Ocean Alexander vs Hatteras

I assume you're talking just the Motor Yachts of each, but you don't say what time period.

Just in general, it's a bit of an unfair comparison since they're far apart price wise. The Hatteras is hard to beat when it comes to construction quality and their finish details including all the items you mentioned is generally considered among the best. Hatteras generally is more directed toward performance, larger engines, and, of course, the fuel usage that accompanies them.

But all that doesn't mean Ocean Alexander is a bad boat. There are many long time happy owners. They have gotten away from their smaller boats but might be reentering that market. They have some interesting manufacturing innovations, not saying better or worse. I'd say at this moment they have a lot of changes taking place regarding where they build their boats. Traditionally they have built in Taiwan. They built 120's at Christensen. Now, they're going to be getting some models built on Merritt Island.

Generally too, Hatteras will be finished inside with more expensive materials.

We own an 2013 OA and it is painted not gel coat. We looked at Hatteras and liked very much but got a great deal on an OA. The fit and finish to me is similar. The engineering is good. We have MTU's. The sky lounge in the OA is larger and laid out better than the Hatteras. Our beam is 20' and we like the space and stability. We are at the boat show in PB thru tomorrow. All things considered, we got a great deal and a great MY.

The Hatteras build quality is better. The Hatteras performs better and has a good cruise speed. The OA's never really get on plane and burn a lot of fuel to go not very fast and wallow around at 14 knots. Fiberglass fuel tanks are MUCH better than Aluminum. Getting 20 years out of an Aluminum fuel/water/etc tank is a miracle. I haven't heard of any Hatteras having issues even on 40 year olds with the Fiberglass fuel tanks. The OA's are pretty good quality but suffer the same traits as all of the boats built over there. Poor quality s/s that needs to be polished often, overly complicated fuel systems and electrical systems etc etc. The Hatteras is clearly the better boat.

Have you taken a look at the new Viking 75' MY?

What type of cruise speed and range are you looking for?

I haven't found any issues at all with any of the Hatteras hinges, glides, latches, knobs, etc etc etc. Are you an Ocean Alexander dealer by chance?

The Ocean Alexander 65'-70' only cruises at 14 knots btw, with a fuel burn of 85 gph with the C18s.

I don't know who you are or your motivation. I do know I've been on and run a couple of new Hatteras and your statement is so far from anything I've ever seen as to make me question your everything. It's amazing that at the same time Grant Henderson showed up with his bogus ad/post we had all these other OA posts. But the hardware I've seen on the 60', 80' and 100' Hatteras, the finish, the doors, is first rate in every respect and this comes from someone who chose to buy a brand other than Hatteras. Their hardware is definitely not garbage and as to your "Kaymart" and "Apolstery" on the walls, no comment. But the nature of your post and the obvious misrepresentations make me question you just as Capt J did.

+1 on OB's observations.

Your comments on Hatteras quality prove a lack of exposure to the product and/or an agenda. Your spelling brings your perceptions further into question.

Confucibelle say: He who comes to forum to pick fight with owner, should have nuts as part of name.

For the record, I've also spent time on the new Hatt's and have knowledge and opinions, but realize that's not what you're after. Sure wish I had some darts though. Grand Cayman 81 degrees and sunny.

Considering I wasn't even born 40 or 50 years ago (close) that would be a tough one. Mr. nutsforboats, I run more yachts in a year (different ones, around 100-200 per year), than you've stepped foot on in a lifetime. I do 10-15,000NM's a year, as does olderboater (about 7 different ones). I have more miles on various Hatteras than you probably have on your car, and I also have quite a few miles on OA's as well. Took one from Ft. Laud to Corpus Cristi,TX etc. So while you're still dreaming about your new yacht, we're busy burning fuel and running boats all over this hemisphere. In fact I ran a 62' Sunseeker today, also ran that one on Friday. As for your questions I've answered them, but you're not reading the answers to your questions.

Hull Shape- the Hatteras is a planing hull and will be more stable in all seas, except really big ones where they may ride equal. The Ocean Alexander is beamy which makes up for a lot, but never gets on plane and cruise speed is 14 knots on the 68' so it just wallows around in a sea, side to side and fore and aft. (Which the cruise speed, disqualifies it for you right there.)

Fuel Tanks- Molded fuel tanks are a forever fuel tank and Hatteras has been using them since the 1960's with very very little failure. Aluminum tanks last 15-20 years and you end up with 1000 gallons of diesel in your bilge. Then most of the time have to cut the boat apart to replace them. More and more manufacturers have gone to fiberglass tanks, and most of the top builders use them....Viking, Cabo, Hatteras, Johnson and many others to name a few.

Center of gravity- is very good on the Hatteras. Not much worse on the Ocean Alexander considering it's beam.

Engineering of systems- Much better on the Hatteras. Just take a look at the over complicated fuel and electrical runs on the OA. The clutter in the engine room and placement of systems in there should give you a clue.

What does Hatteras use a Soss hinge on??? Also keep in mind you have a lot of movement and jarring, so woodwork and hinges need something to aborb the shock and be adjustable for movement, even when the boat is in different climates. Due to the nature of where the OA is built, the S/S is of lower quality and from recycled s/s usually. Welded stainless also has to be polished very often, as it tarnishes one of the metals in the stainless throughout the piece and the black keeps coming out. Systems are a mixture of mostly U.S. with some U.S. looking Asian stuff like sea strainer baskets which you can't find here. Steps and shower heads are also geared towards a person 5'8 and under. Overall the OA is a pretty well built boat, but once you get past the fuel consumption to go practically nowhere (14 knots) and are aware of the other caveats of an Asian build, it is what it is and you're comparing two different types of boats.

If you were an expert, you wouldn't be asking elementary questions such as fuel tank material.