1981 Hatteras 56 MY- How badly does it need Niad stabilizers ?

[Milacron]

Seems like a pretty tall boat that would greatly benefit from Niads, even in the ICW if conditions a little rough or dealing with wakes from other large boats. What say ye ?

Cost to retrofit new stabilizers ? From a quick search, at least $55K including install/yard time.

[saltshaker]

What happened top the 60?

[Milacron]

What happened top the 60?

Nothing..just looking at Plan B and C in case the 60 survey doesn't go well. Already been bitten once in that regard. Plus I'm simply curious. Friend of mine had a 48 foot Cheoy Lee LRC and says he'd never have a tall boat that LOA or longer without stabilizers ever again..like they are the greatest thing since the lightbulb.

[JLR]

I had a 1981 56 with stabilizers. I would not own that boat without them.

[Milacron]

I had a 1981 56 with stabilizers. I would not own that boat without them.

As I suspected. Can you describe the boat rock 'n roll with them compared to turned off during various conditions ? Needed more at trawler speeds (8 to 10 knots) than at faster speeds, (16 knots) yes ?

[Boatsb]

Forget the survey and seatrial. Post some pics here and we can tell you what is wrong with it

Have you even been out on one a hatt motoryacht?

Maybe a charter? A friends boat?


I had been on more than one similar boat to mine when I bought it.

[saltshaker]

I had a 1981 56 with stabilizers. I would not own that boat without them.

I think you will get similar replies from most that owned stabilized boats. Question is how do you feel the boat is without them? Or if you can find a buyer who installed them after owning the boat for a while, they may be able to give you a more accurate assesment of how the boat was without them and if the addition of stabilizers was more of a want than a need. Stabilizers will be a big plus for you given your stated use and slow speed cruising. Most 53 owners like the ride of the 53MY. Those that have stabilizers will tell you the same as JLR did, they'd never own a 53MY without one. Stabilizers do greatly improve the ride at slow speeds for just about any boat. If you've never run or been out on one of these boats, consider asking for a sea trial prior to survey to determine if the ride is acceptable. Of course this would be on a boat that you have a signed contract and deposit on. Best would be to try and charter one if you can find one available.

[Finalee]

They reduce the roll on my 43 by 87%.
There are a couple utubes of boats with them on and off. They are like magic.

[Pascal]

In reasonably sheltered waters (ICW, most bays, etc) you don't reeally need them. If you re going to run offshore quite a bit and don't want to have to wait a day or so then yes, very nice to have.

I run a top heavy 70 footer, not a hatt, and between a skylounge, 14' tnder, jet ski and spare 34" wheels all up top I pick my days when crossing the stream or the NW channel. If not I sing "roll roll roll your boat, roll across the stream...) all the way to the exumas!

[Milacron]

Forget the survey and seatrial. Post some pics here and we can tell you what is wrong with it

OK, here ya go http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1981...s#.VTUpKWajVFA