Ocean Yachts, the Super Sport Builder From South Jersey

Fast, roomy sportfishing convertibles built in New Jersey from 1977, revived today as a Tampa builder of inboard and outboard boats.

Founded
1977
Headquarters
Tampa, Florida, USA
Models reviewed
1

Ocean Yachts models

Ocean Yachts built fast, roomy sportfishing convertibles in South Jersey for decades. The classic 48 Super Sport remains a popular used buy, and the name has returned with a new Tampa-based range.

Known for
  • Super Sport convertible sportfishermen
  • Roomy interiors and fast cruise speeds for the length
  • South Jersey boatbuilding heritage
  • A revived range of outboard, inboard and sterndrive models

South Jersey sportfishermen built for speed and space

Ocean Yachts was established in 1977 in the South Jersey boatbuilding region around Egg Harbor, an area with a long history of building sportfishing boats for the Atlantic canyons. The Leek family company, founded by Jack Leek, became known for its Super Sport line, convertibles that offered more interior space and faster cruise speeds than many rivals of the same length. They were especially popular with owners who wanted a boat for both tournament fishing and family cruising.

Production in New Jersey ended after the late-2000s downturn hit the sportfishing market. The name has since been revived, and today Ocean Yachts operates from Tampa, Florida with a semi-custom range that includes an inboard 54, outboard 46, 52 and 70 models with open variants, and a sterndrive 48.

The Ocean Yachts 48 Super Sport

The Ocean Yachts 48 Super Sport, the model we cover, is the classic used Ocean. It packs a large saloon, multiple staterooms and a fishing cockpit into a 48-foot convertible with twin diesels. It cruises faster than many contemporaries and offers more interior volume, which made it a favorite for weekend tournaments with family aboard.

Buyers compare it with the Viking 48 and 50, Hatteras convertibles and Bertram models of the same period. Ocean generally offered more space and speed for the money, while Viking and Bertram had a reputation for a softer ride in a head sea.

Buying a classic Ocean, value and survey priorities

Classic Oceans are attractively priced compared with Viking and Hatteras convertibles of the same age, which makes them a good value for buyers who want a large sportfisherman without the premium. Because the original factory closed, support depends on independent yards, engine dealers and owner knowledge, though most systems are standard marine components.

Inspect these items carefully.

  • Engine hours and overhaul history on the twin diesels
  • Fuel tank condition and age
  • Deck and bridge core moisture, especially around the flybridge and hatches
  • Window and saloon door leaks
  • Shafts, struts, rudders and cutless bearings
  • Generator, air conditioning and electrical upgrades

Ocean Yachts history

  1. 1977Ocean Yachts is established in South Jersey.
  2. 1980s to 2000sThe Super Sport convertibles, including the 48, build the brand's reputation.
  3. Late 2000sNew Jersey production ends during the sportfishing market downturn.
  4. 2015Viking Yachts agrees to buy the South Jersey plant, without the Ocean product line.
  5. 2020sOcean Yachts returns from Tampa, Florida with outboard, inboard and sterndrive models.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ocean Yachts still in business?

Yes. The name has been revived in Tampa, Florida with a semi-custom range of outboard, inboard and sterndrive models.

Where were classic Ocean Yachts built?

The classic Super Sport convertibles were built in South Jersey.

Is an Ocean 48 Super Sport a good boat?

Yes. It offers lots of interior space and good speed for a 48-foot convertible, at a lower price than comparable Viking or Hatteras models.

How does Ocean compare with Viking?

Ocean usually offers more space and speed for the money, while Viking is known for a softer head-sea ride and stronger resale.

Official website: oceanyachts.com. Yatch US is independent and not affiliated with Ocean Yachts.