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Hatteras Yachts: Your Resource Guide To Buying A New Boat

By Rob Bowman | Posted On Dec 27, 2018 Updated On Jun 03, 2020

For the last 60 years, Hatteras Yachts has been "obsessively over-building" every model simply because this is in the DNA of the company. It is a result of living in a part of the world that can produce some of the angriest seas around, namely Cape Hatteras to which they attribute their name. The Hatteras factory was built in New Bern, North Carolina right off of the Atlantic Coast and near some of the most turbulent offshore waters on the Eastern Seaboard. It was the vision of Willis Slane, the founder of Hatteras Yachts, to design and construct a yacht that would be uncompromising in its build, unrelenting in its performance, and unmatched in its craftsmanship. The rough Cape Hatteras seas were often too much for Slane's wooden boat to handle safely offshore. Each vessel would need to be built to such standards if it were to challenge the open ocean in search of billfish. Willis Slane, who had a strong passion for big game fishing, hired the young Jack Hargrave to create a boat that was both functional for fishing and family cruising, but also durable enough to withstand the angry seas off of Cape Hatteras.

The first Hatteras built was aptly named Knit Wits and was called a "Convertible", due to the open-air, upper helm station and its ability to transform into a family-friendly cruising boat. Knit Wits was important not just for Hatteras, but also for the entire boating industry as it challenged other boat builders to improve their designs.

Today, Hatteras Yachts is one of the most iconic sportfish and motor yacht builders in the world with models from 45 to over 100 feet. Hatteras even recently resurrected Cabo Yachts with a new design for one of the most popular models ever built, the 41 Open Express .

In this Hatteras Yachts resource guide for new owners, we will touch on the available models being offered by Hatteras, what makes a Hatteras special, a look at the pre-owned Hatteras market, and tips on what to expect as the owner of one. The team at United Yacht Sales has spent hours at the Hatteras factory learning about the product and have the expertise to help you find the right model for your needs. Give us a call today at (609) 780-0309 to start your journey on owning a new or pre-owned Hatteras today.

What makes a Hatteras Yacht special?

 " People think we are crazy because our boats are a little bit heavier, but it's the strongest, most durable hull in the industry ." - Lucas Harth, Hatteras Construction Manager

Hatteras was special from day 1 considering the first boat they ever built was the first fiberglass boat over 40 feet ever to be designed. Decades later, Hatteras continues to be a trend-setter with the launch of the brand new GT65 Carolina . The GT65 will be the industry's first hull to be infused with the stringer system to make on single part, resulting in reduced weight and an even stronger hull. It's this commitment to hull design and construction that makes each Hatteras special. Today, Hatteras is one of the only boat builders in the world that uses a solid fiberglass bottom. Competing manufacturers substitute a core or wood bottom to reduce cost, but at the same this this decreases its overall strength and durability. While a Hatteras may be slightly heavier than similar models built elsewhere (The Hatteras GT59 at 59'9" weighs 89,000lbs while the Viking 58C at 58' 11" weighs just over 80,000lbs) the comfort at cruising speed, and even at WOT, is noticeable. Additionally, the new models are designed with a convex and modified-v hull shape as well as double chine and side "step-outs". This gives each Hatteras the best performance possible under any sea condition and ensures that everyone on board will stay dry and comfortable. The interior space also benefits from this as it gives more volume to each living space inside. Hatteras' commitment to building a boat worthy of battling the waters off of Cape Hatteras is apparent in every sportfish and motor yacht they build.

Video: A Look Inside The Hatteras factory and what makes them so unique :

Video: The Hatteras Experience 

Construction and design aren't the only reasons Hatteras has separated itself from the competition. They have also invested heavily in the owner's experience. Recently, Hatteras launched a complete ship management control system called Hattcon  in select models. This yacht automation system has been fully integrated into a proprietary new interface that allows you to control everything from lighting on board, video streaming, AC & heat regulation, and all of the boat's montoring systems right through an app downloaded on your apple device. The new system was recently integrated into the Hatteras M90 Panacera , making it the new standard in yachting when paired with Hatteras' seakeeping abilities and high-quality fit and finishes. Below is an example of what some of the Hattcon interfaces look like:

More Hatteras Yachts Resources Online :

Hull And Construction Techniques At Hatteras (BoatTest.com video)

The Hatteras Wood-Working Quality (BoatTest.com video)

Legacy Of Excellence: Hatteras Yachts (Yachting Magazine) 

You've Decided You Want To Buy A Hatteras Yacht. What's Next?

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new or slightly used Hatteras Yacht. What size should you get and what is your budget? Will there be a boat in stock or do I need to order one? If I order one, how long will that take? Do I need a captain or can I drive it myself? The best advice we can possibly give you at this stage of the process is to consult with an experienced United Yacht broker who knows the Hatteras market and can guide you through the process of determining what the best fit is for your needs. A thorough consultation about all of the steps in the process, what you need to determine you want as the buyer, and what decisions need to be made to help the factory execute on their commitment will help you feel more confident and comfortable with this important investment you are making for your lifestyle.

1.) Where can I physically get on to a Hatteras and learn about the different models? Boat Shows are a great place to spend time with an authorized factory representative and crawl on board each of the different models. Hatteras typically brings almost all of their new boat models to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in November and the Miami Boat Show in February. Regional shows like the Palm Beach Show tend to have some new models there, but not as many as the major shows. If you're serious about owning a Hatteras, this is truly the best way to get to know the boats. There are also factory tours where you can meet your United sales professional at the factory to see how each boat is built, meet with the design team, tour the wood-working facility, and see the different phases of production. Finally, the "Hatteras Club" is held once per year, generally at the end of Summer in South Florida. Potential owners are invited to this exclusive event for two days of sea trials, tours of each model, and introductions to the Hatteras team.

Read: Hatteras Yachts will feature 6 stunning new models at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

2.) How financially strong is Hatteras as a company? It's no secret that Hatteras struggled through the economic recession from 2008 through 2011 like many other boat builders. It was in the wake of this event that Hatteras and Cabo were purchased from Brunswick Corporation by Versa Capital Management in 2013. Versa, based in Philadelphia, is a private equity investment firm with over $1 billion in assets which includes companies like Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob's Stores. Versa has injected Hatteras with enough capital to invest in new models (the Hatteras GT59 is a great example which will debut at the upcoming Miami Yacht Show) and build stock boats without waiting on customer orders. In other words, Hatteras Yachts has the financial backing to continue building the highest quality sportfishing and motor yachts for a very long time.

3.) I already own a boat and I need to sell it before I purchase a Hatteras. What do I do? You have three options - trade it in, sell it yourself, or list it with a professional yacht broker . The Hatteras factory has taken trades in the past and would need to evaluate your boat. Typically the trade in value you receive on a boat, no matter what company you work with, is going to be less money than if you sold it outright. Selling it yourself will recoup the most money but will be hard to do without access to putting it on the industry MLS database and Yachtworld. Selling it yourself is also a commitment in time as potential buyers will want to see it and sea trial it, sometimes multiple times. Hiring a professional United Yacht broker to list and sell your yacht means that your boat has access to the largest network of boat buyers and sellers in the world. With more than 150 brokers worldwide, no other firm has the number of team members we do that work together to sell your yacht . With our custom marketing program to help sell your existing boat quickly and for the highest price possible, you will be enjoying your new Hatteras in no time.

