1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible "THIS OLD HATT" For Sale

1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible THIS OLD HATT for Sale - Classic Sportfisher in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Timeless Design Meets Fishing Excellence

The 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible is a classic sportfishing vessel that combines robust construction with a spacious layout, making it ideal for both serious fishing and comfortable cruising. Known for its seaworthiness and performance, this model features a powerful twin Detroit 12V71 Ti engine setup, delivering 870 HP per engine, ensuring you can tackle offshore adventures with confidence.

Spacious Accommodations for Comfort and Convenience

THIS OLD HATT offers ample space for entertaining and relaxing, with a layout that includes three cabins and two heads. Accommodating up to six guests overnight, it’s perfect for family trips or fishing excursions with friends. The well-equipped galley features a microwave and fridge, making meal prep a breeze while out on the water.

Equipped for Adventure

With a cruise speed of 20 knots and a top speed of 24 knots, this vessel is designed for performance. The onboard systems include an Onan generator, air conditioning, and a comprehensive electronics package featuring radar, VHF, and autopilot, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful day on the water. The teak exterior flooring adds a touch of elegance while providing durability.

Specifications - 1976 Hatteras 53 Convertible THIS OLD HATT

Builder: Hatteras
Model: 53 Convertible
Year: 1976
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Length: 53 feet
Beam: 16 feet
Draft: 4 feet
Engines: Twin Detroit 12V71 Ti (870 HP each)
Generator: Onan 21.5 kW (1311 hours)
Accommodations: 3 cabins, sleeps 6, 2 heads
Electronics: Radar, VHF, Autopilot, Simrad
Comfort Features: Air conditioning, Satellite TV, TV
Galley: Microwave, Fridge, Icemaker
Exterior: Teak flooring, Searchlight, Electric anchor

Whether you’re looking to fish, cruise, or entertain, the Hatteras 53 Convertible is a versatile choice that stands the test of time.

THIS OLD HATT has been rebuilt from the keel up by renowned boat builder and renovation expert Tom Slane for a complete refit in 1991, with continued upgrades through 2026 including a fresh coat of Alexseal Off White Paint from the rub rail up.

Slane, the son of the founder of Hatteras was commissioned to rebuild this classic 53c Hatteras to ‘like new’ condition. He and his team proceeded to strip out the interior down to the stringers and rebuild in light oak to feature 3 staterooms, 2 heads, a modern galley, and salon. There were zero shortcuts in refreshing THIS OLD HATT as the entire plumbing and wiring system have been renewed.

The engines were also rebuilt, increasing the horsepower by 35 percent over the standard 650hp. Since major overhaul the port motor has approximately 80 hours while the starboard has approximately 475 hours.
 

The Flybridge has been completely reimagined and features a custom helm console. With the addition of a tower and outriggers THIS OLD HATT is ready to reel them in.

Anglers in the cockpit are treated with a with a custom tackle center, bait freezer, live baitwell, teak cockpit sole, teak covering boards and fighting chair.

THIS OLD HATT is a ‘one of a kind’ vessel that will be greatly appreciated by anyone who enjoys the classic lines of the 53c but wants the updated systems and equipment of a much newer boat.

OVERVIEW

THIS OLD HATT has been rebuilt from the keel up by renowned boat builder and renovation expert Tom Slane for a complete refit in 1991, with continued upgrades through 2026 including a fresh coat of Alexseal Off White paint from the rub rail up.

Slane, the son of the founder of Hatteras was commissioned to rebuild this classic 53c Hatteras to ‘like new’ condition. He and his team proceeded to strip out the interior down to the stringers and rebuild in light oak to feature 3 staterooms, 2 heads, a modern galley, and salon. There were zero shortcuts in refreshing THIS OLD HATT as the entire plumbing and wiring system have been renewed.

The engines were also rebuilt increasing the horsepower by 35 percent over the standard 650hp. Since major overhaul the port motor has approximately 80 hours while the starboard has approximately 475 hours.

The Flybridge has been completely reimagined and features a custom helm console. With the addition of a tower and outriggers THIS OLD HATT is ready to reel them in.

Anglers in the cockpit are treated with a with a custom tackle center, bait freezer, live baitwell, teak cockpit sole, teak covering boards and fighting chair.

THIS OLD HATT is a ‘one of a kind’ vessel that will be greatly appreciated by anyone who enjoys the classic lines of the 53c but wants the updated systems and equipment of a much newer boat.

