pacemaker yachts history

• Apr 12, 2022

Gone But Not Forgotten- The Boat Brands We Loved That Are No More (Part 1)

By: Richard Crowder

The Stories of OMC (Outboard Motor Corporation), Shepherd Boats, Trojan, and Pacemaker

In my over forty years in the pleasure boat industry, there have been literally thousands of boat companies and brand names in North America. Some were and are strictly regional brands not known or recognized in the rest of the continent, but many were national and international brands known to most of us diehard boaters. It is those well known and recognized brands that are no longer with us that I look forward to examining in this series.

Let’s start this nostalgic look into the past with a corporate name almost all boaters know: OMC , short for the Outboard Marine Corporation . Until its bankruptcy and subsequent break-up in 2000, OMC was well known to generations of boaters for its outboard motor brands, Johnson and Evinrude , and later its sterndrives, the most powerful of which was the King Cobra.

But as I said in the introduction I would be talking about boat brands, not motor brands, and I am not straying from that. Starting with OMC was no mistake. What many don’t remember, or are not aware of, is that throughout almost the entire 1960's OMC made boats under its own name. As primarily a motor manufacturer, it wanted to guarantee that its motors would find places on boat transoms, and manufacturing its own line of boats was one way to do that.

Taking advantage of the relatively new method of building boats in the early 1960’s that was rapidly replacing the use of wood, OMC latched onto a new product -- fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) . The glass fibre portion of FRP was patented by Owens-Corning as "Fiberglas,” and then later du Pont developed the resin to mix with the glass fibres to create FRP, later to be called simply fiberglass. This happened during the 1930's and 1940's and was dabbled with during the Second World War. The first widespread use of FRP was remarkably in the pleasure boat industry during the 1950's, which then carried on with major acceptance throughout the 1960's.

OMC had one of the largest dealer networks in North America for its Johnson and Evinrude outboard motor brands. A dealer handled one or the other engine brand, but almost never both, so OMC had to provide boats separately under each brand. Both brands were similar in looks and even in design, but not identical. Since Evinrude was the more upscale motor, so too was the Evinrude line of OMC boats.

They were mostly family style runabouts ranging from 14-19 feet with closed bows and full windshields, but a very few were side console or bowrider designs. Their rounded foredecks and instrument panels, steering wheels, and seats were fashioned to mimic those of the automobile industry at the time. Both were tri-hull designs, but the Evinrude boat was more a “gull-wing” design while the Johnson boat more a “cathedral” hull design. As the inboard-outboard or sterndrive mode of propulsion caught on with the public toward the end of the 1960's, both brands were fitted with OMC sterndrives as needed.

As the the 70's rolled around, and thanks in part to the ease of using FRP to build a boat of any size or design, many new boat manufacturers began entering the marketplace. These all required motors, so OMC stopped manufacturing its boats and concentrated on supplying motors for these emerging brands.

I examine the rise and fall of OMC in Part 7 of my series, Innovators in Boating- Ole & Ralph Evinrude .

I’m now going to alter course considerably. If you weren’t a runabout fan, maybe you remember the motor yacht market. Shepherd boats were and are primarily known and remembered for their extremely well designed and built mahogany runabouts from 22 to around 30 feet. I highlighted Shepherd’s boatbuilding history in my Before Fiberglass article series.

What is not much remembered are the motor yachts that Shepherd produced. By the 1950’s, with post-war disposable family income on the rise, boatbuilders such as Chris Craft , Owens, and Pacemaker were building larger liveaboard cruisers and yachts to meet the demands of the boating market.

At the time, these were built of wood and Shepherd, a Canadian brand made in Niagara, Ontario, naturally increased the size of its boats for both the Canadian and the US market where it had a strong following. Shepherd yachts in the 30-40 foot range were very popular, and its 50-foot motor yacht rivalled that of any other on the market.

Trojan was building small wooden runabouts and even small cruisers up to 31-feet in Pennsylvania. In 1966, they purchased the Shepherd company as a way to increase the size and range of their offering. Trojan was hesitant to switch to fiberglass and after the Shepherd purchase didn’t have the capital to build the molds to make the switch.

