December, 2015 (Updated Sep, 2018)
The world of convertible sportfishing yachts was once ruled — "dominated" might be a better description — by industry heavyweights Hatteras Yachts and Bertram Yachts. They were the big dogs when it came to producing high-quality boats in quantities smaller builders could never match. Among the many models Hatteras introduced over the years, several were destined to become industry classics while others were among the best selling boats in their class. Here are six Hatteras convertibles that stand out for their enduring popularity and proven owner satisfaction.
Hatteras 53 Convertible
At a Glance: This iconic Hatteras convertible set the standards for big sport fishing yachts throughout the 1970s. Several 3-stateroom interiors offered over the 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 comfortable boat offshore (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.
Price Range: From the mid $70s to $100K-plus.
1970–80
Hatteras 52 Convertible
At a Glance: Basically a Hatteras 50 (1980-83) with an enlarged cockpit. A top-selling model for Hatteras — over 200 were sold. Original model (pictured above) with front windows was copmpletely restyled in late 1986 with a solid front windshield, "new look" salon windows and an updated flybridge layout. Several two and three stateroom interiors were available for this boat over the years. Big 153 square-foot cockpit of the Hatteras 52 includes a bait and tackle center, freezer, removable fish box, in-sole bait well, heavy-duty 30-inch transom door, and direct access to the engineroom. Topside, a U-shaped lounge can seat 6–8 people. The wide side decks of the Hatteras 52 make bow access easy and secure. Detroit 720hp 8V92 diesels cruise in the low-to-mid 20s (26–28 knots wide open).
Price Range: From the low $100s to $200K-plus.
1985–90
Hatteras 46 Convertible
At a Glance: The best selling convertible of her day. With her spacious teak interior and solid offshore performance, the Hatteras 46 set the standards for every other boat in her class. Built on a solid fiberglass hull with a full-length keel. Several interior plans were offered over the years — the original galley-down layout features an amidships master stateroom with twin berths and a large private head. Over/under berths are located in the forward guest stateroom with private access to the second head. An optional galley-up interior includes two staterooms with additional sleeping accommodations off the companionway. Many were sold with a lower helm. Known for a wet ride. Detroit 650hp high-performance 8V92 diesels cruise the Hatteras 46 in the mid 20s (26–28 knots top).
Price Range: From the mid $70s to $100K-plus.
1974–81
Hatteras 60 Convertible
At a Glance: Among the biggest full production convertibles of her day — a hugely popular boat with over 125 sold. Also the first big convertible available with an enclosed flybridge. Although the dark teak interior is dated by modern decor standards, the floorplan features a roomy salon with entertainment center and L-shaped sofa, U-shaped galley forward with under-counter refrigeration, and dinette opposite the galley. There are three staterooms and three full heads below. The amidships master stateroom has a walkaround queen berth, and the guest cabins have over/under berths. A separate utility room forward of the engine compartment houses the air-conditioning compressors, washer/dryer, workbench, etc. High Performance version with larger 825hp engines was introduced in 1986.
Price Range: From the high $100s to mid $200s.
1977–86
Hatteras 55 Convertible
At a Glance: Replacement boat for the classic Hatteras 53 — bigger, faster, and a major step forward in convertible styling. Most were built with a three-stateroom teak (or oak) interior with the galley and dinette forward in the salon. The master stateroom is amidships to starboard with island queen bed and en-suite head. Port guest stateroom opposite the master has over/under bunks; forward guest stateroom also has over/under berths. All three heads have shower stalls. An alternate two-stateroom layout has the galley and dinette down and a much larger salon. The cockpit has a molded tackle center, transom door and gate, in-deck livewell, and direct access to the 55’s standup engine room. Standard 650hp 12V71TIs cruise at 18–20 knots; 870hp diesels—available from 1982—cruise at 22 knots.
Price Range: From the mid $100s to $250K-plus.
1980–89
Hatteras 65 Convertible
At a Glance: The best-selling big convertible ever produced — 120 were built. Basically an extended version of the Hatteras 60 Convertible with hull and interior modifications. With an 18' beam, the Hatteras 65 is a big boat with the accommodations of a small motoryacht. Most were delivered with a three stateroom three head interior with the galley and dinette forward in a beautifully appointed salon. Below, the master stateroom with island queen bed is forward. Just aft of the master stateroom, to port, is a VIP stateroom with side-by-side beds. The starboard guest stateroom has upper and lower berths. All three heads have stall showers. Note the utility room aft of the staterooms. The 183-sq.-ft. cockpit is massive. Optional 1,235hp MTUs (or 1,350hp 16V92s) cruise at 25 knots.
Price Range: From the low $300s to mid $500s.
1987–99
Six Classic Hatteras Convertibles from the 1980s
1984–86