Modern technology and engineering have enabled boat manufactures to produce sportfishers that continually excel in the harshest conditions at peak performance and comfort levels. Several sportfish brands are synonymous with sportfishing success, success that is derived from trial, error and the integration of new technology. For nearly 60 years Hatteras has been at the forefront of sportfishing innovation giving owners, captains and crew the ultimate experience on the water. Headquartered in New Bern, North Carolina, Hatteras is just a short distance from the unforgiving seas of Cape Hatteras which became the inspiration and proving grounds for Hatteras founder, Willis Slane. Slane envisioned a new breed of fishing boat, one that was strong enough to tame the Cape Hatteras waters, what followed was the birth of a legend.
As a sales professional for Kusler Yachts, I recently had the privilege of visiting Hatteras’s facility in North Carolina with Captain Frank D’Anna to pick up and deliver Resilient, a Hatteras GT70, to Fort Lauderdale with the final destination of Southern California. Resilient was sold by Michael Kusler of Kusler Yachts, a California dealer for Hatteras. The GT70 is the flagship of Hatteras’s sportfish line that is made up of five models ranging from 45’ to 70’. In recent news, Hatteras announced the addition of a GT65 that will be replacing the GT63 beginning 2019 and a GT59 model.
From a distance the GT70 is stunning, the classic Carolina flare melded with smooth flowing lines creates a true masterpiece. The GT70 is offered in both an open and enclosed flybridge arrangement, with ours being the open arrangement. Standard is a five stateroom, four head layout that provides ample space for guests and crew to spread out. With 120,000 pounds of displacement, an LOA of 73’8” and beam of 21’4”, she is a large vessel that performs at the caliber of a smaller sportfisher. Resilient has the upgraded engine option which includes twin MTU 16V-2000 2,600 horsepower engines that push her to a 33 knot cruise and 41 knot top end while fully loaded with gear and fuel. In addition to 5,200 horsepower, Resilient has 2,140 gallons of fuel capacity, a Seakeeper 26 gyro stabilizer, twin 21.5kw Cummins Onan generators, Furuno Omni sonar and accommodations that rival five-star hotels.
Contact Kusler Yachts with any questions.
Stepping aboard reveals Hatteras’s attention to detail and engineering excellence. The entire cockpit sole and mezzanine deck is made of natural teak that blends seamlessly with the natural teak rail. Below the cockpit deck, to port and starboard, are two massive fish boxes that are large enough to hold several triple-digit tuna apiece. Captain Frank has plumbed one of the fish boxes to become a bait slammer when additional bait capacity is needed. The Seakeeper, running gear and stern systems are accessed through a third hatch in the cockpit deck. Centered in the transom is a large, built-in, bait tank that always keeps our bait in excellent condition. Resilient has a teak Release Marine fighting chair and rocket launcher mounted in the cockpit, so Frank added two removable bait tanks that flank each side of the deck giving unprecedented bait capacity.
One level up from the cockpit is the mezzanine deck that offers the perfect vantage point to watch the action while relaxing on the outdoor, air conditioned, settee. Underneath the settee is an insulated fish box that we fill with ice and bagged fillets. Throughout the mezzanine deck are holds and hatches that reveal drink boxes, ice chipper, storage and engine room access. Mounted to port, along the bulkhead, is a tackle storage center with built-in Kenyon electric barbecue. Upon entering the salon through a sliding door from the mezzanine deck, you are greeted with a large L shaped sofa to starboard, entertainment center to port and panoramic views. High gloss teak and tripled stitched upholstery is used throughout the interior and flybridge giving an elegant, high class finish. Hidden within the entertainment center is a pop-up flatscreen tv with Bose stereo and generator controls below. Underneath the sofa is nearly endless storage space for tackle and gear. Moving forward through the salon, and raised one step, is the dining area and galley. To starboard is a comfortable dinette that can easily seat six guests while two more guests can be seated at barstools surrounding the island. The island and galley countertop is an elegant cut of granite that picks up hues of green and purple as the light changes angles. Built into the island are six SubZero pull out refrigerators and freezers, allowing plenty of perishables to be stored. The galley has all the amenities of home including stainless steel sink, garbage disposal, electric stove and deep cabinets.
