Hatteras Yachts for Sale

Willis Slane and the Knit Wits

Willis Slane was a hosiery maker in High Point, North Carolina who wanted a boat that could handle the rough water off Cape Hatteras. He founded Hatteras Yachts in 1959 and hired naval architect Jack Hargrave to design it. The result was the 41-foot Knit Wits, launched in 1960 and named for Slane's textile business. It is widely credited as the first fiberglass boat over 40 feet. Hatteras moved production to New Bern in 1967 and later consolidated there.

Owners over the years

• AMF owned Hatteras before 1985.
• Genmar, Irwin Jacobs's boat group, bought it in 1985.
• Brunswick owned it from 2001.
• Versa Capital bought it in 2013.
• White River Marine Group, the Bass Pro Shops boat company, bought Hatteras in May 2021. Johnny Morris announced plans to make New Bern a saltwater building center and to move the Mako and Ranger saltwater brands there too.

What you'll find for sale

Convertibles (sportfish) are the classic Hatteras: a flybridge, a big cockpit for fighting fish, and a cabin below. Lengths run from the 30s up past 70 feet. Motor yachts are the cruising side, with an enclosed salon and staterooms. Older Hatterases from the 1970s and 1980s are often called "classic" boats, and many have been refit.

What to check on a used Hatteras

Survey everything. Hire an accredited marine surveyor and a separate engine surveyor. Haul the boat for a bottom inspection.

Engines. Older Hatterases often carry Detroit Diesel two-strokes; newer ones run Caterpillar, MAN or other diesels. Get oil analysis, hours, and records of any rebuilds. Ask about the transmissions and engine mounts.

Running gear. Check the shafts, struts, cutless bearings, props and rudders on the haul-out.

Fuel tanks. Ask how old the tanks are and whether any have been replaced. On some older boats, replacing them means cutting into the deck.

Decks and superstructure. Have the surveyor check the decks, flybridge and house for wet core with a moisture meter.

Systems. Generators, air conditioning, watermakers, electronics and electrical panels all add up. Test each one, and get a sense of how old the wiring is.

Refit history. A full refit can make an older Hatteras a good buy. Ask for the yard records and who did the work.

Running costs. Get quotes on insurance, dockage and haul-outs before you buy. A big Hatteras costs a lot to own each year, beyond what you pay for it.