Advice/experience requested 52, 54, 58 C's

[nor'easter]

I have kicked around some ideas for my 1995 39 SX, and decided that what I want is a bigger boat. Speed is not my goal, and I DO NOT want to give up the great ride I have come to expect with my 39 HAT. I have looked around on yachtworld at early 90's vintage convertibles in the 50 ft range, and see some excellent boats for sale. Most are 12V92 equipped. Any personal experience on the HATs in this range would be appreciated. I am sure there are a great many positives, how about negatives. I live in San Diego and need to run a ways to cruise and fish in an extended season.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Nonchalant1]

12V92's = 3.5 gal per mile for the boat? Great engines, but if you "need to run a ways" figure $10 per mile out and back? 50 miles out & back = $1,000.00

Doug

 

[Genesis]

12V92s are good motors, but somewhat of a bitch to work on (they are basically 2 6Vs bolted together! Really!) and I hope you have a BIG fuel budget.

 

[mwinget]

I have a 52 ft 1984 convert, that I fish/dive/travel on. I've had it since 1996 and have run from Mexico to desolation sound, and fish her pretty heavily off shore. It has "detuned 8V92's (550 hp each side) with 4500 hours original. I could write pages about how fantastic this boat has been generaly. It tops out at 22kts, and usualy cruise either at 1000/1200 rpm for long distance or 1750 to 1800 if I want to get there faster. I have years of detailed speed consumtion records, and at the 1750/1800 I get an average of .52 gal/kt mile, and at slow speed get 1 mile/1 gallon. I have only had a few minor issues with transmission (I tossed out the allisons for anchors and replaced with ZF 350's) and I had a Gen set go out (northern lights 8kw). The boat looks like its out of the showroom, and is the most reliable piece of marine equipment I have ever had.
Its great in heavy seas, although a bit wet running a few points off the swell direction, its a little sloppy in a following sea, but just a little if you get off the trim tabs, loves a side beam swell if you get stuck. I can't say enough about this great boat. Unless you want to go up to the 65, look for a 52.

Mike

 

[nor'easter]

Thanks for the advice on the 52. I am less interested in the 12V92s, and don't need to run close to 30K, but that is what seems to be the popular ER package for this boat. I will widen my search to include earlier years. I am most interested in hearing about ride, systems.
Thanks

 

[Liquid Asset]

I have a 1982 50C, which is a 52' wth 2' less cockpit. I love it. I have 8v92s at 650hp each and get similar mileage to the 52. I love it and it is a great riding boat except it will be a little sloppy in a following sea off the rear quarter. I get about 1.2 kmpg at 1200rpm whch is about 10kts.

 

[Spellbound]

As stated above the 52' is a great all around boat. Cruise mine at 1850-1925 rpm, 19.5 - 20kts (tower boat), 48 gph. Spend ample time each summer between Eleuthera, Bahamas, Turks & Cacios anchoring out for days at a time. It may not have the most modern interior but it is a very comfortable platform and a good fish raiser. Have spent many hours on the 54'C and it also is a very fine modern sportfish. Great ride, big cockpit, nice layout above and below, cost way more $'s than the 52'. Correct engine package for this model is the Cat 3412 giving a 27kt cruise at approx 80-85gph. The 58' was not Hat's best effort. Notice how short the production run was. Huge but HEAVY and deep draft. To cruise properly, it needs the 16-92's at approx 100+ gph

 

[nor'easter]

Thanks spellbound. After looking at adds, and old brochures, the 52 with 8V92s sounds right. I would cruise your speed or slower, not interested in huge fuel bills. I want comfort, safety, seakeeping ability, and fish-ability. Sounds like a great platform.