'86 Hatteras 32 open

[sammidog]

This model seems pretty nice. Especially below for an express model. The few things I don't like are the prop pockets, balsa cored hull, and, I suspect, fiberglass fuel tanks. Does anyone have any real world experience with this model. Performance, handling, core problems. I was originally looking for a Blackfin 29 because of the solid fiberglass hull but this boat seems pretty nice for about the same price and bigger.

 

[sofarelli]

I have a 32' with the flybridge. It's the same boat.
Anything that you may want to know, I'll try to help.
Mike

 

[ohiohatteras]

This was my bro's old boat and he loved it! He only sold it cuz he had 2 kids and the whole family didn't fit inside very well.....it's freshwater only and is for sale again....don't know much about the owner after him tho....

http://www.bbyacht.com/boat899.html#

 

[Maynard Rupp]

My son has an '86 32 express and loves it. They were the only boat delivered by Hatteras in gel coat. His has since been painted. I don't believe the hull, below the waterline, is cored. Jim Wynne is the designer. He also designed the later model 36 and several other boats for Hatteras. We have an '86 36C and both the 32 and 36 are true battlewagons. They are great handling boats, and yes the prop pockets and keel are good things. The boats track straight, run smoothly through rough water, and don't throw the water on you. They do make an awesome wake though. This is a problem in no wake zones. Read the magazine article on the brochures section of this, (Sam's Marine), web site, it has lots of good info.

 

[Karl]

I have a 1985 32' Hatt with flybridge and twin 315 Yanmar diesels. It's a heavy boat for 32' and although it is a modified V, it is as close to a true deep V bottom as one can get; performance depends on what power it has. I was told that gas models don't have great performance, but then I believe that depends how fast you want to go. My performance is great.

As far as the prop pockets are concerned, I had another 32' years ago and ran across a sand bar. The paint was stripped off the keel, but because the props are above the keel the props were never touched. It did suck sand up into the intakes. Some people criticize prop pockets as reducing handling, but I've never seen that was a problem for me. However, if very rough water when I've been slow trolling, my props have come close to the top of the water when a following sea has lifted the stern out of the water and I can hear the props spinning in the wash. This has been rare though.

On core, the bottom is solid fiberglass, the core is from the water line and up. On my present 32' had water intrusion on the bow deck where the windlass switches are thru the deck. We had to take out the core and replace it with foam (from underneigth) and fiberglass over the foam. This was a big disappointment, but I found out that this is not uncommon in most boats and will happen when post factory things are installed where there is core and the cutout is not apoxied inside; caulking doesn't protect it over time.

 

[sammidog]

Thanks guys for all you replies! This website alone makes me want to buy a Hatteras!
OhioHatteras-- That is the exact boat I am looking at! Most of my concerns have been answered by all of you folks. I suspect the engines are tired having 1500 hrs on 454's. How long ago did your brother sell it? Did he have any problems? I would like to cruise at 25 mph at 3500rpm. Can anyone confirm if that is reasonable or realistic? The ads specs say 23 mph cruise and 28mph wide open. It seems like wide open should be a little faster. My 38 egg will go 26.5 at 4000rpm. Also the specs say the fuel tank is aluminum
over steel. Does that mean it is aluminum tank on a steel frame? Seems like that could set up some galvanic corrosion.
I know most all boats are cored of some kind now but it seems to me that we built fiberglass boats to get away from wood. Anyhow, it is all a mute point if I cannot sell my boat. My father left me his 1990 38 Egg Harbor when he died but it is just too big for what my wife and 2 young boys want. We want a boat to go to the beach and swim, an occasional overnight and occasional fishing trip. The Egg is about 28,000 lbs, 15 ft wide, and draws almost 4 ft. A little tough to get into the beach.

