Sharing Hatteras Owner/Operator Experience

[Freebird]

I hope this is the side on the forum to list this topic, if not feel free to move it to The Sandbar.

It would seem that many new members come to the tech side of the forum to ask questions which vary in nature as they try to either learn about a Hatteras they are considering to purchase or have already purchased.

I just thought it may make for interesting conversation to have current and past Hatteras owners comment on their on the water experience with various Hatteras yachts. This could possibly come in handy in allowing new members to see who has the most experience in certain aspects of areas which may be of interest to them.

Personally, I have never kept a log for things such as maintenance or distances traveled primarily because I am a river boater for the most part. That seems to be changing these days, but before now, my river trips were limited to day trips to destinations which could easily be reached in 8 hours or less. Given previous time constraints, I did annual maintenance in regard to fluid changes and the like because of the low hours I put on a boat which was sitting undercover in freshwater. To wit, I change the oil once a year, usually at the beginning of a new boating season despite the fact I do a limited amount of running in the winter months.

Forgive me if this intro is too long, but I thought it may help to qualify the question and the intent to aid those who may have an interest in such things. On with the question, who will share their experience with the rest of us as it relates to this topic?

 

[MikeP]

I'm not sure this fits in with the experiences you are looking for but you mentioned a log.

I keep a log of everything I do to the boat, and every trip it makes. Each day on a trip I log the RPM/Oil P/Tranny P/ and water Temp for each engine. I do those checks at cruise RPM and at WOT RPM if I run at WOT that day. Usually I will run at WOT for a short period every day or every other day.

Anything I add to the boat or change or repair is logged. Any difficulty I have during that is also logged - frozen bolt, stripped threads, etc. If I add a circuit, I log that and notate it on the Hatt wiring diagram. Re added circuits - I label the wires the same way hatt did with a letter and number except I preface my additions with the letter "M" for Mike, of course! My first added circuit(s) - M 1 and M 2 - was the addition of a remote start switch in each engine room.

This may sound totally anal and time consuming but it's not (time consuming - it MAY be anal!) But really it doesn't take much time at all and it is invaluable for maintaing the boat because you don't have to wonder what/when you did something last and you have a running record of data that is easily viewed to see trends.

Occasionally I shoot the exh ports with the IR gun - not all that often, maybe every few weeks during the season - I log that as well.

There is virtually nothing on the boat that I haven't had my fingers in/on to check/maintain, or simply look at. Now part of the ANAL-ness here is that I simply enjoy doing mechanical work so most of the time it's fun. That is NOT to say that I haven't spent plenty of curse-words on various projects!

But I can't say enough about how valuable a log is for maintenance. You can look back through the book, for example, and see exactly how the heat exchanger slowly lost it's efficiency and after cleaning how dramatically it improved.

Anyway - I recommend a log of some sort. I have it on computer and on paper - generally I write in all the entries on the boat as I make them. Then I transfer it to the computer periodically. Entering it directly into the computer at the time is a lot more trouble than making an entry in the book. I also take digital pics of anything I work on and they are in the computer as well,

I sometimes enter any interesting/humorous info about the actual trip but that is of lessor importance to me than the boat-related stuff.

Again, I know it sounds time consuming but it really isn't and the time/aggravation (and money!) this data will save makes it well worth the time it does take.

 

[Freebird]

Thanks for you input Mike. There is certainly nothing anal about keeping up with maintenance on a boat in which you have made a huge investment. You are obviously a very experienced owner who has much to share with those of us who may be less learned. As I stated in another thread, there are many times where there is simply no right or wrong way to do things as it becomes a personal issue with the owner. Until someone offers to pay the bills on my boat, I will do things the way that best suit me.

This was the purpose in my posting this thread despite the fact I posted it on the Technical side of the forum. It was my opinion this topic was totally related to being a specific Hatteras issue, but I suppose that opinion was not shared by my moderator.

 

[Capt.Erich]

On the boats that I have run, I usually keep a log for the owner of the delivery details, stops, fuel consumed and price, sea conditions, speed, ER checks, etc. Maybe too much info for the average owner.

