DHARMA - Hatteras FOR SALE

Twin Detroit Diesel 8V71TI power

Three-stateroom, three-head arrangement

September 2023 insurance survey on hand

Economical 9.5-knot cruise at about 10 gph

Approx. 825-gallon fuel capacity

“dharma” is a 1978 Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman, hull number 318, showcasing the coveted 53 Motor Yacht lineage with the original factory cockpit intact. Revered for her classic Hatteras pedigree, she remains largely in her authentic configuration—tastefully preserved rather than heavily modified—offering a superb foundation for a discerning Motor Yacht or Classic Yacht aficionado. Enjoyed locally in Florida by a knowledgeable owner, she has been maintained with care and consistency.

Both Detroit Diesel 8V71TI engines have been serviced by a seasoned Detroit specialist with 35+ years of experience; the most recent oil and filter service was completed in February 2024. Documentation for maintenance, repairs, and new-part installations over the past three years is organized and available for qualified buyers, and an insurance survey from September 2023 is also available for review. The engines run well, with current hour meters showing approximately Port 790 and Starboard 797. At some time in the past the engines were overhauled, though records for that work are not on hand. The original Onan 15 kW generator is not operational.

In August 2023, she was hauled for running-gear attention: new cutlass bearings, fresh rudder shaft seals and bearings, all new zincs, and Petit Prop Coat applied to the underwater gear. Underway, she is frugal and steady—cruising around 9.5 knots on roughly 10 gallons per hour—with substantial fuel capacity for extended coastal passages.

The sought-after 3-stateroom/3-head layout delivers generous volume and privacy, making her an inviting liveaboard, winter retreat, or “home away from home.” With her flybridge, aft cabin comfort, and genuine sportfishing-capable cockpit, this Yacht Fisherman blends cruising elegance with utility—an ideal candidate for a thoughtful refresh or a proud turnkey classic. Shown by appointment. Exclusions: Owner’s personal items.

Category keywords: Motor Yacht, Yacht Fisherman, Classic Yacht, Liveaboard, Flybridge, Aft Cabin, Cruiser, Sportfishing Cockpit, Bluewater Cruiser.

Default disclaimer

The Company presents the particulars of this vessel in good faith but makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and does not warrant the vessel’s condition. Prospective buyers are strongly encouraged to instruct their agents or surveyors to investigate any details they wish to have verified. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Notable repairs and services

In February 2024, the engines received an oil and filter change. In September 2023, a comprehensive running‑gear refit included new cutlass bearings; both rudders were dropped to repack rudder seals and fit new bearings; both main engines received new seawater intake valves with new hoses and new strainer baskets; Pettit Prop Coat was applied to all underwater running gear; a new additional Garmin Airmar B60 transducer was installed; and all zincs were renewed. In August 2023, the hull and topsides were fully detailed and waxed. In April 2023, three new Galley Maid 32‑V toilet pumps were fitted. In May 2023, all new portable fire extinguishers and CO monitors were installed, and new caster wheels were fitted to the Marquipt boarding stairs. In February 2023, the engines had an oil and filter change; the starboard engine received a fresh‑water pump and oil cooler; and a new starter motor was installed on the port engine. In March 2022, the freshwater system was refreshed with a new 32‑V fresh‑water pump, expansion tank, and check valves; the 32‑V electrical system benefited from eight new 8‑V batteries with new terminals and a new battery‑parallel solenoid; the port engine received a new fresh‑water pump; engine and transmission oils and filters were changed; and a new Perko AC strainer plus a new March AC pump with hoses were installed. Also in March 2022, an engine service included oil and filter changes, a new starboard‑engine freshwater pump and oil cooler, and cleaning and oiling of both engines’ Walker Airsep filters. In December 2021, the heat exchangers were serviced, coolant was flushed, four new engine thermostats and new impellers were installed, and engine zincs were replaced; two new mechanical temperature gauges were installed in the engine rooms; and all three fuel tanks were cleaned with the fuel polished. In November 2021, all zincs were replaced and new foot pedals were installed for the Galley Maid windlass. In October 2021, the engines received oil and filter changes and all fuel filters were replaced. In August 2021, the shaft seals were repacked.

Broker’s comments:

Overall, the boat presents in good condition, with a few items for the next owner to address, including replacing the generator. The cost of these items has been factored into the below‑market asking price. If you are seeking a Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman, please call me for an accurate, candid description of this vessel. The boat is currently on land at a boatyard in Fort Lauderdale for easy inspection.

A 2010 Caribe 12’ (model DL 12 RIB) tender with a 30HP Honda four‑stroke outboard, showing low hours and riding on a single‑axle, covered trailer, is available for purchase separately. This tender can be towed behind the Hatteras.

