For Sale: Merritt 53

The 1977 Merritt 53 known as Nic-Nac has numerous upgrades including a complete engine room makeover and re-power with new MAN I6-850 main engines in 2024. Courtesy Allied Marine

For those who appreciate sport-fishing history, the opportunity to own a Merritt in good condition is rare indeed. Nic-Nac, a 1977 Merritt 53, was built as Xiaphus and is Hull No. 28 from the storied Florida custom boatbuilder. It’s located in North Palm Beach, Florida, and offered by Allied Marine for $1.195 million.

This vessel, which previously has been known as Nancy Ann, Adam’s Folly and Salemwolf, has enjoyed pedigreed owners during its lifetime. The current owner purchased the vessel in 2020 and has refitted it to the highest standards. This includes but isn’t limited to a complete engine room makeover and re-power with new MAN I6-850 main engines in 2024, as well as a full Awlcraft 2000 complete paint job with Ice Blue hull and Matterhorn White topsides in 2022. Also in 2022, it received a full mezzanine in the cockpit. As of fall 2025 the engines have just over 200 hours on them, and performance is impressive. At 1,950 rpm, she cruises at 30 knots burning 54 gallons per hour combined. 

The helm has updated Garmin electronics and new soft goods throughout. Courtesy Allied Marine

Nic-Nac features a two-stateroom/two-head layout with a companionway berth. The spacious salon has been updated with new soft goods and has satin-finished teak interior woodwork throughout. In addition, the lighting has been updated to LED with new headliners and wall coverings also installed. The Garmin electronics were upgraded in 2022, and the cockpit fuel tanks and teak deck were replaced in 2024.

According to the brokerage team at Allied Marine, “This listing sheet truly does not do her justice and she must be seen to appreciate the true condition and value.”

The new cockpit mezzanine has a refrigerated drink box plus cockpit controls. Courtesy Allied Marine

Yachting previously wrote: “Some captains say Roy Merritt can be opinionated when it comes to his boats, but that’s a good thing. “It’s true we build boats a certain way. We feel it’s the right way,” Merritt said. “If someone thinks differently I’ll listen, but they’re going to have to explain why different is better.” Merritt has advice for those thinking of building a boat. “An old captain once told me that, if you figure a certain length boat is perfect, add 10 percent and it’s a whole lot better. I think he was right.”

The salon features beautiful satin-finished teak throughout. Courtesy Allied Marine

Where is Nic-Nac located? The vessel is currently lying in North Palm Beach, Florida. 

Take the next step: Contact the listing agent, Cole Watkins at Allied Marine, at 863-514-3752.

Quick Specifications

• Length Overall: 53’
• Beam: 16’
• Draft: 5’
• Fuel Capacity: 700 gal.

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