4.) Do I need to hire a captain? This is a conversation that your United Yacht broker will have with you. Whether or not you need a licensed captain depends on what Hatteras model you choose and the experience you have behind the helm. The new Cabo 41 Express or the Hatteras GT45X are greatly entry-level sportfishing boats that are perfect for an owner/operator. Once you move up to some of the larger motor yachts like the M75 Panacera or a bigger convertible like the GT70 , a captain and crew may become a necessity. Captains can also be hired to professionally maintain your Hatteras from making sure it gets necessary service, cleaning it regularly, running the engines consistently, and keeping it in optimal shape. This makes it easier to sell when you're ready and can demand more of an asking price on the open market. United brokers typically have relationships with captains that can benefit our customers when one is needed. There are also web services like Boat Captain's Directory for example that can help you find a captain, however they will not have been vetted by our team.

5.) Why are new Hatteras Yachts so expensive? Hatteras Yachts are among the highest quality, best built boats in the industry and are not a lower tier brand. There is more that goes into the construction of a Hatteras along with the premium components on board that demand and deserve a higher price tag. From the vinylester resin infusion process to the high-level of quality control that goes into each vessel, there is simply more time and more expensive materials than less expensive competitive brands that don't deliver the same experience as a Hatteras. We recommend watching the BoatTest video called " Hatteras Yachts - Why So Expensive ".

What Hatteras Model Should I Choose?nbsp;

The first question you need to ask yourself when trying to decide what Hatteras you want to buy is whether or not you want to fish. The Hatteras GT series is widely known as some of the best sport fishing yachts built today and compete in the major Billfishing tournaments. While the Hatteras sportfish can also be used for pleasure cruising due to their spacious interior accommodations, the Hatteras motor yacht Panacera series is for the more traditional yachtsman that values entertaining and extended cruising on board their yacht.

Hatteras Sportfish :

As mentioned earlier, the Hatteras GT45X is the entry-level model for the brand which also has three variations: the GT45X Open , the GT45X Flybridge , and the GT45X Sport Tower . Each option is powered with twin Cat C-12.9 diesel engines with the option to increase your horsepower to 850 MHP for an exhilarating performance. Hatteras builds five additional models from the GT 54 up to the GT70 which is the flagship model of the sportfishing series. The newest models are the GT 59 and GT65 Carolina , both of which benefit from the patented Hatteras hull design and reach speeds in excess of 40 knots.

Marlin Magazine Boat Review of the Hatteras GT45X

BoatTest.com Review of the Hatteras GT70

Hatteras Motor Yachts :

Hatteras may have started with building high-quality sportfishermen, but they have also become one of the top motor yacht builders in America today. The Panacera series begins at 60-feet with the M60 which Hatteras describes as "sleek, sporty, and deceptively spacious". The fully-fiberglass hull is stronger than normal thus providing more available space and larger windows for the interior of the yacht. The Hatteras M75 and M90 Panacera complete the model series in spectacular fashion. Each model features a stunning moon roof, massive flybridge space for entertaining, multiple relaxation zones, and accommodations that rival any competitive brand. Hatteras also recently announced plans to build a 105' Raised Pilothouse Motor Yacht which will be their largest resin-infused hull ever built.

The latest motor yacht model from the iconic builder, the M98 Panacera , might only be 100-feet in length overall, but she was designed like a superyacht. Offered in either an open flybridge, partially enclosed skylounge, or fully enclosed bridge, the personalization options are seemingly endless. Built for both cruising and formal entertaining, the outdoor social spaces rival any luxury European yacht while the Hatteras fully fiberglass hull performs tremendously. There are multiple propulsion options as well from CAT and MTU from 1,600 BHP to 2,600 BHP diesel engines.

Boattest Review of the Hatteras M60 Panacera

Power & Motor Yacht Test The Hatteras M90 Panacera

Why does Hatteras use Caterpillar engines for their new models? From the GT45X to the M90 Panacera, every Hatteras is powered by a Caterpillar (CAT) engine . It's widely known that CAT marine engines set the standard for quality, reliability and performance even under strenuous decisions. With Hatteras having a slightly heavier hull than the competition, it was important for Hatteras designers to still be able to reach certain speeds at cruise and WOT. The new GT59 for example is powered with twin CAT C-32A diesel engines which offer the option to increase horsepower to 1,622 MHP. Even though she weighs 89,000 pounds, the GT59 is still able to attain a top speed over 40 knots. So, performance is important to Hatteras which was a main reason for choosing Cat to power each boat, but the after-service focus on the customer is what also sets CAT apart. CAT Concierge Service puts their marine engine professionals literally a phone call away for general maintenance and service questions as well as factory access to get issues fixed quickly. The extended service coverage offered by CAT also gives Hatteras owners peace of mind when it comes to the unknown maintenance issues that could potentially arise.

Here is a video walk-around on the CAT C-32A engines that power the GT59 and other models:

You've Looked At Your Options And Decided A Pre-Owned Hatteras Is The Best Choice. What Now?

With a company that has been building boats for more than 60 years, there are an abundance of different choices available on the market today (more than 500 pre-owned Hatteras Yachts on just the United States). This is where the team at United Yacht Sales can really make it easy on you. By employing one of our United brokers to help you find the right Hatteras for you, our team will diligently scour the open market to find the best options based on your criteria. They will also use our network of over 150 yacht brokers worldwide to find any boats that may be for sale, just not currently listed on the MLS.

Not only will a United Yacht broker take the "heavy lifting" off of your plate by reviewing the history of each listing and speaking to the representing broker about its condition, but it is at absolutely at no cost to you. Every pre-owned boat sale has a commission that is paid by the seller and is then split amongst the brokers and the respective brokerage houses. So not only do you get the guidance and advice of a trained, experienced professional, but it also comes at no cost to you.

Finding the right boat for you, getting a professional survey done, knowing how to understand that survey, negotiating the price of the boat, and knowing what paperwork needs to be completed are just a few of the important steps to purchasing a boat that can be daunting. United has some of the most tenured and respected yacht brokers in the industry that can make your boat buying experience memorable and enjoyable. If you aren't already working with a United Yacht broker, you can find one in your area by visiting our Search For A Broker page.

United Yacht Sales is a dealer for new Hatteras Yachts in the New Jersey market. For information on purchasing a new Hatteras, please contact Scott White at (609) 780-0309.

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Hatteras GT54

• By Dean Travis Clarke
• Updated: September 7, 2011

Stepping aboard the new Hatteras GT54 brought me back to my roots. I’ve been running Hatteras yachts since the company introduced its first model — a 41-footer — in 1960. Sporting a pair of 275 hp Lincoln V-8 gasoline engines, it hit 20 knots, not fast by today’s standards. Yet, even then, Hatteras had a reputation for building boats like battleships.

Which brings us to the new GT54. Sixteen feet longer than the first Hatteras I ran, this model boasts an additional 2,650 horses and posted more than double the top speed. It may have lighter, more advanced construction, but Hatteras has not sacrificed its historic seakindliness. As test day proved, the smallest of the three new GT series sport-fishing convertibles showed the new boats are still as tough as their predecessors.

Outside the inlet, a north wind at 20 knots generated three- to four-foot seas near shore that quickly built to eight- to 10-footers a short way out. I managed a top speed of 41.3 knots along the sheltered beach but was impressed by the GT54’s handling inshore and off. Hatteras’ unique mechanical differential-steering system turns the inboard rudder more than it turns the outboard rudder, thereby creating a tighter turn than other boats this size do at such speed. But beware: At harbor speeds, the GT54 can throw an impressive wake unless you take one engine out of gear.

