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Fiberglass
ribs provide the hull and superstructure with additional strength, and
they and all stringers, frames, and bulkheads are bonded in place before
the hull is pulled from the mold, ensuring the shape remains true. To
save weight without sacrificing strength, Hatteras vacuum-bags the decks,
bulkheads, and many small parts. Finally all primary bronze through-hulls
are bedded in reinforced solid fiberglass, as are critical areas for the
struts, rudder ports, and shaft logs. To complement the superior construction
and impressive power, Hatteras equips the 65 Convertible with both a proven
running bottom—a modified-V with a sharp entry, double chines, and
hull side “step outs” to reduce spray—and all the amenities
you’d expect from a boat of this breeding.
My test boat had the optional three-stateroom, three-head (all en suite)
layout; the standard layout features four staterooms and three en suite
heads, with a fourth en suite head as an option. My questions about the
allotment of space on this boat were ably answered by Capt. Terry and
Bonnie Stansel, the team that calls this boat home while she’s on
the travel/fishing circuit. “The boat was designed with lots of stowage
areas,” Bonnie told me as she guided me through the accommodations
area, saloon, dinette, and galley. “If a space could be utilized—whether
in the hallway below, staterooms, heads, galley, enclosed bridge, or engine
room—it was.”
It wasn’t hard to discover those stowage spaces, as I examined the
forepeak quarters (beneath the centerline queen berth in addition to six
overhead bins, five drawers, and a cedar-lined closet), port master suite
(built-in bulkhead cabinets, two cedar-lined closets, and also beneath
the queen berth), and starboard aft stateroom (lots of drawer space and
a large closet). And speaking of space, I measured 6'6" headroom in all
the quarters.
On the main deck the galley, dinette, and saloon are one large space in
an interior that on my test boat was beautifully finished in maple (dark
cherry is optional) with complementing venetian blinds, valances, and
interior frames around the large windows to either side and aft. Fit and
finish were superior throughout, and I noted how the grains on all doors,
bulkheads, and furniture perfectly matched.
Our saloon’s L-shape kidskin couch—rumored to be a $35,000 option—had
yet more stowage beneath, as did the large maple table adjoining it. A
pair of gas-assisted rams makes opening the table’s lid effortless
and reveals ample inside space. The dinette, forward and to starboard,
comfortably seats five and is within easy reach of the port-side galley,
where amenities include a four-drawer Sub-Zero undercounter refrigerator
and freezer, four-burner electric stove, microwave/convection oven, and
trash compactor. Standing there I was surrounded by enough counter space
to accommodate preparations for a dinner for five, with room to spare,
and with Bonnie pulling out every drawer and cabinet, both above and below
the counters, it was easy to see how the 65’s owners could go weeks
before having to replenish their stores.
The business end of this battlewagon is her 183-square-foot cockpit. Here
I found a transom livewell, in-sole fishbox, tackle locker, bait center
with refrigerator-freezer and sink, chipped-ice maker, and Murray Brothers
fighting chair. Rod holders abound, and a wide transom door can easily
accommodate a grander being floated aboard on its side.
Terry told me he is especially pleased with the engine room. (Given the
room’s access through a door in the aft saloon bulkhead, I could
see why.) There’s six feet of headroom, full access to all engine
maintenance areas, and room to get around to the outboard side of each
engine.
The bridge is another place where Hatteras provides a no-nonsense design
while supplying a high level of comfort. The 65 I tested had the optional
enclosed, air-conditioned bridge. Here there were two adjustable Pompanette
pedestal chairs, a settee to port, a lounge along the aft bulkhead, stowage
compartments, and a massive console finished in leather and wood. There
was also every conceivable piece of electronics, including Northstar 961
and 951 GPS/plotters, Furuno FCV1000 sounder video and FR 1525 radar,
and two SEA 156 VHF radios and 8000 hailer. And my test boat sported a
15-inch Samsung flat-screen monitor for the closed-circuit television
system. While the sight lines into the seaway were excellent, I found
the thick support columns located forward for the tower were distracting.
As both the Stansels and the boat were on a tight schedule, my sea time
was limited. But I did get in a fair amount of driving during our morning
and early afternoon in the environs of the upper Hudson River. Getting
this big powerful boat up and running was impressive, as was wheeling
her through big, loping turns and quick full-turn maneuvers. She tracked
true on straightaway runs, and most important, I always felt in control
of the vessel whether at high rpm or setting up for docking.
I was also pleased with her performance numbers. At just under 30 knots
at 2000 rpm, she has a 382-NM range. An increase of 250 rpm yields just
under 33 knots and a range of 320 NM. With that kind of reach combined
with the impressive speed, this battlewagon can spend more time fishing
after running long distances. As for seakeeping, test day unfortunately
offered up only calm waters with barely a scallop ripple.
The Hatteras 65 Convertible comes to the playing field heavy on a heritage
borne out of years of building fishing and cruising boats that have to
operate in conditions where only the toughest endure. Not only is she
built to take it, but when the going isn’t so rough, she’ll
pamper you and your crew in style and comfort.
Hatteras Yachts Phone: (252) 633-3101. Fax: (252) 634-4813.
www.hatterasyachts.com.
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