hatteras yachts owner

• ON THE HORIZON
• HURRICANE HAUL OUT

GT 65 Carolina

HERITAGE WITH A NEW BEGINNING

When the first Hatteras splashed in 1959 it forever changed what the world could expect from a sportfishing boat. In fact, the Knit Wits was the first fiberglass boat over 40’. From this landmark beginning, innovation and performance have informed every chapter of Hatteras’ storied history.

This legacy—and the pride and craftsmanship upon which it has been built—was central to our purchase of Hatteras. When the White River Marine Group bought the brand in May of 2021, we welcomed one of the finest teams of boat builders in the world. We also welcomed a proud history of innovation—one that matches our own.

We are hard at work charting the next chapter of Hatteras. Full of pride and optimism, it is our commitment that what comes next can influence the industry as profoundly as the first Hatteras once did. This is what we mean by, “Heritage with a new beginning.”

FOR 60 YEARS, THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE ON THE WATER.

A Hatteras Yacht does not aspire to offer a luxury. That is simply where we begin. It is beyond that point – and within the experience each voyage offers – that you begin to understand the true Hatteras difference. That difference, for over half a century, has allowed Hatteras to stand as the benchmark of quality and innovation to which all others aspire.

Willis Slane envisioned a fishing boat strong enough to withstand the waves off Cape Hatteras, where his prey of choice, the marlin, grow as big as the swells.

Building a legend.

Two strong currents collide near Cape Hatteras: pride and perseverance. We’re a product of the storied coastal waters from which we borrow our name. Unforgiving seas where, for hundreds of years, dreams were sacrificed and legends born. So when others say we’re obsessed with over-engineering every detail, we know it is simply the right way to build a yacht. The uncompromising union of inspired design, breakthrough innovation and unmatched craftsmanship. Our commitment began 60 years ago when Hatteras founder, Willis Slane, envisioned a new breed of fishing boat. One strong enough to tame the waves off Cape Hatteras. What followed was the birth of a legend. Beginning with the Knit Wits, the 41-foot fiberglass yacht that revolutionized the industry, Hatteras served notice that our yachts would now be the standard to which all others were judged – above and below the waterline.

From that initial breakthrough vessel to each innovative yacht that has followed through the decades, Hatteras has offered a level of craftsmanship focused on perfecting every detail and over delivering on every expectation. When Hatteras began, some asked why our yachts were made this way. These days, they just want to know how. There is an undaunted spirit in the Hatteras brand. You can see it in the obsessive work of the men and women who pour their talent and heart into building each legendary vessel. You can feel it in the way the Hatteras hull cuts confidently through waters that lesser boats dare not enter. But more than anything, you can witness it inside the ambitious souls who make Hatteras an expression of their own drive for adventure. Those who are unwilling to compromise and determined to push boundaries. So, for all those who celebrate a life without limits, we welcome you aboard.

READY FOR MORE?

110 North Glenburnie Road New Bern, NC 28560

SPORTFISH YACHTS

• On The Horizon
• Legacy GT Series
• Request Consultation
• Gear & Apparel

White River Marine Group Acquires Legendary Boat Builder Hatteras

Company announces expansion of Hatteras with iconic MAKO and Ranger Saltwater boat brands to relocate to modernized state-of-the-art coastal manufacturing center

Passion for fishing drives vision to establish New Bern, N.C. as “the saltwater sportfishing boat building capital of the world.”

NEW BERN, NC – Noted angler and conservationist Johnny Morris, who founded and grew both Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group to become North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, today announced plans for a significant expansion of its saltwater manufacturing footprint with the acquisition of Hatteras Inc. The legendary maker of saltwater fishing boats is based in New Bern, North Carolina, a premier location for saltwater fishing.

Hatteras leapt to the forefront of the sportfishing industry more than 60 years ago, with ruggedly built saltwater boats that earned a reputation for high-performance. Just how impactful is the influence of Hatteras Yachts on the offshore boating landscape? Transformational. When Willis Slane, Hatteras’ founder, built the 41’ Knit Wits in 1959, it was the world’s first fiberglass boat over 40-feet in length.

