hatteras yachts history

• David Pascoe
• All Articles (over 180)
• Mid Size Power Boats
• Buyers' Guide to Outboard Boats
• Surveying Fiberglass Power Boats (2E)
• Marine Investigations
• Domestic (USA)
• International
• Privacy Policy
• All Articles
• Order Books

• Boat Reviews
• Buying a Boat
• Cores & Structural Issues
• Marine Engines
• Maintenance & Repairs
• Hull Blisters
• Marine Surveying
• Insurance Issues
• Boat Handling & Boat Safety
• Hurricane Preparations
• Fuel Issues

Read Online

Full Chapter One

• Hatteras Yachts

by David Pascoe

A long with Bertram and Hinckley, Hatteras has the distinction of being one of the first three production fiberglass boat builders to start up in around 1960. Oddly enough all three survive today, although Bertram may yet go by the wayside. The company was started in 1959 by North Carolina knitting mill owner Willis Slane who, as word has it, just wanted to build a good strong boat for himself for fishing the outer banks. What followed is one of the unparalleled success stories of the fiberglass boat building industry. 

Oddly enough, of the three major startups in around 1960 - Bertram, Hinckely and Hatteras - the former are know for producing boat hulls that almost never blister. Hatteras should have applied for a patent on the blistering process, for they were one of the worst offenders. Most likely this is because Hatteras has always painted their boats and has used low quality gelcoats that are prone to blistering, as well as lower quality resins, for gel coat alone does not account for the problem. 

For the most part, Hatteras built balsa cored boats. In earlier years, up through about 1980, the hulls were solid glass, and then cored hull sides appeared. Decks and house tops have always been balsa cored. In fact, were it not for Hatteras, Baltec would probably not be in business today. If you want to know how good balsa is as a core material, try to find a Hatteras with a core problem. Out of thousands of boats produced, there are only a few. And speaking of balsa, if you've ever noticed that Hatteras yachts are notably quieter inside than most others, that's because of the wonderful acoustic properties of balsa. 

When it comes to building good quality, consistent and reasonably priced motor yachts, no one had been able to hold a candle to Hatteras. Unlike Bertram, Hatteras recognized that wives often controlled the checkbook in the family, and didn't make the mistake of forgetting this important marketing factor like Bertram did. Thus, when the recession of '89 struck, Hatteras was at least poised to survive it, whereas Bertram had locked themselves into the sport fishing market exclusively, with their ugly formica interiors, and manly appointments. Thus, they went down with the end of the free-spending era of the 1980's. But were it not for the parent company's deep pockets, even Hatteras probably wouldn't have survived, for large boat sales were almost nonexistent for three long years. 

Yet Hatteras has since abandoned a major part of the market that they had filled for so long, the medium size sport fisherman and motor yachts of a type that was renowned for their sea keeping abilities, having been designed by the famous designer Jack Hargrave. Two prominent examples of which are the 45 Convertible and 43 motor yacht. Today, the smallest boat they make is a fifty footer priced at well over one million dollars. And with Bertram not gaining much attention in the mid size range either, the days when we had a few good quality, rugged offshore type boats to choose from are over. All we are left with is an aging fleet of older Hatterai and Bertrams. The Bertram fleet once consisted of 21, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 38, 42, 43, and 46 foot models. All that's left is are outrageously priced 36 and 39 footers which are rarely seen on the waterfront these days.

Unfortunately, no one has rushed in to fill the void created by the withdrawal of these two companies. Oh, sure a few have tried, but the most recent offerings don't even come close to duplicating these legends. So why did Hatteras abandon this market? Or why isn't Bertram doing well with their three boats under 50 feet? In a word, cost and lower profit margins.

To produce boats of this quality today simply costs more than the market will bear. Plus, they probably can't compete with the lower cost price leaders since fewer and fewer people are willing to pay the freight for better quality. Boats have gotten too fancy as people demand more and more amenities, more plush interiors, more appliances, electronics and whatnot. When you add up the cost of all this, and factor in the additional cost factor of substantially higher quality structures and systems, it's not hard to see how good quality boats quickly exceed the reach of most of those who desire them.

