Hatteras GT59 Review (2019 Edition)

Hatteras faces a challenge: it appears that owners of their yachts tend to hold onto them for a long time. Appreciating the excellent build quality and capabilities of these yachts, owners often retain the same boat for years, sometimes ten or more. In a world where possessions are easily discarded, this level of attachment can disrupt sales forecasts.

We jest of course, as Hatteras owners do indeed keep a hold of their boats. Engineered for speed, reliability, and hosting guests for short stays, Hatteras Sports Fish yachts hark back to an era prioritizing build quality, functionality, and performance over interior space. Their timeless design also ensures they never go out of style.

Tradition & Power

If you were to compare this GT59 to most 18m (60ft) motor yachts it would come up short on deck and cabin space, which is, of course, entirely missing the point of these yachts. These are specialist vessels, and Hatteras believes most of its owners still buy their yachts for serious sportfishing, as opposed to the beautiful flared bows and whaleback sheer.

The 59GT is one of the latest incarnations of the Hatteras Sports Fish design, soon to be joined by a 65 version that incorporates the same flowing lines with a more modern style. As real fishers, most 59GTs come with tuna towers and big engines, supported by a speed of 40 knots and a hull eager to please in most weather conditions.

Inside, the feel and finish are decidedly traditional with lots of wood across the salon and three cabins. Hatteras has developed the interior finish to include new features, layouts, and lighting, with buyers offered their own interior design consultant to create a semi-custom vessel.

The GT59’s interior, however, is not going to win any awards for size or innovation. It is a throwback; a traditional yacht layout that has to work within a deep-vee hull designed for cutting through the water.    

The deck salon is covered in cherry wood with a surround of convivial seating. A lounge area is joined by a small dinette, a new feature for Hatteras, with some fun multicolor lighting options to illuminate life onboard. Furthermore, a pop-up TV is on offer for nights away from the port, and the timber-framed windows are tinted for added privacy.

Another light emanates up from the impressively large U-shape galley, where the countertop is made from highly polished stone set into resin and back-lit. High gloss cabinetry surrounds the salon and galley, creating an old-school wheelhouse feel that lacks a wheel as the single helm station is up on the flybridge.

Sleeping Quarters

Shallow steps lead forward to the sleeping quarters. There is a comfortable master suite, a tight twin-bunked cabin, and a forward guest suite with a berth that sits a little too high for a 60ft yacht. There is the option for a single-berth fourth cabin or a large stowage center and heads. On our 59GT the owner had specified an impressive rod room (more of a shrine to his fishing gear), complete with a freshwater wash-down; a reflection of the semi-custom ethos.

Stowage is excellent through the interior, with cedar-lined lockers and cupboards providing enough space for extended fishing trips. 

With no lower helm controls other than the optional docking station, the flybridge is the only true driving position. Two tall professional helm seats tower over the helm console, with teak detailing used to lift this otherwise serious but stark center of operations. The near vertical dash has space for MFDs with two locker lids unveiling stowage and control areas. 

From the helm, there is an excellent viewpoint and a design intended to work looking aft as well as forward, when in fishing mode. But for most buyers, this just isn't enough, with the optional tuna tower creating an even more elevated helm and lookout position.   

The sportsfisher narrative is in full effect on deck with its four key components: a deep, wide working cockpit, a tall flybridge, a long open foredeck, and side decks intended to scare mere mortals into staying in the cockpit. If your on-water lifestyle is fishing you'll love it, but if it isn't, you might want more space and access. You can't, however, fail to be impressed by the classic feel of it all.       

As specialist yachts with crew, the idea is that guests stay in the cockpit, enjoy the ride, and fish. There is a raised seat overlooking the aft deck and the optional fighting chair, but what makes this seat fun are integrated air conditioning vents to cool its guests. Maybe one day all yachts will have such a thing.

The cockpit comes as standard with a simple molded coaming but there is a must-have option that finishes it in lovely raw teak, beautifully curved to support a resting thigh or two. Stowage is ample with a specialist tackle center, live wells, and large lockers set into the bilge.

Flybridge & Tower

A near-vertical ladder leads you up to the flybridge which again is a functional area rather than a typical luxury deck for all the family. There is a surround of seating and a deep central lounge seat for guests to enjoy, the optional canopy screen making the flybridge snug and sheltered.

With the tuna tower optioned in, you duck outboard of the flybridge at the aft end and move up thickly gauged rails. We couldn’t access the tower at the show but it seems to be a near must-have item with two height versions available.        

Hatteras builds in low numbers and to a high standard, therefore, they are at the very top of the tree in terms of price per foot. Added to the price, there are a fair few options to consider on this GT59. None of them are necessary, however, but all of them are highly desirable. 

The classic transom has got to be under consideration. This timber-effect finish is hand-painted with the yacht's name and then gloriously splashed across the stern. If you plan to use the boat in its Floridian or Caribbean habitat then the air-con cockpit seat is also a must.

On a more practical basis, the teak capping to the aft cockpit is very ergonomic and adds a lot to the overall look and feel of the yacht. The tuna tower is another go-to addition.

All of these options will add further costs, however, but you'll be left with a yacht you can keep forever, that will never fall out of fashion, and will hold its value well.