Fisher boats are known for their legacy and perseverance. They’re brilliantly designed to glide smoothly in any weather and to provide maximum comfort and safety for the user.
Fisher Boats, the brand itself, had an impressive and fruitful run, offering yachts, pontoon boats, and utility fishing boats of the highest quality.
Sadly, the manufacture of Fisher boats came to an end in 2009, leaving many with unanswered questions. If you’re wondering who makes Fisher boats now, stick around to find out.
Who Makes Fisher Boats: The Story
Clifton Miller was the founder and president of Fisher Marine; a company that manufactured all types of aluminum boats ranging in length from 14 to 37 feet.
Miller started Fisher Boats in 1967, later to be sold to Brunswick Corporation in 1988. This purchase, among many others, made Brunswick the largest manufacturer of pleasure boats and marine engines in the world!
However, in the 1990s, an economic depression affected boat sales, which is why Fisher Boats went back on the market. It was then purchased by Tracker Marine Group.
Thereafter, Tracker Marine Group had a rough time. Their sales declined, and they were forced to lay off workers. By 2009, the manufacture of Fisher boats was discontinued.
Our Favorite Fisher Boat Models
Fisher boats were known for the steady launching of new models; each being refined and perfected to satisfy demands. Here are some of the models we think are flawless:
The Fisher 46 Yacht
Motor sailers, including the Fisher 46, were designed by Gordon Wyatt and David Freeman, who paid great attention to details. They made sure their pleasure yachts were available in varying sizes to fit all sailors.
They also designed their yachts with safety in mind, with ballasts boasting high stiffness ratios and secure deck bulwarks to prevent any accidental falls into the water. To add, these yachts have keels, double-ended hulls, and ketches instead of sloop rigs.
The yachts are built with the sole purpose of providing comfortable and easy journeys. Not only that, but they’re designed to work perfectly in any weather, thanks to the incorporation of a boat wheelhouse.
The Fisher 46 has all of this in addition to luxury! With its four cabins and huge saloon, it’ll make for the perfect getaway with your family or friends.
The Liberty Pontoon Boats
We love the Liberty series because they also come in different sizes. You can get the Liberty 180 Fish, which is only 19 feet, or you can opt for the Liberty 240, which is 26 feet. The latter can accommodate up to 12 people comfortably.
Liberty Pontoon boats house different engines. Some are equipped with a 25hp engine while others house a 115hp engine.
The pontoons are designed with elegance and comfort in mind. They can be used for fishing trips, too, with plenty of space for all the fishing gear. Not to mention, they’re available in fish variants.
They include the bait tank, chairs for fishing, live well, and even a fish finder. And of course, they have bimini tops to shade you against the sun. Just get your cooler, and you’re all set!
Fisher 170 Pro Avenger Sport
If you’re not looking for a big and expensive boat, this one’s for you. It’s a typical fishing boat with an outboard motor of 135hp. It’s 17 feet, so it can take up to six people comfortably.
Can You Still Buy Fisher Boats?
Although no new fisher boats are being produced, you can still buy used ones online. You can check out Stamper’s Boat Barn, iNautia, RNR marine, and iBoats if you’re trying to buy or sell a fisher boat. There are many models available and some are as good as new!
If you already have a fisher boat and are looking for accessories or repair parts, you’ll find the above-mentioned online outlets useful as well.
Alternatives
Since Fisher boats are no longer manufactured, you might be looking for other options that resemble them in quality and prices.
Tracker boats, founded by Johnny and his father, John Morris, are a lot similar to Fisher boats. In fact, the Sun Tracker with its roomy space, fancy seating, and fishing gear, is as good as the Liberty Pontoon.
The Sun Tracker comes in three models, Fishin’ Barge, Sportfish, and Bass Buggy. This gives you a range of sizes and prices.
Tracker boats also have utility fishing models such as the Grizzly 1754 JON, which reminds us of Fisher 170 Pro Avenger Sport. It accommodates six people with ease and is made from thick aluminum to sail and anchor steadily.
What we like most about it is the lockable compartment where you can store your gear or food safely away from the sprinkling water.
Another brand we really recommend is EdgeWater Center, founded by Bob Dougherty in 1992. Their center consoles are all about modernity, sleekness, and speed. Not to mention that they can accommodate a lot of people, making them excellent for family gatherings and parties.
Some of their center consoles are equipped with a TV screen, fridge, microwave oven, and showers. So, if you’re looking for luxury, EdgeWater’s center consoles are right up your alley.
Wrap Up
Despite the fact that they’re no longer being manufactured, the legacy of Fisher boats is still quite prominent, with numerous boat owners still buying and selling their Fisher boats.
Virtually all Fisher boats are reliable and versatile. Our favorites, though, are the Fisher 46 and the Liberty Pontoons line. They’re remarkably well-rounded and reliable.
If you’re looking to buy a Fisher boat, start by checking Stamper’s Boat Barn, iNautia, RNR marine, and iBoats. If you can’t find a Fisher boat that suits your requirements, you should definitely check out Tracker boats and EdgeWater center consoles.