Looking for a nice used 50-54 SFMY

Hi all.

I never had a yacht but was recently introduced to sport fishing and SF boats by a friend of mine and became addicted.

It's been always my dream to live aboard, cruising and fishing in the Caribbean and possibly in Belize, Panana or Costa Rica.

After doing my research and reading the forum for a while I'm still confused as to what particular models of SFMY to chhose from. I really like the reviews and looks of Bertram and Hatteras in 50-60' range.

Here's what I'm looking for and I'm very particular about these criterias:

- Fresh but used model, under $1M (early 2000s and above)
- Solid glass bottom (which particular models/years have it?)
- Open and comfortable flybridge (prefer helm in the middle)
- Modern electronics
- Most fuel efficient and reliable engines
- Prefer classic teak interior and mezzanine, teak trim (i.e. Hatteras GT series, Bertram ???)
- Modern and comfortable interior/layout for a family of 4 +
- Is there a BBQ grill option on any these?

I'd appreciate any expert feedback.

franzmerenda, thank for your suggestion. Actually it's a great boat that you suggested. I may have to contact the broker.

I 'd like to know what year models have all the options that I listed (except BBQ). Right now, I love the Hatteras marketing. They have all the brochures on their web site about "Hatt Advantage". Yet, I can find any info on the options available on their older models, like 50 and 54C. Same for Bertram. They had problems recently and I need to avoid the "problematic" models and get something to choose from to my specs.

Appreciate your advise. Say if you had a budget of $700K, which model(s) would you pick now? I know many people who always upgrade b/c they can afford. I want to buy something I can keep for years to come b/c I'm pretty organized with things and keep everthing in tip-top shape, at least cosmetically and maintenance-wise. What I can't deal with is the mechanical issues.

Well, I've seen a lot of these over $1M already. The problem is it's almost double of what I'm really willing to spend right now.

Maybe, something like this:

2001 Hatteras Convertible Power Boat For Sale - www.**************
2002 Hatteras "Convertible" Power Boat For Sale - www.**************

Would these fit my criteria?

With the strength of EURO and a down market, you probably got a deal of lifetime, just my guess. I like good deals, too and will start looking for one.

Hatt says they introduced the "improved hull" on 54GT in 2002, with concave hull shape on the bottom that reduces the roll in the beam sea and creates more room inside and more aerodynamic convex shape on the top (Carolina flair). It looks pretty obvious on the later models. I will definitely look for something beginning with this year model.

Capt J, I've not looked at Vikings at all. Any particular model years to consider in terms of construction, electronics and engine packages?

Now, we are talking.

Yes, sorry I meant 54 not 54GT but now i know when GT went into production. So basically, wait another couple of years (and I can) and I will get a 54GT for the same price. Bingo!!!

From what I read and hear Hatteras is the way to go and well equipped 54 or 60GT will totally serve all my needs.

Sorry and thank you. Every forum has different rules. No time to read.

Can anybody tell me in what year Hatteras 50 and 60 models were last upgraded and how? What was 54C for instance? Thanks again.

franzmerenda, thanks a bunch. This clears a lot of my questions.

Any huge difference between 54C circa 2002+ and 54 GT?
Any Berts or Vikings are similar to the above in quality construction and ride and made with solid glass hull bottom?