Backing down proved impressive. I charged to 9.5 knots in reverse before a drop of water came over the transom. The scuppers exit through the outer hull, hidden in the profile as they drain out the aft end of the splash/rub rail. Ingenious and very effective.

The cockpit easily accommodates two anglers plus three mates, even with the Pompanette fighting chair. The work space seems even roomier with all your guests up out of the way on the mezzanine, where there are food/bait freezers, drink coolers and an Eskimo ice maker with dump. There’s enough cold stowage to fish and entertain on a grand scale.

This hull sported a livewell in the portside sole, a fish box to starboard and lazarette access under the fighting chair’s footrest. The fish boxes are a tad shallow due to their locations atop the prop tunnels.

The interior is strikingly different from traditional Hatteras styling. A small island in the galley provides more room to maneuver as you cook and serve. However, I’d like to see the granite counters, banisters and such be rounded at the corners. Fall against one in a sea and it will surely leave a mark. Galley appliances include refrigerator/freezer drawers, a microwave/convection oven, ceramic cooktop and slide-out drawers behind cabinet doors. The dinette seats four adults; you could easily replace the nearby salon’s storage box/coffee table with a table for dining at the L-shape settee.

The flawless woodwork throughout the interior lends an ambience of simple, elegant luxury. Huge windows afford unobstructed views whether seated or standing, and are so expansive that ambient light in the salon is exceptional.

Belowdecks, the master cabin to port has a queen berth with storage beneath and a private en suite head with shower. Across the corridor, the crew’s quarters, several steps down, sport fairly tight single berths. The forward cabin has an island double and shares a head with the crew cabin.

Access the engines via the centerline hatch in the cockpit. Space between the engines is tight, but you get fabulous storage space outboard of the engines. I say “storage space” because there’s nothing requiring regular maintenance there.

Hatteras includes numerous features that make routine maintenance such as oil changes, acid-flushing the air-conditioning lines and cleaning the membranes on the watermaker easier on the crew. The single fire-retardant, fiberglass fuel tank integrated into the hull on centerline means you’ll never need to transfer fuel between tanks again.

Signs of the times? The Hatteras GT54 sports nothing but greener, more cost-effective LED lighting — both AC and DC. Additionally, Hatteras has switched over to digital controls through KEP touch-screen displays. But perhaps the most significant improvement is what you can’t actually see: resin infusion used in the hull construction, which makes for a stronger, lighter and “greener” boat, thanks to a more precise use of raw materials. Hatteras sells each GT on a semicustom basis. Each boat is different, so it’s hard to pin down a base price.

In all, the GT54 performed with remarkable grace in adverse sea conditions, just as I remembered on that first 41-footer. History repeats itself.

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Hatteras Yachts GT 59 Boat Review

Power & motor yacht boat review, hatteras’ newest convertible is built from the generations of hard-fished sportfishermen that came before it, by simon murray, a boat show isn’t the best place to land a marlin. but it is a good place to land a prospective owner for your newly built sportfisherman, so waiting for me at pier sixty-six marina was hatteras yachts’ director of sportfishing capt. jeff donahue, his mate tyler davis and hull no. 1 of the gt59, her sleek, dark blue paint shining in the florida sun. a little over a winding mile north along this stretch of icw, a legion of sunglass-wearing construction workers was breaking down the 59th ft. lauderdale international boat show. donahue and company had been one of the first cut loose, and they were reveling in their new-found freedom. after being in attendance for every day of the five-day show, i couldn’t help but feel the same way as i stepped aboard. “it kind of feels like you’ve been let out of the cage,” opined donahue, splayed out in the expansive salon as davis stared distractedly at his phone. their body language said it all: the boat show, while successful, had clearly taken its toll. now the real work could begin..

If you can even call it work. While Donahue wears many hats for the New Bern, North Carolina builder, the foremost is overseeing the Hatterascal—a designation bestowed on the GT59 for 2019. It also might be one of the best jobs in the industry, one that requires captain and crew to attend a distinguished list of tournaments: from the Production vs. Custom Shootout to the White Marlin Open. In the past, the program has commandeered almost every model in the GT line—including the 54, 63 and 70—as demo boats. Donahue’s predecessor, Capt. Terry Stansel, even went so far as to live on the old 54 with his wife, traveling to the big-fish tourneys and boat shows up and down the East Coast.

If that sounds extreme—and it is—it also speaks to the importance of the program. On its face, the Hatterascal is unabashedly a market- ing promotion, allowing anglers to see the newest high-performance convertible in action, while also giving prospective buyers the opportunity to step aboard. But just as important, by dint of fishing it hard, Donahue and his crew are able to familiarize themselves with every inch of the vessel and offer tweaks and improvements to the design team in real time. “The best part about the program is you’re learning firsthand about your own product,” said Donahue. “One person’s opinion is one person’s opinion. But when you hear some- thing six or seven times, you better pay attention.”

It was time to put that plan into action. as donahue fired up the optional twin 1,900-hp caterpillar c32s, davis untied her lines and pushed out toward the stranahan river’s busy, post-show traffic. in no time, we had jockeyed around a cabin cruiser and a couple center consoles, taking the lead through port everglades inlet and running to daylight., over a decade ago, hatteras yachts debuted the gt60, the initial offer- ing in the gran turismo lineup. as the models progressed down the line, aesthetic and mechanical improvements were implemented. replacing the gt60, the gt59 is the current culmination of those subtle and not-so-subtle changes. for instance, the mezzanine features not only the requisite storage boxes underneath, but a bait freezer, a garmin touchscreen to port and integrated seatback air conditioning right around the mid-torso level. (the latter assuredly inspired by the maxim: happy crew, happy you.) and then there’s the patented deep hull tunnels that have been around for decades, which reduce shaft angles and provide maximum usable engine torque and thrust when underway or backing down. such innovations speak to the ideas born from hard fishing on the circuit..

Hatteras has offered one to three fuel tanks on its convertibles over the years, owing, typically, to the boat’s center of gravity and size. On the GT59, two come standard: a 1,500-gallon integral tank forward and a 250-gallon tank aft—with the option for an additional 250-gallon auxiliary tank where a Seakeeper 16 would go. As I would soon find out, with the 1,900-hp Cats, the 59 makes a cruise speed of 33 knots at 2000 rpm and a fuel burn of 165 gph. Considering her standard fuel capacity, the 59’s range is 357 miles at cruise: more than enough, in my opinion, to effectively curb any argument for trading the Seakeeper’s proven stability in rough seas for a little more juice. I think many would-be owners will agree.

