1983 Hatteras 55 Convertible

B.F.B. is a fine example of this classic Hatteras 55 Convertible model. While she has been modernized, she has not lost her classic feel and all improvements have maintained or exceeded her original build quality and preserved her character.

B.F.B. shows well with above average ongoing maintenance and updating. Her owner has lost his slip in Key West and has reduced his asking price from $279,000.

She is a true classic of American Boat Building at its finest.

Owner is retiring and has priced the boat for an immediate sale. Offers encouraged.

Overview

The Hatteras 55 Convertible was designed for the serious sport fishing enthusiast but excels as a comfortable cruising yacht with a spacious three-stateroom, galley up wide-beam configuration. She has ample fuel and water for extended range and a stand-up engine room that rivals a large motor-yacht. Her contemporary mid-ship master stateroom with a walkaround berth was well ahead of her time.

This vessel has benefited from a major refit that renewed and modernized the salon and galley while enhancing and preserving it's character.

The mechanical systems were also refit at that time with a new Northern Lights generator, 2500 watt inverter with designated battery bank, a complete in-frame overhaul of the engines.

Her electronics were updated in 2014. Bottom paint and other systems renewed in 2020.

Engines Notes

Powered by the legendary Detroit 12-71 TI Engines detuned to 650 HP.

These were originally 870 HP high performance engines, but were detuned to 650 HP when the engines were overhauled (at 2,500 original hours), for improved fuel consumption and extended duty life, (Owner reports 40 gph at 17 knots, and 9 gph at 9 knots). Owner always uses block heaters before starting. Engines start easily with minimal smoke and run clean after warm-up.

• These engines reportedly have approximately 3,200 hours since their major overhaul and have performed flawlessly since the rebuilds (based upon log books)
• Larger heavy duty ZF transmissions (as engines were originally 870 HP)
• Both engines have block heaters and owner always employs prior to start
• Oil change transfer system Engines and Transmissions
• Dual RACOR fuel filters with switching manifold
• (2) Reversing high-capacity engine room blowers
• AIRSEP filters enhancing performance
• Engines have always been well maintained with service records

2001 Refit

In 2001 the vessel received a major refit to include:

• Complete in-frame overhaul of both main engines by Anchor Marine in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Engines were detuned to 650 HP.
• New Northern Lights 20KW generator
• New 2500 Watt inverter with (6) 6 volt Golf Cart Batteries and one 12V 8D Battery
• Salon and galley were gutted and all new Cherry Wood Cabinets, Corian Countertops, Galley fixtures, Salon furniture, Carpeting, Fabric wall panels, Window Valances and Lighting were installed. The interior wood was refinished.
• Custom Navigation Desk/Station was incorporated into the salon
• Electronics package was updated and Sat TV and Phone installed
• Maintenance painting of the exterior was performed

Electrical

The inverter system will run refrigeration and accessories for over 12 hours without recharge.

• 20 KW NORTHERN LIGHTS Gen with 2,958 hours, Model # M844LK with sound shield (water pump replaced in 2022)
• XANTREX FREEDOM 458 INVERTER - 2500 watts with 8 six-volt golf cart batteries
• (1) 8D-12V Batteries - (8) 6V Battery for engine start Group 31 for Generator start
• 12 Volt ALTERNATOR installed on starboard engine to assure ship’s instruments will function
• Charles 32 Volt 40 A Charger
• 12 Volt Charger
• Glendenning Cable Master

Electronics

Electronics upgrade in 2014.

