Hatteras Yachts Boats History & Heritage
Hatteras draws its name from the challenging sea off North Carolina’s outer banks, known for powerful tides and formidable conditions.
In 1959, angler Willis Slane, seeking a boat for all sea conditions, took matters into his own hands. Teaming up with like-minded friends, they enlisted fiberglass boat-building pioneer Don Mucklow for production and young designer Jack Hargrave to craft a yacht with a fast-planing hull.
The result was the iconic KNIT WITS, a 41 Convertible Yacht Fisherman constructed in GRP, capable of over 30 knots. This vessel set the foundation for all subsequent Hatteras yachts, featuring a sharp entry, flared bow, and exceptional craftsmanship. From that groundbreaking vessel onward, Hatteras has consistently delivered superior build quality and craftsmanship compared to most production yacht builders.
Throughout the decades, each new Hatteras model has been designed to meet Willis Slane’s demand – to conquer the challenging seas off Cape Hatteras. Four years after Hatteras' founding, the range expanded to six models, including a versatile 34-footer available as a sports cruiser, sedan, sports fisher, and double cabin.
In 1965, Willis Slane passed away, but he appointed David R Parker as his successor, ensuring the continuity of Hatteras. Parker led Hatteras for the next two decades, guiding it into new and expansive territories. Over the years, Hatteras introduced outstanding models, with the 53 being the most popular, producing 349 Motor Yachts and 224 Convertibles. During this period, Hatteras also developed the Long Range Cruiser, a design benchmark for future Motor Yacht ranges.
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