In 1969, the Whittaker Corporation of Los Angeles bought Trojan to add to its growing portfolio. Trojan, as well as its Shepherd line, was then able to switch partially to fiberglass for the hulls while the decks and interior were made from wood. The Shepherd name was eventually dropped, the Canadian facility closed, and the last Shepherd boat shipped in 1978 from the Lancaster, PA Trojan facility.

Subsequently, Trojan became well known for its 25/26, 30/31, 32, and 36-footers as well as its 40/42, 44, and 50-foot motor yachts, eventually constructed using all fiberglass. Trojan’s F32-foot flybridge sedan and its 36 Tri-Cabin were both huge sellers and classics on North America’s waterways. But by the mid-80's, Trojan was way behind in satisfying the public’s demand for the sleek new cruiser models coming into the marketplace. It tried to solve that with a complete turnaround and the introduction of its International series of cruisers. But they did not catch on, and by the early 1990’s the Trojan name disappeared. Trojan later became part of Genmar Holdings boat empire which eventually was broken up and no boats under the Trojan name have been produced since.

As a further postscript, in just the past few years, the Bergerson Boat Company of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin has acquired the legal rights to the Shepherd name and today builds mahogany replicas just like the originals including the popular 22, 24, 27, and 30-foot runabout models.

In 1948, two short years after its formation, one of the founding partners of Egg Harbor Yachts left the company and founded Pacemaker Yachts, also in Egg Harbor, NJ. Pacemaker acquired a reputation for quality construction, finishing detail, and seaworthiness with its express cruisers and motor yachts aimed at a more upscale market from the Trojan buyer. The Pacemaker 47 became renowned in both motor yacht and in sportfisherman configurations.

In the mid-1960’s, Egg Harbor was in financial trouble and merged with Pacemaker while each brand kept its separate identity. Both companies could see the days of fiberglass coming, but Pacemaker decided to test the waters before fully committing by launching a separate fiberglass brand it called Alglas . The writing was on the wall and by the mid-1970’s, Egg Harbor and Pacemaker made the switch to fiberglass construction. Pacemaker’s convertible models were popular inland while its sportfishermen were favoured on the Atlantic coast. It was producing a huge range of models from 25 to 62 feet.

Around this time, just like in the Trojan case, big conglomerates, in this case Fuqua Industries, which had accumulated other boatbuilders, purchased Egg Harbor/Pacemaker. It was then shortly sold again to Mission Marine which collapsed under debt load in the late 70's and the Pacemaker brand was no more. The Egg Harbor brand was subsequently resurrected and has since passed through other hands and is still building its renowned yachts today. An interesting aside is that another partner in Egg Harbor Yachts left the company in the mid-1970’s and created Post Yachts, which built sleek sportfisherman yachts from 42 to 66 feet up until around 2012.

Check out: Gone But Not Forgotten- Chrysler Boats (Part 2)

#culture #omc #pacemaker #trojan #trojanyachts

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• May 1, 2023

NEW LISTING: A Piece of History: 1978 Pacemaker 66 Motor Yacht, Formerly Owned by John Glenn

The 1978 Pacemaker 66 Motor Yacht: A Piece of History and the Ultimate Live Aboard Experience

If you're in the market for a luxurious and reliable motor yacht, the 1978 Pacemaker 66 is a must-see. Not only is it a stunning vessel with timeless design and features, but it also has a fascinating history that sets it apart from other boats on the market. The 1978 Pacemaker 66 motor yacht was custom-built for legendary astronaut John Glenn, who owned it for 22 years. This vessel is a rare find in the boating world, and its rich history makes it an extraordinary opportunity for anyone who loves boats and boating lifestyle.

The Pacemaker 66 was designed and built in the late 1970s by the iconic yacht builder Pacemaker Yachts. The company was known for producing some of the most luxurious and reliable motor yachts of its time, and the 66 was no exception. It was ahead of its time in terms of design and features, with a full-beam salon that boasted natural light, beautiful wood floors throughout, and a full bar located behind the pilothouse bulkhead. The aft deck and walkaround side decks from the pilothouse forward are perfect for outdoor entertaining, and the vessel has two large salons and four staterooms, providing ample space for hosting guests or accommodating a large family.

