Topaz Yachts Review

Pat Patterson founded Topaz Yachts, originally located in Owing, Maryland, in 1974, after he successfully introduced his first 28-foot craft at the Annapolis Boat Show. Topaz Yachts followed up with the Topaz 24 and the Topaz 28 in 1980, crafts that were among the first modern express fishing boats. The next year saw the debut of the Topaz 36, and by the end of this first decade in Topaz history, it had built a line of 8 sportfishing crafts ranging in length from 24 to 44 feet.

Topaz was a small-production facility in its early years, releasing about 500 boats annually. The early 90 presented serious economic challenges to the company which dictated the closure of its plant then located in Swansboro, North Carolina. Patterson sold Topaz to the Outboard Marine Corporation during this period, but production of Topaz sportfishing yachts did not resume until they resold the assets. Now owned by Egg Harbor Yachts in New Jersey, the recently released Topaz 40 Express and the 33 Express are constructed with premium resins and gel coating to eliminate blisters; and cutting-edge fiberglass products to meet the ongoing challenges of rough seas. Each Topaz hull gets the benefit of hand-laminated fiberglass and all stringers and bulkheads receive fiberglass encapsulation during the laminating process.

Outfitted for fishing, Topaz cockpits are fully equipped to find those deepwater fish runs. Roomy catch storage boxes, tackle storage, live baitwells, and rod holders are all standard equipment. Interiors are luxuriously appointed with entertainment systems, artwork, and hardwood surfaces. A recently written, retro review of a poorly maintained Topaz 28, vintage 1981, states that the original design and construction of the craft is such that refurbishing it is a reasonable option, explaining that “boats of this style are few and far between” (David Pascoe, “Boat Review”).

Pricing

New Topaz models are priced at $674,000 for the 40 Express and $409,000 for the 33 Express. Used Topaz sportfishing yachts range in price from $49,900 for a 1987 32’ sport fisherman express to $350,000 for a 50’ Topaz manufactured in 1988.

Pros

• Premium construction using latest materials
• Plenty of standard features for fishing
• Simple and practical design

Cons

• Gaps in production due to sale of company; lack of continuity
• Hard to judge overall quality due to changes in manufacturers
• Not built for high performance

Featured Models

Some of Topaz’s most popular models include the Sport Fisherman, the Sport Royale, the 39, 44, and 50 Flybridge series, the 24’ Bimini, the 28’ Cuddy, and the 28’ Makaira.

Conclusion

While the Topaz manufacturing company has experienced many changes since Pat Patterson opened its doors in 1974, its dedication to serving the upscale sport fishing community with practically designed, well-built vessels endures to the present day. With many standard features aimed to optimize the fishing experience, the sporting community considers Topaz to be an industry leader in innovation. The latest Topaz lines, manufactured by Egg Harbor Yachts of New Jersey, pay particular attention to making the interior spaces well-designed and equipped for passenger enjoyment.