I've been a fan of vintage boats & cars for a long time. I've restored a '67 VW Bus and a '67 Larson runabout. After restoring the 18' Larson about 4 years ago, my wife, kids and I have taken the boat all over southern California and explored various coves, harbors, surf spots and the occasional trip to Catalina Island during extremely calm conditions. It proved to me that my family (and young kids) absolutely love boating.
But then I saw it. While exploring photos from my "Vintage sportfishing boats" Google search .... I came across the original Hatteras 41. Wide bow flare, rounded window shapes, sweeping shear line and large cockpit. Literally screaming 1960's design style. I saw Rybovich, Bertram, Egg Harbor and countless others that looked great but the original Hatteras remained locked solidly at the top of my list. It's amazing really. As a first attempt into the boating world, to have this newly formed company get so many things right on hull #1 is remarkable .... and to see how many of these 41's remain in service around the world to this day speaks to their durability.
Every time I've begun a restoration project, I'm told by friends not to do it ..... that it'll be more work than I thought, that it'll be more money than planned & I'll never see a financial return. They're probably right ...... but when it's in your blood ..... it's in your blood.
A year ago, I found my Hatteras. It was sitting on the side of a house near Boston and was for sale ..... so, not technically mine yet. I scooped it up, had it trailered to southern California and began my financially-challenged assault on this classic. From the stringers and bilges up, I began to restore. And with the help of an amazing boat restoration specialist in the area, it is well on it's way. Like turning a hobo into a GQ model, it's gonna take some time. Most of the work has occurred where only the adventurous will look ..... all new wiring, cleaned & painted bilges, completely restored engines, anchor lockers & lazarettes. Soon I'll be moving into more visible areas with new windows & paint. Sams Marine seems to be a great resource and I may need to lean on the guidance of others as I continue.
But I'll say this. I got mine. Finally.