53c like no other

[rtrafford]

Tempted to shop Miss Fit and begin my next project on a larger scale.

Not an easy decision.

 

[saltshaker]

Particularly when you find out how little she'll bring compared to what when in her. Are you looking to move up or down in size?

 

[rtrafford]

I have no illusions about the ROI. I did what I did for the love of the project and the passion for the outcome. All emotion, all quality. I'd do it again. That's what life is all about.

I'm thinking bigger. Early in the process, however. My mind isn't made up, and moving on will be difficult. She's a beauty and a beast in the open waters.

 

[saltshaker]

Post some pics and info on the finished project. I remember when you started it but don't recall seeing the finished boat. Post some details with a price you think you'd be happy with and go from there.

 

[nor'easter]

I would love to see her finished. The 53 is a favorite and would fit me nicely. Please share pics, etc!

 

[rtrafford]

 

[rtrafford]

 

[rtrafford]

I'll get some fresh interior photos. I created a 2/2 layout with a galley half down and half up...wanted a large, open living area. She's really an amazing gal. Ward's Marine did all of the electrical work. All Raymarine gear aboard. All of the bells and whistles.

it's really an odd place to be...don't need to sell. Don't really want to sell. But I would like to go larger...so I'll keep thinking on it...

 

[Boatsb]

Whats below the floor? original power or did you update that too.

 

[rtrafford]

All new. 3406E-800 Cats with Twin Disc gears, all new running gear, struts, rudders, etc. 20 KW Northern Lights genset. Rebuilt engine room stringers, new bulkheads throughout. 1100 gal fuel, 250 water, 100 black. Bow thruster, windlass, everything new stem to stern.

This is not your typical "rebuild". I was able to find everything that went wrong with this boat, this design over the years and correct it (like the 3/4" intermediate bulkheads that were originally fit tightly to the hull and tabbed in causing flex and cracking). I shifted all weight down using plenty of NidaCore, and picked out and implemented what I considered to be the very best features of Viking, Hatteras, and Sculley...every inch of wire and plumbing is brand new.

First trip out landed a 65 pound bull. Second trip featured a 50+ pound sail. Third trip was multiple sword. Raising fish required me to add cockpit fish boxes from Tom Slane to avoid the coolers. She's toured me through the Bahamas and now up to Long Island to chase some tuna.

I've had her in nasty conditions, and there's nothing like the comfort of knowing what's under your feet. This boat will always be the best I have ever owned and operated. She's a dream to maneuver, easy to cruise.

 

[Boatsb]

Sounds like a long term labor of love.

I was in captain Mikes ER on his 53c with the qsm11s and also Taylor made a 53 with 892s and couldn't believe how much more space it opened up.

While I hear all the talk of the 52c I seem to think the 53 is so much larger and when modernized becomes a hard to beat boat.

 

[rtrafford]

It certainly was a long labor of love. I bought her in mid-2005, splashed her in late-2007, landed my first fish in spring 2008. I was swinging on the hook in winter 2008 down in the Keys when I realized I didn't want an island in the salon, that I loved the space...so I split the galley with wet and cold down and kept the pantry and cooking up. Instead of cabinetry below the upper-galley counter, I cut in MSR windows below and added a one-way mirror.

 

[rwappleton]

I am not a convertible guy but what a great project! Well done!!!!

 

[rtrafford]

Thank you. I've realized that the vast majority of my photos were all taken during the course of the work, and very few of the actual finished product. I'll have to get on that.

We've come a very long way together...not really certain I want to pull the trigger.

 

[saltshaker]

Thank you. I've realized that the vast majority of my photos were all taken during the course of the work, and very few of the actual finished product. I'll have to get on that.

We've come a very long way together...not really certain I want to pull the trigger.

That's a tough call. The boat will be worth more to you than what she will sell for and you won't be able to replace her.

 

[rtrafford]

Sounds like a long term labor of love.

I was in captain Mikes ER on his 53c with the qsm11s and also Taylor made a 53 with 892s and couldn't believe how much more space it opened up.

While I hear all the talk of the 52c I seem to think the 53 is so much larger and when modernized becomes a hard to beat boat.

The 53 is easily the best boat I've owned or operated. It really is a terrific hull.

 

[Larry B.]

Wow...!
You did what I dream about doing, having the means and the time.... You did an awesome job, it definitely is a dream boat and and with all do respect, if you can...DON'T SELL!!! I know the feeling of selling the boat you like, bigger and shinier won't replace the one you love, if you can, I would keep her.
But that's just me Great pictures, she's gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
Larry.

 

[rtrafford]

Wow...!
You did what I dream about doing, having the means and the time.... You did an awesome job, it definitely is a dream boat and and with all do respect, if you can...DON'T SELL!!! I know the feeling of selling the boat you like, bigger and shinier won't replace the one you love, if you can, I would keep her.
But that's just me Great pictures, she's gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
Larry.

Thank you, Larry. This is exactly what I am struggling with...challenged with this absolutely fantastic 53c versus more room, more comfort, more livability of a MY in the 60's.

 

[rtrafford]

That's a tough call. The boat will be worth more to you than what she will sell for and you won't be able to replace her.

I'm afraid of this very thing, Jack. I think I came to the forum with these thoughts for therapy rather than to find a buyer. I'm really uncertain as to my desire to find a buyer......

 

[saltshaker]

Thank you, Larry. This is exactly what I am struggling with...challenged with this absolutely fantastic 53c versus more room, more comfort, more livability of a MY in the 60's.

Not a MY over that beautiful SF! I figured you were looking to move up to a newer 60-70ft Hatt SF. Look at some of them and you may find a happy medium