However, it's also a part of being a diligent "captain" for an owner who's paying for my services. I always record general maintenance (oil change, bottom cleaning, topside wash and wax, etc) to include everything from who did it and their contact info, what was done, and how much it cost. With refit projects, I document everything with written narratives and digital photo's.

With my own boat I proabably won't be as anal. I keep a general log of trips, distance, fuel burned and bought, and general maintenance. I've been documenting the recent refit with photo's though. I try not to think about the money... My wife is the CFO and keeps things at or under the "budget".

 

[Freebird]

LOL at Capt.Erich! The term "anal" sure is becoming common in many areas, but I won't address that again, nor will I continue to reply to every contribution made to this thread.

You are obviously an experienced professional who can be very helpful in the manner in which I mentioned when posting this thread. The fact you are a NC boy only adds icing to the cake as you can talk purty good so us dumb types can understand!

I'm going to back out of this one for a while now unless somebody wants to ask about my experience with my Hatts or cruising The Tennessee River on which I may just have something to offer having done that since I was a gradeschool kid! Of course, there's always the chance somebody else will say something I just have to comment on again!

 

[ThirdHatt]

This was the purpose in my posting this thread despite the fact I posted it on the Technical side of the forum. It was my opinion this topic was totally related to being a specific Hatteras issue, but I suppose that opinion was not shared by my moderator.

Maybe the interesting conversation on experiences cruising Hatteras Yachts topic really does belong on the Sandbar as opposed to the Tech side simply because there is nothing particularly technical about it. It is good, Hatteras-related operator-info which is a great example of exactly what the Sandbar is all about.

Or maybe the Tech members/mods just want you to keep your promise of not posting on the Tech side and staying on the Sandbar!

 

[JLR]

I keep several logs. First, I keep a fuel log including hours run, distance run, gallon used, GPH, NMG, cost etc. This is very handy when determining if anything is amiss with the boat. Second, I keep a very detailed maintenance log. Anything done to the boat gets logged. I am getting to the age where I simply can't remember everything. It is nice to know when the batteries were changed last, when they were filled last, how much they took etc. I also keep a daily usage log. In that log, I record the date of the travel, the crew, the destination, the hours on the engines and gensets and a comments section usually devoted to random observations (ie. bottom getting dirty, wind speed and direction etc.). It sounds time consuming but it is not. It all gets recorded on my desktop and backed up on my laptop. Almost forgot. I also keep a log of each trip taken (as opposed to day running). That log includes waypoints, time for each leg, fuel and oil usage, names of dockmasters, etc. I always have a comments section there as well to note the current and tide and suggestions for next time I take the same trip. I enjoy reading these over the winter when it is snowing and I need to visualize what the run to, for example, Nantucket was like six years ago.

 

[Freebird]

Maybe the interesting conversation on experiences cruising Hatteras Yachts topic really does belong on the Sandbar as opposed to the Tech side simply because there is nothing particularly technical about it. It is good, Hatteras-related operator-info which is a great example of exactly what the Sandbar is all about.

Or maybe the Tech members/mods just want you to keep your promise of not posting on the Tech side and staying on the Sandbar!

First, I always keep my promises, ALWAYS!!!

I made a post on The Sandbar which a moderator moved to the tech side so I figured I was viewed as being someone (who has 2 Hatts and over 30 years of boating experience) who could be of value to participate in such discussions as take place over there. My offer to stay off the tech side was to keep you tech boys from coming over to The Sandbar (which most of you did not want in the first place) and trying to cause problems. Enough said.

Now then, as for this thread not being suitable for the tech side:

Hatteras Tech Talk (8 Viewing)
Techinical Discussion & Hatteras Related Topics Only

This was a question directly purely at owners/operators of a Hatteras yacht whereby information they provide may be useful to those who may own a Hatteras yacht or considering becoming the owner of a Hatteras yacht. Oh yeah, the question was posed by someone who currently owns two Hatteras yachts. Face facts guys, this thread got moved because I posted it in the first place.

I'm sure it will be found over here as anyone who visits this site checks in on The Sandbar as well, just like all you tech boys!