The fact that the 1978 Pacemaker 66 was custom-built for John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, makes this vessel a unique and valuable piece of boating history. John Glenn loved this vessel and owned it for 22 years, making many cherished memories on it with his family and friends. The vessel was named "Cruising At Last," and it was his personal sanctuary on the water, where he could escape the pressures of public life and enjoy the freedom of boating. Glenn's love for this vessel speaks volumes about its quality, reliability, and livability.

For anyone looking to live on the water full time, the 1978 Pacemaker 66 motor yacht is an exceptional choice. Its spacious layout, comfortable accommodations, and luxurious amenities make it the ultimate live aboard experience. The wood floors and elegant furnishings create a warm and inviting ambiance, and the large windows provide stunning views of the water. The vessel is equipped with all the modern conveniences you would expect, including air conditioning, heating, and a fully equipped galley.

Living on a motor yacht like the 1978 Pacemaker 66 offers a unique and rewarding lifestyle. You can enjoy the freedom and tranquility of being on the water while still having all the comforts of home. You can wake up every morning to the sound of the waves and watch the sunset from your own private deck. You can explore new places and meet new people in your own floating home. Living on a boat is not for everyone, but for those who love the water and the boating lifestyle, it's an opportunity of a lifetime.

1968 Pacemaker 66 Motor Yacht / $248,500

Length: 66'

Beam: 17.5'

Draft: 4'

Twin Detroit Diesel 475 Hp (7054 hrs)

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In conclusion, the 1978 Pacemaker 66 motor yacht is a rare and valuable vessel with a rich history and timeless design. It's the ultimate liveaboard experience for anyone who loves boats and boating lifestyle. If you're in the market for a luxurious and reliable motor yacht, the Pacemaker 66 is a must-see. Its spacious layout, comfortable accommodations, and luxurious amenities make it the perfect choice for hosting guests or accommodating a large family. The fact that it was custom-built for John Glenn adds an extra layer of prestige and value, making it a unique and valuable

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BLouder New Member

I've heard some good and some negative about the older Pacemaker Yachts. One captian that I was chartering with said some yards wouldn't even haul a Pacemaker. I'm specifically more interested in the Sport Fish models. Any feed back? Thanks,

RER Senior Member

BLouder said: I've heard some good and some negative about the older Pacemaker Yachts. One captian that I was chartering with said some yards wouldn't even haul a Pacemaker. I'm specifically more interested in the Sport Fish models. Any feed back? Thanks, Click to expand...

I have a 1971 48' Sportfish that I bought it a little over a year ago. I think its a great boat but find very little info on them. I fell in love with the lines and had to have it. Sharp entry, huge bow flare, and the classic Jersey lines make a beautiful boat in my mind. It's built like a tank as you said and crushes through the waves quite well. No speed demon but does what I need her to. I didn't say what kind of boat at first because I was looking for honest and brutally honest opinions. Thanks Bill

PacBlue Senior Member

I believe Bruce Kessler of Zopolite fame owned a 48 Pacemaker in the 70s to early 80s. He added a 2 foot cockpit extension and even ran it from LA to Hawaii on its' own bottom with him and his crew (and extra fuel barrels)! A true adventurer and boating pioneer. I know they had a refueling stop (or two) in the mid Pacific, but any production sportfisher that can safely get you from LA to Hawaii is impressive in my mind. I always liked the lines and the look of the 48, and the David Martin design (older Egg Harbors, Ocean Yachts) should be easy on fuel. Most were equipped with 435hp 8V-71TI's, the workhorse for its time and a few later ones had 650 hp 8V-92TA's. definitely not up to the speed demons of today, but what is so bad about a 21 knot cruise? Rybovich built only one fiberglass boat, the "Private I", which used the 48 Pacemaker hull, and they added the could molded house/bridge along with the rest of the outfitting. Interestingly, this boat has always commanded a premium on the used market.

Blue, Thats some great info! I spent the weekend on her and it was great. Looking forward to getting her cleaned up.

