1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht
$115,000
Boat in Newburyport, MA 01950 US
Built in 1981
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
Boattest.com Review
Overview
The Hatteras 60 Moriart is a premium yacht designed by Moriart to excel in ocean conditions while delivering both performance and comfort. This vessel measures just over 60 feet in length and features a robust build intended for serious offshore use, making it suitable for owner-operators seeking a capable and manageable yacht.
Exterior Design and Deck Layout
The yacht's exterior is thoughtfully designed for ease of operation and safety. Access to the large swim platform is facilitated by two stairways located port and starboard through the transom, allowing quick and convenient boarding. The side decks provide a comfortable 18-inch passage between the cabin sides and the rail, with the cabin sides slightly curved inward to increase shoulder room. Rails stand 34 inches high, enhancing safety. Deck hardware includes two 12-inch cleats on each side, with convenient storage for lines and fenders. Forward on the foredeck, a Maxwell windlass with foot controls operates a stainless steel anchor roller. Two access hatches flank the windlass, providing entry to the anchor rode storage, although this compartment is not self-draining. The bow features four-inch toe rails and 28-inch handrails, with cleats and chocks aligned, requiring dock lines to bend at a 90-degree angle; chafing gear is installed for protection. Boarding is facilitated by a convenient port-side rail boarding area and a starboard-side watertight door with an additional boarding gate. Both sides also have mounts for a ladder stored in the lazarette, enabling tender boarding.
Flybridge and Helm Station
The flybridge is designed with operator comfort and functionality in mind. Molded-in steps provide secure access and protection in rough seas. Both the captain and observer seats are premium platinum series models featuring flip-up footrests, armrests, swivel, slide, height adjustment, and reclining capabilities. The helm layout is highly organized and predominantly digital, with CAT engine displays flanking a central ZF transmission display. Two 20-inch navigation displays flank the helm, accompanied by an icon marine radio and depth gauge centrally located. Engine controls, electrical switches, ZF emergency backup controls, bow thruster controls, joystick maneuvering system, digital engine controls, and autopilot are all within easy reach. The helm offers 360-degree visibility, interrupted only by hardtop supports, with limited direct stern sightlines; however, the joystick system and stepping to the starboard quarter hatch afford clear views aft for precise maneuvering.
Power and Performance
Powered by twin CAT C18 engines producing 1135 horsepower each, the Hatteras 60 Moriart delivers impressive performance. The yacht has an overall length of 60 feet 11 inches, a beam of 18 feet 2 inches, and a draft of 4 feet 6 inches, with an empty weight of 76,000 pounds. During testing, with a load of 81,240 pounds including fuel and four people, the boat reached a top speed of 31.5 knots at 2350 RPM, consuming 120 gallons per hour and providing a range of approximately 236 nautical miles. The most efficient cruise speed was 15.9 knots at 1500 RPM, burning 40 gallons per hour, allowing for a 23-hour endurance and a range of 358 nautical miles with a 10% fuel reserve. The vessel felt most comfortable operating at 1700 RPM (73% throttle), achieving 20.7 knots with a slight five-degree bow-high attitude. Maneuverability is exceptional, with a turning radius of about three boat lengths at cruise speed and a slight 1 to 2-degree lean outward in turns. The convex bow design effectively deflects water to the sides, providing smooth wave penetration without pounding. Close-quarters handling is remarkable due to large 50-inch propellers and differential thrust, enabling the yacht to pivot within its own length with the pivot point at the flybridge helm position. This responsiveness facilitates precise docking even in slips only marginally wider than the beam, a significant advantage for owner-operators. An independent joystick for the bow thruster further enhances low-speed control and confidence.
Conclusion
The Hatteras 60 Moriart stands out as a capable and comfortable yacht designed to handle ocean conditions with ease. Its thoughtful deck layout, advanced flybridge helm station, and powerful yet manageable propulsion system combine to offer a solid ride and exceptional maneuverability. These features make it particularly well-suited for owner-operators who desire both performance and ease of handling without the need for professional crew. Overall, the vessel delivers a compelling balance of offshore capability and user-friendly operation.
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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Meet the Broker
Address
Other Information about Merri-Mar Yacht Basin
Family-owned and operated for 68 years, Merri-Mar Yacht Basin is a full-service, year-round marina, located on the Merrimack River in historic Newburyport MA. We offer seasonal and transient moorings & dockage, free WIFI & parking, storage, a Service Department, a Parts Department, a Ship's Store, and a Yacht Brokerage for pre-owned power & sail vessels.
Contact Merri-Mar Yacht Basin about 1981 Hatteras Motor Yacht
364 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950
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