1983 53 MY Hallandale Florida

[DoctorSpeed]

Hi all,

Sorry I can't post link. New account, first time poster.

Its on Boat trader.

I've read Pascoe's book on mid sized yachts. What would you guys look for on these to help determine whether or not you would have a surveyor come and take a look?

Thank you,
Speed, MD

[jim rosenthal]

You need a surveyor to look at the boat, plus an engine surveyor to look at them and the generator set. There is hardly any such thing as a boat for sale that does not need a survey.

[jim rosenthal]

I read the listing. I think the price reflects the strong market for boats in general. Overall appears reasonably clean.

80s Hatteras MYs were very well made, but this boat is 39 years old, with 4600 engine hours. These boats are complex- they have four electrical systems, five AC units, etc etc etc. To me, these would be the most desirable engines, but they are old. You need a thorough hull survey, as well as a thorough engine survey and inspection. I'm curious to see what other forum members say- I would want a compression check on the engines, but other folks more knowledgeable than I may feel it isn't necessary.

[Pascal]

I d star my by a thorough inspection looking for obvious issues like soft decks, messy butchered wiring etc.

Then you make an offer subject to sea trial BEFORE hull and mechanical surveys. This way you don’t waste money on surveys if the boat has issues. The pre survey sea trial can be quick, but you want the boat ti run at cruise for a few minutes to make sure there no vibrations, not overheating etc. also to make sure the generator runs the loads, the air con works etc. then a few days later you get the surveyors to do their things.

I ve seen too many people doing surveys only to find out the boat can’t reach cruise speed or has a massive vibration

If this is your first “big” boat you may want to hire a captain for the day to pre inspect the boat and come on the pre survey sea trial

[jim rosenthal]

I agree with Pascal. If the engines won't turn up to rated revs, that tells you plenty right there.

[cww]

Is it the cream one with red accent stripes? That looks like a very nice boat