Ocean Question?

Flyer, definitely. Flexible, well...

Jack Leek was one of the really smart Jersey boatbuilders. Back in the late '70s and early '80s, the speed wars were in full swing. Bertram, Hatteras, Ocean, Post, and others were cramming in the biggest motors they could to achieve a cruise speed in excess of 20 knots. A top end of 25 was a rocketship in those days.
Fast = horsepower or less weight

Jack chose a skinny hull with zero deadrise aft and coupled that with small engines, small fuel tanks, small other important stuff (Except for a drop-dead interior which the ladies loved) and achieved his speed. It all made sense. Small motors with an easy job.

Now, the engine mechanics would go for a seatrial on a rough day and come up out of the "hole" muttering something about "them engines moving". The broker would just look at his shoes... "Aw, it's not a Caddillac".

It may have been somewhat exaggerated, but that's what the dock talk was back in the day. There were one or two structural issues even.

I sold a 1980 42 Ocean back in the mid '90s that had had warrantee work done by factory guys, and done well.
If there were issues, Jack stood behind his boats, to the best of my knowledge.
Funny (true) story-- guy is buying a brand new Ocean and taking delivery from the factory. Wants the name painted on the transom. Jack initially refused to put "Flexible Flyer" on the back end until the guy threatened to walk. Jack, not known for his sense of humor, relented finally.

These old Oceans were a lot of bang for the buck and plenty of 'em were built, and lots of those saw action eighty miles out fishing the canyons off NJ in snotty weather.

Great info! Thanks Loren.

I have a 1988 48ss and its a great boat, not the fastest but she cruises at 19kts sometimes 20 depending on sea conditions. The hull is a solid hull, most issues with Oceans after 1984 are delamination issues on the foredeck, minor stuff.