Quirks of 53 MYs and 58 YFs

[Byresch]

This Friday I am going to look at a 53 MY and a 58 YF in Sarasota FL. Do either of these models have items that I should look for, places where the model is known to develop issues. Problems with the way plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or any other item that is unique to either of these models.

I will be checking everything carefully but would appreciate knowing about any quirks I should make sure to check.

 

[Walter P]

There has been tons of threads on this exact subject and you may want to look up previous threads but this being a great forum I'm sure that many of our HOFer's will be happy to help you out. Either the 53 MY or the 58 YF were and are great boats but as with anything that grows old (including ourselves) most of them will have some issues. There are very few out there in the condition of Sky's boat, but you can probably find some that are close. Good luck, I'm sure you will love your new boat.

Walt

 

[Pascal]

Systems are pretty good quality on these boats so unless butchered along the way plumbing, electrical etc shouldn't be an issue although you're dealsing with 40 year old wiring, untinned.

The biggest issue is coring issue in the decks and flybridge. Look for soft spots... walk on your heels to feel the deck strength. Look for leaks I need the saloon ceiling.

Don't over look the air con and don't settle for "it just need a little gas" as an excuse. With 4 to 5 split systems it's expensive to fix

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Wiring improved over the years. By the late 70'/early 80's it was outstanding with tinned wire, ground fault circuits, isolation transformers, heavy aluminum boxes and enclosures, etc, etc. Look for later model boats if possible. The hull sides were cored in later years but they were almost as heavy and rarely have any issues there. Plumbing is all heavy copper with flared fittings (you won't find heavier components in any boat).

The boats as built were excellent. Its what others have done to them that will most likely be the problem.

 

[MikeP]

What Sky said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jim rosenthal]

"The boats as built were excellent. Its what others have done to them that will most likely be the problem."

Boy is THAT ever true.

The systems and hardware put into these boats were updated as Hatteras went along. An early 53 MY, for example, is less complex than a boat built near the end of the run. But Hatteras was always careful to use the best they could find, which is why so many of these boats are still around.

That said, maintenance and judicious updates, preserving as much of the good original stuff as possible, is key to your search.

Your ideal 53 or 58 would be one which has been carefully maintained by a knowledgeable and indulgent owner, kept in a shed, if possible, in fresh or brackish water. IMHO a boat with 71 series engines, but not everyone agrees on that.

In other words, you want to talk either Sky or MikeP into selling you their boat.

LOL

 

[Byresch]

"The boats as built were excellent. Its what others have done to them that will most likely be the problem."

Boy is THAT ever true.

The systems and hardware put into these boats were updated as Hatteras went along. An early 53 MY, for example, is less complex than a boat built near the end of the run. But Hatteras was always careful to use the best they could find, which is why so many of these boats are still around.

That said, maintenance and judicious updates, preserving as much of the good original stuff as possible, is key to your search.

Your ideal 53 or 58 would be one which has been carefully maintained by a knowledgeable and indulgent owner, kept in a shed, if possible, in fresh or brackish water. IMHO a boat with 71 series engines, but not everyone agrees on that.

In other words, you want to talk either Sky or MikeP into selling you their boat.

LOL

The 53 has the 8V71 while the 58 has the 8V-92, since the 92 is a rebored version of the 71 why do you like the 71 better?

 

[Walter P]

The 92 is absolutely not just a rebored 71. There are many differences not the least being that the 71 series were dry sleeve engines whereas the 92's were wet sleeve. Lots of variations of either series out there mostly depending who marineized them and when. IMO the wet sleeve engines are easier to rebuild, only because the fit of a dry sleeve into the block is so critical which is why sleeves for 71's are available in different outside diameters. The wet sleeve 92 and 53 series are just as the term implies, whereby the sleeve itself is in direct contact with the fresh water side coolant. That same coolant has various additives to prevent corrosion and must be monitered regularly to insure it's ability to prevent corrosion of the cylinder sleeve. If a wet sleeve springs a coolant leak, it will usually be a catastrophic event....lost of fun. I personally prefer the 92 series although I did rebuild a pair of 6-71 about 30 years ago. I also assisted my friend in rebuilding his wet sleeve Detroits. A good example once again is Sky has an ED mid 80's 53MY with 92's and Mike has a slightly older model with 71's. Both boats are very reliable but these two boats are fortunate to have owners who really do care about good maintainence.