MAW New Member

Another 48' Pacemaker Sportfish owner here. Recently purchased a 1973 model that the previous owner had rebuilt the engines, transmissions and generator on, replaced the fuel and water tanks, then lost interest in the project. Mine is in need of cosmetic work but appears to be in very good mechanical condition. I'm a bit puzzled as to why these boats don't seem to hold their value compared to a Bertram, Egg Harbor, Hatt, etc, of similar vintage. I paid less than half of what the PO had invested in the recent upgrades. Cheers, Mark p.s. Hi Bill

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Jersey Boys

• By Captain Ken Kreisler
• Updated: August 28, 2008

jersey1.jpg

I came to work with my father during the summer and weekends. That’s when I was seven or eight. By age eleven, I was pushing a broom. By fourteen, I was driving the trash truck. Imagine that,” said Viking Executive V.P. of sales and marketing Pat Healey as he recollected his early days at the New Jersey-based family-owned company he now heads up.

Much has changed since his father Bill and uncle Bob started the business in 1960. And we can follow how the Healeys, along with many other New Jersey boatbuilders, were able to carve out an important place in the industry by looking at what took place in the years just after World War II.

A lot happened in 1946. Early in the year, the scientists of Project Diana bounced radar waves off the moon, measuring the distance between here and there. The United Nations met for the first time, Ben Hogan won the PGA Championship, and the Bikini bathing suit went on sale in Paris. Closer to home, however, four guys from the Garden State were creating boatbuilding history.

Exactly who built the first Jersey-style sportfisherman is still a topic of dispute up and down the Shore. But everyone agrees that, in this case, Egg Harbor really did come before the chicken when a quartet of knowledgeable and experienced boatbuilders and boating enthusiasts had an idea for a boat company.

The inspiration for Egg Harbor may have started in the rumrunning days, when the creeks and backwaters were filled with “honest men” just looking to make ends meet. Back then Ventnor Boat Works, of Ventnor City, New Jersey, was known for its sleek, radically modern runabout and racing-boat designs. Think Riva or Chris-Craft with a New Jersey attitude.

But when the Second World War broke out in Europe, Ventnor moved its building facility to Atlantic City, and because of the war effort, there was a void in recreational boatbuilding in the southern part of the state until 1945. And that was all the room the Jersey Boys needed.

They were a diverse group but connected to the same idea: passion for boats and being out on the water. Russell Post and John Leek had already started their own business and were busy building rowboats out of a rented space in Egg Harbor City. Phil Boyd had also done his share of “backyard boatbuilding” by the time he and the others got together. And Harold Care, aka “Pee Wee,” was by far the most eccentric of the four.

“They were all talented guys-good boatbuilders-and we have to thank them for what they did for our business,” recalls Bill Healey, who along with his brother Bob was one of the founders of Viking Yachts. “Pee Wee was a trick water-skier and was also one of the original riders in the diving-horse show on the Steel Pier at Atlantic City they had there in 1928. That’s the kind of guy he was.”

“I was there from the beginning,” says Jack Leek, whose father John started Egg Harbor with Russell Post. “I was in high school when my dad and Russell went into business. Boyd, who was the accountant and bookkeeper, joined them a year later. Then Care finally kicked in his share.” Care reportedly sold some property in order to join the others.

Post and Leek opened the doors for business in 1946. And it is part of boatbuilding legend that Post sold his car to pay for the cedar that went into their first boat, a 28-foot, carvel-built, round bilged skiff. Leek and Ted Haggas, a respected local Jersey designer, and one of those responsible for the original Jersey Skiff boats, drew her lines. “The mayor of Egg Harbor City bought that first boat for $3,000,” Leek remembers. However, the company’s imprint on the sportfishing scene, and the boat that literally created the brand, was the introduction of the 37-foot, cedar-on-oak-framed Egg Harbor Convertible, designed by George Stadel in the early 1960s. “The detail was all there. It was just a good boat,” Healey said. The design has lasted over 40 years, going from wood to fiberglass in the 1970s.

“If you’re asking if they were original designers, well let’s look at it this way,” said Bill Schell, who along with Charlie Walters, purchased Post Yachts in 1975 and is the current owner of the company. “You had the Rybovichs in Palm Beach and lots of guys up and down the coast, especially in the Carolinas, that were coming up with boats designed for running in adverse local conditions. No matter who was building, you took a little bit of sheer from something you saw here and a bit of hull from there and then added your own ideas.” If the Jersey design could be called anything, it was American: tough, durable, and a good value.

