Looking for older 53MY

[Sparky1]

I have never started a topic on here before but I think I would like to find a good older 53 or 58MY. There are several on Yacht World, but I was wondering if any body knows of any good ones around Daytona or Jacksonville? I see you talking about the market being down, so how much do you think I can get one for? I am retired and thinking about living aboard with my cat. I moved to FL from NJ last spring but would like to live on a boat like that. Thanks.

 

[jlightonjr]

Sparky -

Just so we know, what do you consider "older" for the 53/58? 1970's, 1980's, all?

Warm Regards,
Jack

 

[Sparky1]

Sparky -

Just so we know, what do you consider "older" for the 53/58? 1970's, 1980's, all?

Warm Regards,
Jack

I guess I should have been more specific. I don't have alot of money so early 70's is about right. When did they start building the 53 footers? Are they all 2 strokes? I saw someone say that might be a bad thing to have on another topic.

Leon

 

[Norm Mayer]

Hi Sparky.

I never met you till tonight on another thread, but I know of two 58' that may be for sale. One in my marina in SW Florida, another not too far away. One is in great condition, new repower, and other upgrades, the other is in good condition, but was "updated" in a garish way (the boat's name used to be ADULT TOY, if that gives you an indication), but the current owner has made a valiant effort to return her to a more traditional decor. It has one engine that is in the process of repair, but the current owner is in the process of divorce and may have to let go of her (the boat, not the soon-to-be X). Give me a PM and I will get you in touch with either or both.

I might add, you may not need a boat that big for you and your cat. My wife, daughter, and I have plenty of room (at least for us) on a 44' Tricabin, and save a lot in dock fees, bottom cleaning, AC and maintenance with the smaller boat. We do not believe we would be more comfortable with the addition of 14 more feet. It might be worth investigating if you are going to consider living aboard. Also, I find I can single hand my boat when necessary. That would be much tougher with that extra 14 feet.
FWIW,
Norm Mayer
aboard Runaround Sue
N Ft Myers, FL

 

[Capt K]

I believe the first 53's were 1969/1970. I have a 1965 50' which is very similar to the 53. When I was looking, years ago, I saw some 1969 53's and they were a combination of 50' and 53' parts. A good 50' might save you a bunch of cash and give you the same basic layout, too.

Good luck!

Capt K

 

[ThirdHatt]

Now that you can buy decent 53's for under $200k and fixer-uppers under $150k, there is no reason NOT to get a 53. The REALLY nice boats are still in the $200's. I would respectfully disagree that one would not be more comfortable (ESPECIALLY as a liveaboard) in a 53 than a 44 or any 4x' M/Y Hatt for two main reasons: The one big reason is the full-size salon doors (two sliding side doors and a double "french" door setup separating the aft deck and the salon) on the 53'. After contorting up and down the small doorway/steps every time you go in or out of the boat on any of the 4x' twin or triple cabins, the adult size doorways are a real treat on a 53. Try carrying a bunch of groceries through a narrow doorway, down some steps while twisting/limboing so that you don't hit your head just to get into the salon every time. I had one for seven years so I know it all too well. No, I don't miss my last Hatteras mainly because of that.

They are all 2-strokes and that is a GOOD thing. They are old-school RELIABLE mechanical diesels and parts are readily available.

As far as 58's, I would recommend the 58MY of 1977+ because they are HUGE inside with the same benefits of a 53MY. The 58TC was only made for a few years in the early-mid 1970's and has the same basic layout as all the 4x' M/Y's, just bigger. The salon doorway is a bit bigger, but you still have to negotiate stairs up and down every time and still have no sliding salon side-doors. The later 58MY will cost upwards of $150k.

The 50'MY is a GREAT boat and that used to be the only way to get one under $150k, but now that some 53's are ASKING well under $150k, the 50's are not cheap enough IMHO to not go for a 53. You should be able to get a 53' somewhere in the low $100's if you try hard and don't mind a boat that needs some attention. I'm the type of guy who doesn't mind a boat needing some work, if the deal is sweet enough. Don't listen to the nay-sayers that will tell you that you must spend top dollar for a boat. Not necessarily true. If you are handy, MUCH can be saved. There are too many distress/divorce sales out there that can be found with a bit of effort. The boats under 50' are not enough cheaper than the latest pricing on the bigger boats, so if you can I HIGHLY recommend the 53MY. It's not the best selling production motor yacht of all time for no reason!!!

 

[Norm Mayer]

"I would respectfully disagree that one would not be more comfortable (ESPECIALLY as a liveaboard) in a 53 than a 44 or any 4x' M/Y Hatt for two main reasons: The one big reason is the full-size salon doors (two sliding side doors and a double "french" door setup separating the aft deck and the salon) on the 53'."

I have to agree with ThirdHatt that the doorways are a bit of a pain on our 44'. I do, however, think that is worth having 14' less feet to pay for and get almost as much useable space. While the 53 is certainly a nice boat, much useable room is lost in a long hallway and the standup engine rooms on the lower level. I guess it will depend on your pocketbook and preferences. Might be worth checking out.

