1981 Hatteras 61 Cockpit Motor Yacht “First Light”

• Full top-end cooling system removed, pressure tested, cleaned, painted, and reinstalled

• New electronic engine controls installed at all three operating stations

• Three new reverse-cycle HVAC systems (2026)

• Much of the original 36V electrical system converted to readily available 12V components

• Naiad stabilizers professionally serviced with new seals

• Fresh bottom paint (May 2026)

• Propellers tuned

• Recent engine service with fresh fluids

• Rebuilt freshwater pump

• Dinghy Butler stern launching system allowing dinghy deployment in under one minute

• Davit crane professionally rebuilt

• Wireless autopilot remote installed

• New midship Raritan Marine Elegance head

• Multiple Wi-Fi docking and security cameras with recording and pan/tilt capability

• Numerous additional maintenance items completed throughout ownership

A newer Highfield dinghy with outboard is available for sale separately. NOT INCLUDED in the price.

First Light is thoughtfully equipped for extended cruising or comfortable liveaboard use, offering generous entertaining spaces, multiple private accommodations, and a well-planned layout throughout.

The fully enclosed aft deck features a custom teak sole, teak wing doors, opening port and starboard windows, and aft curtains with screens to take advantage of the breeze. A teak dining table and chairs provide a comfortable entertaining area, complemented by a convenient wet bar.

Double teak doors open into the salon and deckhouse, where an L-shaped sofa, coffee table, and beautifully finished cabinetry create a warm and inviting living space. Forward, the pilothouse features a bench seat, a complete electronics package, and sliding access doors to both port and starboard.

Steps lead down to the galley and dinette, finished with a teak-and-holly sole. The galley offers full-size appliances, including a side-by-side refrigerator, while a custom U-shaped dinette provides ample seating. Beneath the galley sole are the battery banks, twin 20 kW Northern Lights generators, and air-conditioning equipment.

Forward, the crew quarters feature upper and lower twin berths with storage beneath, a built-in dresser, cedar-lined hanging locker, and a private head with separate stall shower and sink. Divided rope and chain lockers are located farther forward.

Aft of the galley, the companionway includes a washer/dryer and additional storage. The guest head is located to starboard and includes a separate stall shower and sink. Across the companionway, the VIP stateroom offers side-by-side twin berths with custom headboards, a center nightstand, and a large cedar-lined hanging locker.

Port and starboard walk-in engine rooms are conveniently located amidships, providing excellent access for inspection, service, and maintenance.

Continuing aft is the impressive full-beam master suite. The master features a true queen-size centerline berth, custom Shoji screens, two built-in dressers, a built-in desk, safe, nightstand, and an oversized cedar-lined closet. The private master head includes a separate stall shower, tub, and sink.

Above, the expansive flybridge provides another excellent entertaining and relaxation area. Amenities include a built-in refrigerator with icemaker, electric barbecue grill, Corian countertops, sink and prep station, and a complete forward helm. A substantial 1¼-inch stainless-steel Bimini frame extends aft from the radar arch to provide coverage over the custom seating area.

A davit provides convenient tender launching and retrieval for the vintage Boston Whaler, powered by a newer 25 HP Yamaha four-stroke outboard.

Overall, First Light offers the space, storage, privacy, and onboard amenities expected of a true cruising motor yacht—equally suited for extended voyages, entertaining, or living aboard.

• GE Profile Refrigerator Freezer
• Miele Electric Cooktop
• Miele Electric Oven
• Miele Dishwaher
• Trash Compactor
• GE Profile Microwave
• Stainless Steel Double Sink
• Corian Solid Surface Countertops
• Teak and Holly Flooring
• Custom Window Treatments
• "U" Shaped Dinette

• Twin GM Detroit Diesel 12v71ti 650 HP Main Engines start instantly with zero smoke. 4500 hours and currently cruising

• Glendinning Syncronizer

• Twin 20kw Northern Lights Gensets

• Naiad Stabilizers - Resealed and Serviced 2026

• Hydraulic Bow Thruster

• CO2 Fire Supression

• Large supply of parts and spares

• Reverse Cycle Digital Air Conditioning

• All Electriconic controld throughout

• Watermaker (Not in service)

• Trace Inverter with very sophisticated automatic operation and dedicated battery bank for extended "Off the grid" cruising
• Twin 20kw Northern Lights Gensets
• 10kw Cruising Alternator off main engine to charge batteries underway
• 12v DC dedicated battery for Electronics
• 32v DC "Rolls" Batteries for House and Engine Start - New in 2023
• 125v/250v Shore Power

PLEASE NOTE: Electronics are dated and Current Owner uses Multiple Tablets for Navigation with the most up to date charts and a NEMA backbone pulling Location, Speed and Depth and AIS from the ships systems for the most user friendly setup available and ease of navigation from anywhere aboard the vessel.

• Furuno 8251 Radar with 8 ft Open Array

• Furuno 24 mi Radar as a back up

• Simrad/Robertson Auto-Pilot

• NorthStar 951GPS

• Garmin GPS

• Furuno FCV 585 Depth/Fish Finder

• DataMarine Speed/Depth/Wind

• Interphase Probe "Forward Looking" Depth Finder

• ICOM VHF

• Standard Hailer

• Ritchie Compass

• SeaTel Sat TV

• KVH Sat Phone

• Galley Maid Windlass

• Bow Pulpit and Rails

• 300 feet 3/8" High Tensile Chain

• 65 lb. CQR anchor

• 50 lb Fortress Anchor

• Auxiliary Fortress Anchor, chain and line for the stern anchor

• Dinghy Butler swim platform davit

• Electric Dinghy Davit

• Radar Arch

• Swim Platform with Ladder

• Transom Door

• Fenders and Fender Racks

• Fresh Water and Raw Water Wash Downs

• Deck Boxes on Bow

• Teak Side Rails

• Cockpit Controls

• Searchlight

Personally having traveled over 1,000 nautical miles aboard First Light, I can confidently say this is one of the finest older Hatteras yachts I’ve had the privilege to represent.

I’ve completed multiple passages with the current owner and have also been involved with the purchase and sale of his previous three vessels. That gives me a unique perspective into how this yacht has been cared for—not just during the listing process, but throughout years of ownership.

The owner is an electrical engineer responsible for designing hospital electrical infrastructure and diesel backup power systems. That same level of precision and preventative thinking is reflected throughout this yacht.

Maintenance has always been proactive rather than reactive.

Systems have been upgraded because they improved reliability—not simply because something failed.

One of the aspects I appreciate most is the owner’s decision to seek out the dependable 650 HP Detroit Diesel 12V71TI engines. Running at conservative horsepower levels and utilizing intercoolers rather than more maintenance-intensive aftercoolers, these engines have earned an outstanding reputation throughout the commercial marine industry for longevity, simplicity, and ease of maintenance.

Equally impressive is the engine room itself. Full walkaround access provides outstanding serviceability to nearly every major mechanical system—something that’s becoming increasingly rare aboard yachts of any era.

This isn’t a yacht that has simply been cleaned up for photographs.

It has been actively cruised, continuously improved, and meticulously maintained by someone who truly understands marine systems.

If you’re looking for an older Hatteras that inspires confidence the moment you step aboard, First Light deserves your attention.

• Dinghy Not Included