But, there is an additional factor as well, which is that the design of a good sea boat is not amenable to the creation of the vast interior spaces that people want today. Boat owners willingly sacrifice sea keeping ability for interior space. Mom takes one look at any good sea boat and says, "But it's so small inside! That Sea Ray was twice as big." Yeah, Mom, it is. but you can't shove a wide flat surface against an oncoming wave and not end up getting splattered against a bulkhead. There's no way you're going to take a Sea Ray to sea as you would a Hatteras.  Mom doesn't want to go to sea anyway. She'd prefer to stay lashed to the dock, close to the swimming pool and tennis courts. And that's why we don't have any more 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 53, 43, 45, 46, or 48 foot Hatterases anymore. People want floating condos, and the market will always give them what they want so long as enough of them want it. But there aren't enough people that want good sea boats.

So, until people decide either that they're tired of beating their brains out in floating condos, or get tired of staying tied to the dock, or just puttering around in protected waters, or they stop demanding the utmost in luxury, (I'm not holding my breath) the days of the middle class Hatteras are over.

Sad, but very true.

Hatteras 36 Convertible   |  Hatteras 38 Convertible   |  Hatteras 38 Convertible : Updated Review |  Hatteras 39 Sport Express | Hatteras 45 Convertible |  52 Hatteras Convertible | Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht & Convertible |  Hatteras 61 Motor Yacht

Posted January 13, 1998, Updated September 04, 2000

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: Introduction
• Hatteras 36 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible - Updated Review
• Hatteras 39 Sport Express
• 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

Hatteras Yachts History

Hatteras Yachts had its beginnings on the blustery shore of North Carolina’s barrier islands, by the turbulent waters of Diamond Shoals. Grounded by a nor’easter that would have crushed his wooden hulled boat, Willis Slane resolved to build a fiberglass yacht tough enough to tackle any storm and large enough for a fishing crew or small family. With design assistance from Jack Hargrave, on March 22, 1960, Slane introduced the Knit Wits, the world’s first fiberglass 41-foot sportfishing yacht, and a new industry was launched

The response was overwhelmingly positive, and less than two years later Hatteras Yachts premiered the first fiberglass motor yacht, with additional models quickly following. By the late 1960s, Hatteras offered a full line of models including the Hatteras 50 MY, the largest production fiberglass motor yacht then available. As industry demand grew for bigger boats, Hatteras rose to the challenge, expanding the Hatteras sport fishing fleet from 50′ boats to 90′ convertibles. The Hatteras line eventually grew to encompass a line of cruising yachts ranging from 63 to 100 feet in length. The undisputed leader of production convertibles and motor yachts in the industry, Hatteras has launched more than 7600 vessels.

With a deserved reputation as a true innovator in the industry, Hatteras has pioneered many of the technologies used today in the marine industry, including state-of-the-art hull design. Traditional deep-V hulls incur high hull resistance and demonstrate a high tendency to roll; while flat-bottom hulls offer less resistance, they have an unfortunate tendency to pound in normal sea conditions. The expert naval architects and engineers at Hatteras developed a series of convex and modified V-hulls that provide the best of both designs, delivering a sharp entry and the soft, stable renowned “Hatteras ride.” Most Hatteras hulls feature a double chine with hull side “step-outs” that increase interior space above the waterline while helping to reduce spray. Some of the other innovations Hatteras has delivered are state-of-the-art lamination techniques, propulsion systems, and fully resin-infused hulls. That method of creating hulls virtually eliminates airborne pollutants while saving significant weight and adding stiffness to provide a world-class ride.

Let Atlantic Yacht and Ship’s knowledgeable yacht brokers help get you out on the water in the vessel of your dreams. Whether you are seeking yachts for sale , or are a boat or yacht owner looking to sell or trade, Atlantic Yacht & Ship has the experience and connections to help you realize your goals. Browse our extensive listings of new and pre owned motor yachts , or call us directly at 1-888-230-0439 and we will help you locate your ideal vessel.

Categories for this Article

• Sport Fishers

Explore Articles by Category

• 42Yellowfin
• AY&S News
• Bertram Yachts
• Boat Inventory
• center consoles for sale
• Custom Motor Yacht
• Florida Motor Yachts
• Florida Sport Fishing
• Fort Lauderdale News
• Fort Lauderdale Yachts
• Leopard Yacht
• Luxury Yacht Charter
• luxury yachts
• Maritime Industry
• Miami Yacht Show
• Motor Yacht Detailing & Maintenance
• Motor Yacht for Sale
• Navigator Yacht
• Palm Beach Yacht
• Pearl Yacht
• Pre Owned Motor Yachts
• Quality Motor Yachts
• Sabre Yacht
• sportfish for sale
• Tri Deck Motor Yacht
• Uncategorized
• Viking sport fish
• World Travel
• Yacht Shows
• Yachting News

Design & Décor , Living with Style , People, Places & Spaces

The hatteras yacht, a step back in time.

