53c like no other

[Boatsb]

From a brokers standpoint you will be missing many buyers based on the price. It's always best to set a price around your realistic price. Most of the well priced and well kept vessels sell around the ask while the beaters and the overpriced ones get lowball offers. Anyone who appreciates what you did will not be a lowballer.

 

[rtrafford]

I struggled with that decision, and in the end took this path. There have already been two offers sight unseen. A bit too low, but not too far off from what I'll accept.

We'll see how it plays out. Yes, low three would buy her. Perhaps even high two. Buyers know that. I just paid 60% of the ask on the new one.

The thing is, this boat is not in the same class as the other 53's on the market. It's a considerable step up, even if you don't care for my taste in the interior choices. It's simply a better boat.

 

[saltshaker]

You can't base the price solely on what other 53Cs are selling for. That will give you a basis for where you might price yours but there are many other factors to consider. Biggest challenge you'll face is sellers will look at what else they can buy for the same money. With much newer Hatts and Vikings available for your ask your boat will be a tough sell. If you get any qualified offers in the high 200s you should jump at it. I know that's nothing compared to what you put in it but the reality is it is still and old boat that will be impossible to finance and tough to sell when the next buyer decides he is ready to move on. That's why a refit such as yours is best for an owner who plans to keep her for a very long time. Best of luck and hopefully you will find someone who appreciates and values what you've done to your boat.

 

[rtrafford]

Thank you, Jack. I'm on the same page with your logic. Next owner is going to have a hell of a boat and at a tremendous value.

I knew this going in to the project. I just didn't expect to be selling her at all.

 

[saltshaker]

There are those of us who would appreciate and value such a refit. My boat has a beautiful custom interior. Nothing compared to the amount of work you did but I do know I could never replace her for what she would sell for. At least your hit won't be as bad as my neighbors. He's listing a pristine 54 Viking that he paid around 2.2 million for 6 years ago. He's asking 1.25 for it and knows he's on the high side of the market.

 

[rtrafford]

That's a hell of a hit for him. Hope he got the enjoyment from his that I did mine. That makes it easier to swallow.

 

[Boatsb]

I've said before the 53 seems like a great boat for the size. New power and a complete re done interior makes for a hell of a combination. It's probably an equal to a much newer hatt or viking in most any way except financing availability. It also makes it affordable for the right person to buy such a sweet boat. Hatteras may not have designed the boat that way so long ago before tastes changed but you improved on the original design.

 

[rtrafford]

Thank you, Scott. I paid quite a bit of attention to "things that had gone wrong" structurally with the original boat, too. Stringer structure with regards to engine mounting and overall strength, intermediate bulkheads, the transom structure, and then the modifications to the flybridge as well as adding the mezzanine with engine room access from the cockpit...improvements structurally as well as design. It was a terrific project, and I'd do it again.

I still have that 34c sitting on the hard...and that retro express conversion is still on my mind. I haven't ruled it out in the coming years.

But time to send this girl to a new home. The new motor yacht is much more suited to my lifestyle and needs.

 

[rtrafford]

...and in selling, my perspective is that she fits the void between the old convertibles and the new ones...

 

[rtrafford]

for example....

pre-renovation intermediate stringer and floor structure:

 

[rtrafford]

Post renovation floor structure and intermediate bulkheads:

 

[rtrafford]

Thanks for the input, Jack. I had the broker adjust to $289.

 

[saltshaker]

Thanks for the input, Jack. I had the broker adjust to $289.

Still need to be patient. It's a unique boat for and will require the right buyer. You need someone to get onboard who understands and appreciates all the work that has been done. Good thing is you are now priced less than any quality newer boats in that size range.

 

[rtrafford]

Yes, thank you. Even this morning I found myself thinking about the merits of simply keeping her and locating her for regular fishing. She's such a quality boat...

 

[CTdave]

rtrafford...
Nice meeting you today at Riverside YC! Very nice to have another Hatteras sport fish on the docks! For those who haven't seen Miss Fit in person, WOW is all I can say! What an incredible refit, a true labor of love and not one detail was overlooked.
DON'T SELL!! (if that helps LOL)
Any chance you might join us all in Greenport for the Rendezvous next month? I'm probably going to squeeze in a couple of days on Block before or after & a slight possibility of Montauk too.

David

 

[rtrafford]

David,
Thank you so much for both the kind words as well as the hospitality on what has been just an incredible holiday weekend aboard visiting your club and taking in the fireworks at Oyster.

Moments like this have me full of seller's remorse at a time where she hasn't even sold...yet. She needs paint, but she sure knows how to host a terrific time.

 

[rtrafford]

Top to bottom paint begins in two weeks. Shifting to metallic gray hull. Should be incredible.

 

[wwgilman]

Top to bottom paint begins in two weeks. Shifting to metallic gray hull. Should be incredible.

I have serious interest in your boat. I am an old Hat fan and have owned 10 both new and used. I would like to buy it and would like to find a partner to share its use. It's not the money I just hate to see things sit unused. However if you could help find me a captain who would run it for me I might just move it around and use it more. What is the new hull color. I have never seen it used before. It is hard for me to imagine it. On the web site at HMY there are no good pictures. Could you furnish me some. Where are you going to do the paint job? I honestly think we need to talk as I would like to personally to get to know you. You are my type of guy. I'd just love to do the things you are doing and have done. My email is wwgilman@aol.com. Thanks for your attention. I might recomend Bennet Brothers in Willmington NC for paint work. They are fantastic.

 

[rtrafford]

Paint has not yet been purchased, but I've seen a few Carolina's using it, and it's beautiful.

 

[Bradley.Kohr.II]

Absolutely stunning boat! I'd also chime in with not selling. Anytime I've parted with something custom built for me, I've always regretted it - especially if the money isn't a pressing concern.