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The improved, enhanced Hatteras 68 Convertible filled a gap after Hatteras discontinued its 65’ and 70’ convertible sportfishing yachts in 2004. Hatteras originated the convertible concept with the first Hatteras flybridge sportfisher designed by the late Jack Hargrave in 1960. Which Hatteras founder Willie Slane defined as a powerful offshore fishing boat and cruising boat—combining fishability with comfort. And the Hatteras design team has taken the 68 Convertible to a new level of innovation. One of the major distinctives of the 68 Convertible is its incredibly wide beam, that at 21.5’ is the widest of its class, offering greater cockpit and interior space than previous models.
68' Hatteras 68 Convertible 2005
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
68' Hatteras 68 Enclosed Bridge 2006
Galveston, Texas, United States
68' Hatteras 68 Convertible 2006
Riviera Beach, Florida, United States
68' Hatteras 68 Convertible 2007
stuart, Florida, United States
68' Hatteras 68 Convertible 2006
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
68' Hatteras 68 Enclosed Bridge 2006
Quepos, Costa Rica
68' Hatteras 68 Convertible 2005
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Not only does the wider beam mean 10-15% more usable cabin space, but it also enhances sea-kindliness and stability at anchor. Hull design was improved to maximize efficiency and performance to counter the added weight, though Hatteras will not compromise proven construction principles such as the solid fiberglass hull bottom, keel, fuel tanks, and stringer system, prop tunnels, and variable deadrise that is a nearly flat 2 degrees at transom. Nor will Hatteras use balsa coring anywhere; coring above the hull waterline, bulkheads, decks, and superstructure is Divinycell closed PVC foam for high quality lightweight strength. Neither will Hatteras compromise its painting system utilizing polyurethane paint over the hulls gelcoat.
Hatteras built the 68 Convertible with vacuum bag vinylester resin infusion to achieve a 60/40 glass to resin ratio in the hull laminate to reduce weight and for consistency. The fine entry, high flared bow, and sleek sheerline remain characteristic, but the Hargrave-hull form has been modified with slightly convex foresections for a softer ride in head seas, also adding to stability.
Performance of the powerful standard twin Caterpillar C30 1,550 hp diesel engines is optimized by the thrust generated through deep gear reduction and massive 49x85 seven-blade propellers on shafts in deep prop tunnels, reducing shaft angle and draft to a relatively shallow 5’3” depth. Prop tunnels also provide excellent tracking along with the double side strakes. Trim tabs are positioned at the end of each tunnel instead of mounted to transom, allowing them to be smaller and much more efficient.
The optional 1,800 hp CAT C32 ACERT diesels were able to reach a top speed of over 33 knots at 2,340 rpm on a test run. Cruising speed is 29-30 knots. Engine room is accessed from a center section of the mezzanine that lifts revealing steps to watertight door and lazarette. Fans that pull air from vents under the cockpit coamings ventilate the engines, keeping the space clean, dry, and virtually salt-free.
The enormous 195-ft cockpit is set up for serious fishing with modular storage components such as baitwells, freezers, and stowage tubs in forward area of cockpit and elevated mezzanine with 25 sq ft of cushioned seating. Two 5’5” fishboxes are built into cockpit deck that can be plumbed as livewells, used for ice or dry storage. Another large fishbox is built into the transom cap rail at center, that can also be plumbed as a livewell. A lot of flexibility and high degree of customization was available to owners for their personal fishing style. A bait prep and tackle center is located starboard under the angled ladder to access flybridge. The transom’s rounded shape helps route water to the sides instead of over the top, even when backing down. Large scuppers quickly clear any green water coming into the cockpit if it does.
The 68 Convertible’s flybridge can be open with hardtop or fully enclosed. A circular staircase down to the salon is available with the enclosed flybridge. Either flybridge can be accessed via the cockpit angled ladder. The helm console is positioned toward aft for ability to view cockpit action as well as the forward sightlines. Pod-style helm with single lever controls and hydraulic power assisted steering allow captain to face aft while backing down on a fish or into a slip. An optional bow thruster was available to further assist with maneuvering in tight spaces and high wind conditions. Two Murray pedestal chairs were standard, with an optional third. C-shape wrap seating forward of the console could seat a small crowd. Rod storage beneath seating and a beverage cooler is starboard of console beneath an aft-facing double seat. Flybridge freezer was an option. Other options were full tower, Rupp outriggers, cockpit fighting chair and other equipment desired by owner. The enclosed flybridge was designed to offer “sky lounge” style space with access to the salon for those with a preference for cruising and entertaining.
The 21.5’ beam creates an exceptionally large interior cabin space. The aft salon is 12’2” long and features a U-shape settee to port with stowage below. Across on starboard side is a 42” TV and sound system in cabinetry. The optional spiral staircase to enclosed flybridge would be in the aft starboard corner. Large frameless tinted windows allow great views and plenty of natural light. A step up on forward portside is the open U-shaped full galley with cabinetry and appliance fascia finished in matching cherrywood with a high-gloss or satin finish. Avonite counters are standard; granite was an option. Appliances include undercounter drawer-style refrigerator/freezer units, 4-burner stovetop, convection/microwave oven, and stainless-steel sink with garbage disposal (optional). Directly opposite to starboard is the large dinette with seating for 8 and storage drawers beneath. Along the companionway down to accommodations below deck, are two storage spaces. Starboard space is walk-in and has a 4.6 cubic foot freezer unit. The space to port is much smaller and contains the Ethernet monitoring system’s CPU.
Standard accommodations are 4-staterooms with 4 ensuite heads with separate shower stalls and feature an aft full-beam master stateroom suite with a king-size berth, rare for a convertible yacht. Master stateroom has a walk-in cedar-lined hanging closet. The large VIP guest stateroom with centerline queen berth is in the forepeak. To port and starboard are twin-berth staterooms. An optional layout can be configured with ensuite/day head and single berth to the port stateroom for captain/crew quarters. An optional 4-stateroom, 3-head layout was also available. The accommodations area is equivalent to same 68’ length motor yacht!
The Hatteras 68 Convertible has a length overall of 68’6” and a 21’6” beam. Draft is 5’3” and displacement weight is 140,000 lbs. Fuel capacity is 2,100 gallons, freshwater is 400 gallons and holding tank is 125 gallons. Standard power option: twin 1,550 hp CAT C30 diesels. Optional power choices are twin 1,650 hp CAT C32 diesels; twin 1,800 hp CAT C32 ACERT diesels; twin 1,800 hp or 2,000 hp MTU 16V 2000 diesel engines.