Your Remarks on 1983 50' Convertible

[spartonboat1]

I just moved to a new marina (Lk MI) and back in the corner of the barn was a 1983 50' Hatt convertible, which I learn is for sale. I took a tour of her and she was nice. Then showed the mate pics on YW...she was so impressed, she said she'd sell her MB SL, if she could have the Hatt. We now have had a 1972 43' DCFB, since 1997 and she has served us well, including foolish usage periods by the owner, as Hatts will bail you out.

Tried to search forum about this boat, no luck. Brochures here say she was the last year of the 50' Series II and the 2 boat test write ups were good. She has 6v-92's I think with 550, although broker may have said 650hp; not sure.

So while I am in a mental high interest about it, what remarks may you have about this vessel?

Also, since we have had a cabin cruiser, how dramatic a change would it be, although this as 3 strms (vs our 2), and nicer amenities, plus better ride (55k #'s vs 34k #'s).

Thank you!

 

[nor'easter]

I am pretty sure the early series 2 50 Cs had 550 hp 8V92s, so they are probably 8s. The later versions moved up to the 650 hp versions, might have been the "HP" version of the boat. They are slow by todays standard for a convertible, and the cockpit a bit small for a 50 if you were interested in fishing hard, but they are good boats for sure. I have been aboard a few and they are typical Hatt in a good way. I think it is the same exact boat and dimension as the 52 C with a truncated cockpit.

 

[rsmith]

Solid 20kt offshore boat. Pretty sure they were all 8/92 650hp

 

[saltshaker]

Unless she was repowered, definitely 8V92s and should be 650HP for that year. Great boat for cruising but the cockpit is a bit small. Big step up in ride, performance and systems from your 43. The 52C is the same boat with 2ft more in the cockpit. Much more desireable and much stronger resale numbers. Use that to your advantage. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[jim rosenthal]

She'll go a bit faster and ride a bit better, use somewhat more fuel. As Jack said, this is the smaller cockpit version of the 52C, a very popular Hatteras, so that's to your advantage.

It sounds like this boat was in FW and stored indoors, so you may have a very nice boat there indeed. Boats from the Great Lakes are often very clean- short boating season, indoor storage, you know the drill.

 

[tom5518]

Grand Isle Marina in Grand Haven was the dealer that sold her new. I am pretty sure the boat has always been on the Great Lakes and around Lake Michigan mostly. I briefly talked to the original owner on the docks back in 1985, still remember his name. I remember reading a few threads about the current owner looking at it and buying it, but I cannot find any threads here. It may have been on a different forum. If I recall correctly, there were no major issues and only minor items needing attention. She looks very nice from the pictures. I doubt there are too many nicer 30 year old Hatteras' that show better.

 

[Bob Bradley]

FWIW, I have a 43C, which is the same as a 45C but with a 2' smaller cockpit, and I very much wish I had those 2 extra feet. Not sure if this comment scales to the 50/52 question.

 

[spartonboat1]

Unless she was repowered, definitely 8V92s and should be 650HP for that year. Great boat for cruising but the cockpit is a bit small. Big step up in ride, performance and systems from your 43. The 52C is the same boat with 2ft more in the cockpit. Much more desireable and much stronger resale numbers. Use that to your advantage. Good luck and keep us posted.

My bad, late night typo. Yes, is 8v, not 6v; I have seen the engines, so I know the config. The brochures indicated they came in 550 and 650hp, but not sure which. FWIW I see that later 8v-92's in different boats were 720hp, so those sound pumped up.

Speed would def be higher, as I am not sure if a 43' with 6-71N's is considered trawler speed today (12.5-13.0 kts), although they can be long lived. As an aside, I changed out all the air box port covers and find that when they leak like crazy DD's are not as happy; changed- much better, as 2-strokes they live by AB pressure.

Thanks for all the comments. I would think the ride is much better, than what I have, plus the boat tests point out she is pretty quiet.

The Grand Isle remarks align with the Broker's remarks. I am told the 50' CVT won't be going in the water this summer, so maybe it will be around awhile so I can look at it better.