The original Hatteras 48 Motor Yacht (a newer model came out in 1990) was built on what Hatteras called a “dual mode” hull designed for efficient low-speed operation while retaining planing-speed capability with larger engines. (Fuel efficiency was a serious marketing tool in the early 1980s when the 48 was introduced.) Showing a slightly trawler-style profile, the Hatteras 48 was heavily built on a solid fiberglass hull with shallow deadrise aft and a long keel for directional stability. Her standard three-stateroom interior is arranged with two staterooms aft of the salon, three heads (but only one stall shower), and a lower helm. An optional four-stateroom floorplan eliminated the dinette. The spacious afterdeck of the Hatteras 48 is one of the largest to be found on a boat this size—indeed, the aft deck dimensions actually exceed those of the salon. Additional features include a radar arch, hardtop, wing doors, an integral bow pulpit, and a swim platform. Detroit 285hp 6-71N diesels deliver an efficient one mpg at an 8-knot displacement speed but lack the power to get up on plane with a full load. Detroit 425hp 6V92 diesels cruise at a more robust 14–15 knots.