2002 Hallett Custom High Performance Express Cruiser
$180,000
Boat in Newport Beach, CA 92663 US
Built in 2002
Custom High Performance Express Cruiser
2 Engines (2x Detroit Diesel)
54 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
"Little Terrible" is a one-of-a-kind custom Hallett 540 originally built by a boating enthusiast and designed by Hallett and naval architect Michael Peters. There was no expense spared at the build, and the current owner has only continued that tradition, professionally maintaining the vessel for over 10 years. This unique West Coast build, combined with the legendary Hallett name, makes this 540 a must-have for any serious collector. Powered by twin 750 hp Detroit Diesel 60 Series engines mated to Arneson surface drives swinging 23-by-35-inch seven-bladed Rolla propellers, the twin-stepped bottom delivers a level ride and performance that commands attention at every turn. Topside, the large open cockpit features a custom stainless steel mast and bimini, generous sun pad, and comfortable cockpit lounge seating. The full helm station is equipped with Garmin electronics and a Fusion sound system that carries through to the salon below. Down below, the spacious salon leads to a private stateroom and head, with a galley tucked port side aft. Open to select trades.
Originally built for the Herbst family in their trademark iconic red paint, Little Terrible had no expense spared when built. The Hallett 540 has two critical design elements. First is the twin stepped bottom giving a level ride and smooth performance. Second are the Arneson surface piercing drives with the engines, fuel tanks at the lowest portion of the hull, giving a low center of gravity.
This custom Hallett is a one of kind ride and performance. This unique performance express has the craftmanship of one of the most respected boat builders on the West Coast, with the Hallett name and the late Nick Barron. The Hallett 540 hull is 2” thick balsa coring and 1” balsa coring in the hull sides. The engines are true to Herbst racing heritage with twin matching red 750 HP 60 Series Detroit Diesels with seven blades Rolla ss props, pushing her into the 45 knots range “comfortable” as the displacement is 27,000 lbs.
There is no mistaking this iconic Hallett, turns heads with a one kind style the 540 features custom C-Fab ss arch with black radar and Sat dome, Custom red painted hull, Custom painted out engine bay, Custom built 60 series Detroit’s that are painted, chrome and polished to show condition.
Below decks, the forward stateroom features an island queen with innerspring mattress, cedar-lined hanging locker, and overhead cabinets. Moving aft, the head includes an enclosed shower and vacuflush toilet. The salon offers a red leather sofa to starboard with a teak table on an adjustable stand, and a wet bar/entertainment center with Avonite countertop to port flanked by two red leather chairs. The galley is tucked port side aft.
Stepping up to the cockpit, the lounge comfortably seats about 8 with U-shaped guest seating to starboard, a wet bar with sink and slide-out trash can to port, and a large sun pad aft. Standup bolsters feature manual dropout cushions, with a single-person seat to port and a double-capacity seat at the helm to starboard. Faux teak sole runs the swimstep and helm station, with foam-based decking throughout the cockpit lounge.
At the helm, the simulated carbon-fiber dash houses DDEC controls and monitors, select gauges, and Bluewater Performance mechanical trim indicators. Twin bimini tops fore and aft and a custom stainless steel mast complete the layout.
- Tundra refrigerator with freezer drawer
- Panasonic microwave
- Stainless steel sink
- Storage cabinets and drawers
- 12V DC digital electrical panel, 110/220V AC
- 50 amp shore power cord
- Battery chargers
- Battery banks (3) (starting, generator, house)
- 6 batteries total (4x Group 27, 2x Group 24) (New December 2025)
- Phasor Marine generator start/stop remote control at panel
- U-shaped settee in cockpit lounge
- Bench helm seat
- Companion helm seat to port
- Black & graphite dash
- Stainless steel cooler with drains in cockpit lounge settee
- Stainless steel bow rail forward
- Stainless steel chain and rode
- Stainless steel bow pulpit
- Custom stainless steel radar arch
- Hallett designed stepped hull
- Hot & cold cockpit freshwater shower on transom
- Muir windlass
- Trim tabs
- Garmin GPSMap XS chartplotter
- Garmin GPSMap chartplotter
- Azimuth compass
- Depth gauge
- Hallett drive position indicator
- Icom M-45 VHF radio
- Fusion stereo with JL Audio speakers (cockpit) and MB Quart surround sound system (salon/cabin)
- Navigation lights
- Windlass control at helm
- Fire Boy auto fire system (needs recertification)
- Twin DD Series 60 DDEC engines, 750 hp each
- Arneson drives & Rolla props
- Detroit Diesel electronic controls
- Maxwell bow thruster
- 3.5 kW Phasor generator
- Air conditioning/heating, reverse cycle
- Water heater
- Gafrig water level indicators (x2)
- Tankwatch 4 black water pump controller
- Tankwatch level monitor system
All personal gear; loose items; galley gear; CD's; charts; fishing equipment; tools; spare parts; supplies & items not specifically listed on equipment list specifications sheet.
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.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 3/19/26 | Initial price | $180,000 |
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Chuck Hovey Yachts- Newport Beach
Chuck Hovey Yachts, Inc., 717 Lido Park Drive, Suite A, Newport Beach, CA, 92663
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