Hatteras’ new 60-footer reminds me of a girl I once knew in my younger days – fast and sexy. I’m thrilled that I stand a much greater chance of taking the Hatteras 60 out than I ever had with that young lady.
This 60 represents a significant departure from “business as usual” for Hatteras. First, Hatteras utilizes a method of lamination called resin infusion in the 60: a means of obtaining more exacting control of the resin-to-glass ratio, as well as eliminating any voids or air bubbles that occasionally occur in standard hand-laid lamination. Combined with the infusion method, Hatteras uses advanced Divinycell coring in the hull (though with a solid fiberglass bottom) and weight-saving materials as well, ultimately resulting in a lighter, yet stronger hull.
As is the trend (thankfully) with virtually all larger offshore sport-fishing vessels today, the Hatteras 60 features a mezzanine deck in the cockpit so guests get front-row seats of the epic fishing battles.
Other design changes include a more dramatic tumblehome aft on the transom, providing a look more common in custom yachts. Those who prefer an enclosed bridge can look forward to that in the near future.
Another truly significant change comes with the location of the plant where Hatteras builds the 60 – Swansboro, North Carolina. This marks the first new design to come out of the expansion of Hatteras’ building facilities.
According to Hatteras Marketing Director David Ritchie, Hatteras designers focused on performance and fishability as the 60’s top priorities right from the start.
Hatteras built its reputation on hulls that ride smoothly in rough seas. In recent years, the company strived to increase overall speed without sacrificing that smooth ride. With standard Caterpillar C30s rated at 1,550 hp each, Hatteras projects a cruising speed of 31 knots and top speed of 36 knots. However, hard-core anglers who opt for the 60GT Tournament Edition will cruise at 35-plus knots at 2,000 rpm and top out over 40 with a pair of 1,800-hp diesels (either MTU 12V-2000CRs or CAT C32As). No matter what engine package you choose, you’ll get seven-blade Nibral propellers. Hatteras estimates that with standard power and a 1,800-gallon fuel capacity, the 60 will offer a range of approximately 500 nautical miles at 1,950 rpm. A touch slower, and you’ve got a wonderful ride to Bermuda.
Cockpit
The huge cockpit benefits from the boat’s substantial 19-foot beam. The 60C mezzanine boasts a single, large deep freeze on the upper port mezzanine. The lower port mezzanine will house a single icebox perfectly sized to hold the standard-size bait trays that most professional crews use today. Hatteras hopes this eliminates at least one free-standing cooler in the cockpit. The starboard mezzanine contains tackle drawers and a very large ice bin that can be used to feed the bait storage tray, fish boxes and more. Access to the engine room is on centerline, and a chilled drink box and wet boxes for chamois are located in the steps. Two massive fish boxes come standard – situated fore and aft in the cockpit sole.
Flybridge
A Palm Beach pod-style helm accentuates the electronics console that rises on rams. Between the console and forward guest seating, Hatteras supplies an insulated drink cooler as well as an optional freezer. As usual, you’ll find considerable rod storage under the forward and starboard lounge seats. Hatteras supplies both Murray Products Sea 19 teak helm chairs as standard equipment, as well as an electronics suite including Northstar 6000i GPS/plotter, Icom VHF, Simrad AP26 autopilot, and Simrad IS15 depth and temperature indicator. Owners can opt to upgrade electronics on their own if they wish.
Interior
The 60 Convertible’s salon boasts an L-shaped sofa hiding additional rod storage, cherry wood veneers in either a high-gloss or satin finish and your choice of any of 15 standard décor schemes.
The galley features two refrigerator/freezer drawers, with a third unit available as an option. Facing the galley to starboard, an L-shaped dinette seats four adults comfortably.
Belowdecks, the 60 offers three staterooms and two private heads. The forward cabin features over/under bunks on the diagonals to maximize sleeping capacity during offshore tournaments. However, those who prefer comfort over utility can opt for a more traditional three-stateroom, three-head arrangement, or even a four-stateroom layout.
**Design and Construction
**The 60 Convertible features a variable-deadrise hull form that flows from a convex bow shape to relatively flat sections aft, culminating in a deadrise of a mere 8 degrees at the transom. Double chines extending down the length of the hull work in conjunction with an exaggerated bow flare to knock spray down and away for a dry ride, while running strakes provide increased stability and improved tracking. Large seven-bladed propellers tucked into deep prop tunnels offer up increased efficiency, minimized vibration and a draft less than 5 feet. That means you can visit just about anywhere you want throughout the Bahamas – and beyond.