The local conditions Schell had mentioned are known well to veteran mariners down the Shore and include inlets such as Shark River, Manasquan, and Absecon, where getting to and from the sea in difficult sea states could challenge even local boats and skippers. For visiting boaters, well, they got a quick lesson in seamanship.

“It was all about running the inlets. That’s how the first boats were designed,” Leek said. “Narrow in the bow with no more than a nine-foot beam or so.”

Through the 1950s, the Haggas and Stadel boats, and later designs by Phil Bolger and Dave Martin, one of the best-known of the Jersey designers, established Egg Harbor as builders of well-designed boats that were also good performers with even modest power. “Dave and I started working at Egg as woodworkers. Russell was a damn good production mill worker,” says Leek. “Call it engineering, call it what you like, but that was his end of it. He was pretty weight-conscious and those first boats were light and fast.”

But as can happen in a partnership, especially one with distinct personalities, Post and Leek had been going toe to toe over this and that. By 1948, John Leek, Sr., sold his shares of the company to Boyd and went out on his own to form Pacemaker. Together with his brother Cecil, they opened the business in Lower Bank early in 1949. “That first boat was a carvel-planked 29-footer using Jersey cedar on oak frames,” said Jack Leek. “My brother Donald and I joined the company in 1950 when we moved up to a 33-footer and then onto a 36 and a 40. The customers wanted to grow and so did we.” Post would also end his Egg days in 1957 when he left to set up Post Yachts.

“Russell was like that, you know,” says Schell. “He knew when something was over and it was time to move on.” Post opened his yard in 1957 in Mays Landing on the banks of the Great Harbor River and decided from day one that he would build quality and not quantity, a statement that has become the Post mantra. His design called for a high bow, eliminating the trunk cabin style, and a gentle sheer that ended at the transom. “If you look at our design, even from the early days, it hasn’t changed much. It’s what we feel makes our boats special,” said Post’s president, Ken Jensen. Post launched its first boat, a 34-footer, in 1958. And as he did during his time at Egg Harbor, Post took each and every one that came out of the yard for its initial sea trial. Post stayed with the company for almost 20 years before selling it to Schell and Walters in 1975, and continued as a consultant for several years afterwards.

In the early 1960s, finding itself in financial trouble, Egg Harbor sold its stock to Pacemaker and became part of the Leek organization. While the two brands were kept separate, they were a formidable pair and became one of the premier stateside boatbuilders. Egg would grow throughout the ’60s and ’70s, building boats ranging in size from 30 to 48 feet and converting from wood construction to fiberglass in the early 1970s. And while wood boats were built right through the mid-1960s, some other Jersey Boys would take the new boatbuilding material in another direction.

“We felt that the boating industry was coming on so we bought our property here in New Gretna in 1960 and opened a marina,” Bill Healey said. “I was in the construction business working with my dad as an ironworker. My brother Bob, who graduated from law school, put together some leases to develop the property…you know, have the marina and homes. But after that first year with the boats, Bob and I forgot about the homes.” Then in 1964, the Healeys bought out the assets of Petersen-Viking, a small boatbuilder with whom they did business and whose line included several 37-foot wooden cruising and sportfishermen. By 1971, the first Viking fiberglass boat, a 33-foot convertible, came off the production line. Today, under Bill’s son Pat, Viking Yachts has become one of the premier builders of sportfishermen in the world. “It started as a family business and will always continue as one,” says the younger Healey as Viking gets ready to launch its striking 82 Convertible.

By the 1970s, fiberglass had replaced wood as the material of choice, and Jack Leek and son John III saw the opportunity to build on the family legacy. The Leeks could trace their boatbuilding lineage back to the beginning of New Jersey boatbuilding, in the 1700s, so it was a proud moment when Ocean Yachts launched its first boat, a 40-foot fiberglass convertible, in 1977. “Our sense of heritage, of having the family name in the boatbuilding business for so long, is built right into the laminate as much as is our quality and dedication to our owners,” said John Leek IV, or J4 as he’s known in the industry. J4’s most personal boatbuilding statement was the launch of Ocean’s 37 Billfish in 2006, a project he envisioned while still in engineering school. And there will be more.

Despite all of this boatbuilding, Egg Harbor found itself in and out of financial trouble until 1990 when it went into Chapter 11 receivership. By 1992, and with the court’s approval, Egg once again started up the production line. Problems once again visited the company and it finally folded in 1997.

