Hatteras updated several of their convertible models in the late 1980s, and the 55 Convertible was one of them. The open front windshield of the original 55 (1980–86) was glassed over in the new version, and the cabin windows and flybridge were restyled in keeping with the then current Hatteras “look.” The basic boat, however—hull bottom, tankage, specifications, etc.—remained the same as before. Most 55’s were delivered with the standard three-stateroom, galley-up interior with amidships owner’s suite and three full heads. An alternate galley-down floorplan offered considerably more salon space, but a two-stateroom layout in a boat this size is always a tough sell. With her wide 17'6" beam and hefty 70,000-pound displacement, the Hatteras 55 is big boat able to take on the type of offshore conditions that keep lesser boats in the marina. Her huge 158 square-foot fishing cockpit came equipped with a tackle center, bait freezer, live well, transom door, and direct access to standup engine room. The flybridge is huge with lounge seating for a small crowd. GM 870hp diesels cruise at 22 knots (mid 20s top). Optional 1,040 GMs cruise at 25 knots. Note that an all-new Hatteras 55 Convertible came out in 1999.