Good stories always start with a bit of serendipity and end up reminding us of what a small world this truly is! And now that I live in Newport, the yachting capital of the country, this story is even more relevant. Especially when it involves a piece of American boating history — the introduction of the first fiberglass boat, the Hatteras.

The just published book, The Yachts and Ships of Jack Hargrave, has many pages devoted to the Hatteras’ founding, design and production. This welcome addition to your bookshelf benefits greatly from the dedicated and loving research by Mike Joyce (former president of Hargrave Yachts) and Marilyn Mower’s talents as a marine journalist with a skill for story telling!

As regards Hatteras, how a landlocked small town where I once lived, High Point, North Carolina, recognized as the hosiery and furniture capitol of our country, became the centerpiece of the “richest chapter in the development of boating.” My father, G. Nolan Bearden, joined Earl Phillips and other North Carolinians as the original founders of Hatteras Yacht. I was always intrigued with the mounted ad page from  Time  magazine that hung over the bar in our butler’s pantry.

It was the key pairing of two very dissimilar visionaries (Willis Slane and Jack Hargrave) who led this revolution in power boating. Willis, a fishing aficionado hailing from one of the major hosiery families, was the leader of this American success story that converted the entire boating industry from wood to fiberglass. Even as a young child I was fascinated with Willis Slane’s entrepreneurial spirit, his gruff exterior but warm heart, his “think big” leadership, his eyebrow-raising antics…and the fact that he ate ice cream for breakfast (he had an ulcer). It’s always fun to read the “early days” stories of an iconic product that has taken on mythic proportions in the retelling over many decades. I’ll point out  a few that have fascinated me:

  “Knit Wits,” the name for the very first Hatteras, was chosen by Willis to honor his textile background while winking at disbelievers along the way. In 2013, the company tracked down the original 41′ boat and fully restored her; here she is (below) re-painted in her 1960’s signature white paint with teal trim.

Overcoming naysayers (“plastic” boat ??!”), Willis’ marketing savvy demanded a boat that was not only fiberglass, but married the speed and maneuverability of a sport fisherman boat with the comfort of a sedan cruiser. Willis coined this hybrid a “convertible.”

  At the time, the 41′ Hatteras was the largest boat built of fiberglass, with the biggest horsepower and a one-piece hull. The soundness of Hargrave’s design and the toughness of the construction guaranteed invaluable assistance from incredulous suppliers (like Owens-Corning). Jack and Willis in a popular ad.

  While many companies jumped on the fiberglass trend, it was the quality of the robust product that distinguished Hatteras! The big secret as to how they arrived at this product in the early days? Hargrave laid down panels of different combinations of materials and drove his car over each one; the one that didn’t break became the specification for the laminate (in his spare time, Jack Hargrave created woodblock images of his favorite Hatterases for company Christmas cards).

  Although Hatteras has had many owners since its founding in 1959, it is still produced in North Carolina (New Bern, on the waterfront), not far from Hatteras which inspired the name for the company. As the copy line states….”Willis Slane envisioned a fishing boat strong enough to withstand the waves off Cape Hatteras, where his prey of choice, the marlin, grow as big as the swells.” And if you’d known Willis Slane, you’d appreciate that this was not hyperbole.

Having extolled Jack Hargrave’s talents, it was a treat to recently be aboard a most singular yacht in Newport harbor, the MY  Renaissance , that was designed by the Hargrave team just last year. One of the few boats out there designed specifically for charter, its well-conceived design details and amenities struck this female as particularly appealing — but just as importantly, practical and livable. I’d be remiss if I didn’t pass this along…

The 116′ Renaissance has double the exterior space of comparable yachts in her size range, with a 10′ bar, dining area and 8 person jacuzzi… all under a hardtop on the flybridge lounge.

The luxurious accommodations are situated on four decks with ensuite guest cabins on the lower level. Four of the five staterooms are identical in size, with king beds easily converted into two singles if needed; the larger master stateroom is located on the main deck with the main salon, dining room and gallery.

The baths are also on the same level with their stateroom.