As i was inspecting the rigging and storage—including two insulated fishboxes with a macerator, and a large transom fishbox that can easily accommodate a day’s worth of baitfish—donahue motioned for me to come join him on the flybridge. the helm featured three, flush-mounted garmin displays in a blacked-out array (to reduce the glare) that were currently showing our fishfinder and chartplotter. for a second i imagined the 59 was fully rigged, and we were on our way to the nearest canyon. if we were, there was plenty of seating for friends and guests on the flybridge alone, including two lounges that flank either side of the helm console. unobstructed 360-degree views from the captain’s chair looked onto a massive sunpad forward that opened to reveal a giant freezer—no more monkeying down the ladder just to snag a drink., grabbing the wheel, the exhilaration of her rpm range snapped me back into focus. a 3- to 4-foot chop was no match for the 59’s prominent knife-like entry and variable deadrise hull that flares out in true carolina fashion, effectively curtailing any spray. hitting a 40-knot top end, the biggest takeaway was the smoothness of her ride. no pound- ing or vibration, zero spray. the way the 59 was eating up the choppy whitewater, a crew could get some undisturbed winks heading out to the fishing grounds, no problem. “it rides on a pillow of air,” said donahue, proudly. upon returning to the docks, i inspected the wind- shield closer. it looked as if it had received nary a drop., in 1965, willis slane, jr., president and founder of hatteras yachts, sent a neatly typed letter to the company’s network of dealers. though enjoying moderate success, hatteras had chosen to discon- tinue their 34 sports cruiser in favor of prioritizing molds to build a 34 convertible. they were also making a big change from gas to diesel power—specifically, gm 453 turbo-charged engines. “the hatterascal, our demonstrator, has the same engines and has been operating since the first of the year,” wrote slane. “we and general motors are very pleased and feel it is a perfectly matched hull, weight and horsepower for diesels.”, that first hatterascal, the 34 delux sport fisherman, not only helped build the company, but quite literally changed the makeup of the sportfishing industry. for decades, slane’s competitors in north carolina had been building fishing boats exclusively in wood. slane, an avid offshore angler, was frustrated with the rough sea conditions off cape hatteras that routinely kept the local wooden sportfishing fleet at the dock. after visiting the cristaliner corporation in miami, and sea-trialing a 27-foot race boat made of fiberglass, slane had the wild notion (for the time) to use this nascent material to construct a sportfisherman out of fiberglass. people thought he was crazy. undeterred, slane hired young naval architect jack hargrave, who would go on to become a pioneering yacht designer credited with designing the 41-foot knit wits, the first boat over 30 feet to be built of fiberglass., that’s the story we all know. but what may not be as well documented was the eye-opening effect the hatterascal had on customers and wooden boatbuilders alike. after attending the various tournaments and boat shows, the durability and strength of fiberglass— coupled with the fit and finish and comfort found aboard the 34—far outpaced anything on the market. in fact, there were more than a few manufacturers that could not make the switch and eventually folded. by allowing anglers and captains to experience the hatterascal, the industry was largely transformed from wooden boats to fiberglass. in no small way, the 34 provided a key evolutionary step between the wooden boats that sailed the seas for millennia to the new fiberglass hulls of today., owing to that original success, and its subsequent innovations, the hatterascal program was going strong for decades. but when the re- cession hit, and purse strings got tight industry-wide, it was shelved. jeff donahue had recently come on board at hatteras, and had seen the effectiveness of the program firsthand. post-recession, there was a big push at new bern to revive it. “because it’s such a vital market- ing tool for us,” said donahue. (its resurgence has coincided nicely with the popular gt series.) since that time, though his position has changed—from sales manager to director of sales to director of sportfishing—he’s remained hatterascal’s ex officio skipper., when i last spoke with the crew, they were in key largo preparing for the reef cup, the first tournament of the season. the week before, they had taken out a prospective owner and his mother-in-law: for other crews, a potential kiss-of-death. but not the hatterascal team. “she was 81 years old and caught her first fish. so she was excited and hollerin’,” said donahue. “you’ve got to be able to do that and roll with it and have fun and make them enjoy the experience.”, since i had last come aboard, donahue and davis had identified some tweaks to the 59 that could be implemented immediately, such as relocating the electric steering pumps and the salt-water wash- down to a different location. they also had made an important observation: since the sailfish bite had been strongest in the immediate prop wash, they were adjusting the lines, hoping it would lead them to the winner’s circle. donahue can still remember where the bites would come on the 63—“left short”—or the 70—“left short and right short”—as if it were yesterday. “every boat has its little honey spot,” said donahue. “some boats you’ve got to fish everything back further, some boats you can fish things in close. it takes time to dial in.”, this is all in preparation for “the really hoppin’ period between may through september” where the crew will be covering a lot of ground, going from the production vs. custom shootout in the bahamas to the mid-atlantic tournament in cape may, new jersey— viking’s home turf. though the hatterascal crew goes up against viking’s in-house team throughout the season, donahue assured me the two sportfishing giants engage in friendly competition. this is a program focused on fun, after all, and letting others see for them- selves what the newest addition to the hatteras family is made of. pride centers on the design, even if the fish aren’t biting., the 59’s predecessor, the 63, was the latest model to usher in a new generation of sportfishing boats. donahue tells a story of being at a dock with a custom north carolina builder aboard the 63 after it had recently debuted. a guy came up and greeted him warmly, congratulating him on his new boat. according to donahue, “the builder said ‘i wish i could take credit for it, but it’s a hatteras.’” excited, donahue went back to his design team and told them they had hit it out of the park: “people think it’s a custom boat.” that’s the goal they’ve been go- ing for ever since—staying within their current style, but making it look more custom when possible by softening edges and keeping windows flush instead of scalloped, among other touches., when the gt65 is launched later this year, to replace the 63, it will feature all of those incremental changes throughout the years, with a focus on upgrading the helm array and an all-new engine room lay- out. in addition, the hull and stringer system will be infused as a single part—an industry first, according to the builder—to reduce weight and increase strength. it will also most likely be the next hatterascal., contact california and mexico hatteras yachts dealer kusler yachts today for more information., kusler yachts has been in business since 2010 and is one of the most successful yacht brokerage’s in southern california.  kusler yacht s is the west coast premier yacht brokerage specializing in yachts for sale, fishing boats for sale, regulator center console boats, hatteras yachts , albemarle fishing boats and used boat sales. kusler yachts san diego yacht brokers have over 50 years of on-the-water experience.  contact us today ., join kusler yachts at the 2019 fort lauderdale boat show – #flibs, join kusler yachts at the miami yacht show feb 13-17, 2020.

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The Hatteras 58 LRC: Now and Again

• By Dudley Dawson
• Updated: October 4, 2007

Twenty-five years is a long time for a naval architect to wait for a sea trial. I may have waited longer if my old friend Bill Beardslee hadn’t invited me to join him aboard a Hatteras 58 LRC.

Bill called me a few years ago and asked about the boat. He was ready to retire, sell his Michigan boat yard and buy a cruising yacht, and the Hatteras was high on his list. Jack Hargrave had designed her in the mid-1970s, when I was his vice president. Naturally, my friend wanted an informed opinion before signing the papers.

The boat had been out of production since 1985, but Bill knew of a well-maintained late model. The 58 LRC, designed in response to the fuel shortages of that era, has a full-displacement hull form. Standard power is a pair of Detroit Diesel 4-71N engines, enough to push the boat to its hull speed of 10 knots. The boat Bill was considering had the optional Detroit 6-71N diesels and a bit of margin for keeping the speed up in head seas. After our chat, Bill made the boat his own, and he and his wife, Susan, set out on the cruise of a lifetime.

They picked up the boat in Florida and, after seeing the cannon-topped grave of Otway Burns, privateer, in the Old Burying Grounds of Beaufort, North Carolina, christened her Snapdragon after Burns’ ship. They spent their first year cruising the Great Lakes, the East Coast, Florida and the Bahamas. Last spring, they shipped Snapdragon to Vancouver and headed north to Alaska.

On their way back, Bill gave me another call and invited me to join them on their way to Vancouver.

Of course, I jumped at the chance for the exceptional cruise. What a wonderful opportunity to check out a boat whose birth I had witnessed a quarter-century ago, to see how she’s held up and to decide what I might be tempted to redesign were Snapdragon mine.

We flew into Prince Rupert in early September and boarded Snapdragon for the southbound leg to Bella Bella. Devoting nine days to a trip that takes less than an hour by plane let us appreciate every one of the thousand waterfalls at our leisure. In Grenville Channel, the cruise ship Statendam hurried by on her way to Alaska’s Glacier Bay. Her thousands of unknowing passengers had missed the majestic splendor of British Columbia’s Fiordland Park, the serenity of nature as bears fed on salmon in Khutze Inlet and the quirky graffiti that adorned the tiny tin-roof shack that passed for a spa at Bishop Bay Hot Springs.

