52 Convertible

The Hatteras 52 Convertible is virtually identical to the original, poor-selling Hatteras 50 Convertible (1980–83) with the extra hull length going into an enlarged cockpit, a much-needed improvement. An extremely popular boat—over 200 were built—the 52 rides on a modified-V bottom with a long keel below and balsa coring in the hullsides. Two floorplans were available, a galley-down layout with two staterooms, and a more popular deckhouse galley arrangement with three staterooms. Both floorplans include two full heads with separate stall showers. A teak interior was standard, and light ash woodwork became optional in 1987. The large cockpit features a molded-in tackle center, transom door with gate, and direct engine room access. Additional features include a large flybridge with L-lounge seating forward of the helm, integral bow pulpit, side-dumping exhausts, and wide side decks. A good headsea boat, the Hatteras 52 will cruise in the low 20s with Detroit 720hp 8V92 diesels (25–26 knots top). In late 1986, the 52 was dramatically restyled with a fresh deckhouse window treatment, solid front windshield, and a redesigned flybridge.