1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht
$115,000
Boat in Newburyport, MA 01950 US
Motor Yacht
2 Engines (2x Detroit)
48.9 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Located in New Bern NC, Hatteras Yacht has been manufacturing luxury production and semi-custom sportfishing and motor yachts for over half a century. Starting out when wooden boat construction was still the norm, textile manufacturer Willis Slane and a group of investors envisioned a new breed of fishing boat and hired naval architect Jack Hargrave to design a yacht that could stand up to the challenging conditions of the waters off North Carolina's Cape Hatteras. They have stood as the benchmark of quality and innovation since their beginnings.
This 1981 Hatteras 48 Motor Yacht epitomizes the classic design that combines performance and quality craftsmanship, with luxurious accommodations. WANDERER is powered by twin 335 hp Detroit Diesel 6v92TAs with 1775 (starboard)/1560 (port) hours, and a 2018 Cummins Onan generator. She is equipped with a VHS, Furuno Radar, a Viking compass, a 2021 Garmin 8612 chartplotter/sonar w/12" display, a XANTRAX Freedom SW 3012 inverter, and a Dometic AC split system with 4 zones and digital controls was retrofitted in 2021. There are spare propellers cleverly stored beneath the forward cabin, and a Fortress Anchor and 45il CQR anchor with plenty of rode & chain.
The enclosed flybridge has a custom fiberglass hardtop, helm station, 2 captain chairs, and an L-shaped settee. Step down to a large sundeck aft with a new Isinglass enclosure, perfect for leisurely cruising and entertaining. The wet bar features a stainless steel bowl sink, a beverage/wine cooler, and plenty of storage. Deck furnishings include a flatscreen TV, and 4 premium folding cushioned deck chairs and table. There is a walk-through transom, that leads to a fiberglass swim platform, accessible by a ladder.
The spacious interior opens to a light-filled Main Salon and step-down Galley with plenty of headroom. In the Salon you will find the second helm station, two swivel barrel chairs, an L-shaped settee, a flatscreen TV, and a full ONKYO stereo system. The U-shaped Galley is well-appointed with a full sized Kelvinator fridge, [newly rebuilt Cool Boats icemaker], a 3 burner Galley Princess electric stove with oven, a Toshiba microwave, a Black & Decker toaster oven, a dinette that comfortably converts into a double berth, and plenty of storage. WANDERER has a three-stateroom, three-head layout. The double berth stateroom forward has an ensuite head with sink, vanity, and shower. There is a guest stateroom starboard aft with two single berths, and a guest head. The full-beam master stateroom aft has queen berth, a flatscreen TV, 2 hanging lockers, plenty of storage, and an ensuite head with a sink, vanity, and a separate enclosed shower.
WANDERER has been professionally serviced and maintained by the current owner. This classic cruiser is the perfect liveaboard ready for new adventures this 2024 season.
Upgrades
2022
New flatscreen TV aft
· Entire AC system was retrofitted with Dometic units 6K, 8K, 10K, and 16K units.
· House Batteries
2021
· New Garmin 8016
· 3000 SW Inverter
2020
· CoolBoats icemaker rebuilt
· Aft Isinglass replaced
The Wanderer, a 48-foot Hatteras, has been under my ownership since September 2020. This vessel has a storied history in the Northeast, where it has been meticulously maintained and operated for most of its life, with the exception of a one-time trip to Florida in the early 2000s. Since then, the boat has been hauled out and kept on the hard during my ownership and for the nearly 18 years under the previous owner.
The Wanderer boasts several recent upgrades, including new aft ice and glass, a new aft TV, and a rebuilt ice maker by CoolBoats. It is equipped with a 3000 SW inverter and a Garmin 8016 12-inch display for advanced navigation. In July 2021, all air conditioning systems were retrofitted with Dometic split systems, featuring units of 6000, 8000, 10000, and 16000 BTUs, all with digital controls.
Prior to my ownership, the boat had a new rug installed and much of the upholstery redone. The power system includes a reliable 17kW Cummins Onan generator, meticulously maintained with oil changes every 180 to 200 hours and winterized with pre-winter oil changes. The boat features three cabins and three heads, with one head having a full-size shower. The other two heads have showers that have been disabled but can be reactivated easily.
The Wanderer does require some maintenance, including teak work, re-sanding, and re-varnishing on the railing, which is planned for this season. It comes with spare props and shafts, and the bilge pumps have been recently updated. The inverter and house batteries were also recently updated in 2022.
Upgrades
2022
New flatscreen TV aft
· Entire AC system was retrofitted with Dometic units 6K, 8K, 10K, and 16K units.
· House Batteries
2021
· New Garmin 8016
· 3000 SW Inverter
2020
· CoolBoats icemaker rebuilt
· Aft Isinglass replaced
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/24/26 | Price decreased | $115,000(-14.8%) |
| 7/3/25 | Price decreased | $135,000(-9.7%) |
| 5/24/24 | Initial price | $149,500 |
1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht
Customers praise the 1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht for its classic design and solid construction, highlighting its spacious interior and comfortable accommodations that make it ideal for extended cruising
Many appreciate the vessel's reliable performance and smooth handling, as well as the quality craftsmanship evident throughout. Owners often mention the ample deck space for entertaining and the robust engine power that provides confidence on the water. Overall, the 1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht is celebrated for combining timeless style with practical functionality, making it a beloved choice among boating enthusiasts.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht is a classic vessel known for its solid construction and timeless design. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Sturdy Build: Hatteras yachts from this era are renowned for their robust construction, providing durability and confidence in various sea conditions.
Spacious Layout: The 1981 model offers generous living and deck space, making it comfortable for extended cruising and entertaining guests.
Classic Styling: Its traditional lines and wood accents give it a timeless appeal that many boating enthusiasts appreciate.
Good Performance: Equipped with reliable engines, it delivers steady performance suitable for coastal and offshore cruising.
Well-Equipped: Typically comes with ample amenities and storage, enhancing the onboard experience.
Cons
Age-Related Maintenance: Being a vessel from 1981, it may require ongoing maintenance and updates to systems and electronics.
Fuel Efficiency: Older motor yachts like this tend to have higher fuel consumption compared to modern designs.
Limited Modern Features: Lacks some of the contemporary technology and conveniences found in newer yachts.
Heavier Displacement: The solid construction results in a heavier boat, which can affect speed and handling.
Availability of Parts: Some original parts may be harder to find, potentially increasing maintenance time and costs.
Made For
The 1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht is ideal for boating enthusiasts who appreciate classic craftsmanship combined with spacious comfort. Perfect for families or groups seeking a reliable and elegant vessel for extended cruising, entertaining, or leisurely weekend getaways on the water. Its design suits those who value durability, ample living space, and timeless style in a motor yacht.
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