Merry Fisher 580 For Sale

I’ve been putting this off for a week and even managed to fit in one last trip on her but it’s got to be done. Due to buying a new boat Kirsty II my ever faithful fishing companion for the last 10 years needs a new home. She is a late 2002/early 2003 model Jeanneau Merry Fisher 580 fitted with a 2012 Evinrude Etec Direct Injection 2-Stroke 90HP engine. The maximum horse power rated for this boat. Also included is a 6HP Tohatsu 4 stroke backup, all electronics and an Indespension Trailer.

The Merry Fisher 580 is a very much sought after (don’t believe me, Google it and see how often these come up for sale, people don’t like letting these go) day fisher, ideal for 2 people to fish from in total comfort complete with reversible helm and co-pilot chairs. Or if you’re wanting to take people out it will fish 4 from the cockpit and another up front at a push. Everything on this boat is as factory fitted, no strange additions, obviously all in used condition that you would expect from a boat that is 17+ years old, complete with the odd scratch, chip and ding. Factory cover was replaced a couple of years back. I’ve got nothing to hide with this boat, it’s all there either on this website or on our Youtube channel, I’ve enjoyed hundreds of trips and she has never let me down once. Hull was professionally cleaned and polished in May 2020, anti-fouled May 2020. The cockpit and deck would benefit from a general tidy up.

The engine was bought new by me in 2012 and has done approximately 360 hours in that time. Still have all the manuals/info and will provide an up to date engine report. Engine runs brilliantly (last trip out was 21st July, 4 hours at sea, never missed a beat). It was carbing up a little after one too many rough/slow trips last year but a de-carbing procedure was done and with the addition of tightening a cable that had worked loose it’s been perfect ever since. The engine was fully serviced by the local Evinrude dealer in May 2020 (plugs, impeller, filter, thermostat etc) no problems reported and has done approximately 15 hours since, this is on top of regular annual services, well above and beyond the recommended schedule for these engines. Engine is rigged correctly, external Racor filter/water separator and no wing nuts on battery terminals. The only niggling issue the engine has ever given me was with a loose power connection causing a stutter at certain revs which was resolved with a turn of a socket, had me scratching my head for a while for a very easy fix. Unlike a lot of Manx boats no expense was spared in having the engine matched to the boat correctly included 2 engine height adjustments and 3 separate propellers. It is now fitted with a stainless steel prop to give a comfortable fuel efficient cruise of 18-20 knots and 25 flat out on the 2 days a year it is flat enough to run at WOT! It’s no rocket ship, it’s a heavy solid boat so speeds reflect that. I’ll also include 2 other props in the sale that both have different performance characteristics. New battery fitted October 2019. Fuel lines replaced May 2020. The backup 6HP Tohatsu 4 stroke has never been used by me other than running it a couple of times a month just to make sure it’s fine. Starts first pull, pumps water great, not been serviced for 2 years so you may want to have it looked at but that is up to you. The main engine has never made me feel like I’d need to use the spare.

Full electronics are included in the sale. Lowrance HDS Gen 3 Touch combination fishfinder and plotter. 7 inch touch screen display with sidescan and downscan (full info here). I’ve also added the option of full engine interface allowing you to monitor the engine from the helm. A separate Lowrance GlobalMap 5150 plotter including a full chart for the Irish Sea. Using this allows the main unit to be used solely for finding fish. Fixed VHF including DSC and position via the GlobalMap unit.

The trailer is an Indespension model bought new in 2014. Has only ever been used to launch/retrieve so the brakes have been disabled. Comes complete with lightboard and spare wheel. The trailer has been sat for a few years with hardly any use and would benefit from a service.

There are a few other bits and pieces included in the sale including a chemical toilet, fenders, solar charger, bait board, drogue, ropes and chain etc (no main anchor though, recently lost to a local wreck).

There are a couple of small jobs that need doing that are already reflected in the asking price, so no stupid offers please. The helm windscreen has a few heavy scratches, one of the transducers needs replacing (replacement included in sale, just needs fitting – 20 minute job when out of the water), cabin door lock could do with a new barrel. Longer term I’d be looking at replacing the main battery cables (last done 7 years ago) and at some point totally cleaning off the years of antifoul, blistering paint (see images) and starting over with a clean fresh bottom – but that’s just me. It’s a boat, there is always something to do!

That’s about it. Overall Kirsty II has been brilliant to me and it’s a really hard decision to sell but I’d rather she carried on getting the proper use she deserves from a new owner. Currently sat on my berth in Peel marina and so will have to be moved on purchase ASAP to make room for my new boat. If it doesn’t sell this week I’ll be putting her on the trailer. To give you some idea I spent £12000 on this boat with an old engine, no trailer and virtually no electronics. Over the years I’ve spent over £25k on her, I’m pricing this to try and get it to a local family that will use it. Same boat, cheap electronics, 21 year old engine, no trailer, no spare – £9900 and sold within a week.

£9500 ovno