1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible Boat in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 US
Built in 1976
53 Convertible
2 Engines (2x Detroit)
53 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
"THIS OLD HATT" has been rebuilt from the keel up by renowned boat builder and renovation expert Tom Slane for a complete refit in 1991, with continued upgrades through 2026 including a fresh coat of Alexseal Off White Paint from the rub rail up.
Slane, the son of the founder of Hatteras was commissioned to rebuild this classic 53c Hatteras to 'like new' condition. He and his team proceeded to strip out the interior down to the stringers and rebuild in light oak to feature 3 staterooms, 2 heads, a modern galley, and salon. There were zero shortcuts in refreshing "THIS OLD HATT" as the entire plumbing and wiring system have been renewed.
The engines were also rebuilt, increasing the horsepower by 35 percent over the standard 650hp. Since major overhaul the port motor has approximately 80 hours while the starboard has approximately 475 hours.
The Flybridge has been completely reimagined and features a custom helm console. With the addition of a tower and outriggers "THIS OLD HATT" is ready to reel them in.
Anglers in the cockpit are treated with a with a custom tackle center, bait freezer, live baitwell, teak cockpit sole, teak covering boards and fighting chair.
"THIS OLD HATT" is a 'one of a kind' vessel that will be greatly appreciated by anyone who enjoys the classic lines of the 53c but wants the updated systems and equipment of a much newer boat.
“THIS OLD HATT” has been rebuilt from the keel up by renowned boat builder and renovation expert Tom Slane for a complete refit in 1991, with continued upgrades through 2026 including a fresh coat of Alexseal Off White paint from the rub rail up.
Slane, the son of the founder of Hatteras was commissioned to rebuild this classic 53c Hatteras to ‘like new’ condition. He and his team proceeded to strip out the interior down to the stringers and rebuild in light oak to feature 3 staterooms, 2 heads, a modern galley, and salon. There were zero shortcuts in refreshing “THIS OLD HATT” as the entire plumbing and wiring system have been renewed.
The engines were also rebuilt increasing the horsepower by 35 percent over the standard 650hp. Since major overhaul the port motor has approximately 80 hours while the starboard has approximately 475 hours.
The Flybridge has been completely reimagined and features a custom helm console. With the addition of a tower and outriggers “THIS OLD HATT” is ready to reel them in.
Anglers in the cockpit are treated with a with a custom tackle center, bait freezer, live baitwell, teak cockpit sole, teak covering boards and fighting chair.
“THIS OLD HATT” is a ‘one of a kind’ vessel that will be greatly appreciated by anyone who enjoys the classic lines of the 53c but wants the updated systems and equipment of a much newer boat.
Boarding “THIS OLD HATT” from the teak covering boards there is a teak step-box down into the spacious teak soled cockpit. The cockpit features a fighting chair and custom tackle center and is well-appointed for serious anglers.
Up one teak step is the hinged door to the vessel’s interior accommodations where a welcoming salon has been updated to mirror modern sisterships. The salon features a large L-shaped leather sofa to starboard with a leather sofa and table to port. Opposite the dinette, the galley features undercounter refrigeration below the U-shaped counter configuration, with a cooktop and convection oven forward.
Going forward and down several steps is the master stateroom with a queen berth to starboard and an en-suite head.
To port is the guest stateroom with upper and lower bunks and a shared guest head, followed by the forward cabin also featuring upper and lower bunks.
The Flybridge is accessed via a teak treaded ladder and features a thoughtfully redone helm station complete with updated electronics, a full tuna tower, and Rupp triple spreader outriggers.
The Salon is entered via one teak step up through a hinged door slightly to port. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a modern interior featuring a light oak and green accents throughout.
Immediately to starboard is a four-cushion leather sofa with full storage below paired with a coffee table. To starboard is the vessel’s main power distribution center. Forward is a three-drawer end table followed by a leather five-cushion sofa with seating for four at the mounted dual pedestal dining table. Above is a soffit with three overhead lights.
Moving forward is a custom flat screen TV cabinet that lifts to reveal the vessels AV equipment, which includes the following:
- Visio 39” HDTV
- Yamaha stereo receiver
- Sony Blu-ray player
- Intellian Satellite TV controller
- DIRECTV receiver
- (2) oak tambor doors below
The Salon also features:
- Silhouette style blinds
- (2) stereo speakers
- Carpeted sole
- (2) DC overhead lights
- Whynter Icemaker (new 2026)
- (2) door storage cabinet under galley countertop facing aft
The U-shaped galley is located forward of the salon on the port side. The white Corian countertop with a molded Corian sink provides plenty of workspace. Below are two (new in 2026) under counter U-Line refrigerators, with the remaining space allocated to cookware and storage, with seven drawers and seven cabinet doors, and four sliding cabinet doors. Rounding out the galley appliances are a 4-burner Thermador electric stove, and a Sharp Carousel convection/microwave oven. The galley sole is teak and holly. Above the countertop is a soffit with a fluorescent light fixture. Silhouette blinds with upholstered valances are to port and starboard.