 

[ohiohatteras]

sammi .......you have a PM

 

[sofarelli]

The Egg is a sweet boat as well. You would not be downsizing
a whole lot. The Hatt draws 3'. You will not reach the cruising
speed that you are looking for efficiently. My 32' will get 23 knots
wide open. The 32' is a great day boat and cruises 2 nicely.
You may want to rethink the benefits of the Egg.
Mike

 

[Boatsb]

I looked at the 38 egg while I was looking for a larger boat. I had a 28 express cruiser that we did exactly what you are looking to do. Short days mostly and slept aboard. Three people and a dog ( 60 Lbs) mad it too small. I found out if the wife aint happy with the boat you wont get to use it much. Try a season on the 38 before you move down.

 

[sammidog]

I didn't really tell the whole story. There are financial reasons to sell the Egg. While the boat was left to me, there was a stipulation that my sister gets her half of the value of the boat. While I could afford to take out a loan to pay her I am not interested in doing so. There are also personal reasons. While the Egg is a fantastic boat it will always seem like it is "my dad's boat" and not mine. This past summer was my full year with it so it is not a quick decision. You all have interesting, valid points. Before we aquired the Egg our family boat was a 1956 26 ft twin engine Chris Craft Continental. Strictly a day boat with no head. Even a 29 Blackfin is a step up so I'm not too concerned with the wife. Her stipulation is it must have a head and fridge. With gas a $3/gallon extended cruising is not expected. My boys are 2 and 5 years old so we would probably only sleep over 2 or 3 nights a year. It will be mostly a day boat for weekends.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

In most cases around the Detroit area gasoline is cheaper than diesel now. I have no idea why. The 454 engines, if they are Crusaders, will easily last well beyond the 2000 hour mark. 2500 hrs is about the time for an overhaul. These engines have 4 bolt mains and were originally designed to put out 475 hp. The 350 hp. version is hardly taxing those engine parts. Everyone figures that gas engines are short lived. Not true at all if you have those Crusaders. Our son gas the 300 hp. Cat 3208 engines in his 32' Hat express and the boat is no speed demon. He can run at somewhere around 21 knots, but he chews up lots of fuel. Don't forget, these boats are a bunch lighter with gas engines. I know the Crusadres with the Warner trans weigh about 1100 lbs. each. I bet those Twin Disc transmissions on my son's 3208 Cats weigh about 1100 lbs. alone. I would not be surprised if a gas engined 32 Hat isn't 3000 lbs lighter than the diesel version. Sure it has less torque, but there is a big difference between 300 hp and 350 hp each. Especially with the lighter weight. I bet the gas engined version has better performance and is cheaper to operate.

 

[sammidog]

Interesting points Maynard. I figured I was reaching for 25 mph. It is a heavy boat no matter what power options you get. I was wondering about engine life. If they will run 2000-2500 hrs they will last along time if I buy it. I only run about 50-75 hrs a year here in Erie Pa.

 

[Karl]

Just another comment. You title this thread as for a Hatteras 32 open. What do you mean by open? In specs I have on the 32, there are two models, the flybridge and the express. It sounds like you are looking at the express model. My point is this, after reading that you have a wife and two young boys, and the fact that you like the 32 layout, I would highly recommend you at least look at one with the flybridge models, just for comparison purposes. Unless you have bridge clearance issues, for a family, my opinion is that the flybridge model is the best. The 32 flybridge is the biggest for any boat in it's size with a wide seat in front of the helm, plenty of storage and adds tremendously to the overall room outside. Also, in pictures I've seen of both models, the cabin has much larger windows, which would tell me there's more headroom in the flybridge model. What I love about the flybridge is that the ladder is mounted on the engine box and is only a few steps to the bridge, this is significant for a woman and small children. The cockpit area is the same. You should check it out.

All that said, I know that there are minor differences between the earlier 1983 models and the later models thru 1988 (last year built), since Hatteras fixed earlier problems, such as insufficient water drainage on the bridge and bow. I currently have a 1985 and have had none of those issues.

