1965 Hatteras Motor Yacht

General Description

Welcome aboard “Incredible”, a timeless 50-foot 1965 Hatteras Motor Yacht that seamlessly blends classic yacht heritage with modern luxury. Originally launched as Hatteras Yachts’ own demo showboat, “Incredible” has been lovingly restored and upgraded to be better than new. This fully refit classic offers the charm of a vintage yacht with all the comforts and reliability needed for liveaboard cruising today. Whether you’re a vintage boat enthusiast or dreaming of a comfortable life afloat, “Incredible” greets you with a warm, welcoming aura and top-of-the-line updates.

Key Highlights

• Meticulous Major Refit (2005–2008): Hull stripped to bare fiberglass, faired and repainted with durable Awlcraft 2000 finish; extensive deck repairs addressing core and underlayment for a solid, leak-free platform. The flybridge was repositioned 44 inches forward with a new custom dash to improve visibility and accommodate modern electronics.

• Modern Power & Performance: Repowered with twin 2006 Cummins diesel engines (430 HP each, 860 HP total) – only ~420 hours on these engines means they’re barely broken in! Cruising speed is now a comfortable 16 knots (up from the original 11 knots), with a top speed of approximately 19 knots. The addition of Naiad stabilizers (serviced in July 2023) ensures a smooth, stable ride in coastal waters.

• Luxurious Interior Upgrades: Interior was completely reimagined during the refit. The galley (kitchen) was redesigned by a professional designer with Custom Wood-Mode cherry cabinetry and granite countertops, creating a chef’s delight that rivals a modern home kitchen. All appliances were replaced with updated models. The heads (bathrooms) were rebuilt from the hull up, featuring contemporary cabinetry and quartz countertops – functional works of art that bring spa-like luxury to your cruising experience. Every living space, from the salon to the staterooms, has been refinished with high-end materials, tasteful design, and an eye for both style and practicality.

• Updated Systems & Amenities: Virtually every system on board was modernized. A new 15 kW generator provides ample off-shore power for extended cruising. The air conditioning systems were replaced to keep the interior cool in any climate. A full suite of Raymarine electronics (navigation and radar) was installed for safe, easy piloting. An upgraded entertainment center means you can enjoy music and movies on board. All windows were replaced or re-sealed, and the electrical and lighting systems were overhauled for reliability. This yacht is as turn-key as they come – all the hard work has been done for you.

• Award-Winning Restoration: “Incredible” isn’t just a name – it’s a reputation. This yacht’s stunning restoration earned the 2008 Corinthian Award for Best Restoration at the prestigious Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance in Seabrook, Texas. She returned to Keels & Wheels in 2016 and won “Best in Class”. Owning “Incredible” means owning a piece of award-winning history, admired by classic boat judges and enthusiasts alike.

• Rich Heritage: Built in North Carolina in 1965, “Incredible” served as Hatteras Yachts’ company showboat for several years. She was updated annually at the factory with the latest features through the late 1960s, showcasing Hatteras innovation (including an extended aft deck enclosure and improved stateroom layout). Through her three caring owners over six decades, the boat has proudly kept the name “Incredible” – a testament to her legacy and the pride she inspires. This is a yacht with a story to tell!

• Proven Cruiser & Liveaboard Dream: The current owners (since 2001) have cruised “Incredible” extensively along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast – from New England down the Atlantic, through the Chesapeake, and around to Texas. She’s a proven long-range cruiser that handles like a dream. With her spacious layout, ample storage, and modern conveniences, “Incredible” is perfectly suited for living aboard or extended voyages. You’ll enjoy a comfortable salon for entertaining, a redesigned galley for cooking your favorite meals, and private staterooms for restful nights at anchor or in the marina.

A Classic Reborn – Refit Details (2005–2008)

“Incredible” underwent an extensive, no-expense-spared refit between 2005 and 2008 to bring her into the modern era while preserving her classic soul. The refit began by addressing the fundamentals: the hull was taken all the way down to the original fiberglass, removing decades of old paint and built-up coatings. It was then carefully faired (smoothed) and finished with Awlcraft 2000 paint, resulting in a gleaming hull that turns heads and is easier to maintain than older gelcoat. On deck, any areas of soggy core or tired plywood were removed and rebuilt, so the decks are now solid underfoot. The flybridge – one of this model’s most charming features – was moved forward by 44 inches, a significant modification that improves the boat’s weight balance and sightlines. A custom helm dashwas fabricated to house new electronics and controls in a clean, ergonomic layout. Throughout the refit, the goal was to retain the iconic Hatteras lines and character while upgrading structure and systems for the future.

