1971 Hatteras 53' (16.15 m) Convertible
Seabrook, Texas, United States
Billfisher
Now Priced to sell ! Don't be shy, she's a beauty and Owner has told us to sell her to the next owner. Beautifully Restored Classic 1971 Hatteras 53 Convertible Complete Re-Fit in 2017 - Absolute Open Checkbook Restoration Owned By ONE FAMILY Until Purchased by Current Owner in 2020 Air Conditi
- Sport Fishing
- Power
- Used
- Diesel
- Fiberglass Hull
- HIN/IMO: 53C326
Description
Wave Marine Group is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Little Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel
Specifications
HIN/IMO: 53C326
LOA: 53' 1'' (16.18 Meters)
Type: Power- Used
Year: 1971
Beam: 15' 10''
Draft Max: 4' 0''
Fuel Type: Diesel
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Displacement: 61000 lbs
Photos click to view all
Engines
Engine 1
- Engine Make: Detroit Diesel
- Engine Model: 1271TI
- Engine Type: Inboard
- Drive Type: Direct
- Power HP: 650.00
- Power KW: 484.71
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Engine Location: Port
Engine 2
- Engine Make: Detroit Diesel
- Engine Model: 1271TI
- Engine Type: Inboard
- Drive Type: Direct
- Power HP: 650.00
- Power KW: 484.71
- Fuel Type: Diesel
Full Details
Updates Completed Since 2017
Now Priced to sell ! Don't be shy, she's a beauty and Owner has told us to sell her to the next owner.
Beautifully Restored Classic 1971 Hatteras 53 Convertible
Complete Re-Fit in 2017 - Absolute Open Checkbook Restoration
Owned By ONE FAMILY Until Purchased by Current Owner in 2020
Air Conditioning/Heat (2 New Dometic Units in Sept. 2021)
Generator
(6) New AGM Batteries (March 2022)
Twin 650 HP Detroit Diesel Engines Model 1271TI
Undoubtedly, the early 1970’s 53 Hatteras Convertible is one of the most popular large sport fish ever built due to a combination of excellent quality, good design and a fair price. The hulls and superstructure were built like a tank with the bottoms being about an inch thick with balsa cored sides and decks. With her 15'10" beam this is a big 53 footer and the layout takes maximum advantage of that space. The strong suit of the layout is a huge cockpit, salon and bridge, as is appropriate for a real sport fisherman. Most of the 53 Convertible’s weight is further aft, which helps her performance, particularly in a short 3’ chop where most boats of her size have trouble. Being built like a tank with a deep entry hull means that this boat doesn't bob around like a cork. She's a slow roller with a smooth ride.
This classic 1971 Hatteras 53 Convertible was purchased by the current owner in late 2020. Before that, Billfisher was owned by the SAME, well-known Alabama family since she was purchased NEW 49 years earlier! The McLean family primarily used her to fish the Chandeleur Islands for speckled trout and redfish. In 2017, Billfisher went through a very comprehensive restoration. Many of the updates done, as stated by the previous owners, are included in the listing.
If you want a big, serious sport fisherman, but find a new one way out of reach, this classic 53 Convertible is still worthy of consideration. Call the Listing Broker for more information and to make an appointment to see this classic beauty! You won't be disappointed.
PICS ARE ALL FEB 2023 RECENT!