The wheelhouse is located on the third deck.

One of the many upgrades on the owners “must have” list was zero-speed stabilizers which prevent the yacht from rolling, even at anchor.

Tempted? See you on the water…

Thank you to  Churchill Yacht Partners and Denison Yacht Sales for providing Billy Black’s featured image of the 102′ Hatteras “Lady Carmen.”

You may also be interested in...

About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport , garden furniture designer ( The Parterre Bench ), national lecturer , and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House". View all posts by Bettie Bearden Pardee

4 thoughts on “ The Hatteras Yacht, A Step Back in Time ”

Love this!! xxx

Hi, fun to hear from you! It was actually your father (no surprise) who got this ball rolling. Ask him for the back story; I just sent this to them. xox from Newport, Bettie

How very interesting your connect with North Carolina, Hatteras and High Point families. Brilliant folks that excelled at invention. Spoke just yesterday to the charming Kay who is launching more grandmothering x 3 by end of January. Lynn and Dick Ziglar Winston-Salem and Atlanta

Kate, Happy day to u!

So interesting is this and your Dad’s brainy input. What makes N. C. the amazing state we know and love. So happy with your news! Xo, Lynn

Comments are closed.

Traveling and speaking on the many intriguing topics related to Newport is a special part of my year.

• (888) 983-4925
• My MarineMax Account
• No results were found.

A Legacy of Innovation at Hatteras Yachts

Find Your Hatteras Yacht

Setting the Standard

A New Breed

Discover Your Yacht

View Our Marinas

Before you go....

You've made a change in course! You are leaving the MarineMax Yachts website and headed to MarineMax.com .

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

Hatteras Yachts history

Hatteras yachts company history timeline.

With design assistance from Jack Hargrave, on March 22, 1960, Slane introduced the Knit Wits, the world’s first fiberglass 41-foot sportfishing yacht, and a new industry was launched

The entire interior was basically gutted and completely rebuilt in the mid 2000′s.

There are almost 4000 Hatteras boats in the United States register but most are relatively small, factory-assembled models: this table includes only those that are over 75 feet long, all of which were built in the New Bern yard, which closed in 2013.

The decision comes after the Court’s 2019 ban on recreational hunting.

42.3-Pound Dorado Earns $232,150May 17, 2022, Loreto B.C.S —Sunday concluded the third Marina Puerto Escondido Fishing Tournament as 51 Teams competed for over a half-million dollars in cash prizes, the highest ever awarded for a fishing tournament in the Loreto area.

New State Record for Dolphin FishGeorgia DNR, Brunswick, Ga., May 5, 2022—A 53-year-old Midway man is the new state record holder for dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as mahi mahi, after the Georgia Department of Natural Resources certified his catch Friday.

Rate Hatteras Yachts' efforts to communicate its history to employees.

Hatteras Yachts jobs

Hatteras yachts competitors.

Hatteras Yachts history FAQs

How old is hatteras yachts, when was hatteras yachts founded.

• Sea Ray Boats History
• Knapheide History
• Mastercraft Boat Company History
• Molded Fiber Glass History
• Boston Whaler History
• Despatch Industries History
• Altec History
• Delta Star History
• MECO History
• Thermo King History
• Tạp chí công ngh History
• Joy Global Surface Mining Inc History
• Stewart & Stevenson History
• Work at Sea Ray Boats
• Work at S2 Yachts
• Work at Ershigs
• Work at Knapheide
• Work at Mastercraft Boat Company
• Work at Molded Fiber Glass
• Work at Boston Whaler
• Work at Despatch Industries
• Work at TRAMCO
• Work at Altec
• Work at Delta Star
• Work at MECO
• Work at Swiger Coil Systems
• Work at Scout Boats
• Work at Powercon
• Knapheide Employment
• Altec Employment
• Delta Star Employment
• Scout Boats Employment
• Powercon Employment
• Thermo King Employment
• Stewart & Stevenson Employment
• Account Executive
• Administrative Assistant
• Call Center Representative
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Company Driver
• Customer Service Representative
• Data Analyst
• Data Entry Clerk
• Data Entry Specialist
• Delivery Driver
• Insurance Sales Agent
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Life Insurance Agent
• North Carolina
• New Bern, NC
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts History

Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Hatteras Yachts, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Hatteras Yachts. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Hatteras Yachts. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Hatteras Yachts. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Hatteras Yachts and its employees or that of Zippia.