Walt

 

[SEVEN]

These boats are tanks. Well built, not fast but smooth riding. As mentioned the core can be a issue butt fixable if you find your dream boat. The holding tank exit tube will be an issue if not changed to PVC already. Get a great surveyor for both hull and motor and go with their findings. Great boats!

 

[jim rosenthal]

I think the 71 series and 92 series have some fundamental differences. Biggest one seems to be the sealing rings for the 92 wet sleeves, which (from what I have seen expressed here) make it more vulnerable to overheating.

Both series were sold in ratings that I think are high enough to worry about, because they turn up the boost pressure and fuel flow rates to levels that compromise the engines' life before overhaul, but I think those ratings were not installed in MYs. At least not as OEM fitment. We have enough threads and posts on cooling system maintenance and concerns about cooling jacket temps on DDs that it seems to me the cooling systems were a bit marginal from the factory. So when you combine a cooling system design with the fact that the wet-sleeve engines are more sensitive to overheating, I think having a dry-sleeve engine would be less risk in the long run. I know that all of them do well if carefully maintained, but careful maintenance seems to be more critical on the 92 series because of their design.

This is just my .02. I don't own a boat with DDs, although I have twice in the past. Mine were at low enough hp ratings that these issues weren't critical. As the engine builders turn up the wick on the DDs, the amount of waste heat that has to be removed goes up, and I think the TBO gets shorter and the reliability suffers.

If I were buying one of these boats, I would want 71 series engines, all other things being equal. But most of all, I'd want to own one that was formerly the property of someone who really knew how to maintain it- and did all that was needed. I've seen this with Mike's boat, and if I wanted a 53, I'd want that one.

 

[Bob Bradley]

Most of the quirks I've observed on these boats here are the captains.

 

[Glory]

Both the 53 MY and the 58YF are tall boats. If possible get a stabilized boat. It makes a significant difference.

I also partial to cockpits, for water access line handling it's better than a motor yacht, in my opinion.

As you may have noticed, many are proud of their Hatteras's!

Good luck.

 

[Byresch]

I looked at the boats today and am trying to get the pictures off the IPhone which is not cooperating. When I do I will up load pictures.

The 1975 53MY, Gypsy Rose, is a project boat which I'd give an overall 3. Lots of neglect that is going to require a lot of TLC plus wood work. The engine rooms are clean and the engines did not look neglected but looks can be deceiving and I'd do a really good survey of them. I found soft spots on the deck on the bow and the starboard side. The sole going back past the engine room towards the master was very soft to walk on and was really spongy around the fuel gauge. The aft deck was fully enclosed and made it almost impossible to access the swim platform. The side windows slide open a little but you won't get much air back there so the AC is mandatory. I did not look close at the AC units because I did not think much of the rest of the boat, an oversight on my part.


The 1977 58YF, Wild Goose, was on a different level and based on what I saw I'd give it an overall 8. Yes like on any 40 year old boat there are things to do. The exterior was very good, looked like she has been painted in the past and taken care of. There was some minor spider cracking in areas but nothing to be really concerned about. I could not find any soft spots on the boat and I really tried to. The interior has been taken care of and looked really good. Allyson said all you really need to do is clean and move aboard.

There were 4 AC units, 2 looked original and 2 looked fairly new, one having been replaced in 2008. I do not know if they work since it was cool today and the AC was not on, he said they work very well.

The engine rooms were well taken care of, one of the engines was recently overhauled (the agent is going to let me know which one), all the pumps, chargers, etc... looked like they were in good condition.

Like I said I'd give the 58YF an overall 8 unless something showed up on survey. She looks nice and we liked the layout but yet we did not feel like she was for us. BUT, she is at the top of our short list.

