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2003 Hargrave 68

Discussion in 'Hargrave Yacht' started by Jsbraga, Feb 27, 2026 at 4:26 PM.

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  1. Jsbraga, Feb 27, 2026 at 4:26 PM
    #1
    Jsbraga

    Jsbraga New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Delray Beach, FL
    We are looking at a '03 built boat that has been wrapped. My opinion is the wrap was to hide a very strange looking brown hull, I imagine someone's preference when building the vessel. The question is whether or not this genre of Hargrave is going to appeal to us. We've had a Selene 53 and a Offshore 54 of about the same age, and know what the true trawler's bring to the table. Any information is valuable and I thank you in advance.
  2. Capt Ralph, Feb 27, 2026 at 6:54 PM
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
    14,226
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    I have criticized the arch to bridge connect before; flexing and gel-coat cracking.
    It was only on a couple of show boats I noticed this.
    Evidence that his option connect is poorly constructed. Looks like the darn thing is ready to come down.
    Hopefully fixed on later builds.
    Past that, I think it is a good series of boats.
    Not great but a solid good.

    Also, I luved Jack Hargrave. Amazing mind and always exploring.
    A great mind behind many well known mfg lines.
    So many of his designs were built well. Just sometimes ship happens and something comes out thin.
    His remaining company did most of the later work were witnessing now.
    Still solid but those weak spots still concern me.

    As always, survey all very well.
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2026 at 7:02 PM
  3. YachtForums, Feb 27, 2026 at 10:17 PM
    #3
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    Location:
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    The current line of Hargraves are the brainchild of Mike Joyce who bought the Hargrave name with the blessing of Jack’s wife. Jack had nothing to do with the design of the current boats. He passed away long before.

    Hargraves were a bit boxy in the early years as designer Ben Dodarell took a form-follows-function approach to maximize interior space. I think Mike Joyce builds a good boat, but he also builds good relationships. A lot of repeat clients!

    I can’t speak to the current large yacht offerings from Hargrave as they are being built in another yard but I would put any of their midrange motor yachts from the past 20 years on the same level with Offshore, maybe a rung above.
  4. Capt Ralph, Feb 27, 2026 at 10:58 PM
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Yes, Joyce was running the company in 2003.
    Not a clue who drew or built the 68 in question.

    I wish I could find some of my original post from the 2000s when I first commented on this arch concern.
    I had pictures but they are long lost.

    Jack contributed to Hatteras, Burger and many other fine and long living designs.

    This memory vs time thing in my head; Sometimes I can remember 20 years ago like this morning.
    Then I can't remember stuff from yesterday.
  5. motoryachtlover, Feb 28, 2026 at 9:01 AM
    #5
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    smithfield, VA
    Can’t help with the build quality of the Hargrave but would factor in the cost of paint job in the calculus to buy the boat. I have seen a number of boats with wraps on the hull that have peel problems especially at the point of the bow down near the waterline. I don’t think they have perfected how to keep water from getting under the outer edge of the vinyl.