Quick question, trader or hatteras

[ColleyV8]

Looking at a couple of boats still, Hatteras 40 DC and a Trader 50 , both same age and roughly same price,

Any pros and cons against each

I know they are older boats and have issues but wondered which is most desirable

I like the size if the trader, but hatteras is better working condition

 

[DrSpock]

I don't think either one as a brand is more desirable and suspect the Hatteras will be easier to sell. 50' 30 year old boats can be money-pits and you could sink a fortune into it.

 

[Newbroom]

Traders were more popular in the UK

 

[harvey38]

Tread carefully, spend wisely!

As DrSpock has pointed out, they can become a money pit VERY quickly. I know boats and took on a mid 80's 38' mobo, granted we are doing far more work than we intended and loving every minute of it but, at a cost we didn't plan. If you want to enjoy your boat, you will have to bring it up to a standard you want and a 50' mobo is a BIG boat, you won't get back the money you put into it, it will only make it easier to sell.

No matter what boat you go for, best of luck and enjoy it, make sure you keep us posted

 

[Dino]

Lots of sanding and varnishing to do every year on a Trader. Also, the Teak decks will be getting old and may need recaulking or replacing but they are huge.
Buy the best one out there, the one that someone has minded very well and spent money on.

 

[ColleyV8]

Cheers, the trader needs work, but can get for what I class as very good price, the hatteras has a recent survey and looks quite good, and no teak to replace, will see tomorrow

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Hatteras 40 DC is build like a brick, with quality all over it. Imron paint which stays the same after forty years.

There are few builders who can match the quality of a Hatteras, and Traders is not one of them.

Question is a non starter....

 

[ashtead]

Surely the answer partly depends on usage and numbers on board and your need for space plus condition of each .Traders have seem to regarded as somewhat rolly but maybe stabilisers? In case of interest if you search you might find a vid on a trader delivery trip to Norfolk broads .

 

[Fire99]

I run a Trader 47 Sundeck (early 2000's) and firstly it seems almost every Trader is different but there does seem to be a few common denominators. The hulls are very thick and all I have seen are built like battleships. They can be a bit rolly on a beam sea but not alarmingly so (though I've only been on 54's and 47's. I would say the 47 seems more agile and less rolly-poly than the 54's).
On an old Trader that is cheap you do need to check very thoroughly. Mild Steel fuel tanks can corrode. Some (behind the scenes) fixings are not always the best and I have found the gelcoat above the waterline can get 'pimply' when wet and under warm sunshine. There is a LOT of teak on the deck but I will say it is also very thick. I'm in the process of sanding mine and so far it looks brilliant (to my eyes). But do check the teak for leaks. Especially around any deck fittings that are cut/bolted all the way through the deck.

I like mine but it it far from perfect and I may do a few videos to show what's been done, but fundamentally I find them very tough and spacious boats. Whether you buy one that way or do refurbishment, they can be lovely boats to spend time on. (I am biased of course).

 

[ColleyV8]

Well getting there, offer accepted on the Hatteras, visited and very nice well built boat, twin 3208 engines.

Survey this week, have sight of the sellers original bill of sale, and original invoice from hatteras to first buyer, the boat was registered under a different name and has been renamed since, but the instrument panels still show the first name

Can I check the registry for the boat?

Any other checks needing doing, never bought a boat privately before ,

Dont suppose any one knows an R M Tate that had it before in southampton.

 

[Tranona]

Is it on Part 1 of the registry? If it is then you can ask for a transcript from the registry. If not then for title you are reliant on a trail of Bills of Sale starting of course with the one the seller has when he bought it. The originals from Hatteras to the first owner are a bonus, particularly if the invoice shows VAT payment. You need to ensure that the seller really does has acquired the title legally and that he alone has title to sell. Although there is unlikely to be any unregistered charges against the boat, it is always possible that others (such as family members) have an interest. Other things to check are whether there are outstanding marina or trade bills. If you find anything that sets alarm bells ringing it may be worth asking a broker to handle the 2conveyancing" side such as holding the deposit, preparing the contract searching for any debts and the paperwork for the handover.

 

[harvey38]

Congratulations, where is she currently moored?

 

[ColleyV8]

Thanks Tranona, not sure on the register, will see if I can load a pic, only have paperwork of servicing, original invoice and bill of sale to current owner in one person's name

Its not a 250k boat and 1988 so wouldn't have thought a marine mortgage exists, and its currently a live-abord

I can ask around the marina , currently at fleetwood, no request for deposit , just cash on completion

Have seen previous survey for insurance in one name and normal paperwork, nothing out of the ordinary

 

[Mr Googler]

I saw that for sale. Looks a cracker!

Main photo is in Douglas Marina, Isle of Man. It got that far anyway! ?

 

[ColleyV8]

I gave it a miss in the end, no paperwork to prove proper chain of ownership, too good to be true springs to mind

 

[Mr Googler]

Plenty more will be coming up soon I’m sure

 

[Fire99]

Regardless of our first reactions, there will always be another..

 

[ColleyV8]

Think I'm going off my rocker, found this

Aquarius 48

It really appeals, always liked the trawler yacht scene, engines and generator run now, interior is usable but needs updating kitchen, heads etc

Needs flybridge floor fibreglassing, hull painting and some timber repair to a couple if areas of superstructure

Nothing like it on the market

Would make great base for a place on the east coast nearer work occasionally

Is it worth looking at, trying to decide if its one of those that never finish, or could get an extra life

Honestly, I'll try to stop finding these soon

 

[Mr Googler]

Think I'm going off my rocker, found this

Aquarius 48

It really appeals, always liked the trawler yacht scene, engines and generator run now, interior is usable but needs updating kitchen, heads etc

Needs flybridge floor fibreglassing, hull painting and some timber repair to a couple if areas of superstructure

Nothing like it on the market

Would make great base for a place on the east coast nearer work occasionally

Is it worth looking at, trying to decide if its one of those that never finish, or could get an extra life

Honestly, I'll try to stop finding these soon

I really like that!

 

[Dino]

Looks very interesting, you should also check out the Askham Bullet 52. There used to b3 one in Dublin that I always admired as a kid. Might be a bit less maintenance than the Aquarius
Here’s one Askham Bullet 52 | Brighton Boat Sales

this one is sold but it is a very handsome boat www.boatshed.com/askham_52-boat-34033.html