Wanted to buy 46' mid 80's Convertible

[Vince]

Hello All,

I'm actively in the market for a mid-80's convertible. Ideal candidates would be 45' 46' and maybe even the 43' models. I usually try to buy on the cheap, but I'm looking for a nice example of an unmolested boat. If the boat has been changed in any way, a repower would be nice and any decor must be done classically in wood, and not painted or papered over. You guys know the series of each model, but since I want to keep this one for a while, i'd prefer one of the boats with a single-skin hull, bottom and sides. I do realize that Hatteras never really had hullside coring issues.
By the way, I've always favored Hatteras and still do, however would consider a nice Bertram, Viking or Post-2 from after 88. Mostly, looking for a solid, classic vessel with good maintenance and power.
Can't need exterior paint or rebuilds. Not into that kind of aggravation or expense.

Oh, by the way....East Coast only and Mid-Atlantic is best.

Thanks,
Vince

 

[rsmith]

Depends what you’re using it for personally the best offshore boat is the 46HP 82-83 I ran one new out of cape may running the offshore canyons new it hit 28 kts cruise at 26. The 84-85 45 can’t,compare in a seaway

 

[madhatter1]

If you do a google search eventually you will find a thread from this forum where this discussion took place. Previous owner of my boat (Capt Dave Disesa) chimes in and pointed out all the differences in the 82-84 46's VS the more price pointed 45's that came after it. Worth looking for and great read on the vintage convertibles being sought out.

Mine still can hit nearly 28 knots. That only happens when mechanic is on board and we are PM testing. Fantastic boat.

 

[Vince]

If you do a google search eventually you will find a thread from this forum where this discussion took place. Previous owner of my boat (Capt Dave Disesa) chimes in and pointed out all the differences in the 82-84 46's VS the more price pointed 45's that came after it. Worth looking for and great read on the vintage convertibles being sought out.

Mine still can hit nearly 28 knots. That only happens when mechanic is on board and we are PM testing. Fantastic boat.

Madhatter, thanks! I know Dave (or should I say, I knew him!) He delivered a 52C from FL to MD for me about 8 years ago. Very knowledgeable guy and a great Detroit resource. He's answered several questions for me on Sam's. I'll have to try to find that discussion.

 

[rsmith]

Quite honestly at this point there’s not a lot out there that’s been unmolested or not beat.

 

[Eddieclemons]

Buy something with easy engine room access, you will be in there more that the stateroom.

 

[madhatter1]

https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-21701.html

Stumbles across the thread I spoke of so here it is. Hope link works.

 

[rsmith]

Funny how in 2013 a mint example was 100k

 

[Sonic Boom]

I have a 1984 46HP series II we could part with, kids and sports are preventing us from using her as much as we would like to. She's not perfect but we ran her Easter Sunday and spent the night on her too. $70K as is/where is

 

[whoover]

Hello,

Is this the same Vince that was interested in my 42c before covid? I hope you and family are well. Do you still have that fast trawler and downsizing?

Walt Hoover

 

[rsmith]

https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-21701.html

Stumbles across the thread I spoke of so here it is. Hope link works.

Saltshaker Capt Dave Capt Tony shame they’re no longer here.

 

[Vince]

https://www.samsmarine.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-21701.html

Stumbles across the thread I spoke of so here it is. Hope link works.

Thanks a bunch Madhatter! I am constantly amazed at the quality of the folks on this site. Hard to believe there are still people who will give so much of themselves to basic strangers.

Cheers,
Vince

 

[Vince]

I have a 1984 46HP series II we could part with, kids and sports are preventing us from using her as much as we would like to. She's not perfect but we ran her Easter Sunday and spent the night on her too. $70K as is/where is

Hello Sonic! I would definitely be interested in learning more about her. Please, if you get a minute, PM me with some details and pictures....also a location. Not looking for perfect. Have a good bit of faith in the posters here on Sams. I'm sure she's presentable!

Thanks,
Vince

 

[Vince]

Hello,

Is this the same Vince that was interested in my 42c before covid? I hope you and family are well. Do you still have that fast trawler and downsizing?

Walt Hoover

Hello Walt, ole' bean!

Yes, this "Vince" is one and the same! How have you been? Well, I hope!

So, that fast trawler was never the boat for me. It was something that the wife wanted to try....something we could pack a bunch of grandkids in. I couldn't wait until I could get back into a convertible. Plus, once you've owned a Hatteras, everything else pales in comparison. Just sold the boat, after having her on the market for a while. Had a good survey and "like new" stats on the engine survey. We turned 24 Kts on the pins after coming out of the lift scales at just under 60K lbs loaded!

I believe I saw somewhere that you sold that nice 42. Real pride of ownership there! You were looking for something much bigger. How did that work out for you?

Thanks for saying "hi"! I've thought about you often, after Covid made our business so difficult.

Regards,
Vince

 

[rsmith]

One thing surprising to me reading Dave’s comments was that his buddy with the 45 series 2 would take spray on the bridge while he was bone dry in his 46. I’ve found that on all the 46s I’ve run that you only get wet when it’s raining. Coming from my old 50 that throws spray clear over the tuna tower being dry on the bridge without a full enclosure is a real treat.

 

[madhatter1]

In a thunderstorm off Egmont key with large waves going multiple directions I got a wave "blast" over the bridge. Front enclosure window was open because I chose to have visibility over comfort. Water smacked the back of my head as I turned. Got drenched. Wife got wet and I was no longer a superhero in the dogs eyes.

But I think that can happen to any boat under the right (wrong) circumstances. It is generally a dry boat but can get spray on the bridge if adjustments are not made on windy choppy days.