Hatteras 52
The Definition of a Convertible
There seems to be much debate about the official definition of a convertible when applied to a boat. The actual Webster’s dictionary definition for the word states, “that can be converted.” So, applying that logic, the Hatteras 52 easily converts from a full-on sportfisherman to a spacious family cruiser with no effort at all; a grown-up transformer, so to speak, that doesn’t need to change form or appearance.
Hatteras Yachts had a lengthy legacy with long-range cruisers and motoryachts; it was only natural for them to introduce similar amenities to the convertible line. They went to school on comfort, appealing to more than just the screaming-reel crowd, and constructed boats that were about much more than fishing.
The 52 was built from 1984 to 1991. There were hundreds of the modified-V hulls made. The boats featured a long keel, a solid fiberglass bottom with balsa core sides above the chine. Interiors were teak, though an ash option was available starting in 1987, according to Power Boat Guide.
In the 1980s, builders such as Bertram, Viking and Hatteras had stalwart followings much akin to Ford, Chevy and Dodge allegiances. Rarely were there crossovers; you had your brand. Hatteras owners perhaps the staunchest.
The Hatteras profile made square look awesome, with distinct hard angles, as opposed to the softer lines of the other two. The original design had forward windows in the cabin along with larger side glass. The updated model had a glassed-in windshield and sleeker, stylish cabin. The big bow carries the high profile aft, leading to the 150-square-foot (or larger) cockpit.
The full bow, with slight flair, provides substantial interior volume for the accommodations. There were two floor-plan choices: galley-up in the saloon or steps down on the lower deck. The latter opened the saloon to mega-proportions on the 17-foot beam boat, though it came at the expense of the third stateroom. The three-stateroom, galley-up configuration was the preferred.
All that’s very important to a guy like Jimmy Conforti and his regular crew of nine. He has owned The Hat, his 1985 52-footer, hailing port Baldwin NY, for 17 seasons. It’s powered by 720-hp, twin turbo, intercooled 8V92 Detroit Diesel engines.
“We take our Hatteras to Block Island every year for two weeks for vacation and have plenty of visitors come out by ferry to stay a few days, there’s always plenty of room,” he said. “It’s usually a beautiful ride. The boat always handles whatever seas it meets, including one canyon trip when we got caught in a nasty cold-front squall and very hefty, head-seas, three seconds apart. Not many other boats could have taken that beating.”
He cruises The Hat at 1,950 rpms that produce 21 knots with a fuel burn of 60 gph, even with full crew, topped-off fuel tanks and loaded with gear and ice, heading canyon bound. She tops out at 27 knots.
Conforti, like many Hatteras owners, fell in love with boats and holds onto them for the long haul. Many Hatteras owners customize things along the way, even doing a full facelift. Owner Herb Auleta did that with Mystic Dream, homeport Freeport, NY, a 1988 vintage.
“We loved the boat so much we just did a total refit. The 8V-92s were majored and Jersey Cape Yachts stripped and restored the bottom, added a new saloon door and fresh Alexseal paint. We upgraded all the appliances, electronics and freshened the interior,” Auleta said.
A casual observer would be hard-pressed to guess the age of the boat, especially with new interior, exterior and underwater LED lightning.
“It’s a great sea boat and very comfortable cruiser. It’s 56,000 lbs., yet gets right on plane and, with the newly majored engines, she cruises at a comfortable 23-24 knots,” he said.
The big boat has a relatively shallow draft of 4-1/2 feet, a welcome feature, especially for those who harbor in shallow bays. The flybridge placement and layout add to the ease of handling. The captain has an unrestricted view of the full bow, including the optional pulpit, from the helm seat. The rest of the bridge easily holds all seven of Conforti’s kids. A huge, U-shaped settee sits in front of the steering console.
One very windy November day in 1989, I was sitting behind the helm of The Hat, for its previous owners. The boat was to be delivered from Debbs Inlet on Long Island’s South Shore, via the East River, then up the Long Island Sound to Mattituck on the North Fork. Predicted winds were southwest 15-20 knots, gusts to 25; it was more like 25 knots sustained.
We sat behind the rocky breakwater jetty, stemming the ripping outgoing, full moon tide. We knew it was going to be really snotty for 14 miles, once we cleared the inlet, until we made the bend into Ambrose Channel and entered the Hudson River. The rest of the trip would be cake, as we’d be in the lee.
After a half-hour wait, we edged out until there was a slight window. The 8V-92s gained momentum as we got to the set of waves. The first was green, the second green, three had a little foam on top and four and five were ugly white as we to crashed through and landed in the craters on the back side. After a little shudder, the big girl just shrugged it off like a wake from a passing center console. That’s the day I became a fan.
“If you’re looking for a used one, make sure to have hull checked for blisters or any weakness in ribs. It’s not an uncommon occurrence but easily remedied,” Conforti said.
