Hatteras Yachts, the popular sportfisherman builder with a handful of traditional motoryacht models in the megayacht size range, is available for new ownership. The board of directors of Brunswick Corporation, Hatteras’ parent company, have voted to sell it.
Hatteras, which opened its doors in 1959 in North Carolina, was acquired by Brunswick in 2001. Brunswick also owns Sea Ray, Meridian Yachts, and Cabo Yachts, the latter of which is being sold as well. “This action reflects our decision to exit the sportfishing convertible category and to concentrate our resources in the yacht segment on our remaining brands, Sea Ray and Meridian Yachts,” Dustan E. McCoy, chairman and CEO of Brunswick, says. “When completed, this action will also contribute to our goal of a break-even or better boat segment in 2013, even if the larger stern drive/inboard fiberglass markets do not improve.”
While McCoy adds that Hatteras will maintain its current production schedule, the same day that Brunswick announced the sale, Hatteras informed 105 staff that they were being laid off. Of that number, 75 are full-time employees. Hatteras has more than 500 full-time staff overall. Dan Kubera, director of media relations for Brunswick, says that the two moves were coincidental. In an email to the Sun Journal newspaper, he writes, “The layoff announced this morning was an operational decision, necessary for Hatteras and Cabo operations to better adjust to market conditions. As we stated in our news release, during the sale process, Hatteras and Cabo will maintain ongoing operations.”
As for those operations, they include a new 100 Raised Pilothouse (pictured). Hatteras initially planned the model as a 95 Raised Pilothouse, but a few weeks after revealing it to the press in February 2012, the builder decided to make the megayacht larger. The 100 Raised Pilothouse is expected to debut at the fall boat shows this year. And, at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Hatteras premiered its redesigned 80 Motor Yacht, a model that debuted in 2003. Revisions include larger ports, a sportier overall profile, and more interior volume. Hatteras says it has sold 45 of the original 80 Motor Yacht models to date, making it one of its most popular offerings.
Leave a Reply