Hatteras GT59 Review
The new 2019 Hatteras GT59 may be big, but its 3,200 diesel inboard horses propel this sportfishing dream machine to speeds over 40 knots.
- The newest Hatteras Yachts model is the GT59 convertible, which is designed for offshore fishing, but also has a new bridgedeck design ideal for socializing.
- If you want to fish in the lap of luxury, you’ll enjoy unique features like the cockpit air-conditioning.
- Cruising speeds are in the low to mid 30 knot range, and at wide-open, the GT59 will break 40 knots.
- See all Hatteras listings, or read a similar review on the Hatteras GT70.
Just a few years back the Hatteras GT70 became the largest sportfishing boat in the Hatteras Yachts line-up, and shortly after it was introduced, the GT 45X Flybridge Option became their smallest flybridge option. Now Hatteras fills in the model line by hitting the sweet spot in-between those two boats, with the all-new GT59. We spotted the boat on display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, so naturally we jumped aboard and shot this short First Look Video.
Cockpit layout and fishability are, of course, of epic importance to most of the people who would own a GT59. And in most ways, Hatteras stuck with the tried-and-true cockpit designs seen on most large convertible boats. There are fishboxes in the deck, a large oval livewell in the transom, and rodholders in the wings, gunwales, and battle station—plus rocket launchers on the pipework. Forward to starboard there’s a tackle prep station with gobs of stowage and a bait freezer, and to port, a mezzanine. It’s when you plop down on that cushy mezzanine, however, that you realize Hatteras didn’t just copy-cat everyone else’s cockpit designs. Because while sitting there, you’ll feel a chill running down your spine – the chill of air-conditioning, that is, thanks to vents between the lower and upper seat-back cushions that will be blasting cool air on you. Nice. Then, look up and to port, and you’ll notice a full-function MFD display is mounted on the inside of the bridgedeck wing. As you kick back and watch baits, you can also pull up the fishfinder, chartplotter, or even the views of an underwater camera.
Let there be no doubt, offshore angling is in the GT59s DNA.
On many modern convertibles the fishing territory ends when you walk into the saloon, but not so on the GT59. That tackle room you saw in the video proves that the emphasis is on angling throughout this boat. That’s even true of the guest stateroom, which can be outfitted with an upper single and lower double berth as opposed to a single pedestal queen. Sure, it means a bit less room for a couple sharing the double. But in tournament or overnight fishing situations, when there’s likely to be a large and somewhat odiferous crew aboard, having several separate berths as opposed to one larger one will be appreciated in a big way.
Tackle stowage on the GT59 should prove sufficient for just about any angler on the face of the planet.
The GT59 also has the performance anglers demand, with a 40-knot-plus top-end and a cruise in the low to mid 30s, and a whopping 1,750-gallon fuel capacity that means you’ll have no trouble reaching the hotspots of late wherever they may be. We also like the bridgedeck arrangement, which will make those long cruises a bit more social for the captain and crew. A large lounge integrated into the front of the helm and a pair of flanking lounges (with reversable backrests, so you can face forward while running and face aft to watch baits while on the troll) mean there’s enough room for a half-dozen people to sit in comfort up top – even when running in rough conditions.
Eschewing more traditional bridgedeck layouts, there’s plenty of comfy seating for crewmembers to kick back and relax on while the boat’s running.
One thing Hatteras didn’t change from earlier models is the use of tunnels in the hull to minimize draft. Many competitors in this size range have drafts of over five feet, so that 4’9” figure posted by the GT59 will be an attraction to some people. Also remaining historically Hatteras-like is the hullform. Yes, it’s designed for awesome seakeeping abilities… but isn’t that true of just about any big convertible being built today? The difference between this boat and some others is that Hatteras has a long history to back up their claims, and anyone who’s spent time aboard a Hatteras know that with the sharp entry, gobs of flare, and significant heft (displacement: 89,000 pounds) their hulls can crush waves with the best of ‘em. We’re not even going to bother talking about stability, since you’d be nuts to get a boat like this without Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilization, which essentially makes the entire conversation moot.
You want to crush waves like bugs? Getting a Hatteras GT59 will be a good way to do it.
So: you think the Hatteras GT59 might be your next boat? Start perusing the listings, people. Do your due diligence. Take one for a test ride, and do a walk-through for yourself. You never know—the GT59 might just be the ideal boat, for you.
Other Choices: The new Bertram 61 will be a natural comparison to the Hatteras GT 59, and is another fresh convertible design that features a more luxurious layout on the bridgedeck. The Viking 62 would be a more traditional alternative. And those who want more customization might look to a model like the Spencer 60.
See listings for the Hatteras GT59.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length | 59'9" |
| Beam | 18'9" |
| Draft | 4'9" |
| Deadrise | N/A |
| Displacement | 89,000 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 1,750 gal. |
| Water capacity | 200 gal. |
