1978 Hatteras 53 Motor YachtSold
$219,999
Boat in Clear Lake Shores, TX 77565 US
Built in 1978
53 Motor Yacht
2 Engines (2x Detroit)
53.1 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
The 53' Motor Yacht is the most successful mid-sized motor yacht ever built, with over 600 of them being built in various configurations from 1971 to 1989. This classic motor yacht owes its huge popularity to its excellent craftsmanship, spacious layout and seaworthiness.
" Gypsy Soul " is an excellent example of this highly sought after motor yacht, as she boasts many recent upgrades, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency. She is in excellent condition, thanks to the owner's meticulous care and numerous upgrades. Its luxurious accommodations, dependable Detroit engines and recent updates make it a turn-key vessel that's ready for extended cruising or a very comfortable full time live aboard. Whether you're an experienced boater or looking to step up into a luxury motor yacht, "Gypsy Soul" offers exceptional value.
"Gypsy Soul" is loaded with factory standard equipment, options, as well as many upgrades, which are as follows:
She Retains Her Beautiful Original Woodwork & Cabinetry, which is in Exceptional Condition Throughout
Completely Remolded, Expanded and Updated Galley Area with Stainless Steel Appliances
(3) Updated Heads with New Marble Counter Tops, Shiplap Wall Coverings & Designer Touches (see full specs for details)
Custom Wood Flooring Throughout
Custom Matching Area Rugs and Runners Throughout
NAIAD Stabilizers (with spare rebuild kit)
Pilothouse & Flybridge Controls
Dingy Davit (800 lbs.)
Spacious and Enclosed Climate Controlled Aft Deck with Opening Glass Windows Port and Starboard & an Aft Isinglass Enclosure with U-Zips
(3) Staterooms & (3) Full Heads with Separate Shower Stalls
Updated Furuno Electronics Package in 2022 (see full details in the full specs)
PLUS, MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Again, "Gypsy Soul" is an exceptional value for anyone looking for a quality cruising motor yacht or a very spacious and comfortable live-aboard. With her many updates, she is truly a must see!
All reasonable offers will be considered!
The vessel's interior at deck level is arranged with a pilothouse forward and salon aft. The aft deck is accessed from double varnished & glass swing doors aft the salon. A teak curved staircase, starboard and forward of the pilot house, leads to customized galley area. Forward and down from the galley is the forward stateroom with two single over/under single bunks and stowage locker to starboard and a shelf area and the head to port. Aft and down from the galley a longitudinal companionway runs aft between the engine rooms with the guest stateroom, configured with two single side by side berths and a stowage locker, to port. To starboard is the guest head. The passageway terminates at the master stateroom arranged with a queen size island double berth situated transversely and against the port side. A closet is located forward and to port, the head forward and to starboard. The engine rooms are located port and starboard, off the companionway.
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
The main salon and pilot house are easily accessed either from the aft deck varnished teak swing doors or from the forward the pilot house area through port and starboard sliding doors from the side decks that lead to the forward bow.
MAIN SALON:
Entering the spacious salon, you will be immediately impressed with the beautiful teak woodwork and the natural lighting thanks to 360 degrees of windows (port, starboard, forward & aft).
- Large Sofa/Settee to Starboard
- End Table with Storage, Drawer and Tabletop Designer Lamp
- Starboard and Aft Corner Built-in Cabinet with Storage and a Designer Lamp
- Coffee Table
- (2) Armchairs to Port
- Table Located Between the (2) Port Armchairs with (4) Drawers and Tabletop Lamp
- Decorative Throw Pillows for Sofa and Chairs
- Port and Aft Corner Mounted Storage Cabinet with a Large Wall Mounted TV Above
- Area Rug
PILOT HOUSE:
The Pilot House is forward and open to the main salon and on the same level:
- Centerline Lower Helm with Full Engine Controls, Gauges and Electronics (see electronics section for details)
- Oversized Stainless Steel Steering Wheels
- Overhead Panel For Additional Switches, Controls, Electronics, Etc.
- Port & Starboard Sliding Doors Leading to the Wide Side Decks and Forward Bow
- (2) Port Wall Mounted Teak Magazine/Book Holders
- Custom Wood Flooring
- Area Rugs
- Windshield with (3) Windshield Wipers
- Port Side Electrical Panel
- Storage Cabinets
- Starboard Side Entry to the Teak Curved Staircase Leading to the Galley and Lower Deck with the (3) Staterooms & Heads, as well as the Engine Room.