They had also missed the tiny entrance to Bottleneck Inlet, a cove off Finlayson Channel. It could grace an Absolut ad without any photo retouching. Taking breakfast alfresco on a brisk morning as the fog lifted, we enjoyed warm, homemade cereal on the flying bridge as bald eagles passed so closely overhead we could hear the sound of their broad, powerful wings.

As unforgettable as the scenery was, I am, after all, a naval architect. As we traveled south, I noticed what was new and what was old. I found pleasing assurances that yacht design has indeed improved over the years, and I made some mental decisions about changes I’d make were I designing her today.

High on my list was larger heads. Oh, for just a few more inches! A 27-inch shower, and 3 inches from toilet to bulkhead, is not enough. Adults of average size can’t shower in a 27-inch stall without banging their elbows; 36 inches would be wonderful, but uncommon.

Speaking of heads, the ones aboard the LRC are intended for remote cruising, not tying up at a yacht club. This means anchoring and running off the inverter whenever possible to prevent the noise of a generator, and drawing heavily from the water tanks. A larger water tank would be an asset because with so much time spent on inverter power, Snapdragon’s watermaker has little time to keep up with water usage. An interesting bit of irony in modern boats is that water tanks seem to be getting smaller because most owners tie up in a slip and use shorepower for the watermaker.

Built-in stowage for fenders and lines would have been great. Snapdragon has several deck boxes, but why not have lockers? Home designers rejected freestanding wardrobes for closets decades ago. A little more inside stowage, particularly book shelves, wouldn’t hurt, either.

A previous owner, during a galley makeover, took care of one thing I’d definitely update. In place of the single rectangular sink all the way outboard, a pair of round sinks had been installed in the after corner, yielding more usable counter space and making the galley much more workable.

The starboard stateroom is a tiny space originally fitted with a high single berth for crew, but Bill and Susan, both able navigators and helmsmen, operate Snapdragon themselves. Bill is also devoted to maintaining the boat in Bristol condition (I say diligent, Susan says obsessive), so he had already commandeered the little cabin as a workshop. The berth’s mattress was gone, and the bed board served nicely as a workbench, conveniently located just outside the engineroom door.

High on Bill’s wish list was a second engineroom door at the master stateroom foyer. It would have been so easy on the drawing board, but with all the equipment installed on the bulkhead, it would be a real job now. Bill serves as his own engineer, so such a door would make nightly shutdowns and periodic checks of the engineroom easier. It would also provide a second emergency escape route for all the spaces belowdecks.

In addition to the 58 LRC, Hatteras built 42, 48 and 65 LRCs. The 65 LRC was similar to the 58 in style and arrangement, but offered more room at an accordingly higher price. Though all the LRCs are out of production, there is an active Hatteras LRC Owners’ Association. When I contacted the Owners’ Association to get another take on 58 LRCs, I was put in touch with Kirk Irwin.

After 13 years on a 42 LRC, Irwin and his wife recently moved up to a 58 LRC. She is hull number two, built in 1975 and not given the care Snapdragon enjoyed over the years. The Irwins are in the process of a major refit, and they have a longer wish list.

The after bulkhead in their saloon will be opened up and the afterdeck enclosed, creating more interior space. There will be a new galley and a soft flying bridge enclosure. They have already consolidated many of the through-hulls, changed the MSD’s from salt to fresh water and added a fuel transfer pump. The Irwins are happy with the 4-71 engines, but would like a bow thruster to improve maneuverability for docking in a blow. The structural changes are a matter of individual preferences, while the changes to the machinery and plumbing bring the boat up to modern standards.

The Irwins would also like a bigger cockpit and a bigger pilothouse, but that will have to wait for a bigger boat. Though the trip on Bill’s Hatteras proved designers have come a long way, there are no miracles.

Contact: Hatteras LRC Owners’ Association, [email protected] .

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70 Hatteras Sportfish Walkthrough [Boat Review + Video]

Take an extensive tour of the 70 hatteras sportfish [just like that] in fort lauderdale, florida with russ schafer..

This article is a transcription of the 70 Hatteras video from Denison’s YouTube Channel . Tune in daily to discover the latest yacht video walkthroughs from the world’s largest yacht video collection. Watch the full video below:

Good morning I’m Russ Schafer with Denison Yachting here in the yachting capital of the world, Fort Lauderdale, Florida on board JUST LIKE THAT , a 1999 70 Hatteras Sportfish enclosed bridge. In addition to the quality, ride and respect that comes with the Hatteras name, this 70 was heavily optioned from the factory. Since her delivery, she has been continuously updated throughout her life and maintained better than most of her competitors that I’ve personally been on board. There are a few things that make this boat stand out one of which is her MTU engine package. Shortly after her delivery, her owner replaced her Detroit diesels with 16V 2000 MTUs. Her updated engine package allows her to cruise nicely at 26 knots or even faster if needed. I personally seen these engines push this 70 footer over 34 knots on the pins.

In addition to her MTU engines, she is stabilized with Nyad Multi C2 Stabilizers. Her two Nyad stabilizers are found below the waterline and offer great compensation for the full tuna tower. Another important feature is in 2017, both generators were replaced with 21.5 kW Onan generators. Plenty of other features that give this boat a much newer feel include a paint job and all powder coating redone in white, upgraded Garmin electronics, updated air conditioning and heads, new tender 14 foot with a 40 horsepower Yamaha, fridge and washer and dryer.

We are going to get today’s walkthrough started off at the transom of the 70-foot Hatteras. An expansive 159 square foot cockpit loaded with everything you need for long range fishing. Some of the main features back here include a pair of updated underwater lights that are placed just below this Hatteras’s name board. Another essential feature back here is the tuna door located at the starboard side of the transom. Moving into the cockpit itself, I’m next going to point out some of the other key aspects of her fishing platform. Centerline is a removable table that within minutes can be replaced with a fighting chair that conveys with the sail of this boat. Located directly under this below the deck is a massive fish 80-inch plumbed with an Eskimo ice chipper. This works well with the molded in fish box, live well in the aft transom.

To starboard is cold storage with both a refrigerator and freezer. This is integrated into the mezzanine step with matching storage located to port for your bait and tackle. The final feature to point out back here are the two folding step boxes for boarding. These are located on both sides of the cockpit and make boarding and leaving the vessel much easier than having to step up on the gunnel.

This brings us to the mezzanine which is just two steps up from the cockpit. There’s a long bench seat located on the port side below the cover of a molded brow that keeps you protected from the elements. As you can tell this area was designed to be a safe space for having the family on board. Thanks to the many safety rails that encircle this space. To starboard is additional storage as well as a cockpit docking station and sink. The helm found here gives you full control over the yacht and is located directly below the stairs leading up to the enclosed bridge and tuna tower. Once at the top of this ladder, you arrive to the observation deck which has a refrigerator and storage to starboard. Also found up here is an aft facing seat that mirrors the bench seating located directly below. Outboard of this is another docking station to port which comes in handy when you’re fishing a tournament or backing down.

