hello (an introduction) and let's talk boats!

[egaito]

mike,

an oversized swim platform maybe a good compromise... angela's is almost twice as wide as mine and it makes a huge difference. while there are structural issues, considering how strong the hatt hulls are, I'm sure you can upgrade to a much wider platform with very little reinforcement needed.

The structural load can be transferred through additional, and deeper (longer) brackets. It's worked so far on Misty.....and as you said, these are strong boats.

 

[questover]

Welcome to hatteras world! I had a 53classic that got totaled. Was going to replace with same type. My broker got me to look at a 58MY (18'-2" beam). First reaction was much to big. Well after a 30 min sea trial - it wasn't as big. I ended up buying a 58 MY (53 on steroids). I could never go back to a 53. The 58 has so much room - it's like a lake condo. Except you get to fix things yoursself no condo association. Russ

 

[MikeP]

Pascal,

My friend Doug, bought that 53 in Stamford CT a few weeks ago. ($210K, what a deal!) It has a very large platform and ladders on that boat. I keep hoping he'll decide he doesn't need it and we can swap!

 

[Genesis]

Platforms on a SF are asking to have them ripped off the first time you back down on a big fish, and it doesn't matter how well you secure it when you REALLY need to back down.

That doesn't happen with a MY of course, but if you fish from a convertable, it sure does...... I took my platform off and sold it because I kept damaging it doing this - not the boat, but the PLATFORM! And it was solid fiberglass......

 

[egaito]

Platforms on a SF are asking to have them ripped off the first time you back down on a big fish, and it doesn't matter how well you secure it when you REALLY need to back down.

That doesn't happen with a MY of course, but if you fish from a convertable, it sure does...... I took my platform off and sold it because I kept damaging it doing this - not the boat, but the PLATFORM! And it was solid fiberglass......

I agree, and will quickly remove it, or replace it with something more modest and better ventilated, when I start backing down on big fish with the boat!

Someday....

 

[Angela]

Woodsong,

Welcome to the forum. Seems we have a lot in common....My first big boat was a 1985 33' Cruisers, Inc. express cruiser - the one forum member, Egaito, talks about on Lake Lanier (Ed, she was a 33' not a 34'! - but she was the older 33' meaning she was the equivalent of a late model 36' boat or bigger; it’s shame Cruisers doesn’t make that hull anymore). I had bought that boat from him and that’s how we met. He had sold her to me after he purchased his 41C Hatteras. The Cruisers was a great boat for me and fueled my desire for a bigger boat which, of course, had to be a Hatteras. I sold that Cruisers to a young family and they moved her to Allatoona - beautiful boat that always sold on the spot to the first person who looked at her - even the surveyor could find NOT ONE THING WRONG with her when I sold her. I then bought my Hatteras 58MY which I just adore. I contemplated bringing the Hatt to Lake Lanier, but it just didn’t make sense in terms of dollars. The travel lifts could not lift anything near the 58's weight (or the 53's) and the beam was way too wide for any lift on that lake, though it would have been the coolest boat on the lake! By the time I had figured out all the costs of hauling and then the removal costs from the lake (crane bill is over $10,000 alone) when it was time to send her back to the ocean, it just wasn’t worth it, so I’m in Miami now with a boat I just love to death.

I can’t imagine that you would be disappointed with a move up into a Hatteras. Someone else said on another thread that Hatteras is the mark by which all other boats are judged. I researched a lot of different boats before digging my heels in with “It’s GOT to be a Hatteras!” I bought Hatteras because they are real boats and built like tanks. It was all about quality. My search for my Hatt lasted about 2 years total and Egaito and I looked at a lot of Hatts. I can honestly say that my Hatteras has enriched my life beyond words.

And this forum will be your very best tool for researching any potential Hatteras candidate. In my search, Ed and I often felt we knew the boat better than some of the owners did, and for me, I credit that to the wisdom of the members here. With all that I learned (and continue to learn), I was able to make an informed and educated decision on my purchase. I have no regrets.

 

[Paul45c]

Look at how many Hatts are pressed into pretty grueling charter duty, Woodsong -- I think that's sufficient testimony to their ability to take a beating. Ang, for instance, is going to charter "Sanctuary" when her 58 is up to her spec (that boat just keeps getting better and better by the sounds of it, and I can vouch for the fact that she already looks great in the flesh). You'll find several in that size range out in the islands all over, and there are literally gaboodles of mid-size Hatt convertibles doing heavy full-time charter fishing duty.

 

[Woodsong]

thanks again for all the input!

Out of curiousity, what do you all think of this hatt:

http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/...id=116&spid=134&spid=141&spid=144&searchtype=

 

[Pascal]

looks nice.. but they all do

i hope the 20k overhaul is per engine, not for both... if for both, it's not a real overhaul on 8V71TIs...

that racor must be hard to reach where it is and i dont' think it's a good idea to have it above the engine synch...