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
Stepping down into the updated Galley from the lower helm/pilot house area, you are greeted by a completely remodeled, updated and expanded galley area with beautiful dark wood cabinetry/woodwork and a custom wood sole. To port is the u-shape galley with large updated brushed stainless steel pull handles, large L shaped granite look solid surface counter-top, modern glass tile backsplash, updated stainless steel appliances and electric countertop flush mounted stove. The original dinette to starboard was removed and additional galley and desk space was custom built-in. This area has a custom U-shaped granite look solid surface counter-top with built-in cabinets and drawers underneath for an abundant amount of storage and a counter depth wine cooler. Custom overhead glass front cabinets. This area also doubles as desk area.
- GE Stainless Steel Convection/Microwave Oven
- Frigidaire Residential Size Standup Stainless Steel Refrigerator and Freezer
- Fisher and Paykel Stainless Steel Dishwasher
- Large Stainless Steel Sink with Hot and Cold Water Service and disposal
- Schott Ceran Induction Type (4) Burner Recessed Electric Stovetop
- Newmar Stainless Steel with Glass Front Wine Cooler
- Modern Granite Look Solid Surface Counter-tops
- Modern Glass Tile Backslashes
- Custom Wood Flooring
- Port & Starboard Overhead Windows for Plenty of Natural Lighting
- Brushed Stainless Steel Cabinet & Drawer Pulls
- Beautiful Original Woodwork and Cabinetry in Excellent Condition
- (2) Area Rugs
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
The spacious master stateroom is aft and at the end of the lower deck companionway and features the following:
- Island Queen Size Double Berth Situated Transversely and Against the Port Side with Storage Drawers Under
- Built-in End Table with Drawers
- Large Port and Forward Hanging Closet/Locker
- Large Starboard Side Built-in Dresser with a Large Counter-top and Abundant Storage Cabinets Below and Above
- Aft Storage Compartments
- Private Entrance to the Private Master Head to Starboard
- Custom Wood Flooring
- (6) Large Portlights
- Area Rugs
- Window Blinds
- New Marble Counter-Tops (2-2025)
- Private Entrance form Master Stateroom
- Privacy Door
- Separate Stall Shower
- Freshwater Head
- Wood Flooring
- Portlight
- Area Rug
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
- Large Midship Gest Stateroom
- (2) Side by Side Single Twin Berths
- Built-in End Table Between the Berths with Storage Drawers
- Storage Drawers Under Each Berth
- Storage Cabinets
- Large Hanging Locker/Closet
- (2) Portlights
- Curtains
- Custom Wood Flooring
- Area Rug
- Located to Port Across from the Midship Guest Stateroom
- New Marble Counter/Vanity Top (2-2025)
- Area Rug
- Custom Wood Flooring
- Mirror
- Separate Shower Stall
- Portlight
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
- Located Forward of the Galley Area and Down
- Over/Under Single Bunks to Starboard
- Large Hanging Closet/locker
- Built in storage Drawers
- Anchor locker Access
- Portlights
- Custom Wood Flooring
- Area Rug
- Private Entrance to the Forward En-suite Guest Head
- Private Entrance from Forward Guest Stateroom
- Custom Marble Counter/Vanity Top with Above Counter Designer Glass Bowl Sink
- Separate Shower Stall (currently used as a pantry storage)
- Mirrored Medicine Cabinet
- Wood Flooring
- Area Rugs
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
The Upper Aft Deck and Flybridge are accessed from the lower aft deck with a stainless steel ladder with teak steps through an overhead opening fiberglass hatch.
- (3) Aft Deck Synthetic Sofas and a Matching Coffee Table with a Glass Top
- (2) Teak End Tables
- Marquipt Dingy Davit with 32 VDC Winch Motor (rated at 800lbs) and Dingy Chocks
- Upper Deck Stainless Steel Safety Rails
- Custom Synthetic Flybridge Flooring
- (2) Captain/Helm Chairs with Ladder Backs and Cushions with Covers
- Upper Helm Station Center with Wrap-Around Bulwark and Venturi Windshield at the forward portion of the Flybridge Area, which Transitions Aft to the Radar arch.
