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- Beam: 15' 10''
- Hull Material: Fiberglass
- Max Draft: 4' 6''
- Fuel Tank: 3 x 825|gallon
- Fresh Water: 2 x 239|gallon
- Holding: 2 x 165|gallon
- Cabins: 3
- Heads: 3
1978 Classic Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman – All Original, Good Mechanical Condition
A Timeless Blend of Craftsmanship and Reliability
Step aboard a true classic: this 1978 Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman, a vessel that stands as a testament to the golden era of American yacht building. Loved and respected by enthusiasts and collectors, the Hatteras 53 is renowned for its graceful lines, robust construction, and seaworthy performance.
This 53 Yacht Fisherman is a rare find—an all-original yacht that has been carefully maintained to preserve its authentic character. From the elegant woodwork in the salon and staterooms to the original fixtures and hardware, the vessel exudes the charm and sophistication of its era. The spacious layout offers a three-stateroom configuration, a generous galley, and ample space for entertaining both inside and on deck.
Mechanically, this Hatteras 53 is in good condition and ready to cruise. The twin Detroit Diesel 8V71 TI engines start easily, run smoothly, and have been routinely serviced to ensure reliability on the water. All major systems—including electrical, plumbing, and navigation—have been checked and are functioning as intended. The hull and superstructure remain solid, with no major modifications detracting from the vessel’s originality.
Whether you are seeking a liveaboard, a comfortable cruiser, or a restoration-worthy showpiece, this classic Yacht Fisherman offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of maritime history. Its untouched character and sound mechanical foundation set it apart, promising years of enjoyable voyages or the perfect canvas for a new owner’s vision.
Serious inquiries are welcome, please contact me for more details, photos, or to schedule a private viewing of this timeless Hatteras masterpiece.
Exclusions: Owner’s personal items.
Denison Yachting is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by InterMarine.
Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.
Aft Cockpit (original from the factory, not an add-on)
Functional all fiberglass cockpit offers easy access to the swim platform through the transom (back) gate. Fishing, swimming, scuba diving, line (rope) handling and dinghy (small inflatable) launching has been easier because of it. Boarding the boat from either side is also a breeze. Traditionally a feature of sport fishing boats, motor yacht owners have discovered this versatile feature offers extra convenience and enjoyment. The fold-down ladder makes it easier to get in and out of the water. A GFI electrical outlet is on the port side to connect an electric barbecue grill or an air pump.
Fishing Ready: The cockpit is outfitted for fishing, with ample space, rod holders and easy water access – perfect for anglers who appreciate classic style. Underneath the cockpit floor is an extra 240-gallon fuel tank, a feature of the Yacht Fisherman for fishing enthusiast.
A 12’ West Marine inflatable is secured to the swim platform with Weaver Snap Davit yolks, and the 9.9HP Mercury outboard is mounted on a port-side engine stand.
Aft (Back) Deck
An open deck with an overhang is nice and cozy for an evening to enjoy drinks or just relax and watch the sunset! Entry from the salon (main living room) is through the French doors, two wing doors on each side give access to the side decks, access to the cockpit is with a varnished staircase. Underneath the ladder to the fly bridge is a storage unit with drawers.
Saloon (Main Living Room/Social Lounge)
The saloon is very much a Vintage Hatteras with lots of wood, side curtains, natural light flowing from large 360-degree ocean view windows and has two side doors to the side decks for line (rope) handling or to access the bow (forward) or the back deck. On the port(left) side is a U-Line Icemaker, wet bar with sink, glass storage for entertaining your guest. 43” Pioneer TV is mounted on tv stands and hidden behind the small TV cabinet on the left side of salon for a more original look. White leather sofa on the starboard (right) side and a blue accent chair is on the port side with custom drapes. Bluetooth Stereo mounted inside a small end table provides music for your guests. On cooler breezy days and nights leaving the side doors and French doors open will not only save on AC but quite refreshing!
Lower Helm (Captain’s Command Station)
All original, nothing altered or added but very much a functional pilot station that comes in handy while docking (parking) single handedly without a second person (mate/wife/friend) helping with lines (ropes). A new Garmin back up transducer has already been installed and wired to this pilot station for future multifunction GPS/Radar/Sonar unit of electronics that a new owner would want to add. All around visibility is excellent from this pilot station for long range cruising while your family and guest are onboard in the main living/social lounge with you.
Galley (Chef’s Kitchen)
Entry is from the saloon by a circular staircase on the starboard side. Galley has been updated with new appliances. Ample storage cabinets for dishes, pots and pans, updated countertops matching the dinette. Full size GE refrigerator with ice maker installed 8 months ago. A new Moen kitchen faucet was installed 8 months ago. GE Profile 4 burner stove, Kitchen Aid Dishwasher, GE Microwave and Garbage Disposal. Dinette seats 4 comfortably and there is ample storage under seat cushions. Underneath the floor of this area is access to the Generator Room and batteries. 2 speakers are wired to the main saloon stereo, and volume can be controlled with a separate volume control switch.
