Preloved: Hatteras 68 Convertible
This 68 Convertible has everything you need for heading out on those fishing trips
When your home waters are part of the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’ with a history of more than 600 wrecks through storms, shoals and wild currents, then you’d better design and build your motoryachts tough. This challenge was taken up by Willis Slane in 1959 when he founded Hatteras Yachts in North Carolina. He named it after nearby Cape Hatteras, which extends out into the north Atlantic where often-turbulent waters have proved a challenging but ideal testing ground for his designs.
In the six decades since Willis achieved fame with the 41-foot yacht Knit Wits, the Hatteras marque has won a reputation that’s second to none, and this 2007 MY 68 Convertible Sport Fish Motor Yacht is a prime example. Australian-delivered, electrically compliant and beautifully presented, the 68C is in 2C Class Survey for charter work or pleasure use. No expense has been spared in maintenance and the Hatteras recently completed its five-year survey requirements with flying colours.
GETTING OUT THERE
Combining vast internal volume, a most impressive fit-out and an extensive inventory with 30 knot capability, Ningaloo is just as much a wonderful cruising yacht as it is a superb game fishing platform. Twin C32 1650hp Caterpillar diesels provide the power to speed you offshore with a comfortable cruise of 24 knots, while a bow thruster aids handling in tight spots.
The hull design, with a solid fibreglass bottom, is based on convex lines that have a fairly deep vee of 20 degrees amidships before the running surfaces progressively flatten toward the transom. The forward hull sections and low angle thrust lines from props in deep tunnels give an excellent ride. The chines carry a double-reverse, and noticeably flared bow sections punch wake and spray away from the decks and superstructure.
The high standards of craftsmanship, a hallmark of the Hatteras reputation, give the vessel a practical layout. The total package certainly appealed to the current owners who found Ningaloo perfect to suit their “passion for family, friends, exploration, fishing and all things to do with the ocean!”
They found the Hatteras to be a “stand-out vessel as the only one of its kind delivered in Australia and built to survey standards. Ningaloo has enabled the experience of adventures that most can only dream about and the development of friendships that will last a lifetime.”
LIVING ON BOARD
In 2018 this particular 68 Convertible ventured from Fremantle up the coast of Western Australia to Exmouth — at 10 knots the engines were using about 25L/h per side. The owners noted, “We made the journey very comfortably and stopped along the way to fish, dive and explore the amazing WA coast. During time in Exmouth we were able to enjoy a lot of successful game and bottom fishing and were also lucky enough to see one of the incredibly rare Sun Fish. We were able to live onboard for two weeks during which we explored the amazing Ningaloo Reef coastline. The boat has everything you need for long journeys and doing it all in luxury.”
On the enclosed flybridge are triple Pompanette helm chairs, a leather-upholstered L-shaped lounge and a wet bar crafted with a Granite top and American Cherrywood cabinetry. Also on the bridge is a U-Line bar-fridge, a convertible bed and a granite table. When gamefish are detected, you can swing into action with a Release game chair, a USA Pipewelder’s full tower and hydraulic riggers and a Stingray saltwater bait-well with wash-down pump.
Navigation is aided by twin Furuno NavNet systems with 17-inch screens, a Northstar GPS 600 colour-chart-plotter, Furuno radar with two colour screens (and repeater units at an aft station and on the tower), both Icom HF and VHF Marine Transceivers and a Simrad AP26 Autopilot, all combined with a Hatteras computer system.
In the saloon, features include an American Cherrywood cocktail bar with fridge and icemaker. The same appealing Cherrywood is used for storage cabinets and a coffee-dining table with a leather semi-circular lounge and armchairs plus a granite-topped dining table. Entertainment includes Samsung 110cm flat-screen TVs, a Yamaha Blue-Ray player and natural-sound system.
Accommodations comprise a full-beam owner’s stateroom with king bed, a VIP stateroom with queen bed, a guest cabin with twin berths and a crew cabin with twin bunks. Each cabin has its own ensuite, TV and stereo systems with satellite options.
The well-equipped galley features a Miele Pyrolytic oven with 4-burner cooktop, a Whirlpool convection microwave, a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, stainless steel sink with InSinkErator, a Sub Zero 700BR 4-drawer fridge/freeze and icemaker plus an Espresso coffee machine. There’s a good laundry facility too.
Fuel for long distance cruising totals 7,905 litres held across five tanks. As well, 1,515 litres of fresh waters allows good endurance for the crew, while twin 22.5kW Onan gen-sets keep all the systems running including the four CruiseAir air conditioner units that keep everyone comfortable at all times.
The owners summed up: “We have never been on a boat with such beam and riding ability as the 68 Hatteras. She is an amazing combination of looks, comfort and stability as well as having the ability to get up and go when you need it.”
QUICK SPECS
Price: $2,250,000 (plus GST if applicable)
Year: 2007
Location: Perth, WA
Length Hull: 21.6m (70ft 10in)
Beam: 6.57m (21ft 6in)
Draft: 1.60m (5ft 3in)
Fuel: 7,905L
Water: 1,515L
Weight: 60 tonnes
Sleeping Capacity: 8
Generators: Twin 22.5 Kw Onan
Engines: Twin Caterpillar C32 1,650 hp
Engine Hours: 2,300
PERFORMANCE
Cruising: 24kt
Top speed: 30kt
CONTACT
Game and Leisure Boats, Gold Coast
Factory 1, Runaway Bay Marina
1/247 Bayview Street,
Runaway Bay Qld
P 07 5577 5811
E sales@gandlb.com.au
W www.gandlb.com.au