- Upper Helm Station Features Full Engine Controls, Gauges and Electronics (see electronics section for detail)
- Flybridge Fusion Bluetooth/Satellite Stereo Head Unit and Speakers w/ multicolored LEDs w/ remote control
- Bench Seating Forward of the Helm with Cover
- Forward Flybridge/Brow Storage Cabinets
- Fiberglass Radar Arch
- Flybridge Bimini Top with Aluminum Rails (new 2-2025)
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
The spacious aft deck is enclosed and climate controlled with a reverse cycle A/C System.
- Aft Deck is Enclosed Port and Starboard Glass Sliding Windows with Removable White Mesh Screens and an Aft Strataglass Enclosure with Large U-Zips w/ Blackout Canvas
- Teak Cap Hand Rails with Stainless Steel Stanchions and Fiberglass Panels Under
- Varnished Teak Double Swing Doors Leading to the Salon
- Overhead Lighting
- Custom Synthetic Teak Flooring
- Port & Starboard Varnished Teak Wing Doors Lead to the Wide Decks for Easy Access to the Forward Bow
- Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Ladder with Hand Rails and Teak Steps Leading to the Upper Deck and Flybridge Through an Overhead Fiberglass Opening Hatch
- Synthetic Wicker Sofa with Cushions
- (2) Synthetic Wicker Arm Chairs with Cushions
- Synthetic Wicker Coffee Table with Glass Top
- Wood Storage Cabinet to Starboard
- Built-in Storage Cabinet to Port with Teak Doors
- Built-in Wet Bar with SS Sink, Standup Bottle/Glass Storage, Storage Cabinet and Icemaker Under
- Stereo Speakers
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
- Fiberglass Bow Pulpit with Teak Inlay and a Stainless Steel Chute and Roller Assembly
- Galley Maid Stainless Steel Vertical Drum 32 VDC Electric Anchor Windlass with Bow Foot Remote Controls and Helm Remote Controls
- Galvanized Articulating Plow Style Anchor with Galvanized Chain and Approximately 150' Nylon Rode
- Teak Cap Hand Rails - Bow and Side Deck Safety Rails with Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Stanchions
- (4) Stainless Steel Bow Mounted Fender Holders ((2) starboard and (2) port)
- Large Bow Sundeck Pad
- Large Built-in Bench Seating with Cover
- Custom Bow Mounted Teak Table with Stainless Steel Stanchion and Custom Cover
- (2) Bow Mounted Fiberglass Storage Boxes with Removable Seat Cushions
- (2) Sliding Doors, (1) Port and (1) Starboard Leading to the Pilot House
- (2) Varnished Teak Wind Doors Leading to the Enclosed Aft Deck - (1) port and (1) starboard
- Forward Pilot House Exterior Windshield Mesh Curtain Cover
- Brow Mounted Remote Controlled Stainless Steel Spot Light with Helm Remotes
- Large Fiberglass Swim/Dive Platform with Fold Down Stainless Steel Swim Boarding Ladder
- Marquipt Aluminum Dock to Side Deck Collapsible Boarding Ladder with Port and Starboard Mounts
- Large Heavy Duty Mooring Cleats
- All Deck Hardware is Stainless Steel
- Stainless Steel Rub Rail Inserts
- Navigation Lights
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
- Furuno TZT Multi-Function Display with Large 18" Touchscreen Display - Pilothouse/Lower Helm (GPS/Map/Chart Plotter/Depth Finder/Radar) (New 2022)
- Furuno TZT Multi-Function Display with Large 18" Touchscreen Display - Upper Flybridge Helm (GPS/Map/Chart Plotter/Depth Finder/Radar) (New 2022)
- Furuno VHF Radio with AIS (New 2022) - Upper Flybridge Helm
- VHF Radio - Lower Helm (9-2022)
- Furuno Open Array radar (New 2022)
- NEMA 2000 (New 2022)
- NAIAD Stabilizers (with spare rebuild kit)
- Richie Compass (upper and lower helms)
- Raymarine Autohelm ST7000 Auto Pilot (upper & lower helms (2023)
- Fusion Bluetooth/Satellite Stereo/Audio Head Unit and Fusion Speakers (New 2023)
