1978 Hatteras 42

This 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible is a classic American sportfish yacht for sale in Miami, Florida. The boat pairs a proven hull with a 2023 interior refit and updated electronics, making it a turnkey used yacht for anglers who want a manageable size and strong offshore ability. Its re-powered Yanmar diesel and 23-knot cruise let owners spend less time at the dock and more time fishing or cruising.
 

This Hatteras 42 Convertible suits an owner who wants a versatile 42-foot sport yacht for offshore fishing, weekend cruising, and occasional entertaining. The two-stateroom, two-head layout works for a couple or small family, and the cockpit and flybridge make serious angling comfortable. Buyers comparing older convertibles will appreciate the recent refit work and the boat's simple, proven systems.
 

Is the 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible for Sale?

Yes, this 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The yacht is located in Miami, Florida, and is being actively marketed to anglers who want a manageable size and strong offshore ability. Because well-kept examples with updated systems tend to hold interest, availability of a comparable boat in similar condition may be limited.
 

For buyers, availability is less important than the condition of the specific boat. Engine hours, Yanmar service records, the 2023 interior refit invoices, 2023 electronics refit documentation, paint condition, and running gear condition should all be reviewed. A well-maintained example with documented recent refit work can have a very different ownership profile from another Hatteras 42 that has deferred maintenance.
 

1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible Price

The asking price for this 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible is $139,000, priced to move, and well-kept examples with updated systems tend to hold interest. Much of the expensive cosmetic and mechanical refresh has already been done, which supports the asking price. 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 42-foot convertible. At 34 GPH at cruise, this Hatteras 42 Convertible is not a fuel-sipping trawler; plan for realistic running costs on longer trips. A 500-gallon fuel capacity gives useful range for canyon runs, and the 150-gallon fresh water tank supports weekend trips. Maintenance and insurance on a classic 42-footer remain reasonable for this size range. Buyers should also account for a professional survey, sea trial, haul-out, and general upkeep.
 

Performance and Propulsion

This Hatteras 42 Convertible was re-powered in 2009 with a Yanmar 6CX530 diesel and roughly 1,200 hours. The Yanmar 6CX530 is a well-regarded marine diesel known for reliable operation, and the re-power gives the boat modern performance compared with the original powerplant. The boat cruises at 23 knots and reaches 31 knots wide open with a 34 GPH burn at cruise.
 

The proven hull and manageable 42-foot size make the boat well suited to offshore fishing and weekend cruising. 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. At 34 GPH at cruise, this Hatteras 42 Convertible is not a fuel-sipping trawler.
 

Exterior Design and Construction

This 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible features fresh Awlgrip paint in 2023 and new bottom paint, cutlass bearings, underwater lights, and Propspeed in May 2025. The exterior design reflects classic Hatteras lines, and the cockpit and flybridge make serious angling comfortable. The recent paint and running gear work reduce immediate cosmetic and mechanical spending for the next owner.
 

Buyers should inspect the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, propeller, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, and any signs of water intrusion or previous structural repairs. The 2023 Awlgrip paint, bottom paint, cutlass bearings, underwater lights, and Propspeed should all be reviewed. Deck hardware and railings should also be tested during a personal viewing in Miami.
 

Interior and Accommodation

This 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible offers a two-stateroom, two-head layout that works for a couple or small family. A complete interior refit in 2023 included new appliances, LED lights, soft goods, and kitchen updates, making the interior turnkey and comfortable. The cockpit and flybridge make serious angling comfortable, and the interior supports weekend cruising and occasional entertaining.
 

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. A new Phasor generator in 2009, Starlink, and JL Audio system added in 2025 add modern capability.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible

Before making an offer, inspect the engine hours, service records, and recent refit invoices. The survey should cover the hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, propeller, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, electrical equipment, air-conditioning, plumbing, and bilge systems. The fresh Awlgrip paint, bottom paint, cutlass bearings, underwater lights, and Propspeed should also be reviewed.
 

The Yanmar 6CX530 diesel should be inspected individually, including the roughly 1,200 engine hours, service records, diagnostic reports, cooling system, exhaust components, transmission, and propeller. Buyers should also test the 2023 electronics refit, the new Garmin 8612 MFD from 2025, the Phasor generator, Starlink, JL Audio system, autopilot, VHF radios, refrigeration, pumps, and air-conditioning. The 1978 Hatteras 42 Convertible for sale is priced to move at $139,000, and well-kept examples with updated systems tend to hold interest. Schedule a showing in Miami, Florida, or ask the broker for the full equipment list and sea trial details.