The Hatteras 45 Convertible is an enlarged version of the earlier Hatteras 43 Convertible (1979–84) with the extra length used to create a bigger fishing cockpit, something the 43 sorely lacked. Built on a solid fiberglass hull with moderate beam and shallow keel, the 45 was a popular model for Hatteras during the late 1980s. Key to her success was a two-stateroom, galley-down interior whose spacious salon and luxury-class amenities were perfectly suited for cruising and entertaining. A built-in lounge sofa to starboard in the salon opens to reveal a large rod storage locker, and wraparound windows offer panoramic views of the water. Three steps down, the galley includes a full-size refrigerator as well as generous storage. The master stateroom has a private en suite head with stall shower. Forward, the bow stateroom has V-berths and private access to the head compartment. Note that a “Palm Beach” version of the 45 Convertible (1987 only) featured a two-stateroom, two-head layout with a glassed-in front windshield. The huge 132 square-foot cockpit came standard with an in-deck fish box, tackle center, and transom door. Detroit 535hp 6V92 diesels cruise the Hatteras 45 at 20–22 knots (mid 20s top).