Hatteras New Models?

[capttonyf]

Anyone who has been to Hatteras' website knows that the've eliminated the 50C, 64C, and 68C. While keeping and updating the 54GT, 60GT, 63GT, 77C and now adding 70GT. They are also adding, along with the all new 100MY, a new 70MY with an open bridge and a Raised Pilot House which I think is a great idea. It enables you to have an open bridge and an enclosed helm while not messing up the salon/galley layout and giving you the ability to have a country kitchen.

Anyway, my question is has anyone heard of, or does anyone believe that Hatteras will build a few smaller models like they have in the past. You know boats that normal hard working families may be able to afford to buy and run, or that a retired couple that wants a new Convertible or Motor Yacht that they can run and take care of on there own. Maybe a 43C, 45C, or 48C, or a 42MY or 48MY like they've had in the past.

Years ago I sold a retired couple a 42CMY that could've afforded anything but wanted to be able cruise alone or with another couple occasionally. They also wanted something that was easy to manage that they could take anywhere without having to worry if it will fit or not. They've owned it for 10 years now and Love it.

There are many buyers out there for boats like this and their options are limited to a very few quality builders and a ton of high volume production boat builders like Sea Ray, Carver, Silverton etc. As many of us on this forum can attest to some of these older Hatteras' are wonderful, durable, little sea boats and I feel it would be ashame if they didn't make an attempt to try to regain some of that market do to costs and profit margins. I believe people in the know will pay a little more if they're getting more in quality and resale value than an all out production boat. Hopefully Hatteras doesn't miss the boat on this one.

I Love our 1990 45C and wouldn't consider buying any of the other New mid 40ft boats being built. Sure every now and then I think a bigger boat would be nice but then we do a long run somewhere or need to do a repair and I realize 45Ft is a good number for me and my family. I would consider a new 45ft boat but whats being produced right now that can compare to the overall balance of cockpit size, accomadations, quality and sea keeping ability of old Hatteras's. So we keep our paid for, slow "21/22kt cruise" and steady old girl and do our best to keep her nice, safe and seaworthy. In a few years if Hatteras doesn't build any new models in this size range I may just do a complete refit with a new pair QSM11's. I know I'll never see the money back out of it but to spend a fraction of the money of a new boat and to have a boat I know is better than whats being offered out there it would be worth it to me.

 

[MikeP]

We could afford a new 40+ foot Hatteras about as well as we could afford a new guided missile cruiser. So this old 53 is just fine!

 

[fissioneng]

I bet they would cost between $750K and $1.2 million at those lengths.

The repower idea makes more sense unless you just have that much disposable income.

 

[Nightingale]

I am glad to see another 70 MY enter the market, I love the late model 74/75's

 

[capttonyf]

Mike P and Fissioneng, I agree they would be expensive and still out of reach for all but that 1% were always hearing about but the fact remains that there are people who can afford 70-100 ft boats they just don't want something that big and would like to buy a a top quality 45ft boat that can fit behind there house, they can manage on there own and or take to shallow hideaways in the keys and Bahamas. But they're forced into buying Sea Rays. Not that there's anything wrong with them but let's face it they're weekend party boats for use on nice days and not truely ocean going vessels. They're good for short jumps offshore on nice days but they're by no means a Hatteras or a Viking. The latter of which is selling a crap load of their 42C and 42open. I think mid 40's convertibles would sell great not to mention a mid 40's CPMY. The buyers are there you just have to have something to offer them. Look how many Sea Ray cruisers sell each year in that range. I maybe just hoping but I would love to see Hatteras get back to the good old days with a full line up of boats. Wishfull thinking maybe but my fingers are crossed.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I think the idea of a new smaller Hatteras convertible (which I had the impression was being floated around a few years back) was put in its grave when they acquired Cabo. Cabo already builds convertibles in that range, and I think rather than tool up for a new series of boats, Brunswick just decided to buy an established builder of them.

My guess is that it costs just as much to build a 45 as it does to build a 54- and the 45 sells for much less. You can see why they ceded that part of the market to all the other builders. I don't know who else is building convertibles in that range- I imagine Viking is, maybe Bertram? I can't imagine that it costs them any less than Hatteras, but maybe their long-term strategy with customers is different- maybe they feel that it is worth building the smaller boats and developing loyalty to the make that will later on get the customer aboard a big Viking, Bertram, etc.