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

“Frankly, that trip up to Knox was fun but goodness...”
“It more about making sure we buy the right boat”
“Nothing worse than becoming a contortionist to get at some !@#$* part the boat builder stuffed in a truly terrible…”
“On Lanier, I believe you can get up to about 60k lbs. lifted out before you are forced to rent a couple of canes”
“These are tall boats, and generally have to be dis-assembled to transport.”
“what do you all think of this hatt:”

Woody,

I’m sorry that, as a new member, few people have responded to your thread

You brought up a very good point about family cruising. We have found that more than 6 hours cruising in a day starts to make for a tiresom routine. It’s the journey as much – if not more – than the destination.

With a small family of 2 kids I think you are on the right path to successful boating. In no time those kida will want to be inviting their buddies for the weekend. In your situation you can buy the 53’er now or pay more later. Ust be sure to get a good survey.

As far as mainenance issues, as an owner of a 40’ Hatty I truly believe that my engine mainenance would be easier and faster if I had more room in the bilge. A hell-of-an argument for a bigger boat, but I’m no “contortionist”.

If you are gonna keep the boat on Chickencamama (spell?), I don’t doubt that within a few miles their are haul-outs that can handle any of the largest displacements on the river (I can’t imagine you are going to get it hauled out at Starboard - or Lan-Mar). Freebird can help you there. And for that matter, transporting is a non issue. Surely you and the family are going to cruise the boat on the rivers home (from Cinci?)?

Anyway, the 53’ Hatty MY you downloaded is a most beautiful boat. I would love to see you own it. survey it first!

(One more thing, unless you live in Acworth you ain’t gonna drive from Atlanta to Chickenmama in an hour or so!)

Capt’n Bill

 

[Freebird]

LOL "Chickencamama"? That's spelled with 2 m's!!! Are you stoopid or somethin'? Google that one and see what happens!!!

Hey, you obviously haven't seen how folks from Atlanta drive, or Knoxvillans for that matter. Hell, any southern wannabe race car driver can make it from Atlanta to Chickamauga, AND BACK, in an hour!!! Just watch out for GHP (Georgia Hiding Places) or THP (you guess what it means)!!!

 

[Woodsong]

I actaully live in Woodstock just north of Acworth so yup...can make it from my garage to Island Cove Marina in 1:15 unless it is rush hour. "Chickenmama" as you call it is a little less. I really like that creative name too!!

Not decided on the boat in my previous link.


Tonight may be a monumental night though...talked more with the wife and she more or less has warmed up to the idea of getting an older hatt! She has never been apposed to it...it was more that she liked the convience of having an express cruiser here on the lake close to home for quick sunset cruises, etc. But...I think the prospect of relaxing on the aft deck with a glass of wine, watching the sunset appeals to her enough to merit the drive to Chattanooga! She is saying she likes the yachtfish style better than the one in my other link.
When we were in FL last week we looked at this boat and she really liked it (though it still needed some work on the interior!):
http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/...&man=hatteras&slim=quick&spid=108&searchtype=

It's my understanding though that that boat is a relatively modified YF with changes to the flybridge. SHe liked the outdoor seating area aft of the salon and above the water-level open cockpit.

WHo knows...maybe something else will happen and we won't end up with a hatt but right now that is all I am looking at anymore!

Sooo....if you know of a good 53-58' MY or yachtfish for sale, let me know. Prefer to be in the $200-$300k range and prefer a predominately freshwater boat (already being on the inland river system a good plus!) but with a hatt. maybe a saltwater boat is not such an issue as it would be with other manufacturers??

And again, thanks for all the encouragement and advice. I have a literal boat load of questions!!!

 

[Angela]

Sooo....if you know of a good 53-58' MY or yachtfish for sale, let me know. Prefer to be in the $200-$300k range and prefer a predominately freshwater boat (already being on the inland river system a good plus!) but with a hatt. maybe a saltwater boat is not such an issue as it would be with other manufacturers??

And again, thanks for all the encouragement and advice. I have a literal boat load of questions!!!

There us a spacious 58MY, galley up model, located just south of Knoxville on the river, and kept under cover. For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the city, but an incredible city marina where the owner owns a covered dockominium where she is berthed. Her paint is in excellent condition and she's clean. She's got no cockpit, so this may not fall within your parameters in this size boat (58'). You said 53-58 MY or YF....not sure if that extended to the 58MY or whether you meant 58YF only, but thought I'd tell you about her just in case. Sweet boat. Ed and I investigated her extensively. She is owned by a retired naval officer who has had her for about the past 17 or 18 years. The broker, George, was a joy to work with. She was initially owned (when she was purchased new) by the folks that own O'Charley's restaurant and they had named her "Caramel Pie" after the restaurant's famous pie. Then three lawyers in Michigan bought her, and then her present owner. She's now named "My Desire III". She's a very clean freshwater yacht without the toll of the harsh sun that you typically find on older yachts. She needs interior, cosmetic updating - that's the simple stuff.

