VIDEO: Hatteras 45EX Features by BoatTest.com

Join us as BoatTest.com takes a walkthrough of some of the features on the 2016 Hatteras 45 Express sportfish yacht:

The following opinions are solely those of BoatTest.com and its test captain.

Hi, Capt. Steve for BoatTest.com and today, I’m on the Hatteras 45 Express, available in two configurations – sportfish and cruiser. Now except for some exterior features, they’re pretty much the same, so let’s take a look.

We’ll start in the cockpit that measures 6 feet 8 inches x 12 feet 7 inches. The all teak cap rails average 12.5 inches. When it comes to fight the fish, there’s a comfort level as they start at 20 inches and come up to 28. There’s an aerated transom live well and it’s got a viewport to the front.

For storage there are fish lockers in the deck – both port and starboard – and just ahead, insulated storage. A tuna door lets you haul the big catch in. To the starboard side of the cockpit are raw and fresh water wash downs.

Tackle storage is to the starboard side, stadium-style seating will help us keep an eye on the lines, but this also turns the area into a social atmosphere, lending the wide open cockpit space to its entertainment value. The movable armrest is a nice touch. The seating area gets the benefit of the protection from the extended overhead.

Of course, we can’t close out the fishing features without looking at this premium-level tower with 12 additional rod holders and an elevated operating station. Just as we enter the helm deck, there’s an electric grill to the starboard side, helping us cook the catch of the day.

The comfort levels continue as we step up to the helm deck with L-shaped seating to the porthand side, storage and an ice maker to the starboard side. And of course, this entire helm deck can be closed for four-season comfort.

One of the benefits that this boat gets from this massive front windshield is natural light coming into the skylight down below. Let’s take a look. Well, clearly a comfortable environment below starting with galley over to the starboard side. L-shaped, we’ve got a microwave, refrigeration both forward and aft, plenty of open counter space, 2-burner stove, stainless steel sink, storage above and below.

Over the porthand side, we have an L-shape settee wrapping around a high-low pedestal table; it can drop down to form another berth. There’s a TV in the forward bulkhead, storage above and below, and this is available in two different configurations – one extends much further, and in this configuration we also have an optional guest berth.

This cabin features over/under berths, plenty of natural light and roomy storage, all behind a privacy door. And as we move forward we have access to the dayhead. Another overhead hatch provided the light to this roomy head that includes a separate and enclosed walk-in shower.

Now not only is a dayhead, it also has private access to the forward master. Well, this stateroom, ceiling height of 6 feet 6 inches, got an island berth going 6 feet 6 x 5 feet, there are storage to both sides and I like to see that there are storage above and below.

We’ve got natural light up above with a bug screen and a blackout shade. There’s a TV in the aft bulkhead. And this is a good time to point out the fit and finish that we’ve come to expect from Hatteras Yachts, all straight lines, matching grains and complementary materials.

Clearly this is a smaller version of what we’re used to seeing with Hatteras. But it is perhaps the start of something bigger in that now the line extends to a direction that makes it available to a wider audience, all while maintaining the qualities that have made the brand synonymous with a premium build.

Well that’s my features inspection of the Hatteras 45 Express sportfish version. For BoatTest.com, I’m Capt. Steve. We’ll see you on the water.