As Mike pointed out, a new Hatteras is about as feasible for most of us as a guided missile cruiser, with the proviso that somewhere out there is a guided missile cruiser in the breakers' yard that we could probably afford.

Tony, if I were going to get a larger convertible it would be a Hatteras and it would be a Series II 45C. And I'd install M11s as well. So you already have what I think is the best boat in that size out there, although some would disagree in favor of the 46C Hatteras. They are both great boats. I can't justify a larger boat to do the same cruising. I'm stuck where I am.

 

[capttonyf]

Jim, pretty much everything you said is spot on, and in reference to my 45 I agree its proportioned just right and I really do love the boat and often think about how lucky our family is to have it.

The whole Cabo thing is good in theory but the problem is, as nice as Cabos are they are not a Hatteras, they don't build Motor Yachts and I dont know if another brand of boat is away of building brand loyalty. Lucky for us a quality builder "Hatteras" did build these boats in the past and we as buyers can now afford to buy them and enjoy them years later because of the way they were built. But eventually these boats are going to go bye bye and whats going to be left in 20 years.

These old Hatteras's and Bertrams have held up well over the years for people like us but if ours ever get to the point of becoming scrap what do you repalce it with? I dont believe there will be many current 45ft Ocean Yachts, Silvertons, Sea Rays etc. Worth owning 20 years from now when these 40 year old Hatteras's and Bertrams finally start to disapear. Who would have thought 25+/- YEARS AGO WHEN THESE BOATS WERE BEING BUILT that a large group of people would be comparing them to New boats being built and talkng about how the 25 year old boat is better than the new boat and it makes more sense to fix up the old boat for less money and have a supeior vessel than a new one. Its sad but even if I had an extra Million lying around which I don't there is nothing new I would want more in my size range than my boat with a set of QSM11's. Maybe, Maybe a 48 Cabo for the 3rd stateroom but even at that I would still want my 45. Good ride, good looks, shallow draft nice wood work and a big bridge and cockpit. Maybe I'm being selfish but Hatteras please build a New 45 that someone wealthy can buy and sell to me in 15 to 20 years for a fraction of the New Price

 

[jim rosenthal]

Yeah, I totally get it, but I think the chance of this happening is slim to none- and Slim just left town...

Look at it another way. You could send your 45C to Slane's and get M11s put in and anything else you wanted, you would essentially have yourself a new boat nearly as fast as anything built now, and with a better quality build in the first place. And you would spend far less than to buy a used late model 45 anything else.

As far as the boats wearing out... well, KW is still around and she's the oldest of all. And I remember someone at Hatteras telling me years ago that better than 95% of the Hatteras yachts built were still out there running around on their own bottoms. So I don't think you have to worry for a while. I think my Hatteras will outlast me. I certainly hope we are both around for a good long while yet, but I suspect she'll be around when I exit the building.

 

[capttonyf]

Yeah, I totally get it, but I think the chance of this happening is slim to none- and Slim just left town...

Look at it another way. You could send your 45C to Slane's and get M11s put in and anything else you wanted, you would essentially have yourself a new boat nearly as fast as anything built now, and with a better quality build in the first place. And you would spend far less than to buy a used late model 45 anything else.

As far as the boats wearing out... well, KW is still around and she's the oldest of all. And I remember someone at Hatteras telling me years ago that better than 95% of the Hatteras yachts built were still out there running around on their own bottoms. So I don't think you have to worry for a while. I think my Hatteras will outlast me. I certainly hope we are both around for a good long while yet, but I suspect she'll be around when I exit the building.

I believe slim left town also, just being optimistic, and would love to see what a new GT45 or somthing similar would look like.

Ive thought many times about what it would be like to put a new tower/hard top with recessed lighting, new paint, frameless windows and new QSM11's but I cant seem to get my head around it and fully justify redoing and fixing somthing that isnt broken. Our interior is nice, our paint is nice, electronics are good and motors run great its just not mint and new boat fresh, she has her usage and battle scares if you know where to look. Most everyone we ever have on the boat talks about how nice it is and can't believe its 25 years old but I know where the little issues are "its a boat". The reality of it is we cruise at 21 to 22 knots in all but the wost of weather and even if I repowered it I would cruise there 85% of the time anyway. Its just one day I would like to know I have more modern, more efficient motors with the ability to go faster if I choose to.

