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The first Merritt 80 was custom built in 2001 (Merritt Yachts Hull #71) for a client who initially wanted a 75ft boat, but the length had to be increased to accommodate his requirements for the boat. Designed by Roy Merritt, grandson of the founder, Franklin Merritt, and third generation boatbuilder and owner/operator of Merritt Boats & Engine Works in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Besides Roy’s uncle Buddy and father, Allen who were also avid tuna tournament anglers, Roy was influenced by Jim Smith and learned the cold-molding construction method from him. Roy went on to further innovate Merritt’s hull construction from cold-molding (1970s) to fiberglass composite construction after learning about Klegecell, a closed-cell PVC foam’s excellent properties for reducing weight (vital for enhancing speed and fuel efficiency), increasing strength/rigidity, sound absorption, and more. Core construction led to greater production efficiencies, while continuing to offer significant client customizations. While hull shape and dimensions are constrained to the Merritt 80’s mold, deck configurations, interior décor, appliances, amenities, cockpit outfitting, tower and other options including power plant, equipment, and electronics, to paint color, are all customized to the client’s wishes, making each Merritt 80 a unique, custom boat.
United Yacht Sales would be pleased to help you find the right sport fishing boat for sale, or sell your existing vessel, with one of our professional brokers. We have experts on staff that specialize in the sale or new build of custom sportfish.
The Merritt 80 Sportfish convertible is an extremely efficient running yacht, capable of hitting a top speed of 37 knots. It accelerates quickly going from idle to 30 knots in just 11 seconds! The hull’s wide chines provide greater lift and fuel economy. Merritt used an advanced resin-infused epoxy/Kevlar/E-glass skin, vacuum-bagged with coring throughout the hull, including the running surface, for a lightweight all-composite hull.
The 80 Sportfish’s exterior design includes the extremely popular “balcony” deck (cockpit mezzanine) that is along the salon’s aft bulkhead and is the same level as the salon. Guests can watch the cockpit action and crew can keep an eye on the lines seated in shaded and air-conditioned comfort within easy reach of the built-in beverage chiller. Unless a client specifically requests its elimination, the balcony seating will automatically be included in the design. Everything is built-in for a clean, clutter-free fishing zone and throughout the interior, allowing Merritt’s beautifully finished book-matched woodwork and joinery to impart a rich old-world patina on all the cabinetry and furniture that conceal high-end appliances, electronics, and other items. The 2001 Merritt 80 is configured with a generous 4 stateroom, 4 head accommodations layout and a large tackle locker located amidships on the companionway.
The 2006 Merritt 80 (Hull #83) also features a 4/4 layout with an exceptional master suite that features double entry doors and custom hand carved posts on either side of the king berth headboard. Instead of the tackle locker, there is a utility room housing the Crestron video and audio entertainment system electronics, along with the washer and dryer and an extra teak-framed pullman-style berth! This yacht also features a custom corner bar with bottle and glass storage and icemaker in bottom cabinet and illuminated etched glass mural in the upper cabinet. The aft bulkhead window also features a custom etched glass mural, making this 80S a true work of art!
Yet both the 2001 and 2006 models were built to perform and maneuver on fish, able to take on the rigors of bluewater gamefishing anywhere in the world.
The Merritt 80’s length overall (LOA) is 80’3” with a 20’3” beam. Maximum draft is 5’9” and minimum draft is 5’6.” Diesel fuel capacity is 3,051 gallons, freshwater capacity is 450 gallons, and the holding tank is 125 gallons. The 2006 model features twin 2000hp MTU 16V2000 M91 diesel engines with a maximum speed of 36 knots and cruising speed of 29 knots. Performance varied with choice of engines and other features, and other specifications could vary slightly from year to year, depending on owner’s customizations.
