What to look for when buying a 70-79 53' Convertible?

[JBird]

Hi guys new here.

Im trying to learn all I can about the 70-79 53' Convertible. Does anyone have any advice for what I should be looking out for when im searching for one? Or some good reads or tech articles on those years? Or thoughts from any owners likes/dislikes. I love the lines of those years and are more in my price range. Thanks for any help!

[rsmith]

75-76 started the 12/71ti engines more speed but the hull needed lifting rails added to see the speed benefit of the extra HP. 76 also saw the new layout FB there was a few made in 1980 also Hatt put 8/92’s in them which were supposed to be lighter and faster than the 12’s but never payed out IRL. I’ve seen several repowered with 60 series Detroit’s which is a great set up. I had a friend in the charter business put them in his 53c cut fuel consumption way down per trip. The later 76 and up had better electrical systems. See if you can find a listing for Dagga Boy it’s a mint looking 53. 3sr galley up are more desirable than the 2sr galley down.

[JBird]

Thank you for the reply

[SKYCHENEY]

Were the lift rails full length and right at the chine?

[jim rosenthal]

One of these hulls, "Hookshot", was repowered with Cummins M11s and did >28 kts on trials. I think the weight saving over the 12-71s had something to do with that performance. I would agree that 8-92s might be straining to run these boats.

[rsmith]

Were the lift rails full length and right at the chine?

Full length and needed to be 3” with a downward angle.

[rsmith]

https://www.gulfcoastyachtgroup.com/...siana-7010120/

[rsmith]

One of these hulls, "Hookshot", was repowered with Cummins M11s and did >28 kts on trials. I think the weight saving over the 12-71s had something to do with that performance. I would agree that 8-92s might be straining to run these boats.

The 8/92 at the time was the same 650hp as the 12/71 TI wasn’t until 87 or so they jacked the 8/92 up to 735 for the 52C when Ocean Yachts was kicking Hatts butts on the offshore race to the NE canyons

[The Hatt]

Where’s the pole pusher these days. That 53 was incredible. And fairly economical with the m11s.

[jim rosenthal]

Is that the same boat? The one repowered by Slane Marine?