Looking for thoughts and feedback

I'm looking for some frank and direct feedback on a boat I am considering purchasing (link below). I'm scheduled to have a full hull survey, sea trial and engine survey executed in the coming week. I have been reading a considerable number of posts on the site and have learned a considerable amount...but there is still a lot to be learned. Lots of valuable input on this site! I'm asking for some frank discussion and feedback from the group here that are not emotionally or financially tied to the deal executing. I understand, pictures and a listing only tell part of the story but I'm looking for your thoughts based on your Hatteras experience. In addition, if anyone knows this boat I would be interested in your 1st hand knowledge (feel free to send a private message). Thank you for the input and feedback!

My apologies but I'm not able to post URL's yet on the forum. The boat in question can be found on Yachtworld.com....boat_id=2007356

Best regards!

Can't find it with that ID number.

I was aboard her at the Palm Beach show. Nice boat. I hope that you're dealing directly with her listing broker. I have done business with him before and he is a straight forward, honest guy. I'm sure all will go smoothly.

Here's the url:

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi..._id=76454&url=

Eric - Thanks for posting the link and the feedback on Wayne. Everyone I have spoken to has stated he carries quality listings and is a very reputable broker. I was on the boat at the Palm Beach show and spent probably two hours on the boat with him and my broker going through everything.

You can think of a new boat evaluation in three parts (a) hull and superstructure, (b) major machinery...engines and gennny, (c) small equipment and electronics. The small equipment and electronics is easiest to check..if you turn it on and it works, likely you are ok; if it's old and out of date well maybe you won't like it much.

The surveyors I have watched are virtually useless on fiberglass hull analysis(because a wet hull is impossible to check well) but ok on superstructure if they know the make and model. The engines and genny are typically items for specialists to check; if the engines have have run hard (high RPM or fast speeds, whichever the owner discloses) beware...

There is much on Sam's to enable you to approach major machinery at least to get an idea. See FAQ... Some easy inexpensive checks: appearance of engine room and appearance and smell of oil, tranny oil, coolant and machinery; coolant analysis, oil analysis, machinery start characteristics, Also, stick you finger in each coolant expansion tank, wipe upper surface....oil residue will collect here and rub off on your finger...

Above all else: TRUST BUT VERIFY!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who replied. The surveyor check list is good along with the other comments from people who posted. Looking for some additional informaiton....are there typical trouble areas on the Hatteras 52's? Are there typical weak points to consider for the 1994 era Hatteras? Do the closed-cell urethane foam stringers pose any problem (like water absorption)? etc... Any thoughts or insights would be appreciated. Thanks.

Delivered two new 52s in 90 and 91. Things I found objectionable were that they had 4 or 5 small fuel tanks that had the pick up tubes in the front and would suck air at 1/4 tank. The ER did not get enough air for the engines and by the time the boat got to the dealer the white carpet was brown around the hatches and the aft head toilet seat would get exhaust on it daily.
The priming pumps did not have check valves and would cause low fuel pressure. I bypassed them on both boats. I hated standing on your head to hook up the shore power.
I would imagine these things were addressed but might want to check.

The enclosed bridge looks very well done. Someone spent $$$$$ on that boat.