VESSEL WALKTHROUGH

Boarding THIS OLD HATT from the teak covering boards there is a teak step-box down into the spacious teak soled cockpit. The cockpit features a fighting chair and custom tackle center and is well-appointed for serious anglers.

Up one teak step is the hinged door to the vessel’s interior accommodations where a welcoming salon has been updated to mirror modern sisterships. The salon features a large L-shaped leather sofa to starboard with a leather sofa and table to port. Opposite the dinette, the galley features undercounter refrigeration below the U-shaped counter configuration, with a cooktop and convection oven forward.

Going forward and down several steps is the master stateroom with a queen berth to starboard and an en-suite head.

To port is the guest stateroom with upper and lower bunks and a shared guest head, followed by the forward cabin also featuring upper and lower bunks.

The Flybridge is accessed via a teak treaded ladder and features a thoughtfully redone helm station complete with updated electronics, a full tuna tower, and Rupp triple spreader outriggers.

SALON

The Salon is entered via one teak step up through a hinged door slightly to port. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a modern interior featuring a light oak and green accents throughout.

Immediately to starboard is a four-cushion leather sofa with full storage below paired with a coffee table. To starboard is the vessel’s main power distribution center. Forward is a three-drawer end table followed by a leather five-cushion sofa with seating for four at the mounted dual pedestal dining table. Above is a soffit with three overhead lights.

Moving forward is a custom flat screen TV cabinet that lifts to reveal the vessels AV equipment, which includes the following: 

• Visio 39” HDTV 
• Yamaha stereo receiver 
• Sony Blu-ray player 
• Intellian Satellite TV controller 
• DIRECTV receiver 
• (2) oak tambor doors below 

The Salon also features: 

• Silhouette style blinds 
• (2) stereo speakers 
• Carpeted sole 
• (2) DC overhead lights 
• Whynter Icemaker (new 2026) 
• (2) door storage cabinet under galley countertop facing aft

GALLEY

The U-shaped galley is located forward of the salon on the port side. The white Corian countertop with a molded Corian sink provides plenty of workspace. Below are two (new in 2026) under counter U-Line refrigerators, with the remaining space allocated to cookware and storage, with seven drawers and seven cabinet doors, and four sliding cabinet doors. Rounding out the galley appliances are a 4-burner Thermador electric stove, and a Sharp Carousel convection/microwave oven. The galley sole is teak and holly. Above the countertop is a soffit with a fluorescent light fixture. Silhouette blinds with upholstered valances are to port and starboard.

COMPANIONWAY

From the galley area centerline are four wood steps each with storage below leading to the accommodations.

The centerline companionway is carpeted. To starboard is the master cabin with a queen-size berth outboard. Forward is a private head. To port is an upper and lower cabin with two berths and private access to the guest head. Next forward is the door to the guest head, allowing it to serve as a day head. Furthest forward is the third cabin with twin upper and lower berths, a hanging locker and private access to the guest head. Also in this cabin is the laundry center.

MASTER CABIN

To starboard, entering from the forward end is the master cabin with a queen size berth on the outboard bulkhead. Four drawers offer storage under the berth. A curved upholstered headboard with twin reading lights is aft. Inboard is a two-drawer nightstand. At the foot of the berth is a cedar lined hanging locker. Centered is the access door to the private head. Outboard is a corner cabinet with three drawers and a cabinet below with counter space above. A 20” LED TV is above facing the berth. Above is an opening deck hatch. The cabin has dedicated A/C controls, two stereo speakers and a volume control.

MASTER HEAD

Just forward of the master cabin is a private head with mirrored panels on the inside of the door. The two-door Formica vanity has a cultured marble top and a molded sink. Above is a mirrored medicine cabinet and a linen locker. The sole is teak and holly. A Vacuflush toilet sits on a small teak and holly riser. The stall shower is inboard with an obscure glass door, a light and a handheld or wall mounted fixture. The head also has ample lighting and an exhaust fan.

REMARKS

Included with the sale but not currently aboard are:

• 9” Simrad NSS9 EVO3S with Insight charts, GPS, sounder and Wi-Fi (new in box)
• (2) Miya Epoch 900dx electric teaser reals

THIS OLD HATT with her extensive refit and many upgrades will go toe to toe with much newer vessels. Hatteras devotees no longer need to choose between the classic lines of the 53 Convertible or a modern boat with today’s popular accommodations, as THIS OLD HATT presents both in a turnkey package! Hatteras fans will immediately spot the attention to detail taken to refresh this battle wagon, while savvy boaters will see an incredible opportunity to fish a legend built to last a lifetime.