1978 Hatteras 53 Convertible

The Hatteras 53 Convertible is widely regarded as one of the finest classic sportfishing yachts ever built, and this well-maintained example represents an exceptional opportunity to own a true offshore legend. Owned by the same experienced yachtsman since 2007 and professionally captain maintained throughout her life in Mexico, she has been lightly cruised and only occasionally fished. Powered by twin Detroit Diesel 12V71 engines professionally rebuilt in Puerto Vallarta in 2007 with fewer than 800 hours since major overhaul, plus a freshly rebuilt starboard engine completed in June 2026, she offers the reliability and peace of mind rarely found in a vessel of this vintage.

Boarding from the expansive cockpit, you'll immediately appreciate the generous working space that made the Hatteras 53 Convertible one of the premier offshore sportfishing platforms of her era. The large cockpit is equally at home chasing billfish, entertaining at the dock, or enjoying a sunset cruise.

Entering through the salon door, you're welcomed into a spacious salon featuring classic Hatteras teak joinery, large windows, and comfortable seating. The open layout provides abundant natural light and excellent visibility, creating an inviting space for relaxing or entertaining.

Moving forward and down the companionway, the accommodations reflect the yacht's original sportfishing design.

All the way forward is the guest stateroom featuring upper and lower twin berths, generous storage, and direct access to a private ensuite head. The chain locker is located forward of the stateroom in the bow.

Aft and to port is the owner's stateroom with side by side twin berths, providing comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. This cabin also features its own private ensuite head.

Both heads have been upgraded with VacuFlush sanitation systems for improved reliability and convenience.

Unlike many later motor yachts, the Hatteras 53 Convertible was purpose-built as an offshore sportfishing yacht. Rather than dedicating valuable interior volume to a queen island berth, Hatteras prioritized a larger salon, exceptional engine room access through the main salon floor, expansive cockpit, and the rugged construction that made these boats legendary among serious fishermen and long-range cruisers. 

Returning to the aft cockpit, access to the flybridge is from the ladder mounted to starboard. The flybridge provides commanding visibility underway with ample seating for captain and guests. The helm is thoughtfully arranged, offering excellent sightlines for both fishing and cruising.

Engine room access is either through the main salon floor or through a smaller doorway mounted under the companionway at midships. Twin Detroit Diesel 12V71 engines were professionally rebuilt in Puerto Vallarta in 2007 and have accumulated fewer than 800 hours since overhaul. In June 2026, the starboard engine received another professional rebuild, ensuring smooth, dependable operation for years to come. (The engine hour meter was not reset following the rebuild.) An Onan 15 kw generator with approximately 2,410 hours provides reliable onboard power. Airconditioning is provided by reliable CruiseAir systems throughout the boat.

Since 2007, this Hatteras has remained in the hands of one experienced owner and has been professionally captain maintained throughout her time in Mexico. Equipment manuals and maintenance logs available. Used primarily as a private cruiser with occasional sportfishing excursions, she has enjoyed a remarkably light-duty life compared to many vessels of her vintage. All recommendations noted in the April 2025 insurance survey have been addressed by the current owner, making her ready for her next adventure.

The large cockpit features everything a serious angler seeks in a proper sports fishing vessel:

• Portside freezer
• Midships and to starboard - Bait tank, sink, storage for fishing lures
• 12 rod holders
• Fighting chair
• Ladder up to Flybridge
• Generous room for movement throughout the cockpit
• Transom door to starboard leads to
• FRP swim platform

This sports fishing classic has the expansive main salon that is emblematic of the era. Large comfortable couches on either side. Beautiful teak work and joinery, large windows on either side allow for a bright and comfortable interior.

Forward is a large storage cabinet which houses the hidden main electrical breaker panel. Other drawers and shelves provide ample storage.Down the companionway steps to the dinette, galley and living quarters.Carpet renewed in 2025.

Down 4 carpeted steps to the comfortable convertible dinette to starboard. Full galley continuing forward:

• Refrigerator / Freezer: Amana
• 3-burner stove / oven (electric): Princess
• Microwave oven
• SS sink
• Generous work areas and storage throughout

Full forward is second stateroom: Up-down twin bunks on the portside. Directly opposite to starboard is a generous storage area with drawers. En suite head with sink, shower and vacuflush head.

Midships is the master /owner's cabin. Twin beds separated by a storage bureau. Hanging locker and generous storage. En suite head features a separate shower, sink and vacuflush head.

Engines: Twin Detroit 12V71 Diesel Engines

<800 hours SMOH

• Marine Fuel filters
• Mechanical pumps
• Fresh & raw water cooling
• Fuel shut-offs
• Engine controls & instruments - at flybridge helm
• Access: through main salon floor or small doorway behind companionway

Mechanical Equipment

• Air Conditioners: Cruise-Air
• Propellers: 2 x 4-blade
• SS propeller shafts
• Cutlass bearings and dripless stuffing
• Generator: Onan 15 kw, 2410 engine hours

• AC shore power: 120v / 50 amp
• 32v DC
• Batteries: (2) x 12v 8D; (2) x 8v
• Generator battery: (1)12v
• Electronics battery: (1) 12v
• Lighting: all LED

Access the flybridge from the ladder in the aft cockpit.

The flybridge provides commanding visibility underway with ample seating for captain and guests. The helm is thoughtfully arranged, offering excellent sightlines for both fishing and cruising.

• VHF Radio: Icom M602
• Chart Plotter /GPS/ Depth: Furuno NavNet C-Map
• Radar: Furuno
• Autopilot: Simrad AP20
• Compass: Ritchie
• Ships Clock & Barometer
• TV/DVD: Samsung flat-screen, Magnavox DVD player (main salon)

Aft cockpit is rigged for the serious fisherman:

• Freezer
• Bait tank
• Generous, integrated storage for lures and tackle
• Sink
• Fighting chair
• Rod holders (12)
• Fishing rod storage (inside main salon)

Tender (Boston Whaler and Mercury outboard) not included in the sale.

Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com