From the groundbreaking hull number one, Hatteras has earned a reputation for industry-leading performance, innovation and seaworthiness. Engineered to stand up to the unforgiving conditions of North Carolina, Hatteras Yachts can be found all over the world. The brand’s trademark lies not only in technical innovation, but in the effortless blending of luxury with performance.

Today, it continues to build exceptional yachts and quality sportfishing boats. The White River Marine Group provides an incredible platform to usher in the next era of the historic brand.

The brand will become part of the White River Marine Group, the world’s largest boat manufacturer. The family of brands includes TRACKER BOATS, the No. 1 fishing boat in America for the past 45 years; ASCEND, the world’s best-selling kayaks; and other leading brands including MAKO, Ranger, Triton, Tahoe, Nitro and others.

The addition will shift the focus of the company’s saltwater manufacturing from the Midwest to the Atlantic seashore, closer to the saltwater market and a thriving community of craftsmen and women. The company will continue to support and grow Hatteras, as well as relocate production of iconic saltwater boat brands MAKO and Ranger Saltwater to New Bern, which is poised to become the new world capital for offshore angling and boating.

While White River plans to continue to produce a limited number of exceptional Hatteras yachts, the primary focus will be devoted to building the next generation of the very finest sportfishing boats ever made. Uniting the Bass Pro Shops family of brands with Hatteras Yachts promises good things for the offshore sportfishing industry. 

Bass Pro Shops has long been a leader in conservation across North America. The company’s heritage is defined by not simply supporting conservation, but actively driving it.

Plans call for a major investment to modernize the Hatteras facility and establish a state-of-the-art coastal manufacturing center generating hundreds of new jobs. Consistent with Bass Pro’s reputation for turning shopping for outdoor gear into an experiential adventure, the plant will offer customers demo rides on the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities to tour the factory. It will also serve as an R&D center for sea-trialing and product development across all three brands.

The move frees up capacity at existing manufacturing plants in Miami, Oklahoma and Flippin, Arkansas for additional freshwater boat production, with zero job losses anticipated.

Driven by passion for fishing

Boating and fishing have been at the heart of Bass Pro Shops since its founding in 1972, when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling bait and tackle in 8 square feet in the back of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri.

Six years later, Morris revolutionized the marine industry when he introduced the world’s first “fish ready” professionally rigged and nationally marketed boat, motor and trailer package, the Bass Tracker. For the first time, fishermen could buy quality fishing boats “factory direct” at tremendous savings, allowing thousands of families to access the water for the first time. In Hatteras, Morris identified the same qualities responsible for Bass Pro’s growth and success – pride, quality and craftsmanship.

“We are inspired by the many similarities between the pride and passion of the master boat builders from our home in the Ozarks and the legendary boat builders of North Carolina and the New Bern area in particular. Both share the same genuine commitment to American craftsmanship, with scores of family members working together and generations of highly experienced boat builders taking pride in what they do,” said Johnny. “We’re committed to support Hatteras in staying true to its roots as a legendary saltwater brand built by a passion for fishing while expanding our operations to better serve all those who love the sea.”

Passion for offshore angling

Morris himself has long been familiar with Hatteras and offshore angling off the coast of North Carolina. On March 3, 1995, while fishing sunken World War II ships 25 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras not far from New Bern, Morris caught and released what was, at the time, a single day record 31 giant bluefin tuna, estimated to weigh more than 12,000 pounds, on rod and reel.

Committed to Conservation

To honor the legacy of dear friend and North Carolina conservation hero Eddie Bridges, Johnny Morris also announced a $1 million conservation pledge focused on the coastal area, to be paid over 5 years .

Mr. Bridges, who was scheduled to attend today’s announcement ceremonies, passed away earlier this week. Eddie leaves behind a lasting impact in North Carolina, having established the North Carolina Wildlife Endowment Fund and not-for-profit North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation.