Inside, nearly every space was stripped down, some to the fiberglass shell, and built back up anew. The result is essentially a new yacht inside the classic Hatteras hull. Bulkheads, cabinetry, and fixtures were replaced or redesigned to optimize space and functionality. The craftsmanship is evident in the fit and finish – joinery is top-notch, surfaces are fair and finely finished, and the overall feel is of a high-quality custom yacht.

Modern Interior – Comfort & Style

One step inside “Incredible” and you’ll forget you’re on a 1965 vessel – the interior is that modern and elegant. The salon (main living area) is bright and inviting, with updated LED lighting and large windows that were replaced during the refit. There’s a comfortable seating area perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests, and the entertainment center upgrade means you can enjoy music or a movie night on the water. The décor and materials strike a balance between classic nautical charm and contemporary luxury.

Moving forward, you enter the galley – a true highlight of this yacht. Completely redesigned with the help of a certified kitchen designer, the galley maximizes both space and style. Beautiful Custom Wood-Mode cherry cabinets offer abundant storage and a rich, warm finish. The granite countertops not only add a touch of luxury but are also highly practical for meal prep and cleanup. High-end appliances (replaced during the refit) include modern refrigeration, stovetop/oven, and other conveniences you’d expect in a home kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a simple snack or a gourmet dinner, this galley is up to the task – and you’ll do it in style.

The yacht features multiple staterooms (bedrooms) and heads (bathrooms), all of which benefited from the refit. The owners worked with a bath design professional to ensure the heads became something truly special. Each head was gutted to an empty shell and rebuilt with a contemporary, upscale design. Think sleek custom cabinetry (also by Wood-Mode), elegant fixtures, and quartz countertops that gleam. The result feels like stepping into a luxury hotel bath – bright, clean lines and smart use of space, providing both beauty and practicality. Storage was improved as well, with medicine cabinets and lockers to tuck away all your essentials. Taking a hot shower on board “Incredible” after a day of cruising will feel like a spa experience.

Throughout the interior, you’ll find modern LED lighting, refined wall coverings, updated flooring, and quality furnishings. The climate control systems (air conditioners and heaters) were all updated, so you can keep every cabin at a comfortable temperature year-round. In sum, living aboard “Incredible” doesn’t feel like living on an older boat at all – you get the ambiance of a classic yacht with the comfort of a contemporary home.

Power, Performance & Reliability

Under the hood (or rather, beneath the salon floor), “Incredible” boasts a machinery and systems setup that will make any captain smile. She was repowered in 2006 with twin Cummins diesel engines, giving a combined 860 horsepower. These modern engines are known for their reliability and efficiency. With only ~420 hours of run time since new, they have decades of service life ahead of them – a major advantage compared to most boats of this vintage (or even much newer boats!). Essentially, the engines and engine room have the look and feel of a 2006 model yacht, which means easier maintenance and peace of mind on long trips.

This boost in power translated into improved performance: “Incredible” now comfortably cruises at around 15–16 knots, significantly faster than her original cruise in the low teens. When you want to push her, she’ll reach 18–19 knots at top speed, which is impressive for a classic 50’ motor yacht. Despite the higher speeds, the ride remains gentle and composed, thanks in part to the addition of stabilizers. These Naiad stabilizer fins (serviced in July 2023 to ensure optimal performance) work automatically to counteract rolling, which means whether you’re cruising offshore or relaxing at anchor, the boat stays remarkably steady. This is a huge benefit for comfort and safety, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time aboard or have guests who may not be seasoned sailors.

For extended cruising or living aboard, self-sufficiency is key – and “Incredible” has it covered. The 15kW generator installed during the refit provides ample power to run all onboard systems when away from the dock, including air conditioning, galley appliances, and entertainment devices. Coupled with sizable fuel and water tanks (Hatteras built these for serious cruising), you can enjoy remote anchorages without sacrificing conveniences. The electrical system was modernized with new panels and wiring where needed, so you won’t face the quirks that many older boats have. All lighting was updated (mostly to LED), reducing energy consumption and heat. The plumbing systems were also refreshed as part of the refit, meaning the fresh water and waste systems operate reliably.

At the helm, you’ll find a suite of Raymarine electronics from the late 2000s – including chartplotter, radar, depth sounder, and autopilot – all integrated into that custom flybridge dash and lower helm station. This tech makes navigation and piloting straightforward, whether you’re doing a long coastal run or just a short sunset cruise. The visibility from the flybridge is excellent (even better now with its forward position), and it’s a wonderful perch to operate the boat and take in the views. “Incredible” handles beautifully for a yacht of her size – a testament to Hatteras’s solid build and the stabilizer augmentation. Docking is eased by good sightlines and likely additional features (such as twin-engine maneuverability and maybe a bow thruster if one was added during refit – not specified, but handling is certainly manageable).