From the galley area centerline are four wood steps each with storage below leading to the accommodations.
The centerline companionway is carpeted. To starboard is the master cabin with a queen-size berth outboard. Forward is a private head. To port is an upper and lower cabin with two berths and private access to the guest head. Next forward is the door to the guest head, allowing it to serve as a day head. Furthest forward is the third cabin with twin upper and lower berths, a hanging locker and private access to the guest head. Also in this cabin is the laundry center.
To starboard, entering from the forward end is the master cabin with a queen size berth on the outboard bulkhead. Four drawers offer storage under the berth. A curved upholstered headboard with twin reading lights is aft. Inboard is a two-drawer nightstand. At the foot of the berth is a cedar lined hanging locker. Centered is the access door to the private head. Outboard is a corner cabinet with three drawers and a cabinet below with counter space above. A 20” LED TV is above facing the berth. Above is an opening deck hatch. The cabin has dedicated A/C controls, two stereo speakers and a volume control.
Just forward of the master cabin is a private head with mirrored panels on the inside of the door. The two-door Formica vanity has a cultured marble top and a molded sink. Above is a mirrored medicine cabinet and a linen locker. The sole is teak and holly. A Vacuflush toilet sits on a small teak and holly riser. The stall shower is inboard with an obscure glass door, a light and a handheld or wall mounted fixture. The head also has ample lighting and an exhaust fan.
To port are over/under berths outboard, each with a reading light. Above the upper berth is an upholstered valence with rope lighting behind. Inboard is a two-drawer nightstand. Forward is a cedar lined hanging locker. Above is a deck hatch for ventilation and two stereo speakers, and a volume control. Next forward is the guest head.
Three doors allow the guest head to serve each guest cabin and the center companionway as a day head. The vanity has one cabinet below and a cultured marble top with a molded sink. Above is a mirrored medicine cabinet and a storage locker. The sole is teak and holly. The Vacuflush flush toilet sits upon a teak and holly riser.
The stall shower has an obscure glass hinged door, a light and a handheld or wall mountable fixture. The head has ample light and an exhaust fan. There are mirrored panels on the inside of the head door.
All the way forward is a spacious cabin with twin upper and lower berths on the starboard hull side. Each bunk has a reading light. There are four drawers under the lower berth. Forward is the anchor locker. To port are two upper cabinets on the hull side and four drawers plus a cabinet below with a countertop above. Aft to port is a cedar lined hanging locker. Across the beam is a locker with a Whirlpool Thin twin washer/dryer.
- Galley Maid windlass with rode, chain, and capstan
- Windlass stomp switches
- 55 lb. Fortress Anchor
- 150’ of rode
- Anchor roller assembly
- (2) cleats to port and starboard
- Hatteras FRP pulpit
- Aluminum bow rail
- Modified aluminum handrail along house side
- Switlik (6) man life raft
- International navigation lights
- Non-skid fiberglass decks, painted in very light tan
- Teak cockpit and covering boards
- (4) flush mount rod holders
- Full size fighting chair with (4) place rocket launcher
- Step-box with teak lid
- (4) rod holders on tower legs
- Under deck live well to port
- (2) under deck hatches
- Lift out fish box with macerater, aft
- Stainless steel freezer under hinged top to port side
- Walkthrough transom door and gate
- Storage below step to salon
- (7) step teak treaded ladder to flybridge mounted off the deck
- (2) under gunnel stainless steel cleats with transom fairleads
- Fresh water washdown system
- Raw water washdown system
- Armstrong type swim ladder
- (8) tackle drawers behind (2) hinged cabinet doors
- Electric reel outlet
- Bait prep under hinged top to center
- Bait thawing locker to starboard
- (2) custom varnished ladderback helm and companion chairs
- Forward bench seat with storage below
- Custom venturi windscreen with grab rail
- 24V to 12V electronic step down transformer
- (6) rod holders on aft rail
- Storage with teak accented doors
- New Stamoid top on tower over FB
- Rupp triple spreader outriggers
- Ladder access to the tuna tower; (12) steps
- Contrasting non-skid fiberglass deck
- Custom helm console
- Palm Beach enclosure (new)
- (2) 12” Simrad NSS12 EVO3S with C-map charts, Insight charts, GPS, sounder, and Wi-Fi (Installed 2023)
Simrad 2004 Auto Pilot Pack (installed 2023), including:
- A2004 control
- AC70 Computer
- RF300 Rudder Reference
- Precision 9 compass
- Simrad Halo 4 Pulse 4’ open array compression radar (installed 2023)
- S5100 sounder 2/3kw chirp transducer and standard frequencies (installed 2023)
- R5O9C-LH chirp transducer, 38kHz to 210 kHz
- (2) engine room cameras (installed 2023)
- Intellian SAT TV antenna (installed 2023)
- (2) iCom M604 VHF radios (installed 2023)
- ACR Point Pad Searchlight control
- Ritchie magnetic compass
- Trolling valves
