The PowerBoat Guide Blog

Tracking Today’s Fast-Paced Yacht Boating Market

April, 2016  (Updated February, 2018)

Running several Yachtworld searchs recently for late model convertibles in the $400K range, the eight boats featured below come up again and again. It’s a diverse group — the quality gap between  a Viking and Silverton goes without saying, and all but the Cabo 43 are designed for cruising as well as tournament-level fishing. All of these boats were popular during their production years with a few achieving best-in-class sales figures. For us older guys, it’s hard not to notice the once-prosperous brands that are no longer in business.

At a Glance: Premium midsize yacht for fishing or cruising was considered state of the art in the early 2000s. The spacious two-stateroom two-head interior — updated in 2006 with a serving counter in the galley — features the same satin-finished cabinets and Ultraleather upholstery as Viking’s larger convertibles. The galley and dinette are forward in the salon, and rods stow below the salon sofa. Frameless windows are capped with upholstered valances that conceal the air-conditioning ducts. A laundry center is at the base of the companionway steps, and both heads have separate stall showers. Cockpit amenities include tackle center, bait freezer, in-deck livewell and fish box, and transom door with gate. Cockpit amenities include in-sole livewell, tackle center and freezer. MAN 900hp diesels cruise at 28–30 knots (low 30s top).

Price Range: From the high $300s to the mid $700s.

2004–08

2003–09

Ocean 50 Super Sport

Viking 45 Convertible

At a Glance: Successor to the popular Ocean 48 SS (1995–2003) with increased transom deadrise (for a better ride) and wider beam. The three-stateroom, two-head interior of the 50 Super Sport delivers a balanced blend of comfort and luxury. An L-shaped sofa and built-in entertainment center dominate the salon that is highlighted by grain-matched teak (or maple) woodwork, vinyl overheads, and deep pile carpeting. A flat-panel TV/DVD is found in the master stateroom, a washer/dryer unit is located in the companionway, and the forward guest stateroom is available with a large island berth or an over/under berth arrangement. Cockpit features include a standup livewell, bait prep center, in-deck fish box, and transom door. MTU 825hp diesels cruise at 28–30 knots (low 30s top).

Price Range: High $300s to the mid/high $400s.

Viking 45 Convertible

At a Glance: A very popular model — over 100 were sold — combines signature Post styling with luxurious interior and proven offshore perfrmance. Several three-stateroom, two-head floorplans were offered over the years. Like all Post models, the interior woodwork and detailing are finished to high standards. The cockpit — nearly 150 square feet in size — comes with a full array of fishing gear including a molded tackle center, cockpit controls, transom door, and direct access to the engineroom (where headroom was dramatically improved in 1995 when the fuel tanks were moved aft). Note that in 1997 the flybridge was widened to the full width of the deckhouse. GM 735hp 8V92s cruise in the high 20s (30+ knots wide open). Later models with 860hp MANs boost the cruising speed to 30 knots (mid 30s top).

Price Range: Mid/high $200s to $500K-plus.

2003–09

1999–2008

Riviera 47 Convertible

Post 50 Convertible

At a Glance: One of Riviera's top selling models — an impressive blend of modern styling, solid construction and good open-water performance. One of just a few convertibles under 50 feet to feature three private staterooms. The galley-up floorplan includes a dinette to starboard as well as leather salon seating, quality galley appliances, and built-in entertainment center. A transom livewell, tackle center, transom door, and fish box are standard in the cockpit. Topside, an L-shaped lounge and table are forward of the helm console. Additional features include overhead rod storage in the salon, Corian galley counters, and truly exceptional range. The engine room, however, is a tight fit. “G2” models (starting in 2005) have prop pockets and underwater exhausts. Cat 710hp C-12 diesels cruise in the mid to high 20s (30+ knots top).

Price Range: From the low/mid $300s to $600K-plus.

Riviera 47 Convertible

At a Glance: Introduced in 2000 following Bertram's acquisition by the Ferretti Group, the 450 combines new-look Italian styling with Bertram's signature deep-V hull. The Ferretti influence is evident in the 450’s standard two-stateroom interior with its high-gloss woodwork and posh decor. The galley, with its unobtrusive under-counter refrigeration, is on the middle level in this layout, and side-by-side single berths—rather than over/under bunks—are found in the guest cabin. (Note that an optional three stateroom galley up floorplan became available in 2005.) While the salon dimensions are expansive, the cockpit is slightly smaller than competitive sportfishing yachts in this class. Topside, a U-shaped settee forward of the helm converts to a huge sun pad. Cruise at 26–28 knots with 800hp MAN engines.

Price Range: From the low $200s to mid/high $500s.

1999–2006

2000–08

Hatteras 50 Convertible

Bertram 450 Convertible

At a Glance: Restyled version of the original Hatteras 50 built from 1991 to 1998. Both boats share identical specifications, and the floorplans were carried over to the new model with only minor decor updates. The standard three stateroom interior — with high gloss cherry (or maple) cabinets, leather upholstery, and a spacious salon with dinette and cut-down galley forward — provides the right mix of comfort and luxury for extended cruising. The master stateroom is amidship with queen bed and en-suite head. The forward stateroom has a centerline island berth and direct access to the second head, and the second guest stateroom to port has upper/lower berths, space for a washer/dryer, and private head access. A two-stateroom interior was optional. Cat 1400hp 3412 diesels cruise at 27–28 knots (mid 30s top).

Price Range: From the low $300 to the mid $500s.

Hatteras 50 Convertible

At a Glance: Tournament-class sportfisher from the West Coast — a proven blend of quality, comfort and performance. The two-stateroom galley-down interior is elegantly appointed with satin finished woodwork and decorator fabrics. The master stateroom is amidships with an island berth and a private en-suite head. Forward to port is a full guest head. The guest stateroom features a unique three-bunk configuration with upper/lower bunks to starboard and an upper bunk to port, and sleeps three comfortably. The full service galley—one step down from salon level—has a huge storage locker beneath the sole. (A two stateroom interior became available in 1999.) Because the cockpit is so large, the salon dimensions are modest compared with other boats this size. MAN 800hp diesels cruise in the high 20s (34–35 knots top).

Price Range: From the low $300s to mid/high $500s.

2004–08

2002–08

Silverton 48/50 Convertible

Cabo 43 Flybridge

At a Glance: The best selling midsize convertible of her day. More cruiser than hardcore fishing boat. Her three-stateroom interior includes two double staterooms including a large amidships master with walkaround bed.  A comfortable salon features a solid cherry table, Bose stereo system, and leather sofa with incliner and concealed rod storage. The galley came standard with under-counter refrigeration and hardwood flooring. Front windows — unusual in most modern convertibles — provide additional natural lighting in the forward area of the salon. A hatch in the galley sole reveals a huge storage compartment. A livewell, raw water washdown, freezer, transom door, and engine room access door are found in the cockpit. Note molded flybridge steps. Volvo 715hp D-12 diesels cruise in the mid to high 20s (30+ top).

Price Range: From mid $300s to $500K-plus.

Cabo 43 Flybridge
Silverton 48/50 Convertible
Bertram 450 Convertible

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