John “Jack” Leek and the 40 Super Sport: A Classic South Jersey Sportfishing Design

Most boat owners dream about the perfect vessel. Naval architect John “Jack” Leek turned his dream into reality. A member of a multigenerational New Jersey boatbuilding family and an avid angler, Leek designed the 40 Super Sport in 1977 and used the resources of his own company to build it. Decades later, Ocean Yachts continues to build boats on the South Jersey Shore, carrying forward the practical design values and craftsmanship that defined Leek’s work.

From Family Roots to a Signature Model

Leek’s career was rooted in New Jersey’s rich boatbuilding tradition. Before founding Ocean Yachts with his sons, John and Ralph, he co-created two other well-known Jersey-based boatbuilders, Egg Harbor and Pacemaker. Those earlier ventures paved the way for the 40 Super Sport, a model that combined the lessons of years of sportfishing design with the personal preferences of a seasoned boatman.

Design and Layout Designed for Serious Anglers

The 40 Super Sport was conceived as a production sportfishing machine with sleek styling and functional features aimed at tournament anglers and luxury owners alike. At just over 40 feet long, the boat rode on a modified-V hull optimized for offshore handling. Powered by twin 410-hp 6-71 Detroit diesels, the yacht was capable of a 26-knot top end and offered comfortable cruising in the 21–23 knot range. A substantial 450-gallon fuel capacity supported longer runs and offshore excursions.

Interior layouts were planned for comfort and usability. Ocean Yachts offered two two-stateroom cabin arrangements with upscale finishing, including varnished teak joinery throughout. The emphasis on refined interior joinery helped the 40 Super Sport appeal to buyers who wanted both fishing capability and a comfortable cruising yacht for family and guests.

Cockpit and Helm: Fishing-Focused Features

The cockpit was a working angler’s space, fitted with a teak sole and ample room for a fighting chair. Standard fishing amenities included a transom door for easy water access, outriggers for spread control, fish boxes for catch storage, a tackle locker, and a bait-prep station. These elements made the boat ready for tournament duty while keeping the layout simple and functional for weekend trips.

The flybridge helm was strategically placed and featured an expansive enclosure to protect the operator from the elements without compromising sightlines. The elevated helm position gave the captain a clear view of the spread and the horizon, which is especially valuable when running offshore or maneuvering into a bite.

Legacy and Continued Appeal

The 40 Super Sport was the flagship for Ocean Yachts and the first in a line of successful sportfishing models that followed. Over the years, Ocean-built boats have been recognized for their blend of practical design and solid construction. The attributes that made the 40 desirable—thoughtful ergonomics, reliable power, comfortable accommodations, and classic styling—help explain why the model remains popular among both tournament anglers and yachting enthusiasts.

More than four decades after the 40 Super Sport’s debut, Ocean Yachts continues to operate on the South Jersey Shore, maintaining the regional craftsmanship and family-oriented ethos that shaped Leek’s designs. The 40 Super Sport stands as a clear expression of Leek’s priorities: an efficient, seaworthy hull, practical fishing features, and an interior finished with attention to detail.

This article was originally published in the March 2021 issue.