 

[ThirdHatt]

Norm, it's only 9' more to a 53! The hallway couldn't be more useable because there are two full standing height levels in a 53. If you got rid of the hallway and cut the height of the ER's down to inches above the engines like in the smaller boats, what benefit would it offer? You already have standing room upstairs in the salon and downstairs in the stateooms. The hallway is merely to allow you easy access to the aft staterooms which are nicely separated from the galley and crew quarters.

Although I do not know the square footage of a 44 or a 53, I feel quite confidant that the 44 does not have "almost as much useable space" as a 53. I've spent enough time on both layouts to know that the 53 feels like a MUCH bigger boat than just the 9' longer that it is. For a liveaboard, I would assume that the 9' extra would be very welcome indeed.

Sparky1's original thread was to inquire about a 53 or 58, so a 44 would probably not offer the level of comfort and space that he is looking for to live aboard full time.

 

[Sparky1]

Good morning. I have read about the diffeerent models and I just am all the time reading about how the 53 is so popular with every body. I am living in an apartment right now with my cat so maybe a smaller boat woudl be ok. I have a good retirement savings but I don't want to spend too much of it or I will be in troubel. I saw some body say that two stroke detroits are not a good thing. Do the smaller boats like Norm has have two strokes? I have to go out for a while but I will be back later.

Leon

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Most of that vintage 53MY's have 8v71n's but there were a few produced with Cummins. I almost bought a 1972 with Cummins, but the broker actually would not present my offer and instead purchased the boat himself (but that's another story).

 

[ThirdHatt]

Sparky1, ALL diesel-powered Hatteras built for the first 20+ years had the 2-stroke Detroits. I have no idea why someone would say that they are no good. They reliably powered many 18-wheelers, school buses, garbage trucks, tugs, ferrys, etc from the 1950's to the 1980's. They are some of the most reliable, durable and dependable marine diesels ever produced. They make more noise and are not as fuel efficient as more recent designs, but we are talking about 30-40yr old boats here. Some have been repowered, but often with newer 2-stroke Detroits! The last thing to worry about on an old Hatt is the Detroit Diesels. If they are in good shape, just give them clean fuel and clean oil along with regular maintenance and they will likely outlast you.

If you are in an apartment now, as big as it is the 53' is almost certainly smaller than your apartment. You will have to actually go aboard a few different models to see for yourself. You really can't go wrong with any of these classic Hatteras models that we have been discussing. It's all a personal preference and budget thing. They are all excellent, high quality boats that will take good care of you if you take good care of them.

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[Pascal]

thirdhatt summarized it all very well.

the companion way give you a lot of privacy, i guess not a big concern if you live alone but when you have kids or guests, it's great compared to most smaller boats where the master opens directly into the saloon.

the 53 MY and 58 YF also have great ventilation thanks to the side doors, windows and the doors onto the aft deck. even in summer, at anchor, there is enough breeze coming to avoid running the AC. when i leave the dock, i like to be outside, not locked in with the air...

also, the side doors by the helm make it easier to single hand the boat which i do all the time as your spring lines are just a few steps away. once that's set you all... set

if you have to go down from a flybridge or back out and around like on the 58TC, it takes longer and gets tricky on windy ways.

i dont' think the 9' make a big difference, except for dockage and bottom paint. either boat will have 2 engines, gensets, running gear, electgricla system, air con pump, water pump... difference maybe one fewer AC and slightly smaller engines.

beware of what you "hear"... yes the two stroke DD are a little old now but pafrts are available and they are simple. all these baots came with them and even though some have been repowered with other engines, the DD are just fine... unless you're a speed freak...

 

[Sparky1]

thirdhatt summarized it all very well.

the companion way give you a lot of privacy, i guess not a big concern if you live alone but when you have kids or guests, it's great compared to most smaller boats where the master opens directly into the saloon.

the 53 MY and 58 YF also have great ventilation thanks to the side doors, windows and the doors onto the aft deck. even in summer, at anchor, there is enough breeze coming to avoid running the AC. when i leave the dock, i like to be outside, not locked in with the air...

also, the side doors by the helm make it easier to single hand the boat which i do all the time as your spring lines are just a few steps away. once that's set you all... set

if you have to go down from a flybridge or back out and around like on the 58TC, it takes longer and gets tricky on windy ways.

i dont' think the 9' make a big difference, except for dockage and bottom paint. either boat will have 2 engines, gensets, running gear, electgricla system, air con pump, water pump... difference maybe one fewer AC and slightly smaller engines.

beware of what you "hear"... yes the two stroke DD are a little old now but pafrts are available and they are simple. all these baots came with them and even though some have been repowered with other engines, the DD are just fine... unless you're a speed freak...

