The Rarest Mako
As most folks will attest the sportfishing community is very small, and the sportfishing boats that serve that community are worshipped.
Names from the early years like Wheeler, Rybovich, Whiticar, were legendary for helping mold the sport that it is today.
But equally important are the names that came out of the 60’s and 70’s the pioneers of the fiberglass age. The miracle material that promised to change the future of boating.
Hatteras, Bertram, and the center console Mako.
Down in Miami in the 1960’s a man named Robert Schwebke was about to make the world of Blue Water fishing available to the angler of more modest means.
I don’t think anyone who has visited websites like classicmako.com can argue that what Robert created is quite possibly more respected and coveted today that it was in the 1970’s.
People around the globe search out used models that have stood the test of time in some of the harshest conditions imaginable, the saltwater world of fishing.
But of the thousands of Makos built over the course of the history of Mako Marine,
Now owned by Tracker Marine, (Johnny Bass Pro Morris), there was one that was very unique.
It was 1979 and a special project was started at the Mako plant, a design from the drawing board of Raymond Hunt. Robert Schwebke, Mako’s founder, purchased the design and the hull mold. A 36 ft. Mako Express day boat.
In a letter dated May 26, 1988, Robert explained that "the Raymond Hunt design of the boat, only had to do with the boat hull configuration itself. The sheerline was all done here at our office in Miami".
Robert further states that, "I decided that it was not particularly well-suited to our production intentions at the time or for that matter at this time. Accordingly, we never went any further with its development". Robert concludes with, " the original Master Carpenters Certificate on this boat was signed by me".
It was Robert’s personal boat until it was sold in 1984.
I purchased the boat in Feb. 1997, it has survived Hurricanes Francis, Jeanne, and Wilma.
I have had the pleasure of fishing and owning this boat for over 10 years and still get a kick out of the anglers that look at me like I’m pulling their leg when they ask me the question, "good looking boat, what is it"?
I reply "it’s a 36 Mako"! Capt. Al Bernetti
Click on the Photo's to enlarge
Southern Coastal Angler Charters