• SIMRAD NSS7 and NSE12 Muti-function Displays with full color charting
• Simrad Radar TX0659 6kw, high definition (networked)
• Simrad broadband sounder sonar module BSM-2
• Simrad Autopilot AC12N 
• Standard VHF AC42, RC42
• Standard Horizon VHF in salon
• Datamarine Digital Depth Sounder
• GOST SECURITY SYSTEM: 4 Eyeball cameras (Salon, Bridge, Cockpit and engine room). PHANTOM Security strobe, siren incursion alarms with PARADOX Controller located inside salon door. Cameras allow recording of fish caught in the cockpit. All entry points connected. (Not currently subscribed)
• EPIRB – ACR 2842 GLOBAL FIX, AUTO RELEASE GPS
• KVH Sat Tracphone (Not currently subscribed)
• KVH Tracvision TV receiver and antenna

Entertainment A/V Systems:

• XM RADIO receiver Sony AMP and CD Player
• Direct TV, TRACVISION by KVH with Satellite dish above bridge
• BOSE Stereo speakers throughout vessel (Salon, Master suite, Guest suite, Bridge, Cockpit and engine room)
• Flat Screen TV in Master S/R and Salon

Mechanical Systems

• (3) Reverse Cycle Marine A/C systems, (all renewed recently)
• (3) AC water pumps (1-spare mounted reserve pump )
• HEADHUNTER fresh potable water pump system with backup pump
• Galley Maid Electric Heads with macerator pumps
• (5) Automatic Bilge pumps
• Live well and salt water washdown pumps
• Fuel primer pumps
• Dripless propellor shaft seals
• CO2 Fire suppression system in E/R
• Glendenning Cable master with 50A power cable
• Glendenning Engine Sync
• Bennett Insta-trim Leveler Trim Tabs
• Overfill alarm for freshwater tank
• Spare propellers mounted in Lazarette
• Cockpit controls (disabled)
• VDO engine gauges at helm
• Manual engine gauges in E/R
• E/R closed circuit camera

Deck

• Marquipt low profile crane with Hydraulic assist
• Caribe 13 foot center console dinghy with 50HP Honda OB
• Dinghy cover and custom chocks
• Maxwell 3500# windlass with remote
• 200' Anchor chain and 600' of rode marked for depth
• Deck storage box on foredeck
• ACR remote spotlight
• Swim platform with transom gate
• Flybridge aluminum hardtop
• (2) Molded swivel helm chairs with cushions
• Flybridge drink box
• Cockpit sunshade with S/S frame (collapsible) (New 2022)
• Full FRP cockpit built in cabinets

Fishing Equipment

• Rupp Double Spreader Outriggers (2020)
• Marlin Fighting Chair with backrest and rocket launcher
• Frigibar bait freezer in cockpit
• In deck fish box
• Live well pump
• Cockpit tackle storage and bait station with freshwater sink
• Transom door and gate
• Helium tank for balloon fishing
• Storage for 20 rods in forward S/R
• (8) Gunnel mounted rod holders
• (10) Rods holders for rocket launcher
• Teaser reels

Galley

Galley completely remodeled with all custom contemporary Cherry wood cabinetry, Teak and Holly sole, and Corian countertops.

• Full sized refrigerator/freezer
• Princess 3-Burner rangetop
• Convection Microwave oven
• Trash Compactor
• High quality cabinetry

Broker's Comments

The boat overall shows very well. Current owner since 2004. Exterior paint is good as are window frames. Electronics are current, Nice dinghy and crane installation. Bottom paint and major out of the water service in 2019.

Interior upgrades are very well done and show high quality craftsmanship. Engine room is clean with very few oil leaks and minimal corrosion. Hose maintenance appears good. Mechanically the boat has has had minimal problems with just normal maintenance. Owner operates the boat at slower speeds but regularly runs the boat at higher speeds to keep the engines running clean.

The last survey done on the vessel in 2019 had the following comments:

"The MV B.F.B. has undergone a 1-month yard period with numerous professional cosmetic and mechanical items addressed during haul out and was found to be in remarkably good condition overall for a vessel of this age and service. The vessel is fitted with contemporary furnishings and appliances and has been maintained in “Bristol Fashion” by her current owner. This is one of the finest Hatteras 55 Convertibles of this vintage I have surveyed. The vessel was found to be in very good condition overall with signs of continued maintenance and obvious pride of ownership throughout." Ref: A MARK T. (REEF) PERKINS, SURVEYOR

Mechanical Disclaimer

Engine and generator 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, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

Disclaimer

The 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. 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.

ENGINES