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Typical 48LRC issues???

  • Thread starter Thread starter hibanx
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hibanx

hibanx

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Feb 2, 2010
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  1. OWNER - I own a Hatteras Yacht
Hatteras Model
43' CONVERTIBLE-Series I (1978 - 1983)
Hi everyone. I am new to this forum, but am a very experienced boater. I am a licensed captain and work as such for a living. I understand most old boat issues, so what I am looking for are issues specifically related to problems with mid-late 70's vintage 48LRC's, or Hatts in general. I am in the market for an LRC and any help with typical problems will assist in my search. Any areas prone to leaks, soft spots/rot, fuel tank issues, GM 4-53 problems, etc. I know this forum has loads of Hatt specific knowledge, so let's have it....please. Also, anyone selling a 48LRC?? Thanks in advance.
 
With about 200 total LRC's made most hatt specific information is not based on the LRC. There is a LRC club that may be able to give you more specific answers and some members here are on both forums.
 
typical 70's hatteras MY issues are usually limited to deck coring because of water coming in improperly sealed holes. Not sure how the flybridge is attached on LRCs but if it's like the MYs you may also have water leaks thur the hundred or so screws....

neither are major critical issues but can be time consuming depending on the extent of the problem.

fuel tanks are almost never an issue on hatts. since they're fiberglass and will last as long as the boat.

most systems are well built, incl heavy copper plumbing and pretty good electrical systems although if the LRC have those fuses outside by the inlets they can cause problems due to corrosion.
 
I'd say Pascal's post above gives a good overview....Have you checked Davidpascoe.com to see if he reviews the LRC ....
 
Flybridge moisture is the biggest concern. The Hatteraslrc LRC blog is your best bet for specific answers, although most of the systems are similar enough that the brain trust here can help. Good luck in your search. The 48's are great little ships.
 
Sorry, here's the link:
WWW.hatteraslrc.com

Its a membership based club, but a lot of information is on the main website, including lrc's for sale.
 
Lets not forget the blister issue.....normal for a 70's hatteras and really of no concern.
 
The usual issues that show up in Hatts of this vintage are coring (as stated), window frames, and stuff previous owners messed with.

Wet coring is also usually caused by somebody improperly mounting some piece of hardware to the deck. Look around deck boxes, davits, and dinghy chocks. Also look around the windlass.

The window frames are aluminum and tend to corrode if not maintained. Replacements can be had, but if water has gotten in, there could be interior wood staining and/or coring problems there.

These boats are well built with good systems. Most problems arise when someone does not install new/updated systems as Hatteras did originally. Be sure to carefully check out any added items. This includes wiring, inverters, watermakers, electronics, etc.
 
Great info. Thanks to all. I will definitely stomp around on the decks looking for soft spots in the coring. I have checked out the LRC site, but there is not much activity there. I believe this is place for the best advice. Anyone here had experience with the GM 4-53's? Any idea of rebuild cost and parts availability? Thanks again.
 
I just sold an old truck with a 6v53 in it. The 53's are still around and parts should not be a problem. They are a good engine and generally have a very long life, especially at the hp ratings used in the LRC's.
 
I have 8v53's and if I drop them at the shop they are less than $5K for a complete rebuild.

In the boat is another story. If they run they usually run forever. If you are pulling them I would look to a more modern small 4 stroke instead of a rebuild.
 
Next question...Anyone have experience with Sea Brace stabilizers? Are they worth rebuilding? Are the parts available? How do they compare with modern systems?
 
the 48 LRC came with DD 4-53's....not six's nor eights....more HP is useless....
 
Two other comments: I never cared for the interior layout of the 48 LRC...nor the prices....but the outside profile is great.

For those going to run long distances and lots of hours maybe the price is warranted; but for most recreational users a regular HATT like a 53 or 48YF from the 1970's is a LOT less money....a lot less than most will ever spend on higher fuel costs....
I guess some would argue that the LRC's are more "seaworthy" and I guess they have a greater freeboard forward, but who knows what validity that really has....
 
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Seabrace can be very problematic. The original electrical boards that drive each fin motor are the weakest part. There are still a few people out there that service these, but most are not very reputable. I would look for a boat with stabs that are still made like Naiad or Wesmar.
 
REBrueckner said:
Two other comments: I never cared for the interior layout of the 48 LRC...nor the prices....but the outside preofile is great.

For those going to run long distances and lots of hours maybe the price is warranted; but for most recreational users a regular HATT like a 53 or 48YF from the 1970's is a LOT less money....a lot less than most will ever spend on higher fuel costs....
I guess some would argue that the LRC's are more "seaworthy" and I guess they have a greater freeboard forward, but who knows what validity that really has....
Click to expand...

Not to debate the topic, but I would wager that the LRC's are some of the best liveaboard/cruisers ever made. While the 53 and 48 YF are a tremendous value at the moment, the LRC's have held their value over 3 decades. Many are selling for as much as their original sticker price. The YF and Conv. (again, while awesome boats) can't make that claim.
 
OBXTucker said:
Not to debate the topic, but I would wager that the LRC's are some of the best liveaboard/cruisers ever made. While the 53 and 48 YF are a tremendous value at the moment, the LRC's have held their value over 3 decades. Many are selling for as much as their original sticker price. The YF and Conv. (again, while awesome boats) can't make that claim.
Click to expand...


Agreed. The 53 is a great boat, but if you are looking for fuel efficiency and long range, the 48LRC can't be beat. You can slow down a 53 and conserve fuel, but it's tough on the Detroits to run at low load for an extended period. The 48 offers a level self sufficency that you can't get on any other Hatt. With 1400 gallons of fuel and 400+ gallons of water, a cruising couple can stay out a long time before hitting a dock. The prices have come down quite a bit lately on the 48LRC too. Not as much of a bargain as some 53's, but they made very few 48's and they are still in high demand.
 
Go to this thread for a list 53MY issues to look for. Many may apply to the LRCs. http://www.samsmarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2683

Note in particular the holding tank pumpout tube problem, not mentioned above, but common to Hatt's of this age because after 30 years the saltwater and sludge will eat away the bronze tube at the top and allow air to enter during pumpout so the tank never does pump out. The fix is to replace it with PVC like HAtteras uses today on new boats.

Doug
 
Posts 16 and 17 make valid points...you pay a lot more for a LRC but come sale time you get most of it back....

and not mentioned is that the little 4-53's are a lot less expensive to repair and rebuild than the 8V71's typical of the motoryachts and yachfisherman...

But a 53 MY has a lot more interior room and separate sleeping quarters while the 48YF has a really cramped engine room but berths forward and aft...
so the layout is especially a personal choice depending on preferences,family size, guest requirements,etc.

and the 1400 gallons fuel and 400 gallons water for the 48 LRC could be useful, again depending on how the boat is used...not many people need that much of either but if you do, its a major consideration.
 
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