1998 Navigator 5300
“Toes in the Water”
Description
Toes in the Water is a beautifully updated Navigator 53 Classic Pilothouse that represents what this model has always done best: deliver real cruising comfort, sensible systems, and a layout that actually works for owners who spend meaningful time aboard. California built on a solid fiberglass hull with an integral swim platform, the Navigator 53 offers impressive interior volume while maintaining a manageable beam and confident handling underway. It’s a yacht that feels equally at home cruising the coast, running the Intracoastal, or settling into life aboard.
From the moment you step on board, it’s clear this is a boat that has been thoughtfully maintained and continuously improved. Wide walkaround decks, a spacious cockpit, and easy access to the pilothouse make day-to-day operation simple and stress-free. Inside, the main deck flows naturally from salon to galley to raised pilothouse, creating a connected living space that is bright, open, and inviting. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, while updated flooring and tasteful finishes keep the look fresh without losing the classic Navigator feel.
The galley is a true highlight and one of the strongest features aboard Toes in the Water. Located on the main deck, it remains connected to the salon and pilothouse, allowing easy interaction with guests while meals are prepared. Modern upgrades, generous storage, excellent sightlines, and thoughtful access to both the engine room and a large dedicated storage area make this a galley built for extended cruising and liveaboard life—not just weekend use.
The raised pilothouse serves as both a command center and an upper salon, with excellent visibility, comfortable seating, and interior access to the flybridge. Whether running long distances or enjoying a quiet evening at anchor, this space becomes a natural gathering point aboard.
Below, the accommodations are arranged to maximize privacy and comfort. The full-beam midship master stateroom feels exceptionally spacious for a yacht of this size, featuring a true walkaround queen berth, abundant storage, and in-stateroom laundry. Forward, the VIP stateroom offers another queen berth and excellent accommodations for guests, while the portside bunk room adds flexibility for family or additional visitors. Both heads feature separate showers, reinforcing the boat’s suitability for long-term cruising.
Up top, the flybridge offers outstanding visibility and ample seating for entertaining or enjoying the ride. A standout feature is the included 2019 Highfield tender with console drive station and 25 HP outboard, which stores cleanly on the aft flybridge using the davit crane. This arrangement keeps the cockpit and swim platform clear while making tender use easy and practical.
Mechanically and electrically, Toes in the Water stands out for the level of recent investment. Twin Volvo diesels, an extensively upgraded lithium battery system with solar, modern sanitation treatment, Starlink connectivity, updated air conditioning, and numerous mechanical improvements all point to an owner who prioritized reliability and usability over cosmetic shortcuts. This is a boat where the heavy lifting has already been done.
Simply put, Toes in the Water is not a project or a catch-up boat. She is a well-sorted Navigator 53 Classic that reflects knowledgeable ownership and real cruising experience. For buyers seeking a capable pilothouse yacht with volume, comfort, and systems that support extended time aboard, this vessel offers a compelling opportunity to step aboard and go cruising with confidence.
Dunigan Marine 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
Overview
Highlights
- Victron 3000 Watt Inverter w/ New Lithium Batteries
- New Turbochargers
- Highfield Tender w/25hp Motor
- Electrosan Sanitation System
- Many New Interior Upgrades
Key Specifications
Weight & Measurements
Accommodation
Tankage
Registration & Documentation
Engines
Generators
Full Details
Navigator 5300 Walk Through
Navigator’s 53 Classic earned its reputation by delivering real cruising volume in a manageable, confidence-inspiring package, and Toes in the Water is a strong example of that proven design. Boarding is easy via the integral swim platform and transom door, leading directly into a spacious cockpit with excellent storage and engine room access. Wide, protected side decks allow safe movement forward, while the starboard pilothouse door makes docking and line handling simple and efficient.
Once inside, the flow from cockpit to salon, forward galley, raised pilothouse, and down to the accommodations feels intuitive and well thought out — a layout designed for people who actually spend time aboard.
