2004 CAVILEER 53 Flybridge

The 2004 CAVILEER 53 Flybridge is a 53-foot sportfishing yacht designed for offshore fishing, cruising, and extended time on the water. The model was part of Cavileer’s 53-foot range and combines a large fishing cockpit with a spacious flybridge and a three-stateroom interior, giving it a practical balance between fishing capability and onboard accommodation.

The hull was redesigned by David Martin in 2003, using a low-deadrise hull with cored hullsides and a solid fiberglass bottom. The layout includes a generous cockpit with fishing equipment, while the flybridge provides additional helm and seating space. This makes the CAVILEER 53 suitable for owners who want a traditional sportfisherman with more interior and exterior space than smaller express models.

Is the 2004 CAVILEER 53 Flybridge for Sale?

Yes. A 2004 CAVILEER 53 Flybridge named HIGHLANDER is currently listed for sale in Slidell, Louisiana. The yacht is advertised as a 52-foot 6-inch sportfisherman and is listed at approximately US$349,000.

Because there are relatively few Cavileer yachts available compared with larger sportfishing brands, availability can be limited. Buyers should evaluate each boat individually, paying particular attention to its maintenance history, engine hours, electronics, fishing equipment, interior condition, and any refits completed during its ownership history.

2004 CAVILEER 53 Flybridge Price

The currently advertised 2004 CAVILEER 53 Flybridge HIGHLANDER is priced at approximately US$349,000. This provides a useful reference point for the current brokerage market, but it should be treated as an asking price rather than a guaranteed final transaction value.

For an older sportfishing yacht, condition can have a major influence on actual market value. Buyers should consider the age and condition of the engines, generators, electronics, air-conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical systems, fishing equipment, and interior finishes, as significant maintenance or upgrades can materially change the overall purchase budget.

Performance and Propulsion

The CAVILEER 53 was designed as a performance-oriented sportfisherman. Published model information indicates that the 53 can be powered by twin 825 hp MTU diesel engines, with reported cruising speeds in the high-20-knot range and a top speed of approximately 32–33 knots. Actual performance varies with engine configuration, load, sea conditions, and the condition of the propulsion system.

The combination of substantial diesel power and a relatively low-deadrise hull gives the CAVILEER 53 the ability to cover offshore distances at relatively high speeds. When inspecting a used example, the propulsion system should be assessed as a complete package, including engines, transmissions, shafts, propellers, cooling systems, exhaust components, fuel systems, and engine-room ventilation.

Exterior Design and Construction

The exterior layout follows the traditional sportfishing format, with a large aft cockpit designed as the primary fishing and working area. Standard model features included a livewell, tackle center with freezer, fish boxes, and other fishing-oriented equipment, while the large flybridge provides a second helm position and additional seating for guests.

The hull uses a solid fiberglass bottom with cored hullsides and was redesigned before the 2004 model year. The broad beam contributes to cockpit and interior volume, while the flybridge gives the yacht a higher operating position and additional outdoor space. On a used boat, particular attention should be given to the hull, deck, stringers, bulkheads, flybridge structure, hardware, and areas where water intrusion may occur.

Interior and Accommodation

The CAVILEER 53 has a three-stateroom interior designed to support both fishing trips and longer stays aboard. The forward and master staterooms feature full-sized berths, while the port guest stateroom uses an upper-and-lower-berth arrangement, providing a practical sleeping configuration for multiple guests.

The interior combines teak joinery, high-gloss finishes, and designer fabrics. The salon includes an L-shaped sectional sofa, dinette, and entertainment center, while the galley is positioned forward in the salon and features custom flooring and under-counter refrigeration. A washer/dryer and central vacuum system were also included in the model's equipment package.

What to Check Before Buying a 2004 CAVILEER 53 Flybridge

Before making an offer, a complete marine survey, haul-out inspection, and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. The survey should cover the fiberglass hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, flybridge structure, rudders, shafts, propellers, through-hulls, fuel tanks, electrical systems, generators, air-conditioning, plumbing, and bilge systems. The cockpit should also be inspected carefully because fishing equipment and frequent offshore use can place additional demands on the structure and onboard systems.

The engines should be inspected individually, including operating hours, service records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, and evidence of previous repairs. Buyers should also test the flybridge helm, navigation electronics, livewell, fish boxes, tackle-center refrigeration, pumps, freshwater system, refrigeration, washer/dryer, and other equipment. For a 2004 yacht, the quality of previous maintenance and refits can be just as important as the original factory specifications.