The pledge awards several significant grants to conservation organizations actively working to advance wildlife and habitat conservation in North Carolina. The grants are funded in part by the not-for-profit Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, which unites millions of passionate sportsmen and women by inviting them to round up their purchases to join the company’s efforts as partners in conservation.

First year commitments include:

• $100,000 to the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation : As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the Foundation assists in the acquisition, management and protection of wildlife habitat within the state of North Carolina and promote conservation education for the benefit of future generations.
• $50,000 to the University of Maine for a North Carolina-based Atlantic bluefin tuna satellite tagging project . One of the most sought-after gamefish in the world, the research project will assess the status of the Atlantic bluefin tuna population and set management and conservation goals to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species.
• $50,000 to the International Game Fish Association for a rigorous Marlin satellite tagging project . As the world’s largest citizen science billfish conservation project of its kind, the research is designed to better understand population connectivity on a global level to help ensure long-term conservation. 

Committed to Conserving Marine Fisheries: The grants reflect Johnny’s steadfast commitment to positively impact marine fisheries. He previously co-chaired the Morris-Deal Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management, leading to the congressional reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in June 2015, advancing key saltwater recreational fishing priorities across the nation’s marine fisheries.

Several prominent conservation leaders from around the state and nation were on-hand to participate in the announcement including:

• Jeff Angers, President, Center for Sportfishing Policy
• Jason Schratwieser, President, International Game Fish Association
• Ellen Peel, President, Billfish Foundation
• Kyle Briggs, Deputy Director, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
• Teena Koury, Vice Chairman, North Carolina Habitat Foundation
• Gordon Myers, Retired Director, North Carolina Resources Commission
• Walt Golet, Ph.D, Professor, University of Maine School of Marine Sciences

“This is not just a business investment for us,” said Morris. “It’s at the heart of who we are. Fishing, boating and conservation have been lifelong shared passions in our company, and we are grateful to our team members and independent dealer network members for their boundless enthusiasm and support. We are honored to be a part of the New Bern community. Our goal is to grow operations in North Carolina and expand upon the legendary foundation of the Hatteras brand and its incredible people.”

Morris added, “We love the passion for fishing and commitment to craftsmanship found in New Bern. We’re very grateful to Governor Cooper and his team, as well as community officials and leaders including Craven County Manager Jack Veit and Craven County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Jason Jones for their genuine welcoming spirit and their leadership in supporting our vision to invest in this incredible community.”

Committed to North Carolina : The New Bern facility is an opportunity to strengthen Bass Pro Shops’ 22-year history in the state, which began with the opening of the company’s Outdoor World store in Concord, North Carolina in 1999. A longstanding friendship between Johnny and North Carolina-based racing legend Richard Childress has resulted in a significant partnership promoting iconic outdoor brands to a global audience through major NASCAR sponsorships.

Lauren Good named Director of Saltwater Operations

During today’s ceremonies, White River Marine Group President Scott Ernest announced that Lauren Good, a 12-year veteran of the company, has been appointed to Director of Saltwater Operations and will be overseeing the new Hatteras facility. Lauren started in retail operations and held several leadership roles within the company before transitioning to manufacturing.

“It’s great to see the next chapter open for this important manufacturing site in our region,” said N.C. Representative Steve Tyson. “White River Marine Group is the number one company in their industry, and we welcome the new jobs and investment they’re bringing to New Bern and Craven County.”

Latest News

October 7, 2024

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's

September 30, 2024.

Conservation

September 27, 2024.

johnny morris buys hatteras yachts

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced the purchase in the Hatteras New Bern, N.C. plant standing in front of the 40’ fiberglass NitWits, the first Hatteras ever built more than 60 years ago.

NEW BERN, N.C. — White River Marine Group, LLC, a leading manufacturer of recreational boats, will open a manufacturing facility in Craven County, with a target of 500 jobs, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Thursday.