Navigator 5300 Notable Upgrades
2026
- New alternator installed on port main engine
- New starter installed on starboard main engine
2025
- Upgraded house battery bank with Victron lithium system
- Four Victron lithium batteries
- Victron 3000-watt inverter
- Victron battery management system (BMS)
- 600 watts of solar installed
- New turbos installed on both main engines
- Salon and companionway flooring replaced
- New refrigerator installed
- Pilothouse air conditioning unit replaced
- AIS installed
- New Garmin transducer installed
- Exhaust covers replaced
- Generator battery replaced
- Bottom job completed with antifouling paint (November)
- Electroscan sanitation system replaced
2024
- Fire suppression system upgraded and certified
- New handheld fire extinguishers installed throughout the vessel
- Exhaust elbows replaced on both main engines
- New washer installed
- Sanitation system Y-valve installed
- New generator control board installed
- New bow berth air conditioning unit installed
- New engine batteries installed (2)
2023
- Thruster batteries replaced
- Starlink satellite internet installed
Earlier Upgrades
- New bow thruster installed (2019)
- YachtController electronic engine and thruster controls installed (2012)
- Generator installed new (2012)
- Multiple air conditioning units replaced between 2014 and 2016
- Bridge vinyl replaced (2016)
- Bottom painted, new starboard shaft, shaft seal, and cutlass bearing replaced (2020)
Navigator 5300 Main Salon
The main salon aboard Toes in the Water offers an inviting blend of comfort and openness that makes extended time aboard feel easy and enjoyable. Spanning the full beam, the space is surrounded by oversized windows that flood the interior with natural light and keep the water and scenery constantly in view, whether underway or at anchor.
Entering from the cockpit through the sliding glass door, the salon immediately feels bright and welcoming. Light-toned wood cabinetry is complemented by updated luxury vinyl plank flooring, providing a modern, low-maintenance surface that adds warmth and durability while elevating the overall look of the space. Seating is thoughtfully arranged with a generous sofa to starboard and a comfortable lounge chair to port, creating an ideal setting for conversation or quiet relaxation.
The entertainment center is seamlessly built into the cabinetry and houses a flat-screen TV and audio system without disrupting the clean, uncluttered design. Storage is abundant and intelligently placed throughout the salon, while well-positioned overhead lighting allows the ambiance to transition easily from social evenings to calm, comfortable nights aboard.
Navigator 5300 Galley
The galley aboard Toes in the Water is intelligently designed on the main deck, creating a natural extension of the salon and allowing easy interaction with guests while meals are prepared. Its open layout and excellent sightlines make the space feel connected, practical, and comfortable for everyday use or extended cruising.
Light wood cabinetry defines the galley, offering generous storage and a clean, timeless look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding interior. Updated luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout, providing a modern, durable surface that is easy to maintain and well suited for life aboard.
The galley has been thoughtfully upgraded to deliver true home-style cooking capability on the water. Equipment includes a near residential-size refrigerator and freezer (new in 2025), a three-burner ceramic cooktop, and a Viking convection oven, along with a double-basin sink that enhances functionality for food preparation and cleanup. To starboard, a neatly integrated built-in icemaker adds convenience for entertaining or extended stays aboard.
A standout feature of this space is the opening galley sole, which lifts to provide forward access not only to the engine room but also to a large, dedicated storage area. This additional space is exceptionally versatile and ideal for tools, spare parts, pantry provisions, or other long-range cruising essentials—an invaluable feature for extended cruising or liveaboard use.
Well lit, easy to work in, and exceptionally well equipped, the galley aboard Toes in the Water blends modern upgrades with smart Navigator design, creating a space that is as functional as it is inviting.
Navigator 5300 Pilothouse/Upper Salon
Up two steps from the salon is the raised pilothouse, offering excellent sightlines and a commanding helm position. Wraparound seating with a U-shaped dinette makes this area a favorite gathering spot underway, while the dedicated captain’s chair provides comfort and control during long runs.
The pilothouse also serves as an interior upper salon, allowing guests to remain engaged with the journey while staying out of the elements. Interior access to the flybridge is a major advantage, especially during inclement weather or nighttime passages.
Navigator 5300 Companionway
A staircase forward of the helm leads down to the accommodations, providing privacy and separation from the main living spaces. This thoughtful layout keeps staterooms quiet while allowing the main deck to remain open and social.
Navigator 5300 Master Stateroom
The full-beam midship master stateroom delivers the kind of space typically found on much larger yachts. A true walkaround queen island berth anchors the room, surrounded by generous hanging lockers, drawers, and storage throughout. In-floor access adds functionality, and a washer and dryer are located within the stateroom, with a new washer installed in 2024.
This is a comfortable, quiet retreat that works exceptionally well for full-time or extended cruising.
