Hatteras originated in High Point, North Carolina. Its later production center was in New Bern, North Carolina.
What types of boats does Hatteras build?
Hatteras is known for sportfishing convertibles and motor yachts. Its range has also included long-range cruisers and larger offshore yachts.
What is Hatteras best known for?
The brand is best known for early fiberglass yacht production and tough offshore boats. Its first model, Knit Wits, is widely recognized as a milestone in large fiberglass boatbuilding.
Hatteras is an American yacht builder founded in 1959 by Willis Slane in High Point, North Carolina. The brand became known for building fiberglass sportfishing boats and motor yachts, beginning with the 41-foot Knit Wits. Hatteras later expanded production to larger convertibles and motor yachts built for offshore cruising and fishing.
Founding and shipyards
Hatteras began in 1959 when Willis Slane decided to commission a boat that could handle the waters off Cape Hatteras. The first Hatteras, Knit Wits, was launched in 1960 and is widely identified as the first production fiberglass boat over 40 feet. The company started in High Point, North Carolina, and later added a second yard in New Bern in 1967. The original High Point yard was closed in 1997, while New Bern became the main production center.
Models and reputation
Hatteras built its reputation on fiberglass sportfishing convertibles and motor yachts. Early success with the 41 Convertible Yacht Fisherman led to a broader line that included long-range cruisers, motor yachts, and larger offshore boats. The brand is associated with heavy-duty construction, deep-V and modified-V hull development, and boats intended for rough-water use. Hatteras has produced thousands of vessels and remains closely linked with American offshore yacht design.
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