1988 DeFever 53POC

$269,000

Used

Boat in New Orleans, LA 70112 US

builtBuilt in 1988
Year the boat was built
model

53POC

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Caterpillar)

Engine type and count
length

53 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
53ft
Length Overall
53ft
Beam
16.5ft
Max Draft
4.67ft
Displacement
55000lb
Heads
2
Fresh Water Tanks
400gal
Fuel Tanks
1000gal
Holding Tanks
80gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Caterpillar
Engine Model
3208TA
Total Power
375hp
Engine Hours
3504
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Accommodations

Water Doctor features the classic 53 POC layout with the private stairs from the salon to the full beam master suite, and forward access from the pilot house to the guest area with a VIP suite and forward Vee berth.

On the lower deck beginning forward is the Vee Berth guest stateroom with port and starboard berths, nice hanging closet and under berths drawer storage, with access to the day head aft and to port.

Next aft is the VIP suite complete with the port side walk around queen berth with a nice hanging locker to aft of the bed and drawer storage forward, the dressing table in the starboard aft corner and a small four drawer credenza at the foot of the bed. The private head with  separate stall shower is to Starboard.

Access to the master suite is from the starboard aft side of the salon and features a full walk around queen berth against the aft bulkhead, double hanging closets along the starboard side with P&S night stands.

Galley

Large u-shaped on deck galley forward of the salon with teak cabinetry and parquet flooring, Whirlpool built in four burner electric stove overhead microwave oven with built in exhaust vent and electric oven below the cooktop, Whirlpool side by side refrigerator/freezer with through door ice and water delivery, single stainless steel sink, white Formica counter tops with teak sea rails, 19.9 gallon electric water heater, wet bar with stainless sink and glass storage, Whirlpool dishwasher, Whirlpool stacked washer and dryer.

Electronics

Two Furuno NavNet NT Max radar/plotter in the pilot house and two Furuno C-Map’s on the flybridge, Furuno autopilot, Furuno FT50 digital indicator, Uniden ESUM625CW wireless VHF microphone, Standard Horizon VHF, Icom ICM710 SSB, Furuno GPS Navigator, Radar Arch, two 4” Danforth compasses, 3’ open array radar antenna, 19” Vizio TVS in salon/MSR and VIP, Sony DVD player, Denon stereo receiver, Panasonic VHS player, electric remote-control spotlight.

Mechanical

Twin Caterpillar 3208TA 375 HP diesel engines with 3504 hours indicated, port generator 17KW Cummins/Onan with 361 hours and Racor 500 fuel water separator, Stbd generator 20KW Onan with 3747 hours and Racor 500 fuel water separator, dual Racor 1000 fuel water separators with vacuum gauges for both engines, Reverso oil change system, Charles Industries 40amp 12volt automatic battery charger, 110 volt air compressor, 19.9 gallon electric water heater, two 15KVA shore power transformers, engine room work bench, four 8D batteries, four separate fuel tanks with sight tubes and Tank Tender level indicators, Galley Maid head pumps, VDO engine gauges, ZF electric engine controls and wired remote on aft deck, Vetus bow thruster, Twin Disc 2.54:1 reduction marine gears, Bennett trim tabs, 50amp 220volt shore power inlet on bow, Galley Maid heads.

Deck

Painted decks with patterned non-skip, varnished hand and tow rails with stainless hardware, bow riding seat with blue Sunbrella cushions, full walk around decks with aft deck storage compartment and ladder to flybridge, stainless anchor chute with Maxwell Nilson chain and rope windlass, three electric windshield wipers, three sided bridge enclosure with three front zip outs, Stidd bench helm seat on flybridge, port and starboard L-shaped built in flybridge seating with blue sunbrella cushions, teak swim platform, Marquipt sea stairs boarding stairs, blue/white vinyl Bimini top on stainless frame, Marquipt davit with hard bottom inflatable deck chocks, port and starboard wing doors to the walk around side decks, stainless steel fender holders on bow rail.

 

Disclaimer

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.

COMMENTS

This classic Defever exhibits all of the imagination Arthur Defever envisioned in his designs, with spacious accommodations and entertainment areas, sturdy construction and a repsectable cruising range.  Water Doctor has been stored in brackish water and in a covered boathouse for many years and with an obvious attention to her care and maintenance.  The entire boat has been repainted and shines accordingly.  The interior is clean and fresh as is the engine room and the exterior covers and cushions are equally as nice.  This is a very nice Defever!!!

Price History

DateEventPrice
1/20/26Initial price$269,000

Overview from around the web 1988 DeFever 53POC

Customers consistently praise the 1988 DeFever 53POC for its sturdy construction and classic trawler design, which offers excellent seaworthiness and comfort for long-distance cruising

Many highlight the spacious interior layout, featuring ample living space and practical accommodations that make extended voyages enjoyable. The raised pilothouse provides excellent visibility and a commanding view while underway, enhancing safety and ease of handling. Owners also appreciate the reliable mechanical systems and the quality craftsmanship typical of DeFever yachts. Overall, the 1988 DeFever 53POC is regarded as a well-built, comfortable, and capable vessel ideal for serious cruisers seeking a combination of performance and traditional styling.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1988 DeFever 53 Pilothouse Ocean Cruiser (POC) is a classic passagemaker known for its robust construction and comfortable accommodations. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Solid Build Quality: The DeFever 53POC is renowned for its heavy-duty, full-displacement hull made from thick fiberglass, providing excellent durability and sea-kindly motion.

Spacious Pilothouse Layout: The pilothouse design offers an elevated helm with great visibility and a protected steering station, ideal for long-distance cruising in varying weather conditions.

Comfortable Living Spaces: With multiple cabins, a large salon, and a well-equipped galley, the interior is designed for comfortable extended cruising or liveaboard lifestyle.

Large Fuel and Water Capacity: Generous tankage supports long-range cruising with fewer stops for refueling or water resupply.

Classic Aesthetic: Timeless design and traditional lines appeal to owners who appreciate a classic trawler style.

Cons

Older Systems: Being a 1988 model, many onboard systems, including electrical, plumbing, and engines, may require upgrades or ongoing maintenance to ensure reliability.

Heavier Displacement: The sturdy construction results in a heavier boat which can lead to slower speeds compared to lighter, more modern designs.

Limited Maneuverability: The full-keel hull and traditional rudder configuration may make tight docking or close-quarters handling more challenging.

Outdated Interior Design: While spacious, the interior styling and materials may feel dated and could require modernization to meet contemporary tastes.

Fuel Efficiency: Due to its displacement and engine configuration, fuel consumption can be higher compared to newer, more efficient vessels.

Made For

The 1988 DeFever 53POC is ideal for experienced cruisers and liveaboard enthusiasts seeking a robust, ocean-capable trawler. Its spacious Pilot House design offers excellent visibility and comfort, making it perfect for extended voyages and exploring coastal or offshore waters. With ample living space and solid construction, this vessel suits those who value both reliability and classic styling in a long-range cruising yacht.

Contact A & M Yacht Sales, Inc

5004 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL, 36605

Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market

Get notified when new boats become available

Meet the Broker

Address

5004 Dauphin Island Parkway
Mobile, AL 36605

Boat Location

Be the First to Know

Get notified when new boats become available.