The company will make a significant investment in New Bern, creating its first coastal manufacturing site and adding Hatteras to its portfolio of well-known brands.

“Boat and marine manufacturing requires specialized and experienced workers, and White River Marine knows our state can deliver the people they need to successfully expand their business in New Bern,” said Governor Cooper.

White River Marine Group

White River Marine Group (WRMG), an affiliate of Missouri-based Bass Pro Shops, is the world’s largest manufacturer of boats. Founded by noted angler and conservationist Johnny Morris, WRMG builds legendary performance boat brands like TRACKER, the No. 1 fishing boat in America for the past 45 years in terms of units sold, and ASCEND, the world’s best-selling kayaks. Other leading brands include MAKO, Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Tahoe, Sun Tracker and Regency pontoon boats.

The expansion will shift the focus of the company’s saltwater manufacturing from the Midwest to the sea, closer to the saltwater market and a thriving community of craftsmen and women. The company will continue to support and grow Hatteras, as well as relocate production of iconic saltwater boat brands MAKO and Ranger Saltwater to New Bern, which is a premier location for saltwater fishing.

Major Investment in Hatteras Manufacturing

Plans call for a major investment to modernize the Hatteras facility and establish a state-of-the-art coastal manufacturing center generating hundreds of new jobs. Consistent with Bass Pro’s reputation for turning shopping for outdoor gear into an experiential adventure, the plant will offer customers demo rides on the Atlantic Ocean and opportunities to tour the factory. It will also serve as an R&D center for sea-trialing and product development across all three brands.

Morris is a big fan of the area and has spent many days fishing in the Outer Banks for big tuna and marlin. The local sportfishing culture is a major inspiration for the company to relocate its saltwater manufacturing.

Morris is a Long-Time Fan of Hatteras Yachts

“With Hatteras’ rich heritage of craftsmanship and access to some of the world’s best offshore angling, our aim is to help solidify New Bern as the world’s capital for saltwater gamefish and boat building,” said noted conservationist and avid angler Johnny Morris, who founded and grew both Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group to become North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company.

“We love the passion for fishing and commitment to craftsmanship found in New Bern. We’re very grateful to Governor Cooper and his team, as well as local officials and leaders including Craven County Manager Jack Veit and Craven County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Jason Jones for their genuine welcoming spirit and their leadership in supporting our vision to invest in this incredible angling community.”

“The marine trades are an important part of North Carolina’s heritage,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “It’s great to see a company with the leadership and reputation of White River Marine choose our state for this important expansion of their company.”

The regional economy will benefit from a more than $22 million payroll impact each and every year.

North Carolina Sugar

White River Marine Group’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $1.17 billion. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $5,441,400, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.

White River Marine’s JDIG agreement could also move as much as $604,600 into a fund that helps rural communities across the state attract business in the future. When companies select a site located in a Tier 2 county such as Craven, their JDIG agreements move some of the new tax revenue into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. Local communities in more economically challenged areas of the state use grants from the Utility Account to build public infrastructure projects, which can improve a community’s ability to attract companies to their regions.

“It’s great to see the next chapter open for this important manufacturing site in our region,” said N.C. Representative Steve Tyson. “White River Marine Group is the number one company in their industry, and we welcome the new jobs and investment they’re bringing to New Bern and Craven County.”

“Great economic development announcements don’t happen by themselves,” said N.C. Senator Norman Sanderson. “I’m proud of the many community partners that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help us reach this achievement. All of us will continue to support the company as they put down roots and grow here.”

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Revenue, Craven County, the Craven 100 Alliance, North Carolina’s Southeast, and the Craven County Economic Development Department.

