Hargrave 68' Capri

A Sibling Comes Of Age...

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy

The Hargrave 68' Capri is yacht gleaming with elegance and style, designed for rugged, comfortable long range cruising, as well as fashionable onboard entertaining in handsomely defined detail; She is a production yacht, yet precisely customized to suit her owners’ most ardent desires.

There is much more to the Hargrave 68 legend than revealed by a simple boat tale. Think customer loyalty and satisfaction. For example, how many times will an owner come back to the same designer for a new yacht? In the case of Hargrave, the answer can be as many as four. That spells loyalty. This is a story about a man and his dream, and the people who helped him make it come true. But it is also about the experienced yachstmen who bought those boats, and who speak volumes about his company.

At the annual Hargrave owners’ rendezvous, the yachtsmen who attend fondly tell glowing stories about their latest yacht, and about Jack Hargrave – who passed away in 1997 -- as well as Mike Joyce, who became CEO and keeper of the luxury yachtbuilder’s integrity. Joyce has continued the 40-year customer service policies and made the company even better through modern computer design and building technology. The Hargrave secret has kept its mantra, delivering meticulous personal attention to each customer’s wants and needs.

The H-68 is called semi-custom, but just as a standard home in an exclusive subdivision can take on its owner’s preferences, Hargrave will accommodate changes even in the superstructure to modify a salon, side decks, or window lines to present a unique profile. That in particular may mean a great deal to a yacht priced in the range of $2 million. Simpler alterations such as teak soles, hardware, or choices of interior woods are also possible, allowing revisions for a basic plan to fit many options. That alone endears many owners.

The Capri line is one of three lines produced by the company, which includes the Raised Pilothouse and Signature series, 68 to 120 feet. The H-68 Capri features not only sea-going performance but three entertaining venues, from the aft cockpit to the main salon and on up to the flybridge, all in an open plan for easy migration from one to the other, party boat or family style. Its layout is excellent for liveaboard use, providing accommodations for seven guests plus four crew. Some buyers like to charter the boat out; others live aboard on a permanent basis. The H-68 works well for both.

H-68’s stern view shows its high style; twin staircases port and starboard from top deck to swim platform, as well as the wide sliding doors and rear deck gathering nook. A sealed lazarette door molded into the transom provides easy access to the engine room, sparing the yachts interior from excess traffic.

Looking aft from the flybridge party area, the banana-shaped granite bar surveys all that has gone before, as well as the snack table settees and commodious couch-style seating. A deck-stowed 14’ RIB tender rests easily and secure, yet ready beside its crane at a moment’s notice for a jaunt to those attractive islands, wherever they may be. A three-seat PWC is also available.

Up top, the flybridge invites the finest view with a serving bar — refrigerated — as well as comfortable weather-proof seating and swivel bar stools.

Along with a twin companion seat, the deep-padded helm seat faces dual controls in a clean and well organized pattern, while providing genial inter-action with the party going on just aft.

Slanted for good visibility and slightly shaded against the sun, the flybridge helm sports a clean working area and 360 degree perspective.

Inside, the interior has been carefully thought out by the initial planners, with adjustments made over the years by experts. Cherry, walnut, teak, all are choices for the interior, plus whatever a new customer might hanker for. Hargrave allows a list of optional changes inside and out, even to alterations of the superstructure, to a degree. One client asked for, and got, revisions that lent European styling in the way of sweeping window lines. The company is known for its acquiescence to customer needs.

Sporting an 18.6’ beam, the H-68 salon is comfortably laid out and boasts an open floor plan with an unobstructed view forward to the helm, a distance of 38’. A modern curved coffee table repeats the ovular pattern of the salon ceiling mirror, while padded bar stools and a snack booth/office arrangement occupy the port quarter. A 44” plasma TV rises from a cabinet when in use.

Looking aft, H-68’s well fashioned galley presents broad counters on a wide aisle for food prep on granite countertops, featuring twin sinks, microwave and cooking surfaces, with special overhead lighting and views open to the salon. Space is generously allotted for interior stowage and soft goods, plus ample working areas.

H-68’s galley features every item a chef could wish for. A sub-zero refrigerator with twin sub-zero drawers, dishwasher, micro and convection oven. plus traffic patterns that make food prep and entertaining a breeze. Side views and close-ups of the galley show the spaciousness that all sea-going chefs idolize. Planning for these areas has been meticulous for ease of use and entertainment interaction with the guests.

Master of all he surveys, the Captain owns the undeniably greatest view at the excellently planned helm. All instruments are perfectly placed for action in the warm wood trimmed panels, readily available chart table and storage areas.

A model of elegance is the master stateroom boasting a full king-size berth, plus his/hers twin vanities and hanging lockers, providing as much space as a modern apartment.

Splendid is the word for the master stateroom offering a full king-size berth, with large windows framing a high-style vanity, and star lighting in the ceiling. The use of rich walnut or cherry woods add a luster to the overall design emphasizing the comfort of the owner’s private quarters.

The elegant VIP guest stateroom also boasts a full set of windows and sumptuous wood paneling, with volumes of drawer space and storage. In addition to the VIP stateroom, there is a third compartment that may be used for crew or visitors. The crew quarters – two berths and a private head with shower --are placed aft. All are richly appointed.

Featuring his and hers heads with marble tops and seats, the master head also offers twin vanities in rich woods and a generous shower as well as a jacuzzi bathtub.

The large guest bath and head features full marble topped counters, as well as copious mirrors and an excellent layout for easily available storage.