1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible

This 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible is a classic sportfisherman that has been fully rebuilt from the keel up by Tom Slane, a renowned Hatteras expert. Known as "THIS OLD HATT," she combines timeless 53C lines with modern systems and equipment, making her a standout choice for anglers who appreciate vintage character without compromising on reliability. This yacht for sale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Hatteras history with updated performance.

This Hatteras is ideal for serious sportfishing enthusiasts who want a proven offshore platform with classic styling and modern upgrades. It also suits families looking for a spacious cruiser with three staterooms and two heads, given the light oak interior and comfortable salon. The upgraded power and tower make it a competitive choice for tournament fishing, while the renovated systems provide peace of mind for long-range trips.
 

Is the 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible for Sale?

Yes, this 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible, "THIS OLD HATT," is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The yacht is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and is being actively marketed to buyers searching for a classic sportfisherman with modern reliability. Because fully rebuilt Hatteras 53 Convertibles with documented refit history are rare, availability of a comparable example in similar condition may be limited.

For buyers, availability is less important than the condition of the specific boat. Engine hours since overhaul, the 1991 Tom Slane refit documentation, the continued upgrades through 2026, generator condition, electronics, hull condition, and interior finishes should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with a documented rebuild can have a very different ownership profile from another 1976 boat that requires major mechanical or cosmetic work.
 

1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible Price

The asking price for this 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible is $250,000, which is reasonable when compared to similar rebuilt models. Owning a rebuilt classic like this can be more cost-effective than buying a new comparable sportfisherman, as the major systems have been replaced and updated. The extensive 2026 paint and system refreshes add to resale value, and the low hours on the rebuilt engines are a strong selling point. Asking prices are subject to change and should not be treated as confirmed transaction values.

The purchase price is only part of the budget for a 50-year-old diesel sportfisherman. Buyers should also account for a professional survey, haul-out, insurance, dockage, fuel, engine servicing, generator maintenance, electronics, and general upkeep. Be prepared for fuel consumption: twin Detroit Diesels at 870 HP will burn roughly 80 gallons per hour at cruise, so a solid operating budget is essential. Ongoing maintenance for a 1976 hull should also be factored in, though the refit significantly reduces immediate repair needs.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Hatteras 53 Convertible is powered by rebuilt Detroit Diesel 12V71 TI engines producing 870 HP each, a 35% increase over the original 650 HP. The port engine has 80 hours and the starboard has 475 hours since overhaul, which is a strong selling point and reduces near-term mechanical risk. The 12V71 TI is a well-known large-displacement diesel with a long history in sportfishing applications, and the rebuilt powerplants give this classic hull modern performance.

The upgraded power and tower make it a competitive choice for tournament fishing, while the renovated systems provide peace of mind for long-range trips. Actual speed and fuel consumption depend on load, sea conditions, propeller condition, and hull maintenance, so a sea trial should be used to verify the performance of the individual yacht. Twin Detroit Diesels at 870 HP will burn roughly 80 gallons per hour at cruise, so budget accordingly.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible, "THIS OLD HATT," features a complete refit completed in 1991 by Tom Slane, with continued upgrades through 2026, including fresh Alexseal Off White paint from the rub rail up. The flybridge has been completely reimagined with a custom helm console, plus a tower and outriggers for serious fishing. The cockpit is equipped with a custom tackle center, bait freezer, live baitwell, teak sole, covering boards, and fighting chair.

Buyers should inspect the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, and any signs of water intrusion or previous structural repairs. The entire plumbing and wiring systems were renewed during the refit, which ensures reliability equal to a much newer boat. The cockpit's tackle center, bait freezer, live baitwell, teak sole, covering boards, fighting chair, tower, and outriggers should all be tested.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible offers 3 staterooms, 2 heads, a modern galley, and salon, with the interior stripped to stringers and rebuilt in light oak. The light oak interior and comfortable salon make the boat suitable for families looking for a spacious cruiser. The three-stateroom, two-head layout provides real living space for owners, guests, and crew on extended trips.

Individual boats may have different upholstery, appliances, flooring, entertainment systems, and interior finishes depending on subsequent refits. Buyers should inspect the galley equipment, refrigeration, air-conditioning, plumbing, bilge systems, and all accommodation spaces for condition and evidence of regular maintenance. The renewed plumbing and wiring systems are a major advantage, giving the interior the reliability of a much newer boat while preserving classic Hatteras character.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible

Before making an offer, a complete marine survey, haul-out inspection, and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. The survey should cover the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, electrical equipment, generators, air-conditioning, plumbing, and bilge systems. The cockpit's tackle center, bait freezer, live baitwell, teak sole, covering boards, fighting chair, tower, and outriggers should also be tested, along with the 2026 paint work and the quality of the 1991 Tom Slane refit.

The rebuilt Detroit Diesel 12V71 TI engines should be inspected individually, including the port engine at 80 hours and starboard at 475 hours since overhaul, service records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, shafts, and propellers. Buyers should also review generator history and test navigation electronics, autopilot, VHF radios, refrigeration, pumps, air-conditioning, and other onboard systems. Given the unique combination of classic Hatteras lines and modern reliability, this yacht represents excellent value for a buyer seeking a ready-to-go sportfisherman. Schedule a viewing in Fort Lauderdale to inspect the quality of the refit and verify the engine hours firsthand, and contact the broker for details or to make an offer.