Forward Stateroom (Captain/Crew Cabin)
Access through a door forward of the galley, has total privacy and separates from the aft (Back) 2 staterooms. This head can also be used as a day head (bathroom). Upper and lower berths for 2 people. This stateroom has its own head (bathroom) with separate stall shower, vanity, hanging locker and storage drawers, washer & dryer. Anchor locker access. Skylight with the opening deck hatch.
Guest Stateroom
Access by walking back from the galley through the hallway that separates the two stand up engine rooms, on the port (left) side, has a double bed, hanging closet, storage drawers, nightstand. Well-lit with two port lights (small opening windows) with pleated drapes for privacy. The two stereo speakers provide music from the salon stereo; volume control can be controlled with a separate control knob. The separate head for this stateroom is across the hallway. The bathroom has a toilet, wash basin, and shower which is shared with the master shower and enter through a shower door.
Master Stateroom (Owner’s Suite)
A short hallway through a private door to access the master stateroom. The queen size walk around bed is on port side facing starboard side. Ample storage with a hanging closet, drawer storage, under mattress storage, nightstands on both sides of the bed with reading lights. Starboard side is the bathroom with access to the stand-up shower for showering standing or sitting. This stateroom has a sliding window that opens to the back cockpit and port lights (small opening windows) on port side for natural lighting, and the well-lit stateroom has pleated drapes for all windows. The sliding window is great for ventilation and useful as an escape hatch. There is an independent Samsung Bluetooth Sound Bar in addition to the stereo speakers that are connected to the main salon stereo, volume controlled by a separate volume control knob.
Flybridge (Rooftop Lounge)
Access from the back deck up the stairs is large with a large bench seat forward of the pilot station giving your family and guests a panoramic view of the water while cruising. The captain has great 360-degree visibility for docking plus good visibility at the aft cockpit while fishing. Overhead electronics compartment keeps the electronics out of the elements. Two Todd helm chairs with arm rests for comfortable cruising, chart holder, Ritchie lighted Compass, Garmin GPS, VHF Radio and Auto Pilot. Ample storage underneath the helm and forward storage locker for plenty of Life Vests, etc. Fixed Aluminum Bimini Top provides complete shade to the entire rooftop area with overhead lighting. Full Flybridge Isenglass Enclosure is ideal for winter storage or during cooler climate cruising. This isinglass enclosure is kept rolled up inside the boat. 2 Seat covers for helm seats and a full helm cover for protection from the elements during the Florida summer use.
Forward Deck (Bow Lounge)
This area is so large and accessible from either side deck; it will accommodate 10-20 people. Sun bathers will love the large sun deck, and the large wide forward-facing seat will seat 5-6 people while cruising or anchored and lounging. Two deck boxes have seat cushions and are large enough for all your ropes, shore power electric cables, water hoses, what not. Fender racks will accommodate 4 fenders, and Galley Maid Heavy Duty Windlass (Anchor) has foot controls; aluminum boarding stairs and the ladder is kept in this area. Any captain will appreciate having easy access to this area through the side doors of the lower pilot station by walking along the wide side decks with teak handrails for anchoring or docking. Moving from front to the back vice versa is a breeze along the side decks for line handling while docking.
Independent Engine Rooms
Stand-up Engine rooms are accessible through 2 front doors in each engine room along the hallway leading to the back staterooms for a quick pre check of oil, coolant and any other visual checks prior to leaving the dock or while cruising. The good amount of room to move around the outer side of both engines is amazing. 2 Back doors will give easy access to the engine sea strainers and the sea valves. Port (left) side engine room houses a Craftsman Air Compressor, 4 Cruisair Marine Air Conditioners with air conditioner water pump and the sea strainer with sea valve, Sentry Battery Charger, and the Hydraulic steering fluid container. Right (starboard) side engine room houses, the Rheem Water Heater, Galley Maid Fresh Water Pump, Fuel Transfer Valves, and Kidde CO canister for the Fire Extinguishers. Both engine rooms are well-lit with 4 fluorescent lights. 2 Detroit Diesel 8V 71 TI engines were recently painted. Port engine hour meter reads 827 and Starboard engine hour meter reads 836.
Some Recent Notable Repairs/Maintenance
2025
2024
2023/2022
This vintage 1978 Hatteras yacht is in good overall condition and has been well cared for over the years. As with any classic vessel of its age, it’s not without imperfections, and some repairs and upgrades will be required to bring it to peak performance. Notably, the onboard generator will need repair or replacement. The seller has already obtained professional estimates for the necessary work and is committed to assisting the new owner throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition and continued enjoyment of this timeless yacht. Additionally, for the right buyer, a 50% ownership partnership with the seller may be considered, pending a mutual discussion of expectations and responsibilities.
Contact our team to schedule a private showing.
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