The search begins.......

[rwappleton]

Good Morning Everyone !

I hope everyone had a great year and I wish you an even better 2019. Been boatless for 18 months and it's past time to get back on the water.

My last search took 9 months with much help of the brain trust here. I am going to lean on all of ya'll again as I am moving up.

The Plan is a 53 MY between 73 and 80. While I know no boat is perfect the last one was a project and I enjoyed every minute but I want this one to need minimal work. Queen in Master is a must. Electronics is open. Would like stabilizers and bow thruster they are not a requirement. The loop is on my plate so if it's got an arch retractable would be very nice, (looked at one already) East of the Mississippi and including Texas coast. Final price of 150K out the door.

What I need from ya'll is the things to look for that are specific to the 53 that can be expensive.

Is the 32 volt system a problem?

How long will 8-71TI last that have not had the hell run out of them and have had decent care?

I have seen some with original Gensets. Same questions for them?

Insurance costs coastal north of FL in summer?

Anything else that experience has taught you. I believe this to be true in boating and aviation "Experience is not the best teacher because you get the test first and the lesson Afterwards"

Thanks Very Much and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Russ Appleton

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Russ, aren't you the one that bought some lead ballast from me in Charleston? I can only help with 55C questions.

Good luck to you.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

1)I've owned my 53 for 16 years. A bow thruster is totally unnecessary. I don't have one, never needed one. The boat stays where you put it.

2)Look for 1978 or newer. That would have the increased tankage, three showers, updated flybridge and better electrical system.

3)32v is not a problem at all.

 

[SEVEN]

Motors are unknown. I have 1800 hours on mine and they are perfect. Friends have 4,500 hours a smoke just a bit at start up. If you’re serious about one get a great DD mechanic to do a detailed survey.

Soft spots on the decks caused by water penetration into the core.

Electrical system should be inspected. It could be costly if they have had issues in the past.

Paint condition.

Canvas.

Just know this, buy the best Hatteras you can, it’s cheaper to buy one that has had a caring owner than to buy one on the cheap and fix it up yourself. Mine was beautiful when I got it and I’ve already put in an additional 75,000.

 

[Bayside Bert54]

Old Onan Gensets can be a problem because of lack of parts availability. Mine had the Model 15 MDJF-3CR and I replaced them with new Northern Lights units.

Many people use the original Galley Maid toilets but replacing those has been one of my favorite upgrades.

32V is not a problem but you will probably have 12V and 24V systems as well. The 12V coming from the Genset batteries and the 24V from a 32V stepdown to 24V transformer.

At around 4000 hours the engines might be ready for overhaul but a good engine survey can tell you how they are doing.

Test every system ... if an AC unit needs to be replaced, count on $4k-$6k easy.

 

[bigbill]

sent you a PM

 

[rwappleton]

Russ, aren't you the one that bought some lead ballast from me in Charleston? I can only help with 55C questions.

Good luck to you.

I am thanks for remembering. You still in the same place? If so say Hi to Stan for me. Good guy.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I am thanks for remembering. You still in the same place? If so say Hi to Stan for me. Good guy.

I am and I will. Happy New Year!

 

[Boatsb]

1)I've owned my 53 for 16 years. A bow thruster is totally unnecessary. I don't have one, never needed one. The boat stays where you put it.

2)Look for 1978 or newer. That would have the increased tankage, three showers, updated flybridge and better electrical system.

3)32v is not a problem at all.

What ever happened to the boat you were considering buying?

 

[rwappleton]

Scott,

I looked at several projects and decided to wait until I could afford to step up to a boat needing only minor work. And future plans shout 53MY so here I go. Going to try to buy the best "bones" I can find.

Regards,

Russ

 

[SEVEN]

You will love this boat. Phenomenal layout

 

[SKYCHENEY]

What ever happened to the boat you were considering buying?

Still for sale. Not listed anywhere yet.