Hatteras Yachts may also be known as or be related to Hatteras Yachts.

• THE PRINCESS PASSPORT
• Email Newsletter
• Yacht Walkthroughs
• Destinations
• Electronics
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boat Giveaway

• Cruising and Chartering

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] .

• More: Destinations , Hatteras , Long Range Cruisers
• More Cruising and Chartering

New Mediterranean Charter Options

Reflections on Offshore Sailing

A Pair of Custom Lines for Charter

Mackinac Island Escape

Heesen Reveals “Santosha” Details

For Sale: 2006 84′ Lazzara

Azimut Launches the Fly 62

For Sale: 2015 Beneteau Swift Trawler 50

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

List of All Hatteras Models

100 Motor Yacht

105 Motor Yacht

105 Raised Pilothouse

31 Flybridge

31 Flybridge Cruiser

32 Flybridge Fisherman

32 Sport Fish Fly Bridge

32 Sport Fisherman

34 aft cabin

34 Sportfish

34 Sportfish Convertible

34FT Sportfish

36 Convertible

36 Sport Fish

37 Convertible

38 Convertible

38 Double Cabin

40 Double Cabin

40 Dual Cabin Motor Yacht

40 Motor Yacht

41 Convertible

41 Sportfish

41 Twin Cabin

41 Yacht Fish

42 Convertible

43 Convertible

43 Double Cabin Motoryacht

43 Motoryacht

43 Sport Express

45 Convertible

46 Convertible

48 Cockpit Motor Yacht

48 Cockpit Motoryacht

48 Convertible

48 Motoryacht

50 Convertible

50 Sport Deck Motor Yacht

52 Cockpit MY

52 Convertible

52 Fisherman

52 Sport Deck Motor Yacht

53 Convertible

53 ED Motor Yacht

53 Extended deck house

53 Motor Yacht ED STABILIZED

53 Motoryacht

53 Yacht Fisherman

53 YACHTFISH

54 Convertible

54 Motoryacht

55 Convertible

55 Sport Fish

56 Motor Yacht

56 Motor Yacht USCG certified

56 Motoryacht

58 Long Range Cruiser

58 Motoryacht

58 Yacht Fish

58 Yacht Fisherman

58 Yachtfish

60 Convertible

60 enclosed bridge

60 GT Convertible

60 Motor Yacht

60 Sportfish

60GT Convertible

61 Cockpit Motoryacht

61 Sportfish

63 Motoryacht

63 Raised Pilothouse Motor Yacht

64 CONVERIBILE

64 Convertible

64 Motor Yacht

65 Convertible

65 Convertible Enclosed Bridge

65 GT Custom Carolina

65 Motoryacht

67 Cockpit Motor Yacht

68 Convertible

70 Cockpit Motor Yacht

70 Cockpit Motoryacht

70 Convertible

70 Motor Yacht

72 Cockpit Motoryacht

74 Sport Deck Motor Yacht

75 Cockpit Motor Yacht

75 Motoryacht

75 Sport Deck

80 Motor Yacht

80' Enclosed Bridge Skylounge

82 Cockpit Motor Yacht

84 Raised Pilothouse MotorYacht

86 Convertible

Cockpit Motor Yacht

Cockpit Motoryacht

Convertible

Convertible 37

Convertible 46

Convertible High-Performance

Convertible/SPF

CPMY Yacht Fisherman

CPMY Yachtfish

Double Cabin

Double Cabin Motor Yacht

Enclosed Bridge

Enclosed Bridge Convertible

Enclosed Bridge Motor Yacht

Enclosed Fly Bridge

Express Cruiser

Flush Deck Flybridge Motor Yacht

GT 65 Carolina

GT45 Express

GT45X Flybridge

GT45X Tower

GT65 Carolina

GT65 Carolina Series

HATTERAS 43

Hatteras 45 Convertible

HATTERAS 52

hatteras 53

Hatteras 58 MY

Hatteras 65 Convertible EB

Hatteras 70

HATTERAS 86 CONVERTIBLE

HATTERAS Hattersa 45'

Long Range Cruiser

M75 Panacera

M90 Panacera

M98 Panacera

Mark II LRC

One of a kind Motor Yacht

Open Bridge

Raised Pilot House MY

Series 60 CPMY

Sport Deck MY

Sport Fish Convertible

Sportdeck Motor Yacht

Stabilized Motor Yacht

Trunk Cabin

Yacht Fisher

• ON THE HORIZON
• HURRICANE HAUL OUT

GT 65 Carolina

THE WORLD OF HATTERAS

For fisherman, by fisherman.