You maek a good point on beware of what you hear. I don't know much about boats just always wanted one but never did. I know freebird has a 58tc he sent me a pm about looking at his. But how do I know i can have the motor fixed if he has had so much troubel getting it worked on. Is it hard to get somebody who knows how to work on those motors down here? How long have you had your boat and how long have you lived on it? Do you have pets on yours? Is it hard for you to get people to work on it?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

It's not hard to get parts or service people for any part of these boats, including the engines. It is, however, not cheap. If you have never owned a boat before , you would be amazed at the costs to properly maintain one. If you can do some of the work yourself, that cost can be greatly reduced. That is why there is so much discussion here about how to properly attend to these maintenance items. Most of us try to do at least some of the maintenance ourselves.

 

[Sparky1]

It's not hard to get parts or service people for any part of these boats, including the engines. It is, however, not cheap. If you have never owned a boat before , you would be amazed at the costs to properly maintain one. If you can do some of the work yourself, that cost can be greatly reduced. That is why there is so much discussion here about how to properly attend to these maintenance items. Most of us try to do at least some of the maintenance ourselves.

I see you have a 53 boat too. Does it have two stroke? I can't work on the boat I do not have tools or know how to do things like that. How much does it cost to go to school to learn how to do things like this? Do you have pets on your boat? Do you have children who come vist some times? I have three but don't see them much as they all live some place else. My son lives in Maryland and my two girls are still in NJ. Maybe if I get a big boat they will visit my apartment is to small and not on the beach like i used to be.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Yes, I have 2-stroke Detriots. They are great engines and have many benefits over the newer computer controlled 4-stroke engines. They are not as efficient as the newer diesels, but they will run even if they are in poor condition and will almost always get you home.

I have a dog and 2 young children. We also entertain overnight guests on a regular basis. The 53 is like having a waterfront condo. The living conditions are wonderful. In fact, many people use these boats as floating homes and rarely take them out for a cruise. We prefer to use the boat as a boat, but that is because we love getting out on the water. It is always an adventure.

If you want to learn more about Detroit Diesels there are classes that are held by some of the dealers that will teach you how to perform the regular maintenance and tune-up procedures.

 

[Sparky1]

Did you go to school like that to work on your boat? Do you have a captain or did one teach you how to drive your boat? I hope I don't ask to many questions?

 

[Pascal]

there is really no school that will teach it all... boating safety classes yes, but that's limited and basic safety things... common sense and being handy is what you need the most on a boat. hiring a "captain" to show you how to run the boat and do things is important in the begining.

insurance is a BIG issue as they don't insure first time owners with big boats... they will require some training and a "captain" on board for a certain amount of time.

most owners stepped up gradually over the years and built the experience needed. not that a larger boat is harder to operate, i think they're easier, but you need to do it right or else you or someone else can get hurt... ex... you cant' just shove off or fend off on a 50k lbs boat like you would with a 25 footer.

my 17 year old son and 12 year old daughter live with me, part time, and the 53 is perfect. they each have their own head and stateroom. we used to have 2 cats, thanks to my daughter, but i finally convinced her that 2 cats and a dog was too much. so one is now at my ex and the other one was adopted by Ed...

so plenty of room for pets too.

succesfully living aboard (going on 4 years on the 53) result in a combination of things... the right boat, being able to do things yourself (unless you have an unlimited budget), the right location, etc..

if you're in a slip that's unpractical, where getting on and off the boat requires acrobatic, etc... it's not fun. up north, where you need to deal with heating, frozen water lines on the dock,e tc... it's a PIB !

 

[Angela]

Sparky,

Don't be scared of the two-stroke DD. Heck, even a girl can work on them! I knew nothing about them until I bought the service manual which became my usual bedtime reading material when I first got my 58MY. Now, I'm quite intrigued with what's in my engine room, rather than scared of it. And I'm always curious to see "what's in there?" and "can we take that apart and look?" I can't always do all the heavy lifting because at some point, I just get out-muscled, but I enjoy being able to do the general maintenance on my DDs. I've got the 8v92 turbos. If I get stuck on something, I can usually just take a photo, post it here and describe what I've gotten myself into, and the Hatteras Gods will tell me what it is or give me further guidance. So far, between that and Ed's (forum member "egaito") help when he's in town, my DDs are purring nicely! You will need a basic set of mechanic's tools. After buying the boat, that was my next purchase.

And since you asked about pets/cats....I live on my 58MY with my 15-year-old cat, Tom. He's a great "boat cat" because he NEVER leaves the boat (even with the doors open), he NEVER goes into the engine rooms (even with the doors open all day), and he NEVER crawls into a hole, i.e. I can be working on something the bilge and leave the hatches open all day, unattended, and no worries of where the cat might go. I'm starting to wonder if he really is a "cat." And when other people are onboard, he's usually unseen because he's a scaredy cat. Granted, most cats aren't like that and will wander everywhere at every chance they get.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Sparky,
As Pascal stated, I am one who grew up with boats and moved up to larger boats over the years. I'm a midwest farm boy that also grew up around large farm machinery and my family was in the construction industry too. I have always messed around with diesels and other mechanical systems. But, that is not the only way to learn about these things.

I suggest that you take a boating safety course from the Coast Guard Auxillary or the US Powersquadron. This is a necessity for anyone that does not have extensive boating experience. You should also read some of Calders books about the systems that are aboard. He gives information on all of a boat's systems including the engines.