However, the Egg Harbor story wasn’t over yet. “I grew up on a chicken farm not far from where my plant is now and during the summers, I figured out a way to increase the production of wood cabinets by making them uniform instead of different sizes,” said Egg Harbor native Dr. Ira Trocki, the current president and CEO of Egg Harbor Yachts. Trocki’s intuitive ability to see “another way to do things” has contributed to his success as a surgeon, with his investments, and also as a boatbuilder. “I used to walk by the plant when I was a kid and say to myself that one day I would own it,” he said. That day came in 1999. After a couple of phone calls, he made an offer for the company. Since then, Trocki has invested $10 million into Egg Harbor and has also acquired Predator, Topaz, and Davis. “I look at these boats as being works of art,” Trocki said. “I’m glad I can be a part of it, to take the business into a new century and be successful.”

The next time you see a Jersey boat go by, take a close look at her sleek, low profile. Try to imagine the vision that a group of entrepreneurial boating enthusiasts had when they first set out to make their marks in the world of boatbuilding. And no matter which Jersey boat you prefer, you’ll have one of those Jersey Boys to thank for all the pleasure, excitement, quality, and heritage that can be summed up in a lyric from native son Bruce Springsteen:

‘Cause nothing matters in this whole wide world When you’re in love with a Jersey girl.

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1973 Pacemaker 40 Motor Yacht

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• Refrigerator w/ Freezer
• 3 Burner Princess Electric Stove & Oven
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• Deep stainless steel sink
• Hot & cold pressure water
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• New in 2000, Northern Lights, 8 kw Generator with 200 hours
• Heart 2000 Watt Inverter w/6 deep cycle Batteries
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• Sea Cocks & Valves serviced 5/02
• Trim Tabs were rebeded in May, 2002
• 3-zone air conditioning
• Upper and lower helm stations
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History of Pacemaker

Pacemaker Yachts was founded in 1949 by Charles A. Platt in New Jersey, USA. The company initially made a name for itself by producing wooden motor yachts, known for their craftsmanship and reliability. Over the years, Pacemaker became synonymous with innovation and quality in the recreational boating industry.In the 1960s, Pacemaker transitioned from wooden hulls to fibreglass, responding to industry trends and consumer demand for more durable, low-maintenance vessels. This move significantly boosted their market presence and solidified their reputation for cutting-edge design and technology. At their peak in the 1970s, Pacemaker was one of the most respected names in the boating world, manufacturing a wide range of yachts and sportfishing boats.However, like many other boat manufacturers, Pacemaker faced financial difficulties in the 1980s. The brand went through several ownership changes, eventually ceasing production under the Pacemaker name. While the original company no longer exists, the legacy of Pacemaker boats endures, with many of their yachts still sailing today, admired for their timeless design and robust construction. There is no current headquarters for the brand as it no longer operates, but their influence remains significant among enthusiasts and collectors.

What types of boats do Pacemaker build?

Pacemaker manufactures a range of different types of boats. The ones listed on TheYachtMarket include Flybridge motor cruiser , Motoryacht and Cruiser .

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Pacemaker Boat Reviews

The Pacemaker is a popular name when it comes to marine vehicles. The brand established its name in the yacht industry and ruled the industry from the 60s to 80s. Even though the growth started to decrease with the evolution of the yacht industry, the name is still known to many.

Pacemaker produces the finest boats on budget. The mileage is excellent, with a fantastic horsepower range starting from 210 to 350. Even though the designs are from decades ago, they still look classic and adored by the consumers.

Pacemaker Yachts history and specification

In 1949 Charles Platt founded Pacemaker Yacht company. Later on, the company was hired by Uniflite in 1977. The Pacemaker was specialized in producing yachts and boats. Their boats are still famous for their specifications.

Size: Most Pacemaker boats are on average 26 to 40 feet long with a beam of 9’10 to 15′. Their average weight is around 7500 lbs to 42000 lbs.

Fuel type: Like other boats, Pacemaker also made boats powered through gasoline.

Engine: The majority of the Pacemaker boats, such as Pacemaker 26/EC, 31/EC, 31/SF, 31/SR, 40/MY, etc., have two engines. They also made some models that contained one machine.  

