The adage claims that history repeats itself, and certainly the Ocean 37 Billfish poignantly proclaims that truth. For many years professional charter captains preferred this “day-boat” design for its utility and cost-effectiveness.
Basically a flybridge convertible minus an aft saloon bulkhead, this concept afforded sport fishermen a sheltered space to get out of the wind and weather yet didn’t step anywhere near the “luxury” category. Back in those days, most boats boasting this concept had but one diesel engine and cost pennies to run – ideal for a professional.
Ocean Yachts has revisited this design, with some notable improvements. For example, while many of the old boats barely made 20 knots at top speed, advances in hull design and running-surface geometry have elevated the 37 Billfish, with twin 480 hp Yanmar 6LY3-ETP diesel power, to a comparatively blistering 35-knot boat that can cruise at 30.
Most of the old boats had fairly Spartan flybridges – some with naught but a bench seat for the skipper. Here, Ocean updated the 37 with a fully instrumented helm station offering superb visibility forward and aft, as well as a lower station to keep that captain comfortably dry in rough weather. Either way, the captain can enjoy quick and easy access to the cockpit when needs arise.
Another “latter-day” feature allows you to take this boat island-hopping or into shallow-water coves for stripers: The propeller pockets not only reduce the draft to 2 1/2 feet, they decrease the shaft angles for increased propulsion and fuel efficiencies.
Most of the hardworking day boats of the past also featured bare-bones interiors with painted bulkheads and rudimentary carpeting. Ocean’s new 37 exudes a luxurious ambience, from its satin-cherry interior to the never-imagined comfy stateroom and head. The net result is the evolution of a working commercial vessel into a Bristol-quality yacht – keeping the function and adding luxury. A tall order well executed.
LOA……37 ft. 8 in.
BEAM……13 ft. 10 in.
DRAFT……2 ft. 6 in.
**WEIGHT……23,500 lb.
FUEL……417 gal.
WATER……75 gal.
DEADRISE……12.8 deg.
MAX POWER……Twin 480 hp Yanmar 6LY3-ETP diesels
MSRP……$472,000
_Ocean Yachts / Egg Harbor City, New Jersey / 609-965-4616 / _www.oceanyachtsinc.com
