The Right Boat

As we researched the water depth and bridge clearances of the canals and rivers in the eastern part of the Continent, it became evident that a boat with less than 15' bridge clearance and drew less than 4' of water would virtually go anywhere. We also wanted a hard top over us, one helm station, twin engines, moderated cruising speed capability of 14-16 knots, and a keel as the lowest part of the boat structure. Early in our search we discovered the Hatteras 43 Double Cabin. Hatteras built this boat from 1967 to 1987, producing close to 2000 boats. The early boats, built from 1967 to 1974 came with only one helm station over the aft bedroom suite. You can see an original copy of the sales brochure at www.hatterasowners.com, click on Brochures Archive, then 43 Double Cabin, series 1. In 1974 Hatteras added a top fly bridge as an option mounted on top of original helm station, and most boats built after 1974 included that fly bridge. Through the internet boat listing service, Yacht World.com we found quite a few listings for this boat. We ultimately bought a boat located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartran near New Orleans. It is a 1971 model, hull number 313. The boat had never been docked in salt water and went through hurricane Katrina with out any damage or water into the living quarters. In May we brought the boat home, 1350 miles and 15 days. All major systems worked very well with only a couple of minor problems, but nothing that held us up. Everybody that knows much about old boats was amazed that we didn't have some problems on this maiden trip. We have renamed the boat "ODYSSEE" (od-a-see what we are doing!).