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  1. #1

    Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    Hello, a friend (and Hatteras owner) recommended that I join this forum to ask about a Hatteras that I have some interest in. Hopefully this is the best section to post this. Some background: We're new to boating and our primary wants/needs are a boat that will serve as a "summer condo" for long weekends (likely slipped in Mystic, CT), initially for short trips to Long Island, Block Island, etc., and then I have longer-term aspirations of cruising it farther distances. I've never fished, but want to try that out and see if I love it, but a broker I've been working with advised that I shouldn't worry about whether my boat is capable of fishing off of, because I'll make plenty of new friends at the marina who fish and have boats optimized for that.

    We had a contract on a long-distance (VA) 2001 Silverton 35/351 back in late March which has proven to be one delay after another (they still haven't gotten it ready for survey), and we're at the end of our rope on that and are likely going to cut bait and investigate some other options closer to home. One such boat is the following 1987 Hatteras 41:

    ** I'm too new to post links - do a search on YachtWorld for a 1987 Hatteras 41 in CT **

    The boat is currently going by the name "Probable Paws". According to a search I did, the prior owner had it named "Designoar" and then the following words for prior names also come up, but the boatdb website strings the names all on a single line, so I don't know where one name ends and another begins, so here's the string of words:
    AJA LEE SWEET SPOT SEABIRD

    This boat appeals to us for a few reasons:
    1) It only has one stateroom, giving it a larger room and salon, and since our only daughter is in college, it will mostly be my wife and I sleeping on the boat most of the time.
    2) I believe the prior owner (not the current one) spent a ton of money redoing the interior, with fancy woodwork, granite or marble, and even coffered wood ceilings. It looks like a luxury apartment inside.
    3) It's a Hatteras, so it's solid.

    Downsides from my perspective:
    1) Much older boat (1987) compared to being able to get something much newer if we went with a Silverton, for example.
    2) Externally, it seems like it's optimized for serious fishermen, which I'm not and may never become. In particular, I really do like the built-in steps that the Silvertons (and some other boats) offer, compared to the ladder, as my wife has some issues with her legs (though she scaled the latter on our friends Hatteras and told me not to worry about that). I should note that our friend who recommended I join this forum has a 52' Hatteras convertible and they use theirs much the same way we intend to use ours (in fact, we probably plan to take ours out for traveling more than they do theirs).

    Even if none of you have any first-hand knowledge of this particular boat, anything you can glean from the listing/photos would be appreciated, as will as any honest opinions you care to offer.

  2. #2

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    Looks beautiful, one thing to keep in mind with the hours on those motors, they could get close to needing major service. I have the same ones in my 38, and just recently discovered parts such as the turbos are getting harder to find. Some money was definitely spent on that interior refit, and is stunning.Make sure you get a good survey, good luck with the purchase

  3. #3

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible


  4. #4

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    You found a nice looking boat there if that's the one. I'd not be afraid of the engines until surveyed. I've seen 3500 hours on some and 2000 on others..

    FYI she will take some power and fuel to cruise compared to the other boats you mentioned and even a series 1 41c.
    Scott
    41C117 "Hattatude"
    Port Canaveral Florida.


    Marine Electronics and Electrical Products Distributor.

  5. #5

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    Nice looking boat. Get a good serious surveyor, and also an engine surveyor experienced with DDs. Interesting it has 6-71s- I thought they had 6v92TAs. Personally I would rather have what's in there.

    These engines make a lot of power for their displacement, but if treated well they can do it for a long time. If the boat surveys well, you should be fine.

  6. #6

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    oldboat, yes, that's the one.

    Yeah, it's a gorgeous interior. Anything I purchase will definitely be surveyed, and if I buy a diesel boat, I had planned to have a mechanic experienced with these types of engines inspect it as well (unless you think that a having a surveyor with experience with these engines, combined with oil sample analysis is sufficient). I should note that our work acquaintance/friend with the Hatteras 52 (who does a lot of his own maintenance) offered to give the engine bay a once-over as well, pre-contract.

    Other friends (non-Hatteras owners) have advised me to not pursue this boat, due to its age and potential for big-money issues, especially since this would be my first boat.

    To be honest, I am a little worried about the age and potential for big-money issues, and I also prefer the stairs vs ladder that Silvertons (and some others) offer. I've been leaning towards a 2000-2002 Silverton 35/351 (likely with gas engines - boo), of which I can find a few in my region for $70-75K. But feel free to try to convince me otherwise.

  7. #7

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    Remember a Silverton is not built to take the punishment a hatteras is made for.

    Its not a comparison of equals.

    Take a ride in a Silverton in 6 foot seas and the decide.
    Scott
    41C117 "Hattatude"
    Port Canaveral Florida.


    Marine Electronics and Electrical Products Distributor.

  8. #8

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    You really cant compare a silverton to this sport fish. Not just the ride but the build quality, systems, material used etc... for instwnce the fiberglass fuel tanks of the hatt will never need replacing whereas the aluminum tanks of a 15+ uear old silverton are likely nearing replacement due to corrosion.

    Gas vs diesel...safety and better maneuverability

    The list goes on...

    Waters can be rough in Block island LI Sound, you ll have a much better confort and safetey margin with the hatt.

    Yes, absolutely do a full diesel survey by a detroit specialist. Rebuilding one of these costs a lot more than swapping a gasser
    Pascal
    Miami, FL
    1970 53 MY #325 Cummins 6CTAs
    2014 26' gaff rigged sloop
    2007 Sandbarhopper 13
    12' Westphal Cat boat

  9. #9

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    Any guesstimates as to what I might be looking at fuel-efficiency-wise? (GPH total, and at what speed)

  10. #10

    Re: Thoughts wanted on this 1987 41 Convertible

    I would put in an offer and deposit now. That's a lot of clean boat for the money. Reasonable asking price. Just sayin is all.

    With boats like that out there mine is maybe worth 25K at the most.

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