Yacht reviews: Hatteras 77 Convertible

Willis Slane, who founded Hatteras Yachts, was a visionary who used the then revolutionary material fiberglass .to build boats that were stronger and could face up to the rough waters off the coast of North Carolina.

He produced his first motor yacht in 1960 in Highpoint N.C, christening it the "<i>Knit Wit</i>" and their rugged sport fishing line was born of which the sleek double-decker Hatteras 77 Convertible is a supreme example.

The specifications of the Hatteras 77 Convertible are 76 feet 10 inches overall length with a beam of 22 feet and a shallow draft of 5’3” : Twin Caterpillar engines are capable of driving her 175,000 pounds of displacement at an impressive 33 knots.

But it’s when you step onto the Hatteras 77 Convertible that you notice the quality and workmanship that went into this yacht. When you enter the saloon, you will first notice the wood grain veneer finish that adds warmth and elegance to the interior. Here you will also find the core of a state-of-the-art audio/visual entertainment system that features touch-pad controls throughout the vessel, along with flat-screen televisions and powerful audio capabilities. In the salon, surround-sound speakers deliver theater-quality sound to accompany the 50-inch high-definition plasma TV.

All the solid-wood features are milled on site and only the best fabrics and window coverings are chosen. From the spiral wooden staircase to the stainless steel kitchen appliances and the beautifully finished cabinets and furnishings, you will see quality throughout.

The well-appointed galley, features a Subzero refrigerator/freezer with wraparound stone countertop and three custom bar stools with backs. There is also a trash compactor, garbage disposal, four-burner ceramic cook-top and a microwave convection oven concealed behind a wood door. A full-size dishwasher, supplemental icemaker and chilled wine storage are available as options.

To starboard, you will find a U-shaped lounge with spacious seating. Forward of this is a laundry room with front-loading washer and dryer, while opposite is a full-height, walk-in pantry.

Below decks, the 77 has four staterooms, each with a private head. The master stateroom is amidships and features full length cedar-lined hanging lockers, a king-size berth, large portlights to brighten the area, and twin dressers and nightstands.

However, Hatteras also provides optional arrangements for the master suite area such as an office or lounge area instead of the standard foyer entrance.

The bow stateroom has a walk-around queen berth with cedar-lined storage beneath. Twin cedar-lined hanging lockers provide ample storage with numerous drawers and cabinets.

The port stateroom accomodates twin berths with cedar-lined storage beneath. Optionally, the inboard berth slides outboard to form a queen. To starboard, a fourth stateroom has a walk-around queen berth. Each stateroom is equipped with a 20-inch LCD TV.

Of course, regardless of the below decks amenities, no boat of this type really cuts it unless it is well designed for its main purpose: sport fishing. It is here that the Hatteras 77 Convertible shines with its huge 192-square-foot cockpit that includes two 65-inch in-deck fish boxes, and options for storage tubs, freezers and bait wells–in short, everything the serious sports fisherman could want.

For the pleasure of cruising or the adventure of fishing, the Hatteras 77 is a superb example of boatbuilding, one that will carry owners, guests, and crew in speed, comfort, and safety.

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