TWO HATTERAS GT54 GAMEBOATS BOUND FOR AUSTRALIA

The Gold Coast’s gamefishing and motoryacht retailers Game & Leisure Boats (GLB) told us the first of the GT54s has been delivered to a Brisbane couple and the second will be based at Madang, Papua New Guinea.

GLB’s MD and big-boat skipper Graham McCloy said he wasn’t surprised at the local acceptance of the new model from the North Carolina boatbuilder. “This is by far the best sportfishing boat I have ever driven,” he told us.

The new 54 is said to be the lightest and most nimble member of the Hatteras GT Series, designed for the serious angler or comfortable family cruising.

Describing the look above the waterline as being new for Hatteras in a boat of its size, GLB says the shape below retains the builder’s convex bow on a variable deadrise hull design to minimise the impact of seas in a variety of offshore conditions.

“The design of the GT54 is based on this proven construction, producing a comfortable ride and excellent performance in rough waters. Like all models in the GT Series she boasts an impressive top-end speed exceeding 40kts,” said the agent, who also told Trade-a-Boat the two Australian boats are each powered by twin 1135hp Caterpiller C18s, the GT54 carrying a base price of $1.946 million.

GLB continued that the well-appointed cockpit of the GT54 is equipped to meet the standards of the most competitive angler, with in-deck fishboxes, a mounting plate in the sole for a fighting chair and an optional recirculating livewell at the transom. Stowage includes dedicated compartments for gaffs and boat hooks as well as rods.

GLB will also unveil a new Hatteras 60 Motor Yacht (base price $2.3 million) at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show, from August 1 to 5.

The 60 is the entry-level model to its four-boat Motor Yacht fleet, featuring a wide and open saloon/galley living area and a three-stateroom two-head layout, including a full-beam master suite amidships.

For more information, phone (07) 5577 5811 or visit www.gandlb.com.au

Specifications: Hatteras GT54

MATERIAL Fibreglass

TYPE Planing monohull

LENGTH 16.18m (overall); 14.53m (waterline)

BEAM 5.26m

DRAFT 1.28m

FUEL 4542lt

WATER 681lt

ENGINE 2 x 1150hp CAT C18A; 2 x 1600hp CAT C32A