- Glendinning engine synchronizer switch
- Morse split throttle and clutch controls
- Emergency engine stops
- Trim tab control
- Hatteras systems monitor
- (4) Bilge pump switches with indicator lights
- Full VDO engine gauges
- (2) voltmeters for electronics
- Kenwood stereo
- (12) electronic breakers
- Ignition switches
- Engine start/stop buttons
- Anchor light/nav light control
- (12) step full tower (new 1991)
- Control box
- Buggy top
- Morse split throttle and engine controls
- Dual trumpet air horn
- Center rigger
- (2) Quartz lights
- Seat on tower
- Twin Detroit Diesel 12V71 TIs, tuned to 870 horsepower
- Port motor has approximately 80 hours since major overhaul (receipt available)
- Starboard motor has approximately 475 hours since major overhaul
- (2) Racor 75/1000 MA fuel water separators with vacuum gauges for each engine
- Racor 500 MA fuel water separator for genset
- Twin Disc Gear transmissions, 2.00 to 1 ratio
- Airsep crankcase ventilation system
- (2) CRS 3000 coolant recovery systems
- (5) drawer toolbox with wood top serving as step into engine room
- (2) CCTV Cameras
- (2) Stuart Warner fuel priming pumps
- Glendinning engine synchronizer
- AC Raw water pump
- (4) Cruise Air AC units
- Sea Strainers
- High water alarm system
- (2) toilet vacuum pumps
- Eskimo ice machine E600
- Sea Recovery water maker, 800 GPD with 1492 hours
- Sea Recovery prefilter
- Newer exhaust risers
- Fireboy fire suppression system
- Direct reading gauges for water temp and oil pressure on both engines
- Reverso oil change system (3 point)
- Water heater
- Hynautic hydraulic steering system
- (2) Ocean LED Pro Xtreme 16 series underwater lights
- Bilge blowers
- Bennett trim tab system
- Goulds 110V freshwater pump
- DC freshwater pump
- (4) Bilge pumps throughout vessel
- (3) Fuel tanks hold 1100 gallons
- 2 ½” stainless steel prop shafts
- Aft fuel tank electric fuel gauge
- Flax stuffing boxes
- (4) Valve fuel manifold
- (3) Incandescent DC engine room lights
- (6) Fluorescent overhead light fixtures
- Onan 21.5KW generator with 1311 hours (replaced in 1991)
- 110/220V AC electrical system
- 12/24V DC electrical system
- DC ships service #1 with (16) breaker protected circuits in salon
- DC ships service #2 with (12) breaker protected circuits in engine room
- AC distribution panel with (10) breaker protected circuits in engine room
- AC distribution panel with (16) breaker protected circuits in salon
- Hatteras switch gear panel with (2) volt meters and (4) amp meters and selector switch for shore and 110/200
- Generator start/stop switch & frequency meter in salon
- (2) 50-amp 220V shore cord inlets
- Sentry 24V 40-amp battery charger
- Sentry 12V 40-amp battery charger
- (4) 8D batteries in battery boxes
- (3) battery cutoff switches
- Electrical bonding system
Included with the sale but not currently aboard are:
- 9” Simrad NSS9 EVO3S with Insight charts, GPS, sounder and Wi-Fi (new in box)
- (2) Miya Epoch 900dx electric teaser reals
"THIS OLD HATT" with her extensive refit and many upgrades will go toe to toe with much newer vessels. Hatteras devotees no longer need to choose between the classic lines of the 53 Convertible or a modern boat with today’s popular accommodations, as "THIS OLD HATT" presents both in a turnkey package! Hatteras fans will immediately spot the attention to detail taken to refresh this battle wagon, while savvy boaters will see an incredible opportunity to fish a legend built to last a lifetime.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5/29/26 | Initial price | $250,000 |
1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible
The Hatteras 53 Convertible (1976) has earned a dedicated following among boating enthusiasts, and customer feedback reflects its robust performance and enduring appeal
Many owners appreciate the boat's classic design, noting its timeless aesthetics and solid construction. The spacious and comfortable interior layout is frequently highlighted, with ample living space and well-appointed cabins that provide a homey feel even while out on the water. Performance-wise, customers often rave about the vessel's stability and sea-handling capabilities. The powerful engine options allow for smooth cruising and reliable fishing trips, making it a versatile choice for both recreational and serious anglers. Additionally, the ease of maintenance and availability of parts for this vintage model receive positive reviews. Owners value the straightforward systems and classic build, which lend themselves to DIY repairs and upkeep. Overall, the 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible continues to be praised for its blend of luxury, functionality, and ruggedness, making it a beloved choice for those seeking a reliable and stylish vessel for their adventures on the water.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The Hatteras 53 Convertible from 1976 is a classic sportfishing yacht that has earned a reputation for its durability, performance, and spaciousness. Below are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
Robust Construction: Hatteras boats are built to last, featuring a solid fiberglass hull and an aluminum superstructure that provides durability and strength.
