The sportfishing boat, which is also quite amusingly known as a battlewagon is thought to have been invented in the late 1940s, when John Rybovich of Palm Beach, Florida, refitted cabin cruisers to take tourists fishing. The most fundamental breakthrough of these early boats was the flybridge that allowed skippers to watch both the sea and their fishing parties at the same time. Later another primary feature came into production and that was the tuna tower, which is the bench at the very top of the boat. It was named as such because when perched in it, a crew member can easily spot schools of bluefin tuna.
Nowadays in addition to the two features mentioned above every sportsfisherman craft is expected to be fitted with a pedestal fish-fighting chair and aluminium outriggers (long poles attached to the side of a boat that slant back away from it to keep the lines free for trolling.) But few shipyards have the expertise and history in this specific field than the American company Hatteras which was bought by Brunswick in 2001. Brunswick is a conglomerate that also owns Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Meridian Yachts, and several other boatbuilders.
Back to the 77C. At 23.5 metres this is no small fishing boat. Furthermore as is the style with many U.S made vessels the beam is enormous. To put the full 6.7 metre beam into perspective, imagine the full length of a 22 foot boat and that is the width of this one. That generous beam helps provide this vessel with almost 18 square metres of fish-fighting space. Even with the massive, optional Pompanette offset fighting chair, there’s plenty of room for a wireman and gaff man to get to the transom.
But what Hatteras specialises in, and this queen of the fleet testifies to so well, is that these boats will not just please the men but their wives too. This craft has so much room inside and together with the roomy galleys, multiple staterooms, high-end fabrics and decorator touches; it is a pleasure to spend time on board.
Let’s discuss the exterior first. It’s a 23.42 metre-long monster, deserving only jaw-dropping gazes from bystanders. It comes in a white Isophthalic gel-coated exterior, with black tints for the windows. The polymer and copper-based bottom paint ensures that rust won’t be a worry, for now at least. Decks are quipped with non-skid surfaces, ideal for yachts, and an on-deck fishing experience. And perhaps one factor worth mentioning time and time again is the solid fibreglass hull bottom, greatly increasing durability. Furthermore the tunnel for the propellers in the bottom of the hull improves the draft while the 5-year warranty on the hull speaks for itself, a certified Hatteras advantage.
Aggressively engineered to sportsfishing heaven, the engine is also worthy of praise. There are 4 different engines that can come with the 77C model. Beginning with the Twin CAT C32 ACERT Diesel engine serving up to1800 BHP, and ending with the Twin MTU 16 V-2000 CR Diesel engine with 2400 BHP under the hood, where a speed of twenty-eight to twenty-nine knots can comfortably be reached. And this horsepower mated to the innovative multi-blade propellers that reduce the impact on the water result in a smooth and potent ride.
The 77C model comes in five general arrangements: the top layer serves as a Sky Lounge deck offering an exhilarating panoramic view of the sea; then comes the main deck, finished to flawlessness; following with different interior options, such as the crew quarter section, or whether you opt for a vanity closet division, an additional sitting room, and of course, the his-and-hers preference.
The roomy cockpit ensures an excess of space – which is equipped with fish boxes, provided you catch some. The mezzanine level accommodates many on the cushioned seating. Although the seating arrangement is set by Hatteras, you are able to customise where to place the freezers and storage tubs.
The inside of the yacht is sealed off with sliding doors, yet can be easily accessed through the cockpit. Eight steps up a sweeping staircase and you are in the Sky Lounge – a spacious room with much seating, topped with only the most exhilarating of panoramic views of the endless sea. It features a state-of-the-art entertainment system, fully equipped with flat screen TVs, touch screen pads and a sound-surround system with the qualities of an amphitheatre
Hungry? Visit what in boat-terms is called the galley. But in the 77C model, it’s a complete kitchen, fitted with a 4-burner ceramic cooking top and a microwave. Around the sub-zero refrigerator are swivelling high stools, enabling you to take in the view of both the interior and the sea. In addition, cushioned seating lines the walls, with side tables and lamp shades. It seems as though Hatteras created a home away from home with this luxury model.
And if you happen to be worried about the floor works getting ruined through daily wear and tear, fear not – Amtico strip floors ensure durability on even the most demanding of days.
Walking with you to starboard now, comes a large dining area with U-shaped seating. A bit further down is a laundry room with front-loading washers and dryers.
Yes, it has been a long journey through the cockpit, Sky Lounge and deck, but the bedrooms need to be dwelled on for a bit. Below deck and into the staterooms, which are probably fit for King Louis XIV, but maybe a little too small for his taste. A king-size rounded bed with throw pillows and an overhead 37-inch plasma is nothing to complain about. The bathroom – appearing to have been taken out of gracious Louis XIV’s palace is adorned with soft shades of greens and browns. A large fibre-glass shower, twin-sinks surrounded by elegant stone countertops and wall-to-wall as well as ceiling mirrors, mean that there will be no squabbling in the mornings.
The other staterooms are of no less quality, all being designed for comfort. But if you find the living quarters too small for your taste, there are many options for expansion. Firstly, you can opt to eliminate the crew quarters, giving you more walk-in closet space, a possible dressing area and even an office space.
So on to the captain’s area. Computer-based systems monitors, with touch-screens display all the yacht’s activities. From the ship’s systems, to engine diagnostics, fuel transfer systems, tank levels, and if a fire happens to break out – it’s all there on the screen. Positioned before the screens, the captain’s helm chair, with two wide-riding seats to port and starboard.
All in all, the quality and the finishing of the Hatteras 77C, comes unmatched by other sportsfishing boats in the market. It may not be cheap with a starting price of 4.6 million USD which can rise all the way to 5.6 million USD if you add all the options. So the question is, do you have fishing skills worthy of this yacht?
Hatteras Yacht Sales ME
Hampshire, UK
+44 23 80330264
www.hatterasyachts.com
