68 Hatteras Convertible 2010

Source: Power & Motoryacht Magazine

The Hatteras 68 is built both in the flying bridge configuration and also in the enclosed FB style seen above. This enclosed addition to large convertibles is growing in popularity because the top deck is a virtual “sky lounge” similar to those seen on large motoryachts. One of the greatest drawbacks to convertibles vs. conventional motoryachts for people wanting to do a fair amount of cruising in them, is the space given up forward on the main deck compared to a motoryacht of the same length. In essence, for cruising types, the enclosed bridge deck recaptures that “lost” saloon space by creating a “duplex” arrangement. The enclosed bridge and the extra two to three foot of beam of the Hatteras 68 together create a most compelling cruising convertible in class for people who want to both cruise and fish.

The Mission

By definition, the mission of a “convertible” yacht is to be able to be an adequate offshore sportfishing boat and a comfortable cruising boat at the same time. Not surprisingly because of the very nature for the individual builders, both sides of the equation are rarely equal, and most convertibles favor fishing or cruising to one degree or another. Most convertibles built in America have traditionally favored the fishing aspect because professional captains have a vested interest in making sure the boats are used for fishing, among other reasons. And professional captains have a strong influence on the builders and their staffs.

Having said that, all convertible builders also realize that their convertibles are used more and more for cruising, and less for chasing billfish in blue water. No one we have talked to is quite sure why that movement is taking place, but all recognize it nevertheless. We think that the enclosed flying bridge which all of the major battlewagon builders offer, gives customers who like convertibles, but are not fishing so much any more, a strong reason to stay in the type.

Beam Matters

Given this development in consumer tastes, Hatteras is in the enviable position of having a boat that is two to three feett wider than the other three boats in class. That translates to from 10% to 15% more usable interior space on the same length of hull. It also means, all things being equal, a boat that is more sea-kindly and more stable at an anchorage.

This is possibly the most unique feature of the Hatteras 68, and it is certainly the aspect of the boat that sets it apart from its competition. With the added beam naturally comes added weight which has its good points and negative ones. That, and its displacement, which is from 8% to 20% more than other convertibles in class.

Pros and Cons of Beam/Weight

As already noted, beam can add to riding comfort both running and at rest. Weight, too, adds to riding comfort, but it also has its drawbacks. It takes more horsepower to push a 140,000 -lb. (63,636-kg.) yacht at any given speed than a lighter boat, all things being equal. And narrower boats are also easier to drive forward. So this means that with the same engines, the Hatteras 68 will go slower at any given rpm setting, or burn more fuel at any given speed, than would a lighter or narrower boat of the same general configuration.

Hatteras has mitigated its beam/weight negatives as much as possible by having a relatively shallow deadrise at the transom which helps increase speed and reduce fuel consumption, and also tends to reduce roll somewhat at anchor compared to boats with a deeper-V.

The Construction

Hatteras has become as concerned about weight as the rest of the world, but is unwilling to compromise with a few basic core principals it has about boat construction. It won’t use any core materials below the waterline nor will it use end-grain balsa core in the hull, preferring closed-cell foam core materials.

Hatteras is also the only major builder of large production fiberglass in the world that paints its hulls with polyurethane paint — which goes over the gel coat! The reason that the company goes to this extra expense in terms of both labor and materials is because even top-quality gel coat oxidizes and is expensive to maintain in like-new condition, requiring compounding two to three times a year. The Emron coating should look like new for ten years or more with simple soap and water cleaning.

About 18 months ago Hatteras started building the 68 hull with vacuum bag resin infusion. According to a company spokesman that has allowed the builder to get a 60/40 glass-to-resin ratio in the hull laminate which is remarkable, and of course reduces weight. Perhaps even more importantly it also means that the hull is all vinylester resin, which is the best resin for boats that money can buy.

