The 68's hull shape features a “warped” bottom, which simply refers to a highly variable deadrise that flows from approximately 20 degrees in the midship sections to a nearly flat 2 degrees at the transom. The convexity of the bow reduces impact accelerations and contributes to an incredibly smooth head-sea ride. Double chines knock spray down and away, as does an exaggerated bow flare -- the most flare seen in any Hatteras to date. Specially designed strakes that bisect the stagnation line -- the point at which the water’s surface meets the hull bottom once on plane -- provide additional dynamic lift, increased stability and improved tracking in all sea conditions.

Hatteras tunnels are significantly deeper than most, which reduces draft and allows larger propellers to be tucked in tighter to the hull. This reduces the amount of space needed between the tip of the blade and the hull bottom -- often to as little as 6 percent of the blade diameter. That tight fit into the tunnel provides uniform containment around the blades, which eliminates the slapping of water against the hull that you typically get with a flat bottom. It also helps accelerate the water through the blades, much like a bullet through the barrel of a gun.

With the 68C, Hatteras is introducing a patent-pending trim tab design that is located within the propeller tunnel. The new tunnel trim-tab system utilizes the thrust energy of the tunnel for increased trim control. In a basic sense, it’s the marine version of a thrust nozzle. These tabs achieve the same trim adjustment with only 30 percent of the tab area.

The 68 Convertible will debut several new patent-pending innovations. A new cylindrical keyway and key eliminates stress risers, leading to a significantly longer life for your shafts. New cross-cut bearings use crisscrossing grooves to disperse water and ensure a consistent film of lubricating water, giving longer life to your bearings and less noise while trolling or cruising. Stainless-steel rudders are far stronger and lighter than comparable bronze rudders.

No hullside air vents. All air required for combustion is drawn from underneath the cockpit gunwales via ventilation fans. These fans reduce saltwater intrusion in the engine room, clean up the hullsides, and allow a quicker cooling of the engine room. The fans sense engine rpm and automatically adjust to draw in more or less air, based on the engines’ requirement.

The 68 features a passive exhaust system. At idle or low rpms exhaust exits through small eliptical vents in the transom. Once the engines hit 1,400 rpm, the exhaust is blown out through larger vents in the bottom of the hull. This reduces fumes in the cockpit and buildup on the transom. It also reduces noise levels in the cockpit.

Of course, Hatteras has always been at the forefront of yacht design. The 68 simply continues that legacy.