- Siris XM Weather 2023
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
- 15kw Onan Generator - Model MDL3 (located under the galley sole)
- Racor Primary Fuel Filter
- OEM Style Secondary Fuel Filter
- 110/220 VAC Electrical System
- Stainless Steel 125 VAC/50 Amp and 125/250 VAC/50 Amp Shore Power Connections (New Style)
- Outback Invertor
- Port Battery bank (Gel, no Maintenace) 2022
- Starboard Battery bank (Gel, no Maintenace) 2024
- 110 VAC and 220 VAC Panels Located Adjacent to the Lower Helm Station
- 32 VDC Electrical System for the Engine Start and House Loads
- 12 VDC Electrical System for Navigation Instruments
- 32 VDC Service Provided by (4) 8 Volt Deep Cycle Batteries Wired in Series and Parallel and Deep Cycle AGM Batteries Wired In Series and Parallel (these batteries are secured in dedicate fiberglass battery boxes and controlled by (3) marine grade selector switches)
- 12 VDC Electrical System Provided by (2) 12 Volt Batteries
- 12 VDC service was provided by two Victron Energy brand, Orion-Tr 24-12-10 model, DC/DC converters located under the lower helm console
- 12 VDC Charging Provided by a New Mar brand, ABC 32-30 model, 30 amp charger and (2) engine mounted alternators
- 32 VDC power was distributed via the battery switches and the main distribution panel located adjacent to the lower helm station with over-current protection provided by circuit breakers installed at the panel boards along with various fuses located throughout the vessel
- The AC distribution panel was configured with analog type volt meters and ammeters. Circuit protection was provided by the distribution panel circuit breakers
- Wifi victron battery Monitor 11-23
- Galvanic Isolator 11-23
- Led lighting Aft & Bow
- New Furuno Depth Gauge (Not Installed)
- (2) Nest security Cameras
*SEE BELOW FOR RECENT UPGRADES, UPDATES & MAINTENANCE
- Fully Updated Galley & Appliances (see galley section for full details)
- Update Heads with Marble Counter-tops, Etc. (see the head sections for details) (New 2025)
- New Furuno Electronics in 2022 (see electronics section for details)
- Installed New Marine Synthetic Teak Flooring (aft deck and flybridge)
- All New Bilge Pumps and Float Switches (New 2021) and the original 1500 GPH capacity pumps were upgraded to 2000 GPH capacity pumps)
- All New Navigation Lights Installed (2021)
- New Water Circulating Pump for the A/C Systems (2021)
- New A/C System (forward berth)
- New Aft Salon A/C System
- New Onboard Freshwater Pumps and Accumulator Tank
- New Rudder Packing (port & starboard) (10-2023)
- New Main Shaft Packing (port & starboard) (8-2023)
- New Engine Water Pumps (both engines)
- New Style Silicone Hoses on Both Engines (complete) (New 8-2.23)
- New Turbo on Port Engine (New 2024)
- New Exhaust on Port Engine
- Freshwater Heads Installed in the Master Head and Midship Guest Head
- New Gall Maid Stators Installed in All (3) Heads
- Remote Spotlight Refurbished
- Installed Teak Table on Forward Bow
- New Refrigerator (flybridge) (New 2022)
- NEMA 2000 Installed (2022)
- New Fusion Head Unit and Speakers (flybridge) (new 2023)
- Serviced Both Main Engine Inter-Coolers (Completed
- Bottom Cleaned Quarterly
- All Engines, Transmissions & Generator Serviced Including New Fluids and Filters (November 2024)
- Port and Starboard engine room bilges cleaned and painted (2-2025)
The walk-in engine rooms/compartments are conveniently located port and starboard of the lower companionway leading from the forward galley and guest stateroom/head to the midship quest stateroom/head and the aft master stateroom/head.
