Hacker-Craft unveil first fibreglass hull with Special Sport superyacht tender

13 February 2015 • Written by Risa Merl

Hacker-Craft has introduced its first-ever fibreglass hull in new superyacht tender Special Sport during the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show 2015.

The Special Sport model is the first Hacker-Craft available with a fibreglass hull. "The hull is similar to a cold-moulded hull, but the framing remains intact and the deck is constructed the same as our current production run", says Ken Rawley of Hacker-Craft. "The bottom and sides are sheathed with an epoxy/fibreglass layer." Rawley tells us the bottom is finished with the bottom paint of the customer's choice, and the sides are also finished with the Awlgrip coating of the owner's choosing to customise their craft. "Building this way allows us to continue to build fully customisable boats", he says.

The New York state-based builder is known for its hand-crafted classic mahogany motorboats. A fibreglass-hulled Hacker-Craft is a departure for the wooden boat builder, but it's a move the company says comes from direct client feedback.

“Over the years, prospective customers have asked if we make a fiberglass hull, and we decided to introduce the Special Sport model to meet that demand”, says George Badcock, president and CEO of the Hacker Boat Company.

Hacker-Craft asserts that it will continue to build boats with mahogany hulls, and the new fibreglass option will only add to its offering of classically styled runabouts, sport boats, superyacht launches, tenders and custom wooden boats.

The new Special Sport fibreglass boat measures 8.2 metres LOA and has a 2.2 metre beam and minimal 71cm draught. Options include a four-speaker stereo, depth sounder, bow thruster, and underwater LED lighting.

Also on display at the Miami show was Hacker-Craft's 9.75 metre Sport Twin XL superyacht tender, which is an ideal day boat with a mahogany picnic table, refrigerator and teak swim platform.

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