A good used Black Watch 34 for sale at a great price!

Black Watch 34: Preloved

Black Watch 34 Second-Hand

If the sight of a good used Black Watch 34 for sale at a great price doesn’t take the wrinkles out – then you ain’t no offshore fisho!

The Black Watch 34 is a true hero of the boating world having evolved directly from the heady days of the American Offshore racing scene 1950s and ‘60s with hulls designed by the famous Raymond C Hunt and his associates including Dick Bertram. Their creations formed the foundation by which all seafaring hulls are now judged, and many believe never bettered.

The legendary American Black Watch boats evolved in Australia under a licensing contract when Queensland’s David and Beverley Stephens gained the rights to produce the 30’ hull in the late 1980s. This formed the foundation to the Australian range that was expanded to include the 26 and 30’ Express and Flybridge, plus the 34 and 40 (1997).

The company was eventually purchased in part by Australian boating and fishing personality Graham McCloy who is currently CEO of Runaway Bay’s Game and Leisure Boats. “That was somewhere in the early 2000s,” commented Graham. “We employed Martin Lewis who was the former production manager at Riviera to get things moving. I could certainly sell the boats but I needed Martin to build them!”

Only a few years later in 2002 the 26, 30 and 34’ moulds were sold and the name was eventually changed to Deep Vee Marine when the license agreement for the use of the

Black Watch trademark in North America expired. Hence the featured boat must be one of the very last 34’s produced in Australia under that name. Graham McCloy was bought out of the company in 2003.

Black Watch/Deep Vee have always been considered premium offshore fishing weapons and their popularity spread not only throughout Australia but they exported the range to the USA, Middle East, South Pacific, Mexico, Asia, South East Asia and even remote Pacific Islands. 

Many were built to Marine Board survey specifications and used primarily for game fishing charter vessels with a reputation as fast, comfortable and very dry offshore weapons.


FEATURED BLACK WATCH/DEEP-VEE 34

Queensland’s Game and Leisure Boats have a 2005 Black Watch 34 described as “an absolute plum! The owner has priced her to sell as she is an immaculate example of the economical sports fishers with low engine hours plus new teak covers boards and coaming. This is a very clean and honest version, with an enclosed bulkhead. An inspection will not disappoint.”

The 34 flybridge is a terrific sea boat with a huge open cockpit and powered by the very reliable and efficient Yanmar shaft drive diesels. Up front there are twin bunks and a forward double berth to accommodate the crew, or perhaps the family. For comfortable cruising she has all of the creature comforts including a shower in the enclosed head, kitchen including microwave, fridge-freezer, stainless steel sink, twin gas burner stove and convertible dinette in an open-plan style layout. Whilst this is a true fishing boat with a simple layout and internal features, it still offers warm and inviting accommodation with a secure fully lockable cabin.

You will love the stairwell to the flybridge making movement around the boat very safe and easy in a pitching sea. Upstairs is a beautifully presented flybridge and helm with deluxe upholstered skippers’ pedestal seats, alloy-framed bimini and a full set of clears in excellent condition.

Whilst there’s a Koden colour sounder, Navman chart plotter and autopilot, let’s face it the electronics could do with an update for a keen offshore fisho! But hey the boat is priced allowing for it. Other electronics include Xantrax 1800W inverter, VHF and a GME Stereo/CD/AM/FM system.


LET’S GO FISHING

When it comes to fishing gear this boat is kitted ready to go. She has a moulded, fully plumbed live bait tank in the transom, Reelax outriggers, tonnes of rocket launcher/rod holders, bait and tackle preparation bench on a pedestal mount, fish boxes, underfloor tanks, rear door, and the coamings have been freshly fitted with teak trims.

From the bow she’s pure nautical eye candy with a stainless bow rail, twin fender baskets, moulded bowsprit with Muir electric winch and plough anchor, forward hatch and spacious non-skid decks that have easy access.

This ripper cruiser is fitted with the popular Yanmar 6FPA-STP engines pushing 315hp each with an expected top end speed in the low 30kts range. You have exceptional range with the large 1450lt fuel tank and 400lt of water will keep the crew at bay for many long days of extended cruising, and with only 1213 engine hours you can expect a long future service life with minimal maintenance.


THE WRAP

This is a modern classic for those in the know. I simply challenge you to find a better sea boat for the money, and this one has been reduced by around $30K for a quick sale. Sure it needs an electronics upgrade but otherwise this is a schmick seafarer with years of economical, seaworthy fishing left in her. I would expect the price to be as low as it should go for long term resale provided it is maintained in premium condition.

I’d love to take her fishing!

Quick Specs

BLACK WATCH 34
PRICE $199,000
YEAR 2005
MATERIAL Fibreglass
TYPE Deep-vee monohull
LENGTH 34’
BEAM 3.35m
WEIGHT Approx 6500kg dry
DEADRISE 18°
BERTHS 4
FUEL 1450lt
WATER 400lt


This story was originally published in issue #508 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.