I've always been fascinated that at the height of America's manufacturing prowess, the pioneers weren't engineers by trade. They had no formal training. They were cowboys - grew up on farms, in coal mines... on fishing boats. They designed with little regard for what they were told, only what they thought would work.

There was no "box" and experience trumped all. They weren't afraid of risk, and came up with some of the most unique and forward-thinking designs ever created. They shaped the way we've made boats, cars, and planes, and machinery for the past century.

richard dick bertram sells ridgway yachts advertisement classic boats — An early Ridgway - cedar on oak design.

Richard 'Dick' Ridgway comes from this line of cowboys. In the 1960s, he began building his beamy 26' sportfisherman out of wood - not to maximize EBITDA for a buyout or margins for investors, but to win fishing tournaments. By the early '70s, he was experimenting with Nomex paper, a lightweight DuPont honeycomb core that significantly reduced weight and increased performance.

Dupont Nomex core early designs on boats, Ridgway article — Ridgeway introduces the 26 with Nomex Core

Later, the boat had ties to the Bluefin brand and eventually influenced the Dusky 26XL. But the Ridgway 26 sportfish is a design from a bygone era, where the only concern was your ability to raise fish.

ridgway 26 early sportfishing miami tournament — The Ridgway 26 was built to do one thing - Raise Fish

Note: The Nomex honeycomb core was cutting-edge in 1971, but it's a double-edged sword today. While later designs were standard fiberglass layup, I cannot confirm when this change was made. Regardless of construction method, check carefully for soft spots, especially around deck hardware, cleats, and rod holders. Tap the hull and listen for hollow sounds. If it's Nomex-core and has delamination, repair is costly - you're cutting out sections and rebuilding. If it's solid or the core is intact, these boats were built to fish offshore and can still do it 50 years later.

1973 Ridgway 26

classic boats for sale - ridgway 26 1973

Price: $14,500

Location: St. Michaels, MD

Unfortunately very limited information on the boat. I am working on updating this further once I can confirm more specifics on the boat.

Listing states she is in "very good condition". This tracks as the she has had a recent paint job, brightwork is in good condition, cabin has been redone, covers for dual consoles, and newer hatches. Advert only states that she is powered by twin inboards. My assumption is gas... again working on more information and photos.

Regardless, this classic looks like a beautiful example of sportfishing history.

Listing Link