Power

Hatteras offers a wide range of power from Cat C-32 1550-hp diesels to huge MTU 2400-hp engines. It all depends on how fast you want to go. For most convertible owners, even the ones using them for cruising, fuel consumption is not an issue, but getting in a nice day’s run is. The 68 carries 2,100 gallons (7,947 L) of fuel in its fiberglass fuel tanks, the largest capacity in class. So, even burning 150 gallons (570 L) per hour with the big MTUs, the 68 can honk along for 12 hours with a 10% fuel reserve.

Most of the 68s are delivered with the Cat C-32 ACERT engines which generate 1800-hp each. We have not tested the boat so we can offer no speed or fuel consumption figures.

Motoryacht Vs. Convertible

A well-designed 68′ motoryacht will have on the main deck a saloon, a dining table, a galley, and maybe even a bar. Some may even have a helm area, as well. On the other hand, a convertible with the enclosed flying bridge configuration, the helm is above, freeing up valuable real estate for the galley, saloon and dining. Because of the way traditional convertibles are designed, the dining area gets short shrift in all brands. Usually it is relegated to a small settee that can barely seat four people, and often they knock their knees on the table’s pedestal.

Picture if you will, a spiral staircase in the saloon that leads to the enclosed bridge, where there is a second seating area, along with the helm. This can be the main saloon, and the one below can become a dining area, with plenty or room left for a setting area. Think of it as a duplex pied-a-terre as one might own in Manhattan. In effect, you are gaining back the living space that is lost in a convertible compared with a flush deck motoryacht.

The enclosed flying bridge has only been around in convertibles for a few years, and we look forward to the concept being developed further in the future more in the direction of a motoryacht’s sky lounge.

Accommodations

Below decks the Hatteras 68 has four staterooms all with en suite heads, or four staterooms with three heads. As far as the staterooms go, the convertible offers just about the same number and the same amount of living space as would a 68′ motoryacht. Remember, that 21’6-1/2″ (6.61 m) beam pays off here in extra living space, and there are not too many production motoryachts with a 21′ beam.

The Hatteras 68 is the only boat in class that has a full-beam master stateroom, which is another aspect of the boat that helps give it a motoryacht feel. The builder will even trade-out the large hanging locker for a “his and hers” head arrangement. Maybe one of these days boat builders will stop making their convertibles look cool and start putting portlights back into the staterooms so people can see out and get some fresh air when at anchor.

Recommendation

When the Hatteras 68 was first introduced the builder took orders for 24 of the boats before the first one hit the water. Perhaps now you can see why this boat has been so popular. She pretty much has it all in a package that is large, but not so big that an owner/operator can’t easily handle the boat. In fact, it is about as large as most owners we know would want to go without having a paid hand aboard to help with the wash down chores.

The enclosed flying bridge has been quite popular with buyers in the tropics, but in its cruising mode we could see that version being very useful in northern latitudes, as well. Obviously this version has lots of cruising possibilities, if one uses some imagination.

On the other hand, there is a lot to be said for the open-air feeling of the standard flying bridge version with a hard top. There is nothing like being out the fresh salt air, the skipper’s visibility is far better, you don’t have to worry about spilled drinks or food and it all can be hosed down and as good as new. Isinglass is a wonderful thing to keep the bridge dry and the chilly wind off on a cold day.

The Hatteras 68 is a premium yacht with a premium price tag, which is north of $3 million, depending on the engines and options selected. When comparing prices with other boats in class, remember the Hatteras 68 has greater volume and material than the other boats. As far as going enclosed bridge or open, you have two very nice options to choose from and either way one chooses to go will not be a mistake.

Boat Specifications: 68 Hatteras Convertible 2010

Length Overall            68′ 6 1/2”2.89 m

Dry Weight                 140,000 lbs.65,503 kg

Beam                           21′ 6 1/2”6.57 m

Fuel Cap                      2,100 gal.7,947 L

Draft                           5′ 3”1.6 m

Water Cap                   400 gal.1,514 L

Deadrise/Transom       N/A

Bridge Clearance        19′ 2”5.84 m

Max Headroom           6′ 6”1.98 m