1996 Sailfish 231

Step aboard this 231 and you can feel the old-school Sailfish DNA—deep, secure cockpit, tall gunwales, and a bow that just looks eager to punch through a chop. The cuddy isn’t just a token cabin; it’s a legit spot to crash between tides or stash gear out of the weather. Wide side decks and a clean foredeck make it easy to work the anchor or follow a fish around the bow. The radar arch gives you extra vertical storage and a place to rig additional electronics or outriggers later on. It’s the kind of hull that feels solid underfoot, even when things get lumpy, and you can tell it was built for anglers who don’t wait for perfect forecasts.

A 23-foot Sailfish like this shines in local waters where you might jump from sheltered bays to open swells in a single run. The hull’s offshore heritage handles afternoon chop confidently, yet the size stays manageable for trailering to different ramps and launch sites. It’s ideal for working nearshore reefs, trolling along current lines, or sneaking into tighter inlets where bigger boats hesitate. The cuddy gives you a dry hideout when weather shifts, while the open cockpit leaves plenty of room to work a spread or bottom fish. For this area’s mixed conditions—calm mornings, breezy afternoons, and varied bottom structure—the 231 hits a sweet spot between capability, comfort, and simplicity.