News, events, owner stories, and more. Experience the world of Hatteras.

Driving the Knit Wits

Unmistakable—thanks to her jaunty flybridge, white paint and teal trim, the 41-foot Knit Wits, the first Hatteras ever built, pulled up to the dock at Pier 66 Marina in Fort Lauderdale where we waited to board her. Thanks to a full restoration by the Hatteras factory team in 2013, she looked just as fresh and feisty as the day she launched in 1960—55 years ago.

The Hatteras Advantage: Superior Hull Construction

You want to be out where the fish are biting, even when it’s too rough for the other boats to leave the dock. That’s why every Hatteras hull is designed and built to give you a smooth, stable ride in turbulent offshore conditions.

The Hatteras Advantage: Onboard Electrical Systems

While Hatteras Yachts’ legendary ride, performance, comfort, and fishability get the lion’s share of attention, the equipment we manufacture for each of our boats also is purpose-built to deliver an exceptional experience. Take the electrical wiring systems and panels that keep your Hatteras lighted, running and safe. Our veteran technicians build them all by hand in-house to ensure your boat always has the electrical power you need when you need it.

The Hatteras Advantage: Interior Design

One of the many reasons owners ultimately choose to purchase a Hatteras is due to our ability to highly personalize their vessel. From slight modifications to general arrangements to installation of over-the-top backlit stonework, we won’t shy away from much. No two Hatteras Yachts are ever the same, as we work closely with our customers to ensure their yacht’s interior and exterior design, as well as overall amenities, embody their individual needs, desires and dreams.

CONVERTIBLES

The Hatteras GT Experience

Sports car handling, sea-kindliness and 40+ knots.

The Hatteras Advantage: Noise Suppression

The Hatteras in-house design and engineering team has made noise suppression a priority for decades.

The Hatteras Advantage: The Engine Room

When Hatteras owners take guests on a tour of their yacht, they often save the best part for last − the engine room. Every machinery space, from the GT59 to the GT70, is Intelligently designed, well-equipped, and surgically clean, showcasing the best of Hatteras engineering, design and construction technology.

READY FOR MORE?

110 North Glenburnie Road New Bern, NC 28560

SPORTFISH YACHTS

• On The Horizon
• Legacy GT Series
• Request Consultation
• Gear & Apparel

Log in or Sign up

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser .

YachtForums Administrator

Hatteras Yachts, the legendary American yacht manufacturer based on the shores of North Carolina, was the early vision of Willis Slane. His foresight turned into reality when his first sportsfishing yacht was introduced in 1960. Hatteras Yacht's shipyard in New Bern, North Carolina turns out sportfishing convertible and motoryachts with consistency that is not often associated with large scale production. Their motor yachts range in length from 64' to 100 feet in length, while their sportfishing yachts range from 50' to 90 feet. All Hatteras yachts have solid fiberglass hull bottoms. The hulls are designed in modified-V shapes that result in a soft, stable ride – the renowned “Hatteras ride.” Most Hatteras hulls feature a double chine with hull side “step-outs” to help reduce spray while increasing interior space above the waterline. Hatteras yachts exhibit quality in performance, construction integrity, mechanical engineering, interior design and exterior finish. Hatteras Yachts have received many awards for top tournament finishes. Hatteras Yacht 110 N. Glenburnie Road New Bern, NC 28560 www.******************

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

johnny morris buys hatteras yachts

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced the purchase in the Hatteras New Bern, N.C. plant standing in front of the 40’ fiberglass NitWits, the first Hatteras ever built more than 60 years ago.

NEW BERN, N.C. — White River Marine Group, LLC, a leading manufacturer of recreational boats, will open a manufacturing facility in Craven County, with a target of 500 jobs, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday.

The company will make a significant investment in New Bern, creating its first coastal manufacturing site and adding Hatteras to its portfolio of well-known brands.

“Boat and marine manufacturing requires specialized and experienced workers, and White River Marine knows our state can deliver the people they need to successfully expand their business in New Bern,” said Governor Cooper.