In short, you can trust this boat. All the heavy lifting in terms of mechanical and electrical refitting has been done, and done right. She’s ready to take you on new adventures without the worry that usually comes with a 60-year-old yacht, because so much of her is effectively up-to-date.

Heritage & Awards – A Yacht with a Story

Owning “Incredible” is not just about having a beautiful boat; it’s about joining the story of a truly special vessel. This Hatteras has a rich history that will delight any classic boat lover. She was built in 1965 in High Point, North Carolina by the legendary Hatteras Yachts – one of the pioneers of fiberglass yacht construction. As the company’s own demonstration and show boat, “Incredible” spent her early years shining at boat shows and VIP events. In fact, she was the Hatteras 50 on display until Hatteras introduced the next model (the 53’ Classic) in 1969. During those years, the factory kept “Incredible” on the cutting edge, incorporating improvements and prototypes each season. For example, her aft deck was extended and enclosed by the factory, and the master stateroom berth configuration was updated to what later became standard. In a way, “Incredible” was a trendsetter for the Hatteras line – truly a piece of yachting history.

The name “Incredible” was bestowed by Hatteras’s marketing team when she was launched, and it has proven fitting over the decades. Remarkably, the name has never been changed by any owner – a sign of the respect and affection this yacht commands. She’s had only three owners in her nearly 60 years of life, and each took pride in caring for her. The current owners, who took stewardship in 2001, continued that legacy and elevated it with the award-winning restoration. When the refit was completed in 2008, they showcased “Incredible” at the Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance (a prestigious exhibition for classic cars and boats) in Texas. There, she earned the Corinthian Award for Best Restoration, signaling to all that this yacht was something extraordinary. If that wasn’t enough, a few years later in 2016, they entered her again and she won “Best in Class”, cementing her status as one of the finest classic motor yachts afloat. These accolades not only speak to the quality of the refit but also to the inherent beauty and presence of the yacht herself.

As you step aboard “Incredible,” you can’t help but feel the legacy – the gleaming mahogany details, the solid build, the storied past of an icon that has traveled waters far and wide. Yet despite being museum-quality in many respects, she’s not a static display piece; she’s an actively cruised, living vessel that’s brought joy to her owners and admirers everywhere.

Liveaboard Cruising in Comfort

One of the wonderful things about “Incredible” is how well she lends herself to liveaboard cruising. If you’ve been looking for a classic yacht you can truly live on and travel with, this is the ideal candidate. Thanks to the refit, the boat provides a level of comfort and convenience rarely found in a vintage vessel. All the modern amenities mean you can cook, relax, and entertain on board with ease. The yacht’s layout offers plenty of room to spread out. You have an airy salon for lounging and hosting friends, a proper galley to prepare full meals, and outdoor spaces (like the aft deck or flybridge) to enjoy morning coffees or sunset cocktails.

The staterooms give you and your guests private, comfortable sleeping quarters, making extended voyages or full-time living feasible without feeling cramped. Climate control in each area ensures you stay cool in a Texas summer or cozy on a cool fall evening up north. And with the robust generator and systems, you can anchor out in a peaceful cove and still run your air conditioning, cook dinner, watch a movie, and shower comfortably.

Cruising-wise, “Incredible”’s proven track record along the East and Gulf Coasts means she’s fully capable for extended passages. She handles open water confidently, and her range and efficiency are suitable for cruising from city to city or exploring the Bahamas, the Great Loop, or just about any coastal adventure you dream of. The boat’s home port is currently Clear Lake, Texas, so she’s already in a great jumping-off point for Gulf Coast cruising or for an easy trip to Florida and beyond. Of course, she’s also perfectly happy just serving as a luxurious floating home at the marina – the choice is yours.

Because everything on board has been attended to, you can spend your time enjoying the journey rather than working on projects. It’s rare to find a classic yacht that offers this level of turn-key readiness for living aboard or cruising.

In Conclusion

“Incredible” is more than just a boat – she’s a lovingly restored piece of boating history and a comfortable home on the water ready for new adventures. Her vintage Hatteras pedigree will draw nods of admiration in any harbor, while her modern upgrades will keep you cruising safely and luxuriously wherever you go. This yacht invites you to step into a story that’s still being written, with the next chapter ready to unfold with you at the helm.

If you cherish the idea of owning a classic yacht but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or reliability, “Incredible” offers the best of both worlds. She’s a head-turner at the dock, a joy underway, and a cozy retreat when you drop anchor. Don’t miss the opportunity to be the next proud owner of this truly special 50’ Hatteras.

Come visit “Incredible” in Clear Lake, Texas – step aboard, feel her warmth and character, and prepare to fall in love with the yacht of your dreams.

Contact Burke 281-734-6625 or email [email protected]

Bluewater Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Little Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel

This listing is courtesy of the MLS and may be centrally listed with another broker. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey representation of a particular vessel.