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1985 Hatteras 53' (16.15 m) 53 Extended Deckhouse

Little River, South Carolina, United States

3 Little Birds

3 LITTLE BIRDS is a beautifully maintained 1985 Hatteras 53 ED offering classic Hatteras quality with modern cruising upgrades. Twin Detroit 6V92 diesels, Naiad stabilizers, lithium batteries, inverter, Garmin electronics, 20kW generator, Starlink and Boston Whaler tender.

Flag of Registry: United States

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Vessel ID# 2857964    Last Updated: 2026-09-29 16:01:14

FEATURES:
   Lithium Power
   Great Loop Ready
   Naiad Stabilizers
   Electronic Engine Controls
   Detroit Diesel Power
Notable Upgrades: 600Ah LiFePO4 lithium house battery bank with inverter/charger – 2024 New AGM engine start batteries and 32V AGM House Batteries – 2024 Starlink connectivity 2024 Yamaha 20HP outboard on 11' Boston Whaler tender 65 lb. claw anchor and approximately 260' of anchor chain Recent bottom paint Stabilizer seals recently replaced Annual Detroit Diesel engine service completed Glendinning electronic engine controls USB-C charging added at upper helm Updated galley appliances Updated wood and vinyl plank flooring Vesper AIS transponder Updated washer/dryer Updated A/C raw-water pump with backup Updated countertops and interior finishes Props tuned with spare props aboard
Tenders: 1985 11-foot Boston Whaler side-console tender, carried aboard using the electric tender crane. The Whaler has been upgraded with a 2024 Yamaha 20HP outboard, giving the next owners a highly practical tender setup for exploring.

Classic Hatteras Quality

$ 239,900 USD

Description

“3 Little Birds” is a beautiful 1985 Hatteras 53 Extended Deck Motor Yacht offering the classic Hatteras construction, tremendous living space, and cruising capability that have made the 53 one of the most respected American motor yachts ever built.

Located in Little River, South Carolina, 3 Little Birds has been thoughtfully equipped and updated for extended time aboard. The desirable Extended Deck layout provides an exceptionally spacious full-beam salon while retaining convenient access to the aft deck through double doors, creating a comfortable living area with an excellent connection to the outdoors.

Recent cruising-oriented improvements include 600Ah of LiFePO4 lithium house batteries with inverter/charger, electronic shift controls, Starlink, 2024 AGM engine start batteries, 2024 New 32V AGM House batteries, a 2024 Yamaha 20HP outboard for the Boston Whaler tender, updated anchor chain, and USB-C charging at the upper helm.

She also benefits from recent bottom paint and replacement of the stabilizer seals, while her dependable Detroit Diesel 6V92 engines have received annual service from a well-known and respected Detroit mechanic.

Power is provided by twin Detroit Diesel 6V92 engines showing approximately 3,676 hours port and 3,680 hours starboard. Ship's power is supplied by an Onan 20kW generator with approximately 4,948 hours.

For the cruising couple looking for a capable motor yacht with substantial accommodations, redundant helm stations, Naiad stabilizers, excellent tender handling, and genuine liveaboard comfort, 3 Little Birds offers a compelling package.

The Hatteras 53 has earned an enviable reputation over decades of cruising, and 3 Little Birds combines that proven platform with the equipment today's cruising owners want. The hinged radar arch allows the air draft to get down to 17'2", making this boat Great Loop capable.


Miles Yacht Group is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Great Loop 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: HATCN756E585

Official Number: 686412

LOA: 53' 1'' (16.18 Meters)

Type: Power- Used

Year: 1985

Beam: 15' 10''

Draft Max: 4'

Cabins: 3

Heads: 3

Maximum Speed: 17 Knots

Cruise Speed: 14 Knots

Fuel Type: Diesel

Hull Material: Fiberglass

Hull Shape: Modified Vee

Air Conditioning: Yes

Tower: No

Bridge Clearance: 17' 2''

Stabilizers: Standard

Stabilizers Brand: Naiad

Fuel Tank: 700 Gallons (2649.79 Liters)

Fresh Water: 287 Gallons (1086.41 Liters)

Holding Tank: 165 Gallons (624.59 Liters)

Dry Weight: 57000

Tender HIN: BWCK0324J485

Photos click to view all

Engines

Engine 1

  • Engine Make: Detroit Diesel
  • Engine Model: Detroit 6V92TI
  • Engine Year: 1985
  • Engine Type: Inboard
  • Drive Type: Direct
  • Power HP: 450.00
  • Power KW: 335.56
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Hours: 3670.00
  • Serial Number: 6VF119029
  • Engine Location: Port

Engine 2

  • Engine Make: Detroit Diesel
  • Engine Model: Detroit 6V92TI
  • Engine Year: 1985
  • Engine Type: Inboard
  • Drive Type: Direct
  • Power HP: 450.00
  • Power KW: 335.56
  • Fuel Type: Diesel
  • Hours: 3680.00
  • Serial Number: 6VF119669
  • Engine Location: Starboard

Generators

Generator 1

  • Generator Make: Onan
  • Generator Model: 20KW
  • Generator KW: 20.00
  • Generator Hours: 4948