From here you can climb up the safe centerline ladder to the tower. This is the best spot to keep an eye on your bait. Found up here is the third exterior helm from which you can operate the 70-foot Hatteras. Next we’re going to enter the enclosed air-conditioned flybridge where you’ll first notice the two custom adjustable helm chairs overlooking updated Garmin electronics. Other key features found here are twin 7215 Garmins and an XSV Garmin with open array radar. Accessibility to electronics is easy if you need to work on something. There’s also L-shaped seating to port with rod storage and a sink with additional storage to starboard with AC controls.

From here our next stop is the salon located on the main deck. It’s immediately evident that this living area has been updated and well cared for. To port is an L-shaped ultra-leather sofa with beautiful high-gloss coffee table. Underfoot is updated carpeting and looking over to starboard we see a 55-inch flat screen TV along with a barrel chair and entertainment center. Looking forward into port you’ll see the wet bar and granite countertops above the updated ice maker and wood blinds. JUST LIKE THAT features a step up galley located just forward of the salon. There are granite countertops throughout with Teak and Holley flooring. It’s hard to miss the full-size GE stainless refrigerator replaced in 2020. Other appliances include the 4 burner cooktop and microwave convection oven. Across to starboard is the spacious wraparound dinette with fresh upholstery. At this point it’s worth noting the AC systems were totally updated in 2018.

Now let’s take a look at the guest accommodations starting in the master. This accommodation is where the 18 foot beam shines. This full beam master boasts a king-sized berth, large closet and private head with shower. Leaving here and heading forward, we arrive at a bunk room with over under twin berths and private head. Just a few steps outside of this cabin is the updated laundry center.

Continuing forward through the companionway and turning to starboard is a guest stateroom with a queen berth and plenty of storage. This cabin has a Jack and Joe entrance into the shared head and shower. All the way forward is the VIP stateroom with an island queen berth. Directly overhead of the VIP topside is where the updated 14 foot AB custom tender with 40 horsepower Yamaha, purchased in 2018 is stored. Surrounding the foredeck are high bow rails that ensure safe operation. Forward on the pulpit is a 60 pound Danforth stainless steel anchor and Maxwell 3500 windlass. Lastly, we have the bow thruster to assist in turning all 70 feet on a dime.

Thank you for joining us on today’s walkthrough of JUST LIKE THAT. Should you have any questions or would like to schedule a showing, feel free to give us a call.

Inquire About the 70 Hatteras Sportfish:

Russ schafer.

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• Hatteras 39 Sport Express

by David Pascoe

There are big Hats and little Hats, but this is the last of the small Hats, which is a sad thing. The smallest Hatteras now made is a fifty footer. The problem, you see, is that good quality costs too much, so companies like Hatteras can no longer afford to offer boats like this. Not enough people willing to pay for this kind of quality in a small boat.

It really came as no surprise when the captain told us that this was the TENDER for their yacht. Un huh, that's what he said. Tender, as in dinghy for the big boat. That's the kind of money that buys these things when they're new, at prices that boggle the imagination. But here it is four years later selling for a fraction of original cost, and the person who's buying it is getting a great deal.

It's called the thirty nine Sport Express and is reminiscent of the Bertram 38 Special. Whereas the later was a dedicated fisherman, this boat makes a lot of concessions to socializing that true blue anglers might find disdainful. Take out all that fancy seating and you'd call this a Sport Fish.  But that's the way the market is with small sport boats these days. To sell enough to cover the cost of tooling and turn a slight profit, builders have to go the multipurpose boat route. And that's really what this boat is, for too many design concessions get in the way of calling her a true blue sport fisherman despite being decked out with fancy tower, riggers and chair.

Our test boat had an optional cockpit seating arrangement, which, cohabitating with a full Pompanette fighting chair, made the cockpit seem painfully small. To even get past the chair from one side to the other, you either have to step over the extremely obtrusive foot rest, or remove the seat back. The cockpit is NOT too small, it's just that you can't have your cake and eat it too. If this is a fish boat, then the optional seating doesn't belong there. If it's a party boat, then the chair needs to go. With both, you get the worst of both worlds.

Performance  Before we get into other details, let's talk about performance. And it just so happened that on our sea trial day we had a huge and mean line of thunderstorms angling across South Florida in such a way as that these storms were with us for most of the day. Thus, we got no respite, and at times had to slow to idle speed because one could barely see the bow of the boat, let alone where we were going. A couple of photos here illustrate the point.

Winds gusted up to, I would guess, around 40 knots, or enough to blow the tops of waves off on Biscayne Bay. We tried to head out Government Cut, but chose not to risk it when visibility went to zero and radar showed a ship heading in. Instead, we headed south toward the wide part of the bay where seas quickly rose to four foot, and very steep in that shallow water. With 6V92's turning out 540 horses, we were told that this was a 37 knot boat. That is almost believable except that a 42 Bertram with the same power will top out at 31-32, and I seriously doubted that this 30,000 lb boat would garner an additional 5 knots. So we were not surprised that the best she would not break 30 knots on an averaged trial run upwind and down, her best being a respectable 28.2 kts.

But over a four foot sea? Hmmm, now that is impressive. And without hernia belts and teeth guards. At those kind of speeds, the only thing that won't be bumpy would be a 100' hull. There was a bit of bucking, but no bone crushing, ring-your-bell slamming. In fact, there are darn few other boats her size that could even come close to doing 28 knots in four footers. Not for a minute did I fear that the boat couldn't take it, or that we were going to break something. Nor that I or any of the other passengers could not take it.

Never mind that our broker was former NFL quarterback Craig Erickson of Allied Marine, for whom such bumps don't even register on the Richter scale. Yes, the ride was tolerable to me, even under these absurd conditions, though you can bet your butt Moma would be hollering bloody murder. And when we finally returned to the dock hours later, there was nothing on board that got broken.

Her hull shape is pretty much the standard Hatteras fare, meaning a modified vee form with quite deep entry. The bow has a moderate amount of flair, rendering a remarkably dry ride. It achieves this in large part due to her angle of attack, wherein she rides at a 10 degree angle with tabs retracted. With 7 degrees as average or normal, you could say that she rides a little bow high.

With that in mind, now we can understand why she doesn't do better than 28 knots. Like everything else in this world, there are prices to be paid for certain benefits. You want first class sea keeping performance, then you ain't gonna go 37 knots . . . . at least as long as you don't have turbines for engines. Nor should it surprise you that she's got a 4 foot draft, a good portion of which is accounted for by a moderate sized keel that does a lot to help dampen roll.

The Cockpit  Getting back to layout, the cockpit, being divided between forward and after parts, as with all such designs, creates a huge bottleneck where the L-shaped cockpit settee narrows the passageway down to about 16" wide. At this point, it's hard not to notice how often two or more people bump into each other while trying to pass this point at the same time. That's but one of the reasons why trying to mix a fishing boat with a party boat doesn't work too well. Then, the fact that there is a wet bar, frig, and storage cabinets on the starboard side in this area, means that anyone working in this area has to move out of the way to let someone pass. Indeed, all day long I was plagued by asking people to move so that I could get by. You do this just so many times before it begins to dawn on you why this is a problem.

On the positive side, the cockpit bench seating is the nicest I've ever seen. You've heard me say that if you create a bench seat that holds three, the maximum that will sit there is two, because no one ever wants to sit in the middle. Well, they solved that problem by taking that long seat and breaking it up with arm rests between each of the three seating positions. Smart thinking there. And, the upholstery is remarkably firm and has held up well.