 

[egaito]

I actaully live in Woodstock just north of Acworth so yup...can make it from my garage to Island Cove Marina in 1:15 unless it is rush hour. "Chickenmama" as you call it is a little less. I really like that creative name too!!

Heck, we're practically neighbors....I'm in Ball Ground. It takes me about 45 minutes to get to the boat here....never realized I could get to the river system in less than another 45. After visiting the boat up in Knoxville, the thought did cross my mind to put something smaller here, and larger on the river system. A small single engine express, or heck, even a Pontoon boat makes a great sunset cruiser.

Tonight may be a monumental night though...talked more with the wife and she more or less has warmed up to the idea of getting an older hatt! She has never been apposed to it...it was more that she liked the convience of having an express cruiser here on the lake close to home for quick sunset cruises, etc. But...I think the prospect of relaxing on the aft deck with a glass of wine, watching the sunset appeals to her enough to merit the drive to Chattanooga! She is saying she likes the yachtfish style better than the one in my other link.

1/2, no wait, 3/4 of the battle has been won then!

When we were in FL last week we looked at this boat and she really liked it (though it still needed some work on the interior!):
http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/...&man=hatteras&slim=quick&spid=108&searchtype=

It's my understanding though that that boat is a relatively modified YF with changes to the flybridge. SHe liked the outdoor seating area aft of the salon and above the water-level open cockpit.

Modifications can be good, or bad. First you have to like them, and next you need a good Surveyor to tell you if they were done right. That's some couch they have going on in there.....

One thing I noticed about the 53 link you posted is that they had updated the 32v lighting to 110v, along with the water pump. These comments bothered me a bit, particularly the lighting. I found myself wondering if they used the original wire for the 110v fixtures. With the water pump going to 110v, you'll have to run the genny just to wash your hands. I've thought about ADDING a 110v pump to our '58, for better showers at the dock, but wouldn't replace the 32v pump that gives us water when we're "off the grid" My current boat is setup this way, and I like it, but again, I find myself wondering about the wiring job......

Another thing I noticed was that the engines had been through a "rattle can" upgrade. There was some overspray on the hoses where they had spray painted the engines. Nothing wrong with cleaning the boat up, I touch up our engines all the time, but I wonder what they looked like before the "upgrade"?

WHo knows...maybe something else will happen and we won't end up with a hatt but right now that is all I am looking at anymore!

Sooo....if you know of a good 53-58' MY or yachtfish for sale, let me know. Prefer to be in the $200-$300k range and prefer a predominately freshwater boat (already being on the inland river system a good plus!) but with a hatt. maybe a saltwater boat is not such an issue as it would be with other manufacturers??

And again, thanks for all the encouragement and advice. I have a literal boat load of questions!!!

If you find yourself looking at a Carver or a Meridian, or the big Cruisers Inc boats....you MUST return here for therapy. There are other brands that are good boats, but you've found a boat in Hatteras that will serve you with confidence for many years to come. I loved my Cruisers, Angela loved it after me, and the new owner on Alatoona loves her now, BUT, there's no comparison in build quality when I compare her to my Hatt.

If you would like your wife to see how a 1968 Hatteras has held up, ping me with a PM and we'll set something up....

Also, while I don't know the Madiera boat, Ang and I have looked at a ton of 53, 58 and 58 Yacht Fish's over the last two years. There's a good chance we know something about some of the boats you will stumble across in your search, so don't be shy about asking.

 

[Woodsong]

Angela and egaito-
sent you both a PM!

And yes Ed...we evidendly ARE neighbors (see PM).

 

[(Nobody You Know)]

"There was some overspray on the hoses where they had spray painted the engines."

I can't stand to see this on any engine. Instead of improving the looks it looks like crap.

I think the four of us form a rare group of inland boaters in and around GA. I'm in Athens, but as I write the boat is in Myrtle Beach....which is where I will be heading tomorrow (yipee!!). Haven't seem the Lady in four weeks.

Oops! There I go again, getting off subject (hope the Principal isen't reading this). To get back on subject be reminded that Sam's Marine has a complete file on any old Hatteras you buy. This is extremely important when time comes for replacement parts, etc. I know for a fact that one other mfg. mentioned virtually keeps no records!

Keep us posted on what you decide.

Capt'n Bill

 

[MikeP]

Paint on hoses and wires, not to mention the coolant tank cap, is the mark of pi$$-poor work and frequently the giveway for a "spray-can overhaul."

Not only does it look bad, paint is hard on wires and hoses, causing them to become brittle and crack long before their time.

 

[Woodsong]

Sorry for all the questions, but....

anyone familiar with or know anything about this particular boat?

http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/...units=Feet&access=Public&listing_id=1435&url=

Any thoughts on it based on what you can see from the listing?

Thanks!