Secondary description

Aft cockpit. Boarding from either side is effortless, and the all‑fiberglass cockpit provides direct access to the swim platform through the transom gate, making fishing, swimming, scuba diving, line handling, and dinghy handling notably easier. Traditionally a sportfisherman feature, this versatile space enhances convenience and enjoyment on a motor yacht as well. The swim platform is equipped with Weaver Snap Davits for mounting an inflatable dinghy, with an outboard‑engine bracket to port and a fold‑down ladder for easy re‑entry from the water. Beneath the cockpit sole lies an additional 240‑gallon fuel tank installed at the factory—a Yacht Fisherman hallmark prized by fishing enthusiasts. A GFI electrical outlet is set to port, while a washdown spigot is positioned to starboard.

Aft deck. The open aft deck with protective overhang is a cozy retreat for evening cocktails or a quiet sunset, with double doors from the salon, wing doors to both side decks, and varnished stairs leading down to the cockpit. Under the ladder to the flybridge is a practical storage unit with drawers.

Salon. True to classic Hatteras character, the salon is richly framed in wood with side curtains and abundant natural light from expansive 360‑degree windows, plus two side doors for quick line handling and easy access forward or aft. Aft to port you’ll find an icemaker and a wet bar with sink and glass storage for effortless entertaining, balanced by a white leather sofa to starboard and an accent chair with TV cabinet to port (no TV). A 1500‑watt inverter supports shipboard comforts. The hi‑low cocktail/dining table can be moved aft for open‑air dining, 12‑V valance lighting sets the mood at night, and the original speakers are tied to an AM/FM stereo/CD player with Bluetooth.

Pilothouse and flybridge. The helm remains pleasingly original, centered on a Garmin GPSmap 498 GPS/chartplotter and the original lighted Ritchie compass. A pair of Todd helm chairs frame the center helm, complemented by a forward bench seat, an additional Ritchie compass, an AM/FM stereo, a Garmin GPSmap 4210, an overhead electronics box, a Bimini top, and ample storage.

Galley. Entry from the salon is via a circular starboard staircase to a spacious, updated galley with a four‑person dinette and storage beneath the cushions. Appointments include a GE refrigerator, Kitchen Aid dishwasher, GE microwave, GE four‑burner stove, garbage disposal, and speakers connected to the salon AM/FM stereo.

Forward stateroom. Upper and lower berths are paired with a hanging locker, storage drawers, a Frigidaire washer and dryer, and an enclosed head with vanity and stall shower, all brightened by a skylight and supplemented by anchor‑locker storage.

Amidship guest stateroom. Located amidships to port, the guest cabin features a double berth, hanging locker, storage drawers, a nightstand, and a head with vanity and stall shower, with speakers connected to the salon AM/FM stereo.

Master stateroom. Aft, with an opening window to the cockpit and opening portlights to port, the owner’s cabin offers a queen‑size island berth with nightstands and reading lights, plentiful drawer storage, a hanging locker, and a separate Samsung soundbar with subwoofer for Bluetooth connectivity. The en‑suite head includes a vanity and stall shower, and the original speakers remain connected to the salon AM/FM stereo.

Deck and hull. On deck, a stainless‑steel bow rail and a bow pulpit with roller frame the ground tackle, which includes a Galley Maid windlass with foot controls and a plow anchor on chain rode. Four stainless‑steel fender racks carry eight fenders, and two deck boxes add practical stowage. Two Marquipt aluminum boarding stairs are aboard, and two spare bronze four‑blade propellers are stored in the generator compartment.

Mechanical. Climate control comes from 4 Cruise Air air‑conditioning units. The original Onan 15 kW generator is not working and needs replacement. Ship’s systems benefit from 8 new 8‑volt golf‑cart batteries with all new cables and terminals, a new Galley Maid fresh‑water pump with check valves and expansion tank, and a new March air‑conditioning pump with new sea strainer, hoses, and clamps. Three new Galley Maid 32‑V toilet pumps are installed. Shore‑power gear includes a 50’ 50‑amp cord, two 30‑amp cords, and a 50‑amp‑to‑two‑30‑amp Y‑connector. Glendinning engine synchronizers assist at the helm, and safety is bolstered by 5 CO monitors and new fire extinguishers.

Engine rooms. Power is by twin Detroit Diesel 8V71 TI, with hour meters reading port 790 and starboard 797. Machinery spaces include a Craftsman air compressor, Rheem water heater, Galley Maid fresh‑water pump with expansion tank, Racor fuel filters, oil‑change pumps for both engines, transmissions, and generator, a fuel priming pump, shaft locks, engine blowers, 110‑volt AC and 32‑volt DC lighting, and a 32‑volt Sentry battery charger, plus a CO2 fire extinguisher (not certified).

Exclusions. Seller’s personal items.