The helm sort of reminded me of a Tiara panel. There is a large back panel for mounting flush electronics. The compass goes front and center. The wheel is a destroyer type, vertically mounted, albeit on the smallish side with the engine controls above on the horizontal plane so that you don't get tangled up in the wheel. The DDEC displays are mounted on angled pods with a good line of sight. The electrically controlled helm seat allows you see over the back panel but unfortunately is poorly positioned relative to the wheel; you are not going to sit there and steer without getting a helluva backache. So, instead, you stand and hopefully soon you'll be able to turn on the autopilot. I'd hate to have to bring this one all the way down the Intracoastal. The two spoke wheel is not made for steering with your feet, as I usually do.

Incredibly, during hours of torrential rains, neither the windshield nor the enclosures did not leak much. It's a rakish, study affair, to which the paint seems to be adhering well. Railings are the husky 1" stainless pipe and solid as can be.

The Hull  Unlike Hatteras of the past, these boats are foam cored on the decks. The bottom is solid glass and the sides are too as near as I could determine. Stringers are the usual top hat type with no wood structures other than bulkheads. Decks are glassed on. Fore and cockpit decks are solid when jumped on. Hatches are all properly designed with very deep gutters and good drainage. As usual, hatches are a bit hard to get up, but that is a price you pay for solving the leakage problem.

This boat, with the optional cockpit seat, poses a ridiculous problem of engine room entry. The cockpit seat lifts up on pneumatic cylinders to reveal a Z-shaped engine room hatch that is not on hinges but has to be lifted out. And you have to do this whilst on hands and knees while you are UNDER the lifted up seat. If this doesn't cause you to throw your back out, probably nothing will. In any case, this is a badly thought out arrangement that is truly intolerable, but you only have this with the optional seating. . . . for which there is a special place just waiting on the bottom of the ocean . . . .

The Engine Room Originally designed for 6-71 inline diesels, this is one of the rare ones fitted with V92's. Unfortunately, they are a bit close together, which makes it hard to navigate between them. With the engines hot, you are bound to get burned, as I did. Otherwise, it is adequately sized with generator within.

If you know Hatteras, then you know they are famous for sprinkling electric panels around in their boats, and they place them in the oddest, often most inconvenient of places. Here is a perfect example of that: In the cabin is a main panel that contains only the main DC and AC circuit breakers. Virtually all the other breakers are in the engine room which, as you may recall, I described as being hell itself to get into. Why did they do it this way? Is it an April Fools joke? It would seem so considering the ordeal that one has to go through just to get there. Surely they could not have failed to notice the problem. They might as well have put those breakers at the end of a 500' long dock.

Engine noise? Contrast this with any Sea Ray and  you'll be amazed at the difference in noise levels. On a Sea Ray with Caterpillars you scream to be heard. Here, you can almost talk normally.

Cabin Area -- spacious but struck me as odd in a way hard to define. Perhaps because the depth of the hull renders a very high overhead, which visually throws things out of proportion. You get the impression of smallness without actually being small. Aft and to starboard is a spacious head with a good sized shower stall. No complaints here at all.

Just ahead of this is a four seat dinette -- as all Hatterases have dinettes because they are so darn convenient. Oddly enough, the only crappy thing on this boat was the dinette upholstery, which did not measure up to the rest of the boat. Neither did putting a self-contained AC unit under the dinette seat where, predictably, water sloshes out of the poorly drained condensation pan to begin ruining the wood work. There is a reason why they used to put the compressors in the engine room, and this exemplifies it.

The forward cabin, such as it is, does not have a vee berth but, rather a one-legged vee that makes for a largish berth that, although high up as you'd expect, has a lot of overhead so that you don't feel like a tinned sardine. However, there is a dearth of floor space so that doors and drawers get tangled up and are hard to get to or use.

Those unpleasantries aside, the galley is, shall we say, interesting? There's nothing really wrong with it, it's just different. Like the reefer and freezer hanging from the overhead above the counter. Here you hope that the contents haven't shifted and don't fall out as soon as you open the door. Counter tops are the now usual Corian lookalike plastic with premolded sink. Between the Kitchen Aid 2 burner cooktop and the sink, there isn't much working space. Nor is there much storage available. Oh, there are lots of cabinet doors, but when you open them you'll be amazed to find the spaces only 4-6" deep!!! And there is not a single drawer. Ah, well, you want space, buy a megayacht . . . .

Meanwhile, this is an altogether pretty nifty little boat that carries with it most of the usually good Hatteras engineering and quality but for a couple of serious gripes. Good quality and great performance don't often come together in a single package, but in this one you've got both. They were only built and sold for four years so there are not hundreds of them around. They started in '95 and ended in '98. Why? Too much quality and too high a price to sell a lot of this size boat. Now the smallest Hatteras built is a 50 footer.

It's the last of the little Hats.

Posted January 7, 2002

David Pascoe - Biography

David Pascoe is a second generation marine surveyor in his family who began his surveying career at age 16 as an apprentice in 1965 as the era of wooden boats was drawing to a close.

Certified by the National Association of Marine Surveyors in 1972, he has conducted over 5,000 pre purchase surveys in addition to having conducted hundreds of boating accident investigations, including fires, sinkings, hull failures and machinery failure analysis.

Over forty years of knowledge and experience are brought to bear in following books. David Pascoe is the author of:

• " Mid Size Power Boats " (2003)
• " Buyers’ Guide to Outboard Boats " (2002)
• " Surveying Fiberglass Power Boats " (2001, 2nd Edition - 2005)
• " Marine Investigations " (2004).

In addition to readers in the United States, boaters and boat industry professionals worldwide from nearly 80 countries have purchased David Pascoe's books, since introduction of his first book in 2001.

In 2012, David Pascoe has retired from marine surveying business at age 65.

On November 23rd, 2018, David Pascoe has passed away at age 71.

Biography - Long version

Boat Reviews Articles At-A-Glance

• Introduction to Boat Reviews
• Albemarle 305
• Aquasport 215
• Baha 260 Targa (not "Baja")
• Bertram Yachts
• Bertram Yachts: Introduction
• Bertram 26.6 II
• Bertram 28 II
• Bertram 30 Express
• Bertram 30 Moppie
• Bertram 31 SF
• Bertram 33 SF
• Bertram 36 Moppie
• Bertram 42 Convertible
• Bertram 46 Convertible
• Blackfin Yachts
• Blackfin 29 SF
• Blackfin 29 Combi
• Blackfin 32 Flybridge
• Blackfin 33
• Boston Whaler Outrage 26
• Cabo 31 Sport Express
• Century 3000
• Chris-Craft 302 Crown
• Contender 25
• Cranchi Mediterranee 40
• Cruisers 4270 Esprit
• Cruisers 4280
• Glacier Bay 2640 Renegade
• Grady-White Offshore 24
• Grady-White 24 Voyager
• Grady White 272 Sailfish
• Grand Banks 42
• Gulfstar 43  Trawler-style Yacht
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts: Introduction
• Hatteras 36 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible - Updated Review
• Hatteras 45 Convertible
• Hatteras 52 Convertible
• Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht & Convertible
• Hatteras 61 Motor Yacht
• Hyatt 45 CMY
• Intrepid 289
• Island Gypsy 40
• Legacy 34 Express
• Luhrs 320 Open
• Luhrs 34 - 340 F.B. Sedan
• Luhrs Tournament 350
• Luhrs Tournament 360
• Mainship 31
• Mainship 350 Trawler
• Mako 221- Updated 11/05/99
• Maxum 4600 1998
• Morgan 462 Ketch
• Offshore 48
• Post 46 Convertible
• Pursuit 2855
• Pursuit 3000 Offshore
• Pursuit 3070 CC
• Sea Ray and Balsa Core Bottoms (from "Structural Issues")
• Sea Ray 250 Sundancer
• Sea Ray Sundancer 290
• Sea Say Sundancer 290 Update
• Sea Ray 370 AC
• Sea Ray 39 Express
• Sea Ray 500
• Shamrock 26
• Thompson Santa Cruz 2700
• Tiara Yachts
• Tiara Today
• Tiara 3100 Open
• Tiara 3600 Convertible
• Tiara 3600 Open
• Topaz 28_1981
• Trojan 10-8 Meter
• Trojan 14 Meter Convertible
• Trojan 440 Express
• Viking 43 Open
• from Buying a Boat cat.
• Marlin Monroe 42 Bertram Convertible Make an Old Boat New
• A Few Favorites

