Can we talk about the 1960-1963 Hatteras 41

[VieEnRose]

Starting to day dream about the next vessel to add to the fleet within the next 5 years. The goal is to find a seaworthy, easily maintained mothership for Bahamas/FL keys expeditions. I'm pretty handy and not afraid of a refit. The dream would be a Rybovich but $$$ and maintenance quickly takes that out of the equation. I've honed in on an early Hatt 41 as something that would check the boxes. Seems like they've hit rock bottom pricing wise, have nice layouts and nice lines.

In reading the old literature I've seen that some were available with a 3 stateroom layout but I haven't seen any boats set up that way. What diesels are commonly found and preferred? Anything I should be on the look out for?

Any other boats that would serve well as a mothership dive/ fishing boat?

 

[Sea Horse]

Having owned a 1968 41 Convertible and probably on of the nicest restorations ever for one of these boats I can tell you pretty much whatever you may need to know. From 1960 to 1963 the 41 Convertible was a trunk cabin model. Master port side had very clever IMO over under bunks set opposite so each bunk was not looking up at someone’s butt. Forward V berth was often converted to a solid bunk instead of twin V cushions. Never had a three stateroom layout but optional was a small additional head in V berth with a small sink. Boats hull design was the same from 1960 to 1968 to 69 with a change in 1964 to a new topside without the trunk cabin. Hull was way overbuilt with hull easily 1 1/2” to 2” thick. Little wet in a head sea but great all around boat and the hull that put Hatteras on the map. If never repowered they came with gas or 8V53 285 hp Detroit Diesels. Slow boats average cruise 15 to 16 knots with diesel power. All had shafts that were too small and know of many that snapped shafts because of small diameter, especially when backing down hard on a fish. Perfect repower option is Cummins B series 370 hp. Many have repowered with C series Cummins 450 hp but it’s not a big difference in speed and fuel burn increase to warrant bigger power. 3126 A Cats are also a good choice which is what my old boat had. Again shaft size increase to 2” is really not something to try and not do. If you look around you will see hundreds still in charter service up and down the east coast. They fit the needs very well. Very seaworthy , good turn of speed and economy with a repower and has always been one of my favorite production boats. PM me with any other questions102.photobucket.com/user/SavannahSeaHorse/media/Pictures%20of%20my%20boats/imagejpg1_zps46533872.jpg.html]

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[Fish Tales]

I owned a 1968 41 convertible for over 20 years. Came with 440 Chryslers. Re-powered after 7 years with 454 magnums. More fuel efficient and faster, but lost that killer duel exhaust sound the Chryslers had. After a few years, new paint, top, electronics, and installed 3126 Cats. Very easy conversion, loved the motors. Fast and fuel sippers.

Should have kept that boat for one of the kids. Very cheap to operate, and looked great. Did a full restoration on her.

Good luck,
Tim