 

[Ernie Piotrowski]

Sammmidog, I have a 1983 32' FBSF with the 350 Crusaders and would find it extremely difficult to find another model in that size range that provides all the pluses of the Hatt. My ex and I bought the bought new and raised our son on it-now that he is 20, 6'4" & 280#. the v-berth is way to small for him; arranging the dinette into a berth is ok, but for me somewhat of a hassle, so either the engine box or the floor (camping) is my spot. Purchased new, my xcustomer survey report was 6 pages long with list of "do better" ideas: i.e
1. Insufficient drain level at bow (boat originally designed to have a Genset-my didn't but since it was being bought for use in the SCUBA charter trade, wieght of equipment and divers compensated for the lack of the genset; I learned to live the "puddles" in the bow;
2. Original deck hatches were circular snap-ins; water migrated under the plate rings into the balsa cored deck with catastrophic results; cockpit sole replaced with Nidacore and is now capable of supporting elephants with no danger of further deck delamination. On newer models, Hatteras switched to rectangular hatches with molded gutters-problem solved.
3. An immsearuable benefit is the custormer support provided by both Hatteras and Sam's Marine. You will not find a more dedicated group of people than at these two operations. Ask SR owners about theirs.
4. Never formerly known for fast boats, your 32 will get you and your family out and back in safety (you will thank you lucky stars if ever caught in 40-50 mph winds and 5-6 seas!!.
5. The only negative is the fuel tank. Hatteras used fiberglass tanks which would last a lifetime except for mega Agri-business and the farm lobby. Ethanol laced fuel is the death nail in those tanks. Fortunately for me, Indiana has not as yet mandated ethanol and the boating commumnity here in southern Lake Michigan has strongly encouraged the marina NOT to go there because of the problems with the fiberglass and eventually aluminum tanks. So far they are listening and will not purchase fuel with ethanol.
6. With a full load of divers, gear and 2/3 fuel, cruise at 17-18kts @ 24-26 gal per hr @ 3150rpm.
7. The 32 FBSP will probably be more useable for your family than the express.

Good luck in finding the best 32 on the water!

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Sammmidog, I have a 1983 32' FBSF with the 350 Crusaders and would find it extremely difficult to find another model in that size range that provides all the pluses of the Hatt. My ex and I bought the bought new and raised our son on it-now that he is 20, 6'4" & 280#. the v-berth is way to small for him; arranging the dinette into a berth is ok, but for me somewhat of a hassle, so either the engine box or the floor (camping) is my spot. Purchased new, my xcustomer survey report was 6 pages long with list of "do better" ideas: i.e
1. Insufficient drain level at bow (boat originally designed to have a Genset-my didn't but since it was being bought for use in the SCUBA charter trade, wieght of equipment and divers compensated for the lack of the genset; I learned to live the "puddles" in the bow;
2. Original deck hatches were circular snap-ins; water migrated under the plate rings into the balsa cored deck with catastrophic results; cockpit sole replaced with Nidacore and is now capable of supporting elephants with no danger of further deck delamination. On newer models, Hatteras switched to rectangular hatches with molded gutters-problem solved.
3. An immsearuable benefit is the custormer support provided by both Hatteras and Sam's Marine. You will not find a more dedicated group of people than at these two operations. Ask SR owners about theirs.
4. Never formerly known for fast boats, your 32 will get you and your family out and back in safety (you will thank you lucky stars if ever caught in 40-50 mph winds and 5-6 seas!!.
5. The only negative is the fuel tank. Hatteras used fiberglass tanks which would last a lifetime except for mega Agri-business and the farm lobby. Ethanol laced fuel is the death nail in those tanks. Fortunately for me, Indiana has not as yet mandated ethanol and the boating commumnity here in southern Lake Michigan has strongly encouraged the marina NOT to go there because of the problems with the fiberglass and eventually aluminum tanks. So far they are listening and will not purchase fuel with ethanol.
6. With a full load of divers, gear and 2/3 fuel, cruise at 17-18kts @ 24-26 gal per hr @ 3150rpm.
7. The 32 FBSP will probably be more useable for your family than the express.