• Basic Considerations
• Boat Types: Which is Right for You?
• Old Boats, New Boats and Quality
• Basic Hull Construction
• Evaluating Boat Hulls
• Performance and Sea Keeping
• Decks & Superstructure
• Stress Cracks,Finishes and Surface Defects
• Power Options
• The Engine Room
• Electrical & Plumbing Systems
• Design Details
• Steering, Controls, Systems & Equipment
• The Art of the Deal
• Boat Shopping
• The Survey & Post Survey
• Boat Builders by Company

• What is Pre-Purchase Survey?
• Business Practices and Client Relations
• Sound vs. Seaworthiness
• Hull and Its Structure
• Surveying the Hull
• Using Moisture Meters
• Stress Cracks & Surface Irregularities
• Deck & Superstructure
• Drive Train
• Gas Engines
• Fuel Systems
• Exhaust Systems
• Electrical Systems
• Plumbing Systems

Published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc. Articles, Images: Copyright © 1997 - 2018 David H. Pascoe All rights reserved. Articles, Images: Copyright © 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. Web site design & developement: Copyright © 1997 - 2023 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe

• Boat Reviews

Boat Review: Hatteras 70

• By David Ritchie
• Updated: October 12, 2001

Thanks to a sleek profile, rounded enclosed flybridge and low center of gravity, the brand-new Hatteras 70 stands as one of the most attractive mega-sport-fishermen to hit the water in a long time. While the boat might not be the fastest model this company has ever built, or the biggest, or even the most nimble, what the new 70 does provide is an outstanding combination of all the characteristics that traveling billfishermen appreciate. As a complete package, the Hatteras 70 is fast enough, big enough and nimble enough to rank as one of the best all-around long-range sport-fishermen available today. Its 18-foot beam affords plentiful storage, spacious accommodations and sleeping arrangements for the owner, several guests and crew. It features Detroit’s new 2000 series engines and a massive 2,000-gallon fuel capacity for a 30-knot cruise and an extended range. And its proven hull design and solid, seaworthy hull respond surprisingly well when faced with the challenge of catching billfish.

Fishability Not convinced that a 70-foot boat with an 18-foot beam can compete in the offshore tournament circuit? Then talk to Capt. John Bayliss, who took delivery of Hull No. 1 and promptly caught 12 fish to take sixth place among the 295 boats competing at the Ocean City White Marlin Open. He followed that strong showing up with a 20-fish first-place finish at the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament and completed the trifecta with a 15-fish first-place finish in the Mid-Atlantic $500,000’s release division.

“I can understand why some might be skeptical that a boat this big might not be able to maneuver on fish,” says Bayliss, factory captain for Hatteras Yachts. “I kinda felt the same way, but the boat proved me wrong. You may have to run her a little differently than a smaller boat, because the big wheels and high-powered diesels throw back a lot of white water when you move from reverse to forward, but you can catch ’em. We caught a quad, a triple and a couple of doubles, and that can require intricate handling – not what I expected from a boat this large.”

Despite her size and attention to luxury that cruisers and floating condo seekers will appreciate, the Hatteras 70 includes a number of touches that keep her in the serious sport-fisherman category. Foremost among these is her two-tiered, 185-square-foot cockpit. Though perhaps a little intimidating at first sight, the upper “observation deck” actually proves quite useful for a tournament crew. Its primary benefit is the separation it affords. During a fight, angler and crew can operate in a clutter-free environment down below while all non-essential personnel can enjoy the great view from above without being in the way. A second but no less important benefit: The observation deck provides an elevated platform for watching the baits in comfort out of the hot sun. “I love that deck,” Bayliss says. “It keeps my crew comfortable and alert and helps us spot fish before the strike.”

The layout also offers convenient placement for large freezers, lockers and tackle-storage areas on the lower deck and a huge ice box and Eskimo ice maker up above. Large in-deck fish boxes and an in-transom circulating livewell keep fishing amenities centrally located, and the boat’s 3’1″ of freeboard aft is low enough that a mate can easily reach down to release a fish.

Up Above One oft-cited criticism of large boats with enclosed flybridges is the lack of visibility a skipper faces when fighting fish. Invariably, boats of this nature include aft-mounted control stations to counteract this problem, but few really provide the unobstructed view and useful layout that an open bridge affords. In fact, on some boats these aft consoles appear as last-minute additions rather than a critical ingredient in the boat’s fishing success.

While most tournament skippers will still prefer the open bridge layout (which Hatteras does offer on this model), the aft station on the Hatteras 70’s enclosed bridge stands as a notable exception in the areas of visibility and functionality. Not only is the control station ideally positioned for a complete view of the cockpit, it sits underneath a large, molded-in overhang that provides a good bit of shade for the skipper. It features single-lever controls mounted on a pod helm, station-active buttons for DDEC’s trolling valves and low-idle modes, as well as space for flush-mounting a full electronics package, including depth finder, GPS, radio and temperature gauge. A cushioned seat to starboard, complete with handrails, allows for comfortable guest seating, and the center-mounted tower ladder is both safe and out of the way. Further, access to the bridge via the cockpit ladder can be controlled by a hatch that latches tight either open or closed. Inside the enclosed bridge are the luxurious appointments you would expect, including air conditioning, plenty of guest seating, vast space for flush-mounted electronics (with easy access to all wiring and electronics installations) and two fully adjustable helm chairs. Forward visibility is good, though moving the electronics console forward and down a bit would make it even better. Current models do not offer the popular circular staircase leading down to the salon, though future versions of the 70 may include that option.

Down Below Inside the salon of the Hatteras 70, you’ll find the spacious layout and luxurious appointments for which Hatteras is famous. But you’ll also find a couple of nifty touches that set this layout apart from the mundane. The first of these is the master stateroom, a full-beam beauty that includes a king-size berth amidships, private head with shower, built-in dressers and nightstands, and large cedar-lined lockers. (A crew’s quarters to port, twin bunks that easily convert into a double to starboard, and a queen berth in the forepeak complete the four-stateroom, four-head arrangement.)

A second point of interest in the 70’s layout is the unusual spot the builder chose to locate the boat’s air-conditioning and water pumps. Rather than house them inside the engine room, Hatteras placed them inside the bulkheads on both the port and starboard side of the stairway leading down to the staterooms. Insulated for sound and heat, these pump rooms are easy to access and allow the company to keep the 70’s engine room clutter-free.

The removal of pumps from the engine room creates surprisingly open working spaces both inboard and outboard of the large V-16 Detroit 2000 Series engines, though a fuel tank amidships does rob the forward half of the engine room of some headroom. Still, the entire compartment is captain-friendly, with systems well organized and easily accessed.

For more information, contact Hatteras Yachts, 110 N. Glenburnie Road, New Bern, NC 28560; 252-633-3101.

• More: Boat Reviews , Convertibles , Hatteras Yachts , Sport Fishing Boats

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