Ocean Yachts Billfish 37 Review

Looking for a classic offshore day fisher?

Offshore fishermen want a boat with the stamina and power to hunt far flung fishing grounds, with performance to match the movements of elusive fish and the design features that anglers demand.

Some may look back to the 1960s when high-utility custom dayfishermen ranged the islands and bays for gamefish. For those who dream of owning one of those classic boats, Ocean Yachts has created the 37 Billfish the premiere model in a new class of Ocean sportfishermen. But they haven’t simply replicated a classic gamefishing design. Who would want to miss out on the engineering and manufacturing innovations Ocean Yachts has made during the last 30 years?

The 37 Billfish is an all-fibreglass boat, exploiting the sophisticated hull geometries now standard on every Ocean Yacht, with state-of-the-art engines equal to contemporary demands for speed. She will remain at cruising speed in seas that would slow other boats down.

Like every Ocean Yacht, she has a flybridge laid out for efficient command and convenient manoeuvering. But the 37 BF also incorporates a lower helm as fully instrumented as its spacious bridge complement. She’s an ‘all-weather’ boat and with propeller pockets and shallow draft an ‘all-waters’ boat, too.

The 37 Billfish has a satin-cherry interior to indulge the angler’s secret desire for comfort and luxury. But what may be most reminiscent of the classic dayfisherman is the 37’s open main deck. Captain and crew are close to the action no matter where they stand.

The cockpit is designed to accommodate the frenzy of multiple-hookups, with a transom-mounted circulating live well, rod holders, fresh and seawater wash downs, and two insulated fish boxes to store fish destined for the scale. A bait-prep centre with freezer, sink, freshwater spigot and a tackle locker are also standard. A fighting chair can be installed by the factory, or an authorised Ocean dealer in the 37 BF’s ample cockpit.

The range of options will fulfil the individual whims of most sportfishermen. But you have to get out on the sea to experience the true pleasure that this craft offers. It satisfies both the nostalgic, and the modern fish hunter’s need for speed.