In the beginning it was a pretty restrictive membership. My wife and I looked thru the chain link fence at the first rendezvous, because we were “want to be” Hatteras Owners at the time. We attended the second rendezvous as owners! I cannot tell you how much I learned the first few years and how much friendly help was given to me by other members. Over the years, the membership has broadened to include non owners. Since my 1510 is in south Florida, this foolish two Hatt owner has been taking his 46 Hatt Convertible for the last 5 or 6 years with NO raised eyebrows to the Rendezvous on the Chesapeake Bay.
The first two years we had Great Lakes rendezvous, we had two boats. Most of us rode along and spent the nights in motels or Bed & Breakfasts. I think everyone had a good time. We’re boaters! Of course we would rather go by boat. We just don’t have the boats to carry everyone. Meet us in Mackinaw! That would be awesome.
For years, we did south Florida winter cruises. We ran out of trip leaders. Next year, probably in March, we will have a winter cruise from Miami/Ft Lauderdale to Key West. The plan is to spend some nights in marinas and some anchored out. During the day, the southern boats carry the northern boaters along for the ride and they spend the nights in nearby motels or bed & breakfast.
In my opinion, the members who attend the rendezvous, either cruise a lot or own project boats they are working on. The previous poster, Ben Fishel, bought a junker 53’Classic. His wife Tina and Ben have worked like dogs to do a beautiful job restoring their Hatteras. Some owners pay others to work on their Hatts.
This club is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of old Hatts. My membership has been invaluable. It has actually been more valuable to me than this forum. You all know how valuable this forum is. Ask Steve A. McPherson, aka SAMs Marine, why he has supported the club from the beginning.