White River Marine Group

White River Marine Group (WRMG), an affiliate of Missouri-based Bass Pro Shops, is the world’s largest manufacturer of boats. Founded by noted angler and conservationist Johnny Morris, WRMG builds legendary performance boat brands like TRACKER, the No. 1 fishing boat in America for the past 45 years in terms of units sold, and ASCEND, the world’s best-selling kayaks. Other leading brands include MAKO, Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Tahoe, Sun Tracker and Regency pontoon boats.

The expansion will shift the focus of the company’s saltwater manufacturing from the Midwest to the sea, closer to the saltwater market and a thriving community of craftsmen and women. The company will continue to support and grow Hatteras, as well as relocate production of iconic saltwater boat brands MAKO and Ranger Saltwater to New Bern, which is a premier location for saltwater fishing.

Major Investment in Hatteras Manufacturing

Plans call for a major investment to modernize the Hatteras facility and establish a state-of-the-art coastal manufacturing center generating hundreds of new jobs. Consistent with Bass Pro’s reputation for turning shopping for outdoor gear into an experiential adventure, the plant will offer customers demo rides on the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities to tour the factory. It will also serve as an R&D center for sea-trialing and product development across all three brands.

Morris is a big fan of the area and has spent many days fishing in the Outer Banks for big tuna and marlin. The local sportfishing culture is a major inspiration for the company to relocate its saltwater manufacturing.

Morris is a Long-Time Fan of Hatteras Yachts

“With Hatteras’ rich heritage of craftsmanship and access to some of the world’s best offshore angling, our aim is to help solidify New Bern as the world’s capital for saltwater gamefish and boat building,” said noted conservationist and avid angler Johnny Morris, who founded and grew both Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group to become North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company.

“We love the passion for fishing and commitment to craftsmanship found in New Bern. We’re very grateful to Governor Cooper and his team, as well as local officials and leaders including Craven County Manager Jack Veit and Craven County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Jason Jones for their genuine welcoming spirit and their leadership in supporting our vision to invest in this incredible angling community.”

“The marine trades are an important part of North Carolina’s heritage,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “It’s great to see a company with the leadership and reputation of White River Marine choose our state for this important expansion of their company.”

The regional economy will benefit from a more than $22 million payroll impact each and every year.

North Carolina Sugar

White River Marine Group’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $1.17 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $5,441,400, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.

White River Marine’s JDIG agreement could also move as much as $604,600 into a fund that helps rural communities across the state attract business in the future. When companies select a site located in a Tier 2 county such as Craven, their JDIG agreements move some of the new tax revenue into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. Local communities in more economically challenged areas of the state use grants from the Utility Account to build public infrastructure projects, which can improve a community’s ability to attract companies to their regions.

“It’s great to see the next chapter open for this important manufacturing site in our region,” said N.C. Representative Steve Tyson. “White River Marine Group is the number one company in their industry, and we welcome the new jobs and investment they’re bringing to New Bern and Craven County.”

“Great economic development announcements don’t happen by themselves,” said N.C. Senator Norman Sanderson. “I’m proud of the many community partners that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help us reach this achievement. All of us will continue to support the company as they put down roots and grow here.”

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Craven County, the Craven 100 Alliance, North Carolina’s Southeast, and the Craven County Economic Development Department.

More Articles

NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW | NIBS

September 12th – 15th, 2024 Newport Yachting Center Marina | 4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island 02840 The Newport International Boat Show is a must-visit for boating enthusiasts. This prestigious event showcases a dazzling array of sailboats and powerboats, from sleek center consoles to luxurious yachts, many making their US debut. Explore over 15 acres […]

Boat Prices Reduced

We understand that finding the perfect boat at the right price is essential. Our pre-owned inventory boasts a treasure trove of boats with recent price reductions. From luxurious motor yachts to versatile center consoles, there’s something for every boating enthusiast. NOW $799,000 NOW $349,000 NOW $450,000 NOW $299,000

Florida Boating License

While Florida doesn’t issue a traditional boating license, those born after January 1, 1988, must complete a boater education course and obtain a Boater Education ID Card. Why Bother with a Boating Course? Beyond being a legal requirement, a boating course equips you with invaluable knowledge. From navigation rules to emergency procedures, you’ll gain the […]

• outback yachts
• president yachts
• everglades boats
• Reina boats
• Invincible Boats
• buy with lby
• search yachts
• premier listings
• search by type
• search by brand
• list with lby
• we take trades
• our history
• testimonials