Navigator 5300 Master Head
The master head features a separate shower, Raritan toilet, sink with storage, mirrored ceiling, GFCI outlet, and portlight for natural ventilation. Lighting is well placed, and the layout feels spacious and practical rather than confined.
Navigator 5300 VIP Guest Stateroom
Forward is the VIP stateroom with a queen island berth, excellent storage, hanging lockers, and in-floor access to the bow thruster. A new bow berth air conditioning unit was installed in 2024, ensuring comfort in warmer climates. This stateroom offers true guest privacy and comfort rarely found in this size range.
Navigator 5300 Guest Head
The guest head includes a Tecma toilet, separate shower with bi-fold door, sink with storage, GFCI outlet, and ample lighting. Its placement provides easy access for both guest staterooms without sacrificing privacy.
Navigator 5300 3rd Guest Room
The portside guest stateroom features upper and lower bunks, hanging locker, reading lights, and a portlight. This space is ideal for additional guests, kids, or grandkids and adds real flexibility to the sleeping arrangements aboard Toes in the Water.
Navigator 5300 Flybridge
The flybridge is accessed directly from inside the pilothouse and offers excellent visibility and seating for a crowd. Wraparound lounge seating aft of the helm creates an inviting space for entertaining, cruising on nice days, or simply enjoying the view. The bridge vinyl was replaced in 2016 and continues to present well.
Aft on the flybridge is where the layout truly shines. Included with the sale is a 2019 Highfield tender powered by a 25 HP outboard with a console drive station, which stores cleanly and securely on the aft flybridge using the onboard davit crane. This arrangement keeps the cockpit and swim platform clear while allowing for easy deployment and retrieval.
Navigator 5300 Electrical System
Toes in the Water features a 50-amp shore power system and has benefited from major electrical upgrades in recent years. In 2025, the house system was upgraded with four Victron lithium batteries, a Victron 3000-watt inverter, Victron BMS, and 600 watts of solar, dramatically improving off-grid capability.
Starlink was installed in 2023, AIS was added in 2025, and the generator received a new control board in 2024 along with a new battery in 2025. The fire suppression system was upgraded and certified in 2024, with new handheld extinguishers installed throughout the vessel.
Navigator 5300 Plumbing System
The plumbing systems aboard Toes in the Water have been thoughtfully maintained and upgraded with an emphasis on reliability, ease of use, and long-range cruising compliance. A pressurized 12V freshwater system supplies the vessel, supported by a 110V AC water pump replaced in 2019 and a 110V hot water heater installed new in 2012. Multiple heads, showers, and galley fixtures are well laid out and designed for comfortable liveaboard use.
Sanitation aboard Toes in the Water is handled through a modern Electroscan treatment system, which was replaced in 2025. This system treats black water to meet U.S. Coast Guard Type I standards, allowing overboard discharge in many permitted waters while reducing reliance on pump-out facilities — a major advantage for extended cruising and Great Loop–style travel. The system is supported by a properly installed Y-valve added in 2024, offering operational flexibility where regulations require it.
Both heads are equipped with quality marine toilets, including a Raritan unit in the master and a Tecma toilet in the guest head, paired with separate stall showers for comfort and practicality. The overall plumbing and sanitation setup reflects experienced ownership and a clear understanding of what matters when spending real time aboard.
Navigator 5300 Engines/Mechanical
Power comes from twin Volvo Penta TAMD63P 370 HP diesels with approximately 3800 hours. These engines have seen significant recent investment, including new turbos installed in 2025, exhaust elbows replaced in 2024, a new alternator on the port engine in 2026, and a new starter on the starboard engine in 2026.
An Onan 11 kW generator (installed new in 2012) shows approximately 473 hours and has been well maintained. Aluminum fuel tanks hold approximately 300 gallons each, bronze rudders received new packing in 2020, and the vessel is equipped with five air conditioning units, many replaced between 2014 and 2025. A bottom job with antifouling paint was completed in November 2025.
Navigator 5300 Summary
Toes in the Water is a well-sorted Navigator 53 Classic that reflects thoughtful ownership, consistent upgrades, and real cruising experience. With major investments already made in propulsion, electrical systems, sanitation, air conditioning, and navigation — plus an included Highfield tender that stores cleanly on the flybridge — this yacht is ready to be enjoyed now, not worked on.
If you’re looking for a proven pilothouse cruiser with real volume, smart systems, and upgrades that matter, Toes in the Water deserves a close look.
Mechanical Disclaimer
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
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