Our family takes pride in the way are boat looks and as a boat owner or captain nothing makes you happier or more proud of your boat than when a dock walker takes the time to make a comment about how nice your boat looks.

Like I said before I have a hard time justifying fixing something thats not broke but with a little more convincing, usage and time I just may have to do it. I think the time would be when both of these 6V92's are due for a rebuild but who knows when that will be, one has 500 hours and the other about 50 SMOH "long story" and they run perfect. Good problem to have I guess. If I could only get both of them to break at the same time when I dont have a major trip planned a month from the day the problem happens.

 

[bigbill]

marlow is getting ready to come out with a 49 footer, a buddy of mine has hull number 2 on order....there is a market for smaller motoryachts......

 

[jim rosenthal]

Marlow are a smart outfit- they own their own yard in mainland China, they make all their own hardware in house, etc. They have the economies of scale to do pretty much anything they want. And the man with his name on the building is an adventurous sort who likes pushing the envelope.

You know, I didn't think of this until now, but Hatteras still owns all the drawings and the molds for all those forty-plus foot boats. The molds are out there someplace unless they were cut up. They are probably still at the HP location unless Hatteras sold the original plant. So if they wanted to build an updated 45C they could probably do it without much difficulty. I just don't think they are interested to do it.

Years ago, for the 25th anniversary of the Bertram 31, Bertram Yachts built a limited run of updated 31s, using the original molds. I've seen a few of them out there. Anything's possible if someone wants it badly enough. But I don't think the market or the company desire is there- no offense to you, Tony.

 

[MikeP]

Hmm…maybe most of us COULD afford a guided missile cruiser…

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013...carrier-sold-for-one-cent/UPI-16381382560484/

 

[capttonyf]

No offense taken, just think of all those 40 to 50 motor yachts built by companies like Hattera and Viking that people flocked to and are still being enjoyed today. Viking, Ocean Yachts and a few other builders even use to take some of their old convertibles and put a cap over the cockpit and turn them into nice low profile aft cabin motor yachts that ran just as well as a sportfish. Those were nice family sized cruising vessels that had only steps to climb with no ladders, a nice shallow draft, fast, good riding hulls and probably didn't cost the companies tons of money in tooling because they were essentially the same boat as there convertible with a few subtle Changes. A friend of mine has a Viking 48 aft cabin Motor yacht on Lake Erie and it's a nice layout, just a great boat for up there. Like I said before I just love boats and grew up around a lot of those older designs that people really enjoyed and would like to see someone take a chance and reintroduce a few. Even if running out to buy one isn't an option right now.

 

[bigbill]

do ya'll think hatters would listen if they got a bunch of e mails asking them to reproduce some of the older models with todays technologies ???
if an updated 58 yf were on the market, do you think people would buy it? I DO

 

[capttonyf]

do ya'll think hatters would listen if they got a bunch of e mails asking them to reproduce some of the older models with todays technologies ???
if an updated 58 yf were on the market, do you think people would buy it? I DO

I agree, those were timeless designs and with modern technologies and a little updating I think they would be very desirable and they would sell a lot of them. Like I said I can't run out and buy a new 1 to 2 million dollar boat but I know and have met a lot of people that can and they like these older designs like the 58YF. What a great balance in design between convertible and motor yacht. Those YF models were, are, and will always be in demand, granted that's just my opinion along with the opinion of many other boat owners I know, But what do we know? We're just the consumers. Picture a quality boat builder/yard named "BTTF Yachts", "Back To The Future Yachts" that acquired the old molds of the best models made from companies like Hatteras, and Bertram and started reproducing these classics with all new technology and some updating. Might be dreaming but it would be pretty cool.