Top Models of Pacemaker Yachts that can Still be Found

Even though Pacemaker boats are not on the top of the market, they still have some fantastic models available on the market. Here are some of the top models of Pacemaker yachts that can still be found.

The Alglas 25 is one of the initial fiberglass boats produced by Pacemaker. The wide express boat is characterized by rounded bilges, a cabin, a flybridge, and a short bow. The front freeboard was 3’10”, while the aft freeboard was 2’10”.

Chrysler and Pacer engines with 210 to 250 horsepower were used (hp). The average speed for cruising was around 18 knots, with a maximum acceleration of 25 knots.

The open-style Pacemaker boat has a relatively more enormous cockpit with a 3′ freeboard. The forward’s portion is around 10″ whereas the aft is approximately 3’10”. Like all the other ones, 26 Alglas is powered by gasoline which gave around 260hp.

31 Sport Fisherman

The 31 Sport fisherman is a version of the Alglas model, a kind of express cruiser. It is also gasoline-powered with a horsepower of 210 to 250. The maximum speed is around 21 knots to 28 knots.

33 Sport Fisherman

The Fisherman 33 sport came under the model called Flybridge. It is also an Express cruiser. Instead of gasoline, the 33 Sport Fisherman is powered by diesel engines which can generate up to 210 horsepower. The speed is around 16 to 21 knots.

This is one of the unique boats manufactured by Pacemaker around 1977 to 1980. The boat has an open area with a console in the center.

Sportfisherman

The Sportfisherman line from Pacemaker comes in various lengths, ranging from 26 to 48′. Two cabins and a galley were standard on larger Sportfishermen, such as the 40 Sportfisherman. Twin gasoline or diesel engines propelled the majority of sport fishermen.

Smaller Sportfishermen models were faster, reaching a maximum of up to twenty-five knots. Still, larger boats sacrificed speed for luxury and comfort.

32 Flybridge Sedan

This model is called the 32 Flybridge Sedan because the length is around 32 feet and has a beam of about 12 feet. The speed can go up to 23 knots. The boat is fueled by gasoline.

Convertible C33

Once the convertible C33 came into the market, people preferred this model over the 32 Flybridge Sedan. The bow is flared slightly higher and has a transparent foredeck. The speed remains the same as the Flybridge 32, but it has two engines that provide around 350 horsepower.  

Why are Pacemaker Yachts so highly regarded?

Consumers highly regard pacemaker yachts because of their brilliant built quality and fantastic user experience. The boats are highly durable, look premium, give incredible mileage. In a nutshell, they have everything that a consumer would love.

Pacemaker 48 Sport Fisherman One of the Best Yachts Produced by the Brand

The Pacemaker 48 is a type of fishing boat manufactured in 1975. The average length of Pacemaker 48 is around 14.4 m, with a beam of around 4.44 m.

This large boat has three cabins and 6 Berths. The fuel capacity is around 37800 L with a 640 CV.

Buying Guide for The Classic Pacemaker Yachts 

• Engine specification: Pacemakers usually make single and dual engines. Dual engines are preferred for longer routes.
•  Condition: Try to look for the built quality and fuel consumption.
•  Size of the boat: The preferred length is usually 15’-16′. This will allow you to ride smoothly.
•  Pricepoint: Pacemaker boats are available in different ranges but if you want good quality and durability, go for the one ranging from 50 to 80 thousand USD.

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Pacemaker boats?

• Thread starter skargo
• Start date Sep 5, 2011

• Sep 5, 2011

Does anyone have input on them? I am looking at a 1976 32' Sedan bridge with twin 318s.  

Fleet Admiral

• Sep 6, 2011

Re: Pacemaker boats? One of the premier wooden boats - one of the best ever made. They were good in fiberglass as well, but they just lost their sales volume.  

Re: Pacemaker boats? I would respectfully disagree with them being a "premier" wooden boat. They were a step down 'sister' to Egg Harbor. Both were fairly lightly built & had a list of chronic issues. But we are talking about a glass one here (1976). I would label a pacemaker of that era as a 'mid range' or slightly better boat. I don't remember hearing of any chronic issues and would have no concerns about looking at one of that age. Just have it checked out well & if is any kind of sizable investment make sure you have it competently surveyed before buying. I quite frankly think the name "Pacemaker" carries a bit more value today than what they were when they were built (meaning the 1960's & 70's era boats) (just my .002).  