2017 Re-Fit: New Equipment Summary
*NOTE: Re-Fit Info Provided By Previous Owner
Interior
- Three drawer refrigerator in the salon
- Three drawer freezer in the salon
- Range and exhaust vent
- Ice maker in galley
- Galley is pre-wired for future disposal
- Additional storage in galley
- Leather couch and coffee table
- Head liner in all rooms and hallway
- Hide away flat screen TV
- Two new ac/heat air handlers on the salon
- Hardwood floors in heads
- Carpet in state rooms, hallway and V-berth
- AC/Heat air handler for master state room,
- Paneling and padding in V-berth
- Paneling in the master state room
- Paneling in the guest state room
- Paneling and wallpaper in the heads
- Twin bunks and nightstand in master state room. Inboard bunk slides to make full-sized bed
- Two sets of custom fit linen for all bunk beds and the full-sized bed
- Vanity light fixtures in master and guest heads
- Paneling and sound proofing in the salon
- Window tint in salon windows and windshields
- Carpet over sound proofing in salon
- Window ports and screens in state rooms, heads and V-berth
- New curtains thru-out boat
- Window glass in both aft windows in salon
- Galley cabinet complete with all hardware
- Cove lighting in salon
- Two Raritan Heads with electronics fresh or raw water flush
- Pre-wired for TV in master stateroom
- Sinks in both heads
- Plumbing and fixtures for both sinks and showers in heads
- Two 36 volt DC to 12 volt DC 40 amp inverters for heads
- Black water holding tank and pump out system
- Three shower and lavatory sump pumps
- Four 1000 gph bilge pumps
- Fresh water pump and expansion tank
- Dual fresh water filters
- All new hot and cold water lines
- Hot water heater
- Plumbing and electrical for future water maker
- Engine room air intake/exhaust boxes and louvers
- Halon fire system
- Heat sense alarm in salon and engine room
- All new engine control cables
- All new braided high pressure fuel supply and return lines
- All new quality sanitary hoses
- New 225 volt AC sub panel for fresh water pump & future ice maker and water maker
- New engine fuel supply and return tank selector valve panel
- Electric tank gauges for fuel and water tanks
- Two high water alarms in engine room port and starboard
Exterior
- Three drawer freezer in cockpit
- Fish box macerator pump & selector valve for fish boxes
- Bait tank pump
- Trim tab pump and rams
- Stainless steel anchor and chain (350 feet)
- Raw water wash down pump
- Fish boxes are plumbed with quick disconnects
- Cockpit to salon steps were lengthened
- Lengthened and reinforced railing on bridge and added padded bench seat
- Installed cockpit canopy
- Captain and first mate chairs
- Bench cushions and back cushions on the bridge
- All new 125 AC, 12 volt DC and 36 volt DC electrical switches and push buttons
- Helm covers for bridge and cockpit
- Bridge and cockpit helm steering motors
- Life ring over cockpit helm
New Parts Installed on Engines
- Alternators
- Re Manufactured starters
- Raw water pumps
- Governors
- Single spring racks
- Thermostats
- Injectors
- Oil pressure alarm sending units
- Oil pressure gauges
- Engine temperature electric gauges and sending units
- Electronic RPM tachometers
- Two 36 volt DC to 12 volt DC inverters for miscellaneous equipment
- Duel Racor fuel filters and primer pumps
- Engine electrical wiring
- Coolant tank gaskets
- Batteries and battery boxes
- Coolant hose's and clamps
- Raw water hose's and clamps
- Exhaust hose clamps
- Blower housings and screens
- Raw water filters complete
- Fuel pressure switch units
- High pressure braided oil hose
- High pressure braided fuel hose
- V-Belts
New parts installed on Generator
- Electric fuel pump kit
- Raw water pump
- Exhaust hose's and clamps
- Muffler and hose's
- 225 volt AC main breaker
- Racor fuel filter complete
- High pressure braided fuel hose
- Batteries (2) and boxes
- Electrical wiring to master breaker
- V-Belt
Additional Notes
- Approximately 60% of the electrical wiring has been replaced
- TV is pre-wired for KVH M-5 satellite system
- Navigation and radar package is Garmin
- VHF is Icom
- Fuel and water tanks were cleaned and pressure tested
Accommodations
The main living area is spacious with huge windows that offer abundant natural light and incredible views. Most of the galley features are incorporated under the countertops, creating a clean-lined modern look while the traditional woodwork retains the classic Hatteras feel.