Spacious Interior: With a wide beam and extensive cabin space, the 53 Convertible offers generous accommodations for both entertaining guests and providing comfort for extended trips.
Versatile Fishing Platform: The design minimizes distraction from the fishing experience, making it a fantastic choice for serious anglers. The cockpit is designed for easy maneuverability and is equipped with plenty of storage for gear.
Powerful Performance: Equipped with twin diesel engines, the Hatteras 53 delivers reliable power and fuel efficiency, providing a smooth ride during both cruising and fishing excursions.
Classic Style: The timeless design features a well-appointed interior with traditional materials that appeal to those who appreciate the craftsmanship of earlier yachts.
Excellent Sea Handling: Known for their stability, Hatteras boats fare well in rough waters, making for a more comfortable experience in various sea conditions.
Cons
Age-Related Wear: Being a vintage model, this yacht may require more maintenance and upkeep compared to newer vessels. Potential buyers should consider the condition of the boat and any necessary repairs.
Lower Fuel Efficiency: While diesel engines are typically efficient, the older engine models may not provide the same fuel economy as modern alternatives.
Limited Technology: Compared to contemporary yachts, the 1976 model may lack some of the advanced technology and amenities found in newer boats, such as fuel management systems and upgraded navigation technology.
Space Utilization: The layout, while spacious, may not be as optimized as modern designs that maximize operational efficiency for fishing and comfort.
Weight: The robust construction adds weight, which may affect performance, especially in shallow waters or when trying to achieve higher speeds.
Made For
The 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible is designed for those who seek a blend of classic style, robust performance, and ultimate fishing capabilities. It caters to serious anglers who appreciate a well-built vessel, as well as families and friends looking for a spacious cruising experience. This model is ideal for: 1. Fishing Enthusiasts: With a large cockpit, ample storage for gear, and the ability to accommodate large fishing groups, this boat is perfect for both offshore and inshore fishing adventures. 2. Adventure Seekers: Those who enjoy long weekends on the water will appreciate the comfortable layout, including multiple staterooms and a generous salon, making it easy to explore coastal and offshore destinations. 3. Discerning Buyers: Individuals who value craftsmanship, legacy, and the character of classic boats will find satisfaction in the Hatteras brand, known for its durability and seaworthiness. 4. Liveaboards: With its expansive interior space and functional amenities, the Hatteras 53 Convertible can serve as a comfortable home on the water for those who wish to embrace the liveaboard lifestyle. 5. Classic Yacht Lovers: Fans of vintage yachts who appreciate the timeless design and enduring appeal of the Hatteras lineup will find this model a standout choice for its style and performance. Whether you’re drawn by fishing adventures, leisurely cruising, or simply enjoying the beauty of the open water, the 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible stands ready to be your trusted companion.
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 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $269,000 | $230,000 | $169,000 | $134,999 | $94,727 |
| Fort Lauderdale | West Palm Beach | North Palm Beach | Destin | Miami | Fleming Island |
| 53' | 43' | 46' | 46' | 36' | 43' |
| 4' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Detroit | Detroit Diesel | Detroit Diesel | Detroit Diesel | Cummins | Caterpillar |
| 870 hp | 550 hp | 720 hp | 720 hp | 450 hp | 660 hp |
| 24 | 448 | 41 | 458 | 1473 | 73 |
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Meet the Broker
Address
Other Information about Gilman Yachts of Ft. Lauderdale, Inc.
Founded in 1968, Gilman Yachts is a full-service yachting brand located in Fort Lauderdale and renowned worldwide. With a reputation for discretion and confidentiality, and an experienced broker team, we maximize our potential by encouraging our brokers to specialize on their preferred market.
Gilman Yachts is also a dealer for Johnson Yachts from Taiwan and AvA yachts from Turkey.
Boat Location
Contact Gilman Yachts of Ft. Lauderdale, Inc. about 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible
Marine Executive Center, 1510 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316
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