INNOVATION

The Hatteras Advantage: Onboard Electrical Systems

While Hatteras Yachts’ legendary ride, performance, comfort, and fishability get the lion’s share of attention, the equipment we manufacture for each of our boats also is purpose-built to deliver an exceptional experience. Take the electrical wiring systems and panels that keep your Hatteras lighted, running and safe. Our veteran technicians build them all by hand in-house to ensure your boat always has the electrical power you need when you need it.

At Hatteras, we meet or exceed all requirements set by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC). Our meticulous construction techniques and attention to detail go beyond that of our competitors. Read on to learn what makes Hatteras onboard electrical systems such high quality.

All wires are color-coded; for example, blue outer jacket is DC wiring and brown outer jacket is for control circuit wiring.

Here are some of the many reasons you can trust Hatteras Yachts’ onboard electrical systems:

All main switching panels and electrical distribution panels are made in-house.
The panels feature welded aluminum construction.
All circuit breakers are of the magnetic type. (Some of our competitors use thermal breakers that change value as temperature increases.)
All breakers are back-mounted and front-wired. All you have to do is pull off the panel front to access all wiring.
At Hatteras, we use lightweight AGM batteries.
DC main engine and battery switches are inside a metal enclosure, rather than mounted on a wood backboard.
All wire and cable is U.L.-listed to at least 300 volts, and more often to 600 volts.
All wire is tin-coated, stranded copper, sealed in an insulated jacket for greater insulating protection, greater corrosion prevention, better flexibility, and better protection against moisture.
All wire penetrations are insulated to prevent chafing at the penetration (see photo below).

The outer jacket of all wiring penetrates the strain relief.
Insulated wire clamps, nylon ties, insulated bushings and silicone bedding compounds are used to protect wires and extend their life.
Much attention is paid to neatness. All wiring is run parallel and even. Harnesses are tie-wrapped every 6 inches and secured with clamps at least every 18 inches. You will find no wires stuffed out of sight or hanging loose on a Hatteras.
Every wire is numbered on both ends. These numbers match the engineering drawings for ease of connection during the build, and later for troubleshooting.

All electrical splices of current-carrying wires are made inside an electrical junction box.
All switches are installed inside an electrical work box. There are no switches or electrical components installed where the back is open to the elements, or to flammable materials.

Hatteras uses a proprietary monitoring system that is PLC and PC based. This system is reliable and expandable.
Every Hatteras electrical system goes through rigorous Quality Assurance testing. Each system is tested for correct operation at full load. Also, each shoreline and each distribution panel is tested to ensure that the ground fault current is held to a minimum.
Hatteras uses a network of copper straps to form the ship’s bonding system, which is connected to the main negative bus and to both main struts.
All onboard lighting systems utilize cool, energy-efficient LED bulbs.

That’s only part of The Hatteras Advantage. Stay tuned for more in future issues.