What to do...very confused

[Toronto]

As a true Hatteras fan and previous owner, I love these boats. Love the ride, and the build quality.
Been on the look out for a 54 Motor yacht, but have found myself really disappointed in the guest
stateroom configuration on the '80 and low 90 models. Then along comes the 50 and 55 Viking.
Quite a change form the long hall and heads across from the sleeping quarters. I am finding myself getting interested, but have no idea how the ride will compare with say a 54 Hat. Does anyone have any comment on the Viking 50-55 late 80's low 90 motor yachts. Same DD as the Hat. but build
quality in that era?? The big issue is the ride, anyone been on one? Welcome some comments.
I know or rather suspect they are not painted at the factory. Some have been during their ownership.
If anyone knows a Hatteras model between 53-60 with cabin entry to a head for the guest cabins,
excluding the 54 ED, I would really like to hear from you. AND comments re the sea manners of the 50-55 Viking.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Toronto

[bigbill]

i'm pretty sure the viking hulls were cored with balsa. check for moisture if you choose to go with viking

[GJH]

The motoryachts were built by Gulfstar back then. We had cruising friends with a 55. It was a nice boat, but in my opinion the general quality and fit and finish was somewhere between a Hatteras and a Bayliner, and I think big Bayliners are pretty decent boats so I don't mean that as a total pejorative.
They put a lot of miles on that boat up and down the east coast and seemed pretty happy with it.
Personally I like the Hatt 54 better.

[Toronto]

Gents, thank you for the warning re coring, and George, your comment about the fit and finish.
As a Northern boater, moisture and freezing weather don't do well together. And as a perfectionist, fit and finish do matter to me. I have always thought the 54 was a beautiful balance of style and size.
Great if not the perfect size for Great Lakes boating. I need to invest some time and step aboard a 50 and 55 Viking. Maybe that will make it perfectly clear which direction I should follow.
ABOUT CORING; you don't mean balsa below the water line do you. That is a definite no go for me.

Thanks for your insight gentlemen, Toronto.

[SKYCHENEY]

My dad bought a 1984 49 Gulfstar new and owned it for 10 years doing the whole loop. That boat is now on its third owner and logging many miles in the Bahamas. I toured the factory back then. That boat was heavy, even with the balsa coring (above the WL only just like Hatt). I liked the seachest inlet strainer and the seachest outlets that made for no through hull discharge fittings. The difference I noticed was the other components. The pumps, and switches, hardware, etc were not top of the line like Hatteras used(I notice the same on current Vikings). The electrical was decent but more simplistic with no isolation transformers or ways to balance loads with different ships services. I foud the woodwork was much better than Hatteras with several skilled Vietnamese woodworkers on the factory floor. I would not be afraid to own one but I don't care for the looks of the 55-63' models with the short bow and no side decks.

Comparing them to a Bayliner is unfair. They are much better than that and I think you should take a close look at one to decide for yourself. (but I still prefer the Hatteras).

[GJH]

Comparing them to a Bayliner is unfair.

C'mon Sky, I said between a Hatt and a Bayliner. And I stick with my opinion that the big Bayliners are decent boats.

[Passages]

[QUOTE=SKYCHENEY;331759I would not be afraid to own one but I don't care for the looks of the 55-63' models with the short bow and no side decks.
[/QUOTE]

Minor point of correction. These boats were offered either as wide body or side deck models. I have the side deck version. Another thing to be aware of is around 1989, the window frames switched from a high quality stainless steel to a cheaper coated aluminum. Go stainless if possible. I did and 30 years on I have zero window leaks and no corroded. Bubbling or flaking frames.