- Twin Detroit 8V71 TI's (turbo-charged and inter-cooled diesel powered engines rated at 435hp at 2100 hours
- Twin Disc/Allison Transmissions
- Racor Primary Fuel Filters
- New Turbo on Port motor (11-2024)
- OEM Style Secondary Fuel Filter
- Racor Primary Fuel Filters
- NAIAD Stabilizers
- Morse Dual Lever Upper and Lower Engine Controls
- Bronze 28" Diameter (4) Blade Props
- Spare Props
- Propeller Shaft Line Cutters
- 2" Stainless Steel Main Shafts
- Automatic Bilge Pumps
- Seacocks: Bronze Ball Type Sea Valves and (1) Bronze Gate Style Sea Valve
- Bronze and Marelon Above Waterline Through Hull Fittings
- Bronze Below Waterline Through Hull Fittings
- Hypnotic Hydraulic Wheel Steering with Hypnotic Power Assist Pump (upper and lower helms)
- 19 Gallon Water Tank
- 3- Stage h20 Filtration system
- Pressurized Freshwater System with (2) 32 VDC Marine Grade Diaphragm Pumps and an Accumulator Tank
- (2) Freshwater Tanks
- Shower Sump Pumps
- Holding Tank and Overboard Discharge
- Engine Room Blowers
- CO2 Manual Fixed Engine Room Fire Extinguishers with Activation Handle Located Adjacent to Galley Stairs
- Air Horn
- Automatic Bilge Pumps
- (6) Marine Reverse Cycle A/C Systems: (1) Cruisair 9k BTU Unit servicing the galley and forward stateroom; (1) 16k btu Unit serving the salon and pilot house; (1) 12k btu Unit serving the midship guest stateroom; (1) Webasto 12,000 BTU Unit serving the master stateroom; (1) Cruisair unit serving the enclosed lower aft deck area.
She is a beautiful boat inside and out!
I have personally been on her in a hard wind driven rainstorm, and I couldn't find a single leak anywhere in the boat, including all the windows.
Her tasteful modern interior updates give her the feel of more modern boat, while maintaining her original classic teak woodwork and design.
With the fully enclosed climate controlled aft deck, it doubles as a second salon/entertaining area.
"Gypsy Rose" is truly a must!
Personal items, tools and the Starlink System.
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.
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.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/28/25 | Initial price | $219,999 |
Overview from around the web 1978 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht
Customers praise the 1978 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht for its classic styling and robust construction
Many highlight the spacious interior layout, which offers comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. Owners appreciate the solid build quality typical of Hatteras yachts from this era, noting its reliable performance and seaworthiness. The ample deck space and functional design make it ideal for both entertaining and long-range trips. While some mention that updates and maintenance are necessary due to the boat’s age, overall, the 1978 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht is valued for its timeless appeal and dependable craftsmanship.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1978 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht is a classic vessel known for its solid construction and timeless design. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Sturdy Build Quality: Hatteras yachts from this era are renowned for their rugged, durable fiberglass construction, providing excellent seaworthiness and longevity.
Spacious Layout: The 53-foot size offers generous interior space, including multiple staterooms, a large salon, and ample storage, making it comfortable for extended cruising.
Classic Styling: The traditional lines and wood finishes give the yacht a timeless, elegant appearance that many enthusiasts appreciate.
Good Performance: Powered by reliable engines, it delivers respectable cruising speeds and stable handling in various sea conditions.
Well-Equipped: Often comes with features like a full galley, sizable fuel and water tanks, and multiple onboard systems suitable for liveaboard or long-range passages.
Cons
Older Systems: Being a 1978 model, some mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems may require updating or replacement to meet modern standards.
Maintenance Intensive: The classic woodwork and older equipment can demand regular upkeep and potentially higher maintenance costs.
Fuel Efficiency: Larger displacement and older engine technology can result in less fuel-efficient operation compared to newer yachts.
Limited Modern Amenities: Lacks some contemporary conveniences and technological advancements found in more recent motor yachts.
Availability of Parts: Certain components or fittings specific to the 1978 model may be harder to source.
Made For
The 1978 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht is ideal for boating enthusiasts seeking a classic, spacious, and reliable vessel designed for comfortable extended cruising. Its robust construction and roomy interior make it perfect for families or groups who enjoy coastal cruising, entertaining guests, and exploring a variety of waterways in style and comfort. Whether you’re an experienced captain or looking to step up to a larger yacht, this model offers a blend of timeless design and practical features suited for both leisure and adventure on the water.
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Gulf States Yacht Sales LLC about 1978 Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht
2551 South Shore Harbour Blvd., South Shore Harbour Marina - Pier 14, League City, TX, 77573
Contact Gulf States Yacht Sales LLC
2551 South Shore Harbour Blvd., South Shore Harbour Marina - Pier 14, League City, TX, 77573
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