Series I 54C and series I 55C

[nor'easter]

I was wondering about the virtues of each and a comparison of the 2 models. We hope to grow our family soon and I would like to get into a mid 50s convertible. I know the 54 was mainly 1292 or 3412 powered, and the 55 with 1271s, but I am pretty sure I would be happy with either as a 20kt cruise is fine with me, and much of the time would be spent closer to hull speed.
Three SRs and 2 heads is the goal. Galley up is a must for my wife. The 55 would be with the redesigned house post 1987 (I think).
Are they the same hull? The beam is listed as 1" different. I think the 54 was heavier, likely due to added tankage and mechanical weight I would imagine. Anyone have experience with both? I have heard more about the 55 and know that there are many fans....how about the 54?

Thanks all.

 

[saltshaker]

I was wondering about the virtues of each and a comparison of the 2 models. We hope to grow our family soon and I would like to get into a mid 50s convertible. I know the 54 was mainly 1292 or 3412 powered, and the 55 with 1271s, but I am pretty sure I would be happy with either as a 20kt cruise is fine with me, and much of the time would be spent closer to hull speed.
Three SRs and 2 heads is the goal. Galley up is a must for my wife. The 55 would be with the redesigned house post 1987 (I think).
Are they the same hull? The beam is listed as 1" different. I think the 54 was heavier, likely due to added tankage and mechanical weight I would imagine. Anyone have experience with both? I have heard more about the 55 and know that there are many fans....how about the 54?

Thanks all.

Can't tell you much about the 54C except it is not the same hull as the 55C series I. It is the same as the 55C series II built from '99 to '03. I've looked at a few 55C series I's and they are a great boat. Fantastic layout with a nice stand up engine room. I also prefer the '87 and later models with the updated deckhouse and bridge. Many have upgraded the galley to under counter refrigeration. A huge plus as it really opens up the salon.

 

[nor'easter]

Thanks Jack
Nothing yet on the 54 series I.
Any of the 55 series I folks look hard at them before buying the 55? My 39 was of the same vintage (1995) and I always thought that things were done right on my Hatt, minus a few head scratchers here and there.

 

[worldsaway]

I have a friend that has a 1995 54C with Cat 3412s. I believe these are quite a bit faster than the older 55C. His has 5 bladed props and even with his 13 whaler on the bow tops out abt 32kts. He can easily cruise at 25kts although a 23kt cruise is a bit more ecomonical.

The ride is excellent in all variety of sea conditions and is very stable at anchor or trolling speed. The helm is set up so all electronics can be flush mounted.

His is a 3 SR / 3 Head layout with galley up and under the counter frdge and freezers. The engine room is set up with good access to the engines. It's a great boat and he has been very pleased with it.

 

[habanero]

I love my 1987 55C. I had another forum member come by the boat this weekend who is also looking at series 1 vs 2. He said Series 1 had more interior space in the salon as well as bigger salon windows which made the boat feel more roomier.

Your welcome to come by my boat and check it out. I'm at the Kona Kai on Shelter Island.

Send me a pm and we can set up a time.

Mike
"Habanero" 55C

 

[Spellbound]

Have spent numerous hours fishing on both models 55' an "81 & 84" and the 54' being a 1992 model with Cat 3412's. As Worldsaway stated the 54' and in fact the 55' are both very stable, well built seaworthy vessels with great creature comforts. Differences are noticed in cruise performance --- 18-21kts, 12v71's in the 55' and 25-27kts in the 54' with the Cats. Other notables are basically "old school vs new school" in comparing interior/exterior styling, cockpit/helm layouts. If considering the 54' look closely at the Cat 3412's, 3412E's if you can find them as this package was/is much more preferable than the 12V92's. Both great boats which will not disappoint.