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The line between custom and production got a little more blurred with the introduction of the new Carolina Edition teak option package. The Carolina Edition includes a top-quality teak application that dresses up any Hatteras convertible from 50 to 70 feet in length. Available in the package is a teak cockpit deck, covering boards, toe rail and helm pod. When combined with a tinted hull color and custom bow rail, the Carolina Edition is a sure head turner.
The Carolina Edition is the newest example of Hatteras' ongoing efforts to deliver a turn-key product at the company's New Bern facility. In early 2004, Hatteras delivered three vessels that all reflect the factory's new turn-key ability -- including a 50 Convertible, 54 Convertible, and the 60 Convertible Hatterascal. Each of the three models have full towers, custom electronics packages and extensive teak treatments, including cockpit sole, covering boards, helm pod and (on the 54) toe rails. Most impressively, each of the three departed the factory either in the same timeframe as originally scheduled for standard completion, or within two weeks of that original target date.
According to construction manager Nile Mitchell, the ability to deliver a turn-key product goes beyond having good vendors. "We're continuing to refine the process we use to build our boats," Mitchell says. "We're putting plans in place on the production floor to accommodate this customization from the start. We're designing for teak work up front, rather than adding it after the fact. We're running raceways for custom electronics to allow for any combination of equipment. We've even installed alternate aluminum plates into our superstructure lay-up to give customers an option on where their tower legs can be placed."
An example of this newest change can be seen on the new Hatterascal, where the tower legs are mounted to the side of the house rather than the covering boards, freeing up the coaming for easy navigation to the bow.
So what does all this mean to the customer? It means flexibility, assurance and satisfaction. First, know that Hatteras has the processes and relationships in place to deliver a turn-key motor yacht or sport-fishing convertible in the same basic timeframe as a standard production boat. This installation will be completed to Hatteras' strict standards, and will be followed by a final review by Hatteras prior to delivery to the customer. This final review includes a full check of propulsion systems to make any necessary adjustments caused by increased weight or wind resistance.
Secondly, realize that Hatteras' on-site partners (including Ensley's Radio, High Seas Technology, Pipewelders and Jarrett Bay Boatworks) have the industry's best reputation and track record for their scope of services, backed by a proven network of repair centers to troubleshoot problems should they arise.
"This type of turn-key service is what our customers deserve, and it's where we have evolved to," says executive vice-president Don Farlow. "We certainly aren't the only company offering tower and electronics work on-site, but we are one of the few sending boats out the door on schedule with custom installations of the top brands available. And with the most recent addition of a complete teak package available right here in our facility, we are unique in the industry."
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