 

[Walter P]

Hi Byron,

I have always loved the 58 YF for many reasons. One is water access from the cockpit and another is the efficiency of the longer water line. As you know it is basically a 53 Classic with a five foot extension. Actually that's not quite a fair description as there are more differences between the models. If you like the 58 (and it seems like you do from your last post) and your slip can accommodate the extra 5 feet then IMO there's no contest as to which model I would want. Other than a little more fiberglass to wash/polish and bottom paint, all the other systems are similar to the 53 so maintenance cost/work should be equal. If you're planning on doing any swimming or diving from the boat the cockpit is almost mandatory. In any case it's your call and I'm sure you will love either model.

Walt

 

[Byresch]

Hi Byron,

I have always loved the 58 YF for many reasons. One is water access from the cockpit and another is the efficiency of the longer water line. As you know it is basically a 53 Classic with a five foot extension. Actually that's not quite a fair description as there are more differences between the models. If you like the 58 (and it seems like you do from your last post) and your slip can accommodate the extra 5 feet then IMO there's no contest as to which model I would want. Other than a little more fiberglass to wash/polish and bottom paint, all the other systems are similar to the 53 so maintenance cost/work should be equal. If you're planning on doing any swimming or diving from the boat the cockpit is almost mandatory. In any case it's your call and I'm sure you will love either model.

Walt

Our daughter and son-in-law have their own dive shop, both of the grandsons dive and snorkel, the granddaughter snorkels but is not old enough to dive yet. So yes I did like the cockpit for that reason plus many others. I could even fish back there and just relax. I had never been on a YF before and have to admit I love the layout. There is one in Jacksonville with Cummins engines I want to look at prior to making a decision on a boat.

 

[Walter P]

Don't rush into a deal without checking out as many as practical. The one with Cummins engines sounds like it should be on the list to go see. Part of the fun of buying a classic Hatteras is shopping around. By the way, I'm sure by now you know that the 58 YF is faster than the 53 with the same power due to the longer waterline while having the same beam. Your family sounds like they were made for a YF. You are indeed a lucky guy...make as many memories as you can. You'll be glad you did when you grow older

Walt

 

[doc g]

You really need to go see Tom's boat .It's in FLL. I have never been aboard but from what I understand it's about the best yachtfish out there http://www.samsmarine.com/forums/showthread.php?28545-1978-Hatteras-58-Yachtfish. He's owned it for a long time and it's been maintained very well. Quite honestly you could have an 18'3'' boat for what the ask is on that boat or buy Tom's boat and have an extra 100K in your pocket. I have his contact info if you cannot get in touch with him yourself, PM me thru the forum...........Pat

 

[pizzazsdaddy]

Hi Byresh
I've been aboard Tom's 58YF. I'll be glad to fill you in about it via PM. Congratulations on seeing an "8". An 8 needs to be on top of anyone's list. The repowered Jacksonville boat sounds interesting too. Someone here mentioned a late model wide-beam Hatteras 58. And don't forget the Hatteras 56.

Since maximum livability seems important to you. Make Sure that Sea Eric also shows you a 1988-92 Chris Craft 501 Motor Yacht. A 50' 1988-94 Viking Motor Yacht. And a Hatteras 54. Or a Viking 55 for that matter...just to cover all the bases. Since all of these boats fall into the same general price range, you might as well at least investigate all of them.

It's possible that what you AREN'T finding in your search so far will be a perfect fit in one of those "models". In my humble opinion, the way more modern Hatteras 54 blows away the 53/58 series in overall comfort. A nice Viking 55 will deliver more than you can imagine in the "layout" department. And, as I mentioned to you earlier, my 48 Ocean Motor Yacht kicked my 58 Hatteras to the curb for both layout AND cost of ownership with 671s and 12V power.

Feel free to check my photo file here. It should have pix of my old 58YF, my 48 Ocean and my most recent 41 Chris Craft. If you see any boat that looks like one of my old PIZAZ's... BUY IT!

 

[pizzazsdaddy]

I re uploaded old PIZZAZ 58 pics to my profile page including...

I have almost forgotten how pristine she was...

 

[pizzazsdaddy]

Some more...