Re: Pacemaker boats? No real 'drive' to worry about here as this is a straight inboard, I wouldn't disagree about the 318's.  

Chief Petty Officer

Bubba1235 said: I think I'd shy away from the Chrystler engines and drives. Click to expand...

25thmustang

Lieutenant commander.

Re: Pacemaker boats? Is it the model with an enclosed salon up, or the fishing style with the open house and just the lower cabin?  

Re: Pacemaker boats? View attachment 112281 I am going to check it out soon I hope, this weather here is crazy! It will be a slip dweller for the most part.  

• Sep 7, 2011

Re: Pacemaker boats? I'd so buy a 318!  

Vice Admiral

skargo said: It will be a slip dweller for the most part. Click to expand...

Re: Pacemaker boats? http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/2519137375.html I'm assuming? Not bad considering the price. Sounds like you will be using it for either a floating condo, or a put around boat to sit by the beaches with. Hard to go wrong, unless the cost of the slip, haul, launch and winterizing are high.  

25thmustang said: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/2519137375.html I'm assuming? Not bad considering the price. Sounds like you will be using it for either a floating condo, or a put around boat to sit by the beaches with. Hard to go wrong, unless the cost of the slip, haul, launch and winterizing are high. Click to expand...

Re: Pacemaker boats? I would agree that the annual operating costs would be a good bit more than the purchase price. Could be a good deal & lots of fun. Check her out well & good luck!  

• Sep 8, 2011

arks said: I say go for it if it checks out OK and you can buy it right! That old 32 Pacemaker named "Wildfire" across from my slip seems unsinkable! It's NEVER covered and sits there summer and winter, getting almost no attention. So.... where 'ya gonna keep it???? Click to expand...

• Oct 7, 2011

Petty Officer 1st Class

Re: Pacemaker boats? That's a pretty awesome yacht there skargo! I'm looking forward to drooling over a bunch of pictures of it soon!  

Re: Pacemaker boats? Congrats man! F30's are sweet boats. Will there be more pics forthcoming?  

Re: Pacemaker boats? More pics soon! I am a big kid actually. Our other boat is a 1978 and I lusted after Novas back then when I was 11. And now, this 75 F30, I remember them seeming so much bigger back then. I can't believe I have one, and can;t believe my wife hasn't killed me. She was the one that said to get it after I initially declined. The plan is to clean everything out of it, make it ok for slip dwelling, then slowly go over the mechanicals. First I have to figure out how to winterize it while it's in the water...  

NSBCraig said: I'd so buy a 318! Click to expand...

• Oct 11, 2011

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Pacemaker Serial Number Lookup and Hull Identification Number Decoder

Get a free boat vin lookup and decode for pacemaker..

The first three characters of the Hull Identification Number (boat VIN) affixed to the transom of the boat hull designate the manufacturer of the boat. This is called the Manufacturers Identification Code (MIC) and are assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard. The MIC for Pacemaker is PAC.

All manufacturers who historically used PAC:

• PACEMAKER YACHTS

In Business We believe this boat manufacturer is currently in business.

Contact Details for Pacemaker.

These are just some of the Pacemaker Hull Id Numbers / Boat VINs we've seen when analyzing accident, registration and coast guard databases to try to determine if there is anything to worry about in the boat's history.

Sample Pacemaker Hull Identification Numbers (HINs)

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• --> --> --> Last edited by REBrueckner; 02-20-2011 at 08:46 AM .

  Rob Brueckner former 1972 48ft YF, 'Lazy Days' Boating isn't a matter of life and death: it's more important than that.

  Your looking at 42 SF's...let me throw one more brand to consider. Post Marine. On par quality wise with CC. Nice layouts and a loyal following. Only downside is the hull design has shallow V. More fuel efficient and faster in good weather but once seas get to 3' or more, you have to slow down.

  I used to have a CC 392 Commander and if you looked at the serial number you would see a UNF. CC made good boats but they used alot of hulls from Pacemaker and Uniflite.

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