Hatteras GT-54 Sportfish or Viking?

Yeah, totally agree, and it's good getting a point of view from someone like you. As a skipper, I'm sure you have seen the good and the bad. Cheers

Far

Yeah Bali Hai was owned by my grandfather (mum's side) a few years ago, does Cavill ring a bell...? Also, one of his sons owns Laura J, it's based down the Gold Coast where your from right? Haven't got my mitts on her yet, her big sister's great though. Cheers

Far

Liberty, great post before, it's interesting getting an owner's perspective, plus with your background in factory work, it's even better. Did you actually have a look at the Assegai, I did some work for them back when they were at Hemmant, they make a stronge boat, I still think the boat "Assegai" was there best to date. There's a nice little 46' down at RQ, which has just gone north for the fish. The problem with them is there all mostly fitted out charter style, which is great on one side, but would mean a interior refit if it went pleasure.

Did you have a look at the Bertrams at all...? I think the Hatteras really got back in the game with there latest range though, powerful sheerline! I remember years ago (when gandhi was kid) gazing at the boat "Pipedream", she's a bit warn out know though . Cheers

Far

Cavill rings a bell with any person who has been on the Gold Coast! I used to enjoy a beer at your Great Grandfather’s hotel, just like the rest of the locals did.
I asked about Bali H because I heard what she just sold for (will not mention the $'s on site) and was astounded at it. A few years ago I was offered her at 3 times the amount and if she had not been timber hulled, I would have partnered with a friend and owned her, those were better days to be a builder! plus as she is in Survey we were considering charter and whale watching. She is an iconic boat! Brian Eiland would go nuts if he saw her.
Apparently they are going to epoxy Bali H at Norman Wrights, what are your thoughts on that? I doubt it will lessen the maintenance much.

I knew she was up for sale, I don't know what she went for in the end, might have to P/M me. I think the only way she would of sold in todays economy and how much money is needed to maintain such a boat, I wouldn't be surprised at a low sell. Lucky you didn't end up getting her though, the maintenance is one thing... putting up with my grandfather is another .

I think the epoxy wouldn't be a bad call, my uncle did it to his boat a year or so ago now, Riversong, another boat you may of heard of. I'm guessing it's just protecting the timber from wood rot. Plus the finish on the topsides looks great especially after a few years, the boat doesn't show the planking. Cheers

Far

Hi Liam,
The credit for that paragraph is Liberty’s.
As for the UNIESSE 48, I bought her after owning the Riviera’s. I would not go back to them for various reasons, hence the Hatteras 53, which is a far better boat in spite of being designed 40 years before the Riv’s.
I agree that UNIESSE is high quality build, just not good support. One of the most enjoyable boats I have owned and I only sold it to get into a 58’ Offshore, which may seem like a change from a Ferrari to a family car, but not so. The Offshore was a terrific all round boat.
Had a lot of boats, but only one marriage! Maybe I am onto something here?

Wayward???
Hehehehe, Mate, I think we all know just how much fun this wonderful town (Gold Coast) was back then. We all should share some cold ones and swap lies!

It's real teak. That is what a teak transom looks like when you have a clear urethane on it instead of Varnish. Look at Bluewater chairs website and you'll see their teak products with a clearcoat on it, the teak looks a lot different. The varnish kind of colors it a little and you see less definition in colors and grain.

You should of seen the family Xmas party down at Canaipa. It was on board L/J... beer on tap my friends

Liberty, your not wrong about the beam on Megumi, I think its down to running a 21deg deadrise from the midships back to the transom, which I think is a massive over kill considering a lot of the American boats are running early to mid teens in deadrise.

I did also read (on Y/F) that Ullberg just got signed up to Bertram, I think that's a step in the right direction.

33 sleeps is it

Far

Congrats, she looks outstanding.

ENJOY Liberty!
Wish you many big fish, long fine days and good times!
G

wow Wonderful Congrats! The 54 remains one of my favorite Hatteras.

Very nice - outfitted for Australia but it would work great as is in the West Coast too!

Liberty, I was eyeing that boat the other day as it came down the Neuse from the factory, past our place on the river. Very cool! The denizens of eastern North Carolina thank you!

Congratulations! Enjoy her in good health!

Robert