More Articles

1992 Palmer Johnson 90 | MYU • SOLD

Luke Brown Yachts is proud to announce the successful sale of the iconic 1992 Palmer Johnson 90. Thanks to the expertise of our brokers, Ron McTighe and Pam Barlow, this beautiful yacht has found a new owner. We wish the new owners many happy years of boating. Built by the prestigious Palmer Johnson shipyard in […]

2018 Sunseeker 86 | F5 • SOLD

Luke Brown Yachts is pleased to announce the successful sale of the 2018 Sunseeker 86. The transaction was facilitated by our experienced brokers, Andrew Grego and Jason Dunbar, who represented the sellers throughout the process. Denison Yachts represented the buyer. We congratulate both the sellers and buyers on this successful sale. Luke Brown Yachts Brokers […]

Everglades Boat Dealer

Luke Brown Yachts | West: Your Everglades Dealer for California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico Are you searching for a top-quality, versatile boat that can handle the diverse waters of California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico? Look no further than Everglades Boats, proudly represented by Luke Brown Yachts | West. As the exclusive dealer for […]

• outback yachts
• president yachts
• everglades boats
• Reina boats
• Invincible Boats
• buy with lby
• search yachts
• premier listings
• search by type
• search by brand
• list with lby
• we take trades
• our history
• testimonials

The Hatteras Acquisition

Kusler Yachts provides insight and updates on the acquisition of Hatteras Yachts.

The White River Marine Group, part of the Bass Pro Shops family of brands, purchased Hatteras Yachts and facility in New Bern, North Carolina. The White River Marine Group is the world’s largest boating manufacturer. Its holdings include lines: Ranger, Mako, Tracker, and a number of others.

The White River Marine Group boasts a long history of boating innovation. Its origin lies in the 1978 when Johnny Morris introduced the Bass Tracker. The Tracker was bass fishing’s first every ready-to-fish boat, motor and trailer package.  The company’s platform and history of innovation are well suited to ushering in the next era of Hatteras.

Rendering of expanded Hatteras Yachts facility.

With the acquisition of Hatteras, the company plans a large investment in the New Bern, North Carolina facility. In addition to continuing to produce Hatteras Yachts, White River Marine Group plans to relocate its Mako and Ranger Saltwater manufacturing to North Carolina. The vision includes expansion of the Hatteras yard, both increasing capacity and providing a saltwater base of operations for White River Marine.

Johnny Morris on the Purchase

Johnny Morris, owner of Bass Pros Shops and White River Marine Group, announcing the purchase of Hatteras Yachts. 

The move brings clarity to the situation surrounding Hatteras Yachts. It also promises stability. Johnny Morris, the owner of Bass Pro Shops and the White River marine Group, described the acquisition with genuine passion and excitement.

“We are inspired by the many similarities between the pride and passion of the master boat builders from our home in the Ozarks and the legendary boat builders of North Carolina and the New Bern area in particular. Both share the same genuine commitment to American craftsmanship, with scores of family members working together and generations of highly experienced boat builders taking pride in what they do,” said Morris.

“We’re committed to support Hatteras in staying true to its roots as a legendary saltwater brand built by a passion for fishing while expanding our operations to better serve all those who love the sea,” explains Johnny Morris.

The acquisition, announced on Thursday May 20, 2021, was a well-guarded secret. The announcement showcased White River Marine Group’s excitement and incredible profile. In attendance were not only Johnny Morris and the executives from WRMG, but also North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Nascar legend Richard Childress and Daytona 500 winner Austin Dillon.

The Tracker car made an appearance (and did an awesome burn out) on the floor of the Hatteras plant. 

Keeping You Up to Date

Kusler Yachts maintains deep connections with the Hatteras brand and in its developments. We’re committed to keeping Hatteras owners (current and prospective) up to date as the situation moves forward.

Why Buy from Kusler Yachts? We are transforming what you can expect from a yacht brokerage.

The initial reaction from the sportfishing industry has been overwhelmingly positive. Morris announced sweeping donations to conservation groups in North Carolina and those dedicated to offshore fishing.

This is an exciting time for Hatteras and those who love the brand.

For more information, see the complete press release, 210520 WRMG Hatteras release – FINAL (1)

Viking 60: Ready to Go

2007 hatteras 68: upgraded and ready.