Moving down the stairs, forward of the galley and dining area, you are brought into the birthing area of the GT70. The master stateroom is to starboard, offering complete privacy and relaxation. The master incorporates a full closest, flatscreen tv, flanking night stands and spacious head. The shower in the master head is larger than many boats entire head. High end tile work and finishes accompany all four heads. Across from the master, is a stateroom with over under bunks that’s not lacking accommodations. Moving forward, down the hallway, another full head is to port, along with a stacked washer and dryer. All the way forward is the VIP stateroom with full ensuite head. The VIP stateroom has been designed to accommodate a couple for multiple days on the water. In the hallway ceiling is a rod storage locker for those owners with a large tackle collection. Moving down the hallway to the stern, and stepping down several steps, reveals another stateroom with over under bunks. This bunk room is just as elegant as the other staterooms, so it can be used as a crew birth or for extra guests. Across from this bunk room is another bunk room designed to be the dedicated captain and crew quarter. In the middle of both bunk rooms is a full head, the sink and vanity are separate from the shower and head.
Through this head, the captain and crew have engine room access to check on systems throughout a trip. The engine room is well laid out with easy access to all necessary systems. The reflection off the white and chrome is nearly blinding, showing the importance of having a clean engine room to find leaks quickly. The monstrous MTU’s, which are triple turbo’ed, can be started and monitored from the engine room.
Thanks to a well-designed ladder, accessing the bridge is easy and safe for both adults and children. In the center of the bridge is a large console that has a forward facing seating area, ice boxes and three helm chairs. Mounted into the console, and into the fiberglass top above the captain, are numerous high-end electronic screens and controls. Every system critical to the ships’ control, safety and fishability is in near proximity of the captain. Electric teaser reels are mounted in the top, and hydraulically operated outriggers allow for greater fishing efficiency. Running along both sides of the bridge are seating areas designed for lounging and relaxing while underway, of course, these double as rod and gear storage. Two drink boxes forward in the bridge make sure guests and crew never go thirsty.
Above the bridge is a full Pipewelders tower that offers nearly the same fishing and navigation features as the bridge. It’s practically cheating being in this tower with a Seakeeper and gyro-stabilized binoculars; fish cannot hide. The bow is a jig fisherman’s dream, the “dance floor” seems nearly unending. Imagine having six of your buddies all casting on a bluefin foamer with plenty of room to spare. Our boat does not have a bow rail, davit or tender, however, these features can be added.
Hatteras has set the new standard with the speed, agility, design and performance of the GT70. Whether you need to back down on a marlin in hast, or knockdown choppy head seas at 35 knots, know that the GT70 will be up to the task. She can traverse the globe, taking her guests and crew to the most desirable fishing locations in style and comfort. Discover the Hatteras difference today.
Kusler Yachts is the San Diego California Hatteras Yachts dealer. For more information about Hatteras Yachts for sale or more information on the GT70 contact [email protected].
—
Article Credit: Zach Zorn, Sales Professional at Kusler Yachts – Original copy from Pacific Coast Sportfishing magazine.
As a native San Diegan, Zach found his passion for boating and fishing at an early age. With a BA degree from Point Loma Nazarene University, Zach has years of web development, product design and management experience. His unique and progressive approach, combined with his enthusiasm and desire to perfectly match sellers and buyers, is impeccable. His international travels add to his diverse knowledge of fishing and boats, while his attention to detail is key to the success of both.
—
Kusler Yachts has been in business since 2010 and is one of the most successful yacht brokerage’s in Southern California. Kusler Yachts is the West Coast premier yacht brokerage specializing in yachts for sale, fishing boats for sale, Regulator center console boats, Hatteras Yachts, Albemarle Fishing boats and used boat sales. Kusler Yachts San Diego Yacht Brokers have over 50 years of on-the-water experience. Contact us today.