What is Hatteras doing? I'm Beginning to Worry!

[capttonyf]

Has anyone heard any new news about the Buyout "Purchase" of Hatteras Yachts. We've heard rumors of a new +/- 70GT and I've seen Drawings of a "101 Conv". But nothing seems to be happening with this once Great Builder. They don't even update their website,,, can't blame them though, what are they going to update it with, more of nothing. They can't advertise what they dont have. Builders like Viking are releasing more NEW Models than Hatteras has as a Total of Models available. Viking is Running away with the Market, they have like 535 New Models released every year,,, or is that members of Congress, I'm not sure anymore but either way it's alot. Viking is expanding while Hatteras stands by and waits. Anyone with any good news?

 

[jim rosenthal]

I don't have any inside information, but I suspect that during the transition to new owners not much is going to be said to the boating public and the boatbuilding profession. I think that after the transfer of ownership is accomplished, you'll hear a lot more.

As to how many models they have versus Viking, it's more about how many Hatteras can sell. If I were in their shoes I'd concentrate on a few choice models, well-thought-out, and work on re-establishing the look of Hatteras Yachts so that everyone will know one on sight. There isn't enough right now that separates them from their competition; there needs to be. If you look at our boats and contemporary Bertrams and Vikings, they look different- you knew at a glance what they were and who made them. Same thing with modern Hinckleys and some other brands. A Hatteras Yacht needs to look like itself only and not like other companies' products, otherwise people are going to buy on price and features only and not on a proud brand identity.

 

[captddis]

Soundings trade just did a story about Hatteras/Cabo. It sounds rosy.....

 

[Boatsb]

Soundings trade just did a story about Hatteras/Cabo. It sounds rosy.....

Like change and forward?

 

[Pascal]

Rcently I saw that the new RPH had been launched and will debut at this winter shows, they also launched an 80MY, the first boat completed under new ownership.

 

[capttonyf]

Rcently I saw that the new RPH had been launched and will debut at this winter shows, they also launched an 80MY, the first boat completed under new ownership.

Who is the New Owner?

 

[Pascal]

Some equity firm... There was a post about it a few weeks ago, forgot the name

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Wish they would come back with the 1970's-early 80's style they had...
Course, I would love to see Chevy come back with a 69 Camaro and Ford come out with a 1965 Mustang too

 

[TROUBLE]

Wish they would come back with the 1970's-early 80's style they had...
Course, I would love to see Chevy come back with a 69 Camaro and Ford come out with a 1965 Mustang too

Actually dodge has the challenger, chevy has a camaro and ford has a mustang. Wouldnt it be nice if hatteras built a retro boat

Art

 

[Boatsb]

Actually dodge has the challenger, chevy has a camaro and ford has a mustang. Wouldnt it be nice if hatteras built a retro boat

Art

But Ferrari, lamborgini, porshe and others at the top of the market are not going retro. They are innovating and have the top of the market. Like viking, hinkley and others.

If I had a few mill to spend on a new boat it would not be a retro vessel. I want the best that is available today.

 

[Boatnut]

It seems like the bozos running the show decided they would go after the bigger yacht crowd, and forget what got them where they are, the 40 to 75 or so length. Obviously it did not work, Perhaps the heyday ero of the mid sized yact has passed, and the mega yachts are where it is at. Are they making anything any more less that 60 feet. Perhaps the popularity of the sport fish has passed as well, IMO as an average guy that may occasionally go off shore for the big fish, I can do it in my 42c, sure a large boat would be nice, but as I see it, the 46 to 53 Hatts used to hadle the tournaments pretty darn well. In fact the 3 or 4 years we were at Block Island, during the tuna tournament, a slow old 42 or 46 Hatt, (my old mind forgets details easily) took second place. Being the proud owner of a slow old 42c, I really got a chance to laugh at the big guns bitching about the old scow beating them. I do not follow the new market, because I do not care for the new designs, plus buying a new boat at my age makes as much sense to me a buying a rocket ship, unless of course they discover Venus is populated with nothing but perfectly gorgeous women, LOL, my eyes still work.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[Cricket]

Versa Capital from Philadelphia bought Hatteras/Cabo, they specialize in turn arounds. Since it's only been a month since the deal closed it will take a bit before they really get going on their plan, whatever that may be. I do think it will be very hard to take back market share from Viking, assuming Hatteras wants to stay with the high end of the market. On the sport fish (50 feet +) side it's basically become totally Viking and then the custom builders. Hatteras is going to have to substantially raise the bar while somehow dropping the price point, to get boats on the water rebuilding the brand. Also, this time Hatteras better realize they're shooting at a moving target in Viking which is a big reason they are where they are. Should be interesting over the next few years.