 

[thoward]

With our boat came an Owners Manual that outlines the maintenance protocal. I did not start a log on this boat yet but with our first haul out we will need one. Our generators have manuals and I need to buy the DD manuals but other than that most stuff is covered. Hatteras does a good job of putting you on the right track.

 

[34Hatt]

I keep logs of fuel( I guess I like to feel the pain when I add it up) also oil changes and any other maintence. I also keep a log of trips unless its just a day out or a quicky.

And Forrest did you say you did your oil in the begining of the season You want to do it at the end of the season you know when you get ready to fly south is when you change it!!!

 

[Freebird]

Lt Dan, I don't park my boat at the end of the season so I don't subscribe to the idea of an oil change at that time as to be ready to head out in the spring.

I do a bit of winter cruising, but nothing long distance. My long distance stuff comes with the warmer weather here in TN, so that is when I do my annual oil change.

Just another example of how there can two right answers to the same question. It just depends on the circumstances, that's all.

I'm not a smart man, but I know what maintenance is.

 

[Freebird]

Okay guys, so far so good, but let me rephrase the question originally asked. I realize maintenance is very much a part of owning a Hatteras or any other boat for that matter.

I would just think many members, new and old, and guests would just like to hear about your experience with the boats we all have come to admire and either hope to own or do own.

Forget about maintenance and logs and stuff, just tell us your story as it pertains to your experience with Hatteras yachts. Are you a professional Captain, a mechanic, naval architect... whatever your connection, just give us all a little insight into your personal experience.

I own two Hatteras yachts, something I really didn't mean to do, and I've put many miles on Hatts (except for my 58 ) since last June, and have learned a lot by hands on experience in many other Hatts since then. I have also learned a lot by becoming a member of this forum.

I'm always eager to learn about things which interest me, and I crave constructive criticism as that is how I can learn more when I do something wrong either by accident, stupidity, or inexperience. I just kinda figure there are more like me out here who visit this forum for such knowledge and insight from those who have been there and done that on a Hatteras.

 

[campbellde]

I am on my second Hatteras. My first was a 1965 34' SC which I loved. Was in the restoration process when my second came along, a 1973 38' FBMY. Didn't fish with my boat much so I took the oppurtunity to get the motor yacht. I really love it as we do more intra coastal crusing now with the additional room. Still in the restoration process with the 38. I hope to get it painted soon. Being a poor state employee, I've had to save my pennies for the major stuff. I am about there for the paint job.

I also fish a lot with a friend of mine who is on his second Hatteras. His first was a 1972 36' Sportfish that he completely re-did. It is currently the Fatboy, which sometimes posts on this forum. Very nice boat and well maintained. My friend's current boat is a 1975 45' sportfish. Very nice boat. Mostly original as far as power and layout goes.


I have definately been around my share of Hatteri (?) and have learned a lot working on them. I mostly do the work myself, although I'm going to farm out my paint job. I learned mostly to try and follow the original Hatteras quality with any work that I do. It helps keep the pride in the boat going.


I did have an eye opener recently on my last fishing trip. Was lucky enough to fish off of a 2003 70' Hatteras Sportfish. It was fun comparing the old to the new. I really loved looking at all of the new systems and how they work. I can only dream about owning something like that one day.


Dan

1973 38' FBMY

 

[ThirdHatt]

Just think, in 30 years we'll be able to afford that '03 70' Convertible!

 

[34Hatt]

ThirdHatt Just think, in 30 years we'll be able to afford that '03 70' Convertible!

Yeah by the Time I can afford It Ill be to Old to enjoy it that is If I am still around!!!

 

[Boatsb]

Lt. Dan and Forest. I will even volunteer my boat to get you both out for a run. It would be a sight to be seen.

 

[34Hatt]

Thanks for the offer Scott
You will have to let Forest run the boat and Ill be on the dock and he has to jump off and swim to me.
But we will let you stop your Hatt before it crashes into the dock It wouldn't be fair to the dock!!!
Let me know about your plan's this summer when your coming North...

 

[Boatsb]

Hell the boat tilted one of the big concrete pilings on the day o fthe seatrial when the tranny shifter cable let go. That dock don't stand a chance.