Good luck in finding the best 32 on the water!

I am surprised to hear that your speed, RPM, and fuel burn are the same as the figures we get on our '86 36 convertable. We have the same 350 hp Crusaders. Our 36 supposedly weighs 26000 lbs. Both hulls were designed by Jim Wynne. One would think that the 32' boat would either go faster, or use less fuel. Our numbers are very accurate as we spent 28 days running to Florida and had lots of data gathered.

 

[apetrigan]

I purchased the flybridge model last winter and have had similar experiences. Really the only downside I have seen is the speed. It hasn't really been much of an issue for me except when trying to travel with friends with faster cruising speeds. I find myself having to leave a little earlier so we all arrive at the same time.

Overall the boat handles really well. Someone mentioned in an earlier thread about the prop pockets. I was in some pretty rough water last summer and could hear the props spinning at times.

Probably the things I like best about the boat is the size of the cockpit, bridge and head...all better than average for a boat this size.

Good luck.

 

[Ernie Piotrowski]

Rupp, with no customers just 2-4 people and 2/3 fuel, cruise is right at 19-20 with a fuel burn of 22-24 @ 3150. The best WOT with a fuel load of divers, gear, fuel was 26 kts @ 4100 with a fuel burn of 32 gal. Obviously when those four barrels kickin and start whining you can almost see the fuel gauge move! Vacuum also approaches 0-5#. Would love to have Cummins or Yanmars but retired income precludes that of ever happening and hard to justify for the amount of time per season.

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Rupp, with no customers just 2-4 people and 2/3 fuel, cruise is right at 19-20 with a fuel burn of 22-24 @ 3150. The best WOT with a fuel load of divers, gear, fuel was 26 kts @ 4100 with a fuel burn of 32 gal. Obviously when those four barrels kickin and start whining you can almost see the fuel gauge move! Vacuum also approaches 0-5#. Would love to have Cummins or Yanmars but retired income precludes that of ever happening and hard to justify for the amount of time per season.

Boy, I sure3 agree with the broke, retired thought, me too. Those numbers are exactly the same asd our 36. The interesting thing is our fuel flow system shows about .6 mpg. at any planing speed. Slightly lower, .55 mpg at full throttle. That says if you are trying to go somewhere, not just a boat ride, you can choose any planing speed and the fuel used will be the same. Most of our trip to Florida we used 10 mph and .9 gph. We averaged 13.2 gph for the entire trip. Our fuel flow system is a Navman and we have it dialed in very close. When it says you require 180 gallons to fill it, you will usually pump about 185 gallons in. The slight difference is the gen set, I guess.

 

[Ernie Piotrowski]

Rupp, your cruise and slow speeds are better than mine. At 1500 getting 6-7 kts @ .6 mpg; at cruise, depending on load, .46 - .5 mpg. My FloScan is from 1983 so it doesnt have all the other calculations, just gallons and totalizer. With the price of fuel, have been forced to slow way down, and as such, the hull design has a limited efficiency coefficient at those speeds before you start to dig a hole and climb the hump. Almost wants me to look at one of the LRC, except mine is paid for-a strong disencentive to going with a large outlay of cash! I'll will probably keep it until the good Lord calls and then my son can decide what to do with it.

 

[Jackman]

Ernie,
You may want to look at your WOT. It seems to be about 300rpms low. Could be a prop adjustment prob. That little bit of increase in WOT could give you better economy at the crusing speed.

I have a 32 FB 1985. I can't say enough good about it. If you're in my area (near Rehoboth Beach, DE) email me and I'll set something up tp let you see her or if not too late this year go for a ride. I have fresh 454 crusaders in mine. If I win the lottery someday she'll have diesels...but for now she's gas and we're totally happy with her.