Salon
- All new (2017) matched grain teak interior with a satin finish
- New (2017) Headliner
- Tinted Windows
- New (2017) Cloth Blinds
- Teak Valance
- New (2017) Berber Carpet
Starboard side features:
- New (2017) Leather Sofa w/Pull-out Sleeper
- New (2017) Teak Coffee Table
- Service Bar further forward with 2 new (2017) separate 3 drawer refrigerators
Port side aft features:
- A large pop-up flat screen TV
- An extra A/C Unit
- All New Counter Tops
- Stainless Refrigerator under the counter
- Below counter, new (2017) stainless steel sink recessed with storage locker below
- Below counter, new (2017) factory standard Princess 3-burner stove top
- New (2017) Stainless Microwave/Convection Wall Oven beneath the stove top
Forward Companionway
- Original electrical panel is showcased in the companion way. All factory unit lights and breakers are new 2017.
Owner's Stateroom
- Totally customized with a twin berth inboard and a single berth outboard. Also has a filler cushion to convert berths to a giant king size berth. Private head and shower and lots of hanging locker space and drawer storage too.
Guest Stateroom
- Features upper and lower 6'8" bunks, both with new (2017) cushions, covers, and decorative pillows plus access to head and shower.
Engine Room
- Impressively original except for of all of the upgrades.
Cockpit
This huge cockpit has a great layout, particularly for fishing! The 2017 Pompanette fighting chair with cover takes center stage. Aft and to starboard in cockpit is a tackle center with sink, drawer storage and a 2017 3-drawer refrigerator. The aft bulkhead was also replaced in 2017 with all new tinted glass, totally refurbished cockpit factory controls with all new gauges, clutches, throttles, and a custom cover installed.
- Tackle center w/sink, drawer storage, and a new in 2017 3-drawer refrigerator
- New (2017) Pompanette fighting chair with cover
- (2) Below-deck fish boxes by Tom Slane
- Cockpit cover is new (2017)
- All new (2017) rod holders, shore cords and fixtures
- New (2017) Cockpit sunshade and outriggers
- All tuna door hardware is new (2017)
- Back bulkhead and tackle center painted white in 2018
- Manual dinghy davit (NO Dinghy Included)
Bridge
The bridge is accessed via a ladder in the cockpit. There are two helm chairs and a bench seat directly behind them for guests. The bridge is shaded with a bimini and has enclosures for inclement weather. The radar mast is an ultra cool Hatteras factory option. It was designed to hinge foreword, lay the Bimini top down and clear low bridges, making this large boat perfect for doing the Great Loop.
- (2) Pompanette Helm Chairs (2017)
- All stainless railing including aft rail, custom rod rack, and aft seating new in 2017
- Everything at the helm replaced with new in 2017 - gauges, controls, switches
- Electronics w/covers plus a new cover for the helm chairs and helm (All new in 2017)
- Forward cushions, enclosures, bimini, and stainless steel frame (All new in 2017)
- New (2017) bridge spray shield with all new (2017) window frames
Bow Deck
The bridge is accessed via a ladder in the cockpit. There are two helm chairs and a bench seat directly behind them for guests. The bridge is shaded with a bimini and has enclosures for inclement weather. The radar mast is an ultra cool Hatteras factory option. It was designed to hinge foreword, lay the Bimini top down and clear low bridges, making this large boat perfect for doing the Great Loop.
- (2) Pompanette Helm Chairs (2017)
- All stainless railing including aft rail, custom rod rack, and aft seating new in 2017
- Everything at the helm replaced with new in 2017 - gauges, controls, switches
- Electronics w/covers plus a new cover for the helm chairs and helm (All new in 2017)
- Forward cushions, enclosures, bimini, and stainless steel frame (All new in 2017)
- New (2017) bridge spray shield with all new (2017) window frames
Engines
Reported in 2020 Survey
INDICATED HOURS:
Port: 408 Starboard 415 (reportedly since overhaul).
We would say there is about 500 hours on it now.
Disclaimer
The Listing Brokerage Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel regardless of information provided. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. PLEASE NOTE: All electronics are listed for verification purposes but not warranted in the selling price of the boat.
Engine hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, any warranties expressed or implied and/or any engine service as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
All the yacht brokerage agents at the listing company are Independent Contractors.
Contact Us

Office: 1-954-541-0105
Email: info@wavemarinegroup.com