Designs That Inspire
Hatteras engineers never stop looking for new ways to achieve higher performance standards without sacrificing the safety or integrity of our yachts. In the process, we have developed numerous effective innovations that have benefited not just our customers, but the entire boating industry.

Hull Tunnels: Early hull tunnels were really little more than "blisters" used to add propeller tip clearance under the hull. But in the late 1980s, Hatteras became the first production fiberglass builder of 50-foot-plus yachts to use true tunnels that actually penetrated the plane of the hull. In the years since, we have continued to lead in tunnel design by applying military technology that is now available to the public, providing our boat owners with the best handling and efficiency possible.
 
Deep Gears, Large Shafts & Big Propellers: It is more efficient to move a large mass slowly than it is to move a small mass quickly. Hatteras applied this principle in the mid-1980s when it unveiled a 48 Convertible that featured a reduction gear of 2:1. Large-diameter, 2.5-inch, high-strength alloy shafts delivered additional torque to the propellers, making Hatteras the first pleasure craft company to use this approach to propulsion design. It is an approach that is only now being fully appreciated (and replicated) by the rest of the industry.
 
Multi-Blade Propellers: Hatteras became the first yacht manufacturer to use five-bladed propellers when we convinced Rolla to design its first pair in 1985. The propellers helped our engineers significantly reduce engine vibration and increase efficiencies due to the additional blade area. We've continued our leading role in this area with the development of six-bladed (1995) and seven-bladed (2000) props. An eight-bladed propeller is currently in development and promises our customers even better performance.

Fully Resin-Infused Hulls: Hatteras has been using resin-infusion technology to create strong and lightweight decks, bulkheads, and other boat parts for years. But in 2008, we became the first yacht manufacturer to offer a fully resin-infused hull, on our 60 Convertible. The technology has since spread throughout our sportfishing and cruising lines. Resin infusion saves significant weight and adds stiffness while still providing the world-class ride our owners expect. It also means a much cleaner operation that virtually eliminates airborne pollutants ¿ benefiting all boaters and non-boaters alike.
 
Quick-Disconnects: In 1980, Hatteras engineers developed and patented the quick-disconnect device for fast and easy fluid transfers, including oil change for gears, engines, and generators; waste oil pump-out; clean oil addition; fresh and saltwater wash-downs; and dockside hookup. Other builders use renditions of the device in limited applications, but we remain the only major yacht manufacturer to use the original stainless-steel version throughout our vessels.
 
Electrical Codes: Few boat builders commit such time, energy, and expense to electrical safety as Hatteras does. While many competitors cite ABYC standards, few actually meet those standards throughout their electrical systems. Hatteras not only meets the standards, but helped author them, resulting in more safety and reliability for our owners.

Learn more about our industry-leading technologies and how they give you a distinct operational and performance advantage in the Hatteras Advantage section of the website, or by contacting your local Hatteras dealer.

See Legacy of Innovation