 

[Spellbound]

Well stated Cricket.....I think you are absolutely correct in your assessment pertaining to Hatteras in the higher end sportfish market. To far behind (Viking/Customs) to become a major player in this small competitive market. Take a look at the major tournament participants and tell me the percentage of Hatteras entries. Almost none to not many.

 

[capttonyf]

Just saw under the news section on Hatteras Yachts website that they will have a model of the New 70GT at the FLIBS. Unfortunately I can't make it but if anyone is able take a picture or get any specs on the boat I would really appreciate if they could post them here on the forum. They also mentioned an all new 70MY. Any info would be great... Thanks ahead of time.

 

[hatteras 1985]

Hatteras motoryachts the last few years look like Eurotrash spaceships. I sincerely hope they ditch that ugly look once they are bought out.

 

[saltshaker]

Just saw under the news section on Hatteras Yachts website that they will have a model of the New 70GT at the FLIBS. Unfortunately I can't make it but if anyone is able take a picture or get any specs on the boat I would really appreciate if they could post them here on the forum. They also mentioned an all new 70MY. Any info would be great... Thanks ahead of time.

It's not an actual boat it's just a scale model

 

[Boatsb]

It's not an actual boat it's just a scale model

Its probably still out our price range

 

[Paul Gwiz]

The real question is what would a brand new 43DC or 53C sell for ? and who could afford to buy it ? My guess would be 750,000.00 + . With that said , where is the buyer ? Or better yet WHO is the buyer.
The small Businessman was the buyer, & small business has had it's ass kicked for the last 10 years. The funding just isn't there for such toys.

 

[capttonyf]

It's not an actual boat it's just a scale model

LOL, yah I got that. Sorry if I mislead anyone to think they secretly built a 70GT behind closed doors. I'm not a professional writer. That being said if anyone can take a picture of the "model" and post it I would like that. It may at least give us an IDEA of what the completed boat will look like and maybe a sneek peak into the future designs of Hatteras. I'm sure they will have a Line Drawing, with the layout and specs available as well that can be scanned and posted. It's not like I can run out and order one next week,,,,few people can, but, I Love boats and the Hatteras product and I'm hoping they turn it around. Fingers Crossed. I know I'll be throwing my name in the Hat with a few people to try to get the chance to deliver one of these and see if it will make the Hatteras Family Proud. Again let me thank anyone that can make his happen ahead of time. Thanks.

 

[sandspur1966]

I completely agree with both Cricket and Boatsb.

What made Hatteras great was their innovation and what appears traditional to us today was innovative as hell in the 1960's and 70's when Hatteras defined the modern yacht market of the day.

In order to reclaim share, I think they need to stop chasing others and think about leapfrogging current trends and attempt to define the next generation of yachts.

There are so many ways to do that in addition to design aesthetic, things that will drive sales like fuel efficiency, battery and automation technology, new propulsion ideas beyond Zeus or IPS. innovative partnerships like Hatteras had with cruisaire etc.

Not saying that design isn't a leading tool, Hatteras was way ahead of the game with Hargave's incredible sense of space efficiency... giving buyers room aboard that they never conceived of before and hull shapes that made boats fast, comparatively dry and stable.

It would be cool if Hatteras could develop a talented, industry-defining designer or design team.

One big thing going for them is the increasing build and shipping costs for asian boats. Industry leaders like Marlowe and Flemming will be under increasing pressure cost-wise... which may be why Marlowe bought the yard in Miami and appears to be on-shoring more work.

Whatever happens I am sure it will be fun to watch from the cheap seats!