engines should be inspected independently, including engine hours, service records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, exhaust components, transmissions, turbochargers, fuel systems, and oil analysis. Buyers should also test the fishing systems, livewell, fish boxes, refrigeration, pumps, electronics, tower controls, fighting chair, and cockpit equipment. Given the boat's age, documented maintenance and evidence of major refits can be more important than cosmetic condition when determining whether a particular example represents a sound purchase.