 

[johnjen50]

do ya'll think hatters would listen if they got a bunch of e mails asking them to reproduce some of the older models with todays technologies ???
if an updated 58 yf were on the market, do you think people would buy it? I DO

Agreed. When I was a t the Miami show a few weeks ago I cant tell you how many people I ran into the when in casual conversation I mentioned I owned a 58 YF exclaimed " I wish they still made that!" I met a gentleman from Australia that was in the market for something like that and was a BUYER and said he didn't love anything enough to buy it at the show. He did say he thought the Marlows were well designed and beautiful boats, and they certainly are as I toured the 58 and 63. He dwas clearly disappointed and was thinking he would now look to aquire a 58 YF and send it to Slanes for a complete redo including new engines. Over on Collins Ave one of my favorite times was lunch time, as I would head over to one of the beach bars for a beer and a sandwich and would inevitably end up chatting with people about boats. While it seems the show was fairly successful this year in terms of sales, there seemed to be quite a few people I spoke to who were considering taking an older boat, many mentioned Hatts, and refitting them with a little modernization and customization, to have a seaworthy and beautiful yacht. Many I spoke to also commented that most of the new yachts in the 50-100 foot range don't strike them as yachts in the classic sense, and that they didn't love the newer styling. I think a round of retro yachts would do well in this improving market.

 

[capttonyf]

Agreed. When I was a t the Miami show a few weeks ago I cant tell you how many people I ran into the when in casual conversation I mentioned I owned a 58 YF exclaimed " I wish they still made that!" I met a gentleman from Australia that was in the market for something like that and was a BUYER and said he didn't love anything enough to buy it at the show. He did say he thought the Marlows were well designed and beautiful boats, and they certainly are as I toured the 58 and 63. He dwas clearly disappointed and was thinking he would now look to aquire a 58 YF and send it to Slanes for a complete redo including new engines. Over on Collins Ave one of my favorite times was lunch time, as I would head over to one of the beach bars for a beer and a sandwich and would inevitably end up chatting with people about boats. While it seems the show was fairly successful this year in terms of sales, there seemed to be quite a few people I spoke to who were considering taking an older boat, many mentioned Hatts, and refitting them with a little modernization and customization, to have a seaworthy and beautiful yacht. Many I spoke to also commented that most of the new yachts in the 50-100 foot range don't strike them as yachts in the classic sense, and that they didn't love the newer styling. I think a round of retro yachts would do well in this improving market.

Agreed as well, I think there is an entire untapped market that the builders are missing out on. Even if they had two lines of boats. Their new or current line along with a heritage or classic line. I think they would sell great. Like you mentioned, these new boats are just that, boats. Not Yachts

 

[capttonyf]

Here are a few examples of boats I believe that if updated with new technology and modern appointments would still be in demand in todays market and people would pay a little extra for a quality yacht like a Viking or Hatteras if they would build it. As of now to buy a new boat like this you have to look at Sea Ray, Carver, Silverton etc. and don't get me wrong those are all good boats for their price point and intended market of buyers, but for the person with the means to buy an 80 Hatteras MY, but wants the same quality in a smaller package so they can travel without Crew they're limited on a true quality choices. What is there for that consumer. Not everyone that can afford it 80ft yachts wants a giant boat that won't fit behind their house and has to stay in a Mega Yacht Marina. Some people are private and want a smaller capeable sea boats that a couple can handle. I maybe wrong but this is just my opinion. Any one else have thoughts on this?


http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/199...-Motor-Yacht-2507846/Kenosha/WI/United-States


http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1986/Viking-48-MOTOR-YACHT-2564440/OH/United-States

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1986/Viking-Motor-Yacht-2364478/Delray-Beach/FL/United-States

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1988/Viking-Yachts-44-Motor-Yacht-2679108/Hampton/VA/United-States

 

[rwetherington]

Guys you know I worked at Hatteras for 37 years of my life and I still love the place. I read all of your threads but no group of vintage owners has gotten together and gone to Hatteras with checks in hand and said here is what we want. Money talks louder than words. Try getting some of you together with some money and see if they do not listen to you then. I really wish you would. Hatteras is a great company. Employees love to build boats but they need you to spend your money with them to be able to build boats.

 

[Boatsb]

But if Hatteras does not build a boat I want today how will I be able to buy one in 20 years or so?

Roger you are completely right. You can not base a business direction on the wants of people who will not be customers. Although I do not agree with the eurotub designs that came out over the last few years I was not in the market for a $2+ million boat.

My taste in boats goes back to my childhood when I saw the series one convertibles and thought they were the greatest things afloat. We didnt own one and only knew a few people that did but it gave me a dream. Today I am able to live out that dream because the boats were built to last and prices for used ones dropped as they aged.

So far the only thing I have been able to buy from Hatteras is the manual. that's not enough to keep them afloat.