53 Convertible

Until she was retired from the fleet in 1980, the Hatteras 53 Convertible was the industry standard for big sportfishing yachts of her era. Her long foredeck and sweeping sheer combined to present the aggressive appearance of a thoroughbred sport fisherman, and her low-freeboard cockpit has never been surpassed for sheer fishability. Indeed, this boat is so well proportioned that she must be seen up close to fully appreciate her size. Several three-stateroom, galley-up floorplans were used in the 53 during her production years, the most popular incorporating a U-shaped deckhouse galley with under-counter refrigeration. An alternate two-stateroom, galley-down floorplan introduced in 1995 is notable for its spacious, wide-open salon. Significant updates include increased fuel and prop pockets in 1976, and a restyled flybridge late in 1977. A solid offshore performer (but a wet ride in a chop), Detroit 525hp 12V71N diesels cruise the Hatteras 53 at 16–17 knots. Detroit 550hp 8V92TI diesels cruise at 18–19 knots, and 650hp 12V71 engines cruise at 20 knots. Always a popular model, resale values remained strong for years after she went out of production.