GT65 Carolina Review by Hatteras Yachts

GT65 Carolina Review by Hatteras Yachts
Courtesy by Kusler Yachts

As a result of twin 1,800 horsepower Caterpillar C32 Acert diesels, the GT65 made a top hop of 33.3 knots.

There are a few design differences between the Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina and its GT siblings. Taking inspiration from earlier Hatteras sport-fish boats, the flybridge is pushed back a little. In the engine room, side windows have been redesigned, and side vents have been extended. However, the GT65 retains the series' trademarks, such as the generous bow flare, the seakeeping ability, and the ability to raise fish from the water.


Rascal's owner is an accomplished yachtsman, angler, and family man who considered all of these factors when purchasing his boat. With his family, he has always been around boats, having worked as a mate on fishing boats when he was younger. As an owner of several Hatteras sport-fish yachts, he decided to move on to the GT65 Carolina.


As Rascal's captain for five years, Nick Millsap says the GT65 Carolina exceeded expectations. The GT65 had a smooth ride even in the head seas on Millsap's first cruise to meet the owner. Although the ride was rough, it was awesome."

There are some design changes between the Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina and its GT siblings. An earlier Hatteras sport-fish yacht's flybridge is recessed a little, as a design nod. Hatteras Yachts

On a frenetic marlin, the fighter chair/rocket launcher on the GT65 can be swiveled in any direction.


Guests and line watchers can keep cool on the mezzanine seating to port. Under the seat is a freezer box made of stainless steel. Refreshment boxes are located beneath the footrests.


To starboard is a tackle center with eight drawers and a prep station. A stainless steel bottom is attached to the drawers, along with ventilation and drainage holes. On top of the unit, you can install an electric grill.


In-deck ice makers produce cylindrical ice instead of cubes, ensuring that the catch remains fresher for longer. Tuna tubes can be installed in the in-transom livewell. The teak coaming boards add panache, while the cockpit lacks teak, making maintenance and cleaning easier.


In spite of its angling focus in the cockpit, the GT65 has yacht-level elegance inside. The cabinets and furnishings are made of high-gloss teak. A vinyl-plank sole for durability is complemented by light fabric headliners with teak accents. To port, an L-shaped sofa is plush and has stowage beneath each section.

The galley cabinets are high-gloss teak, and the salon has a durable vinyl-plank sole. Courtesy by Kusler Yachts

Rascal's layout features a galley island with two bar stools, allowing multiple ways to move around the galley and creating more space for several people to dine together. There is room for one more bar stool in a galley with a peninsula layout, creating a U-shaped countertop. A galley is equipped with a fridge and freezer drawers, a microwave, a four-burner electric cooktop, pots, pans, and dishes stowage, and matching pantries and cabinets. Teak table and underseat stowage are included in the elevated U-shaped dinette to port.

In the belowdecks, there are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The headroom in all spaces ranges from 6 feet 8 inches to 7 feet 1 inches. A queen walk-around berth, nightstands, a full-size closet, and drawers are included in the amidships en suite stateroom. There is a choice between a queen-size centerline berth or a 60/40 split berth in the forward VIP cabin. Upper and lower berths are in the remaining two staterooms.

Hatteras Integrated Tackle Storage allows owners to convert one of their staterooms into a gear cabinet and rig prep counter space. During tournament season, the companionway washer and dryer should prove useful for competing crews.


On rough days, the GT65's high freeboard and significant bow flare should help keep it dry. Courtesy by Kusler Yachts

Faux-teak finishes can be painted over most high-gloss teak finishes on the exterior to minimize maintenance. You don't have to varnish it to make it look real.


With a style that blends old with new, Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina is built for running to blue water-and looks great while it does it.

Zach Sean (@probszachsean) is a contributor for TIRED. He writes nothing, but thinks a lot about eating, Spider-Man, and The Legend of Zelda. Zach likes long walkies, is mostly potty-trained, and plays well with others (most of the time).

Welcome to the New Rich. Rich Report is a Global Media Company, Focusing on Business, Investing, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Luxury Lifestyle, and Education.