The Hatteras Yachts 38 1988 vs Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982 measures 46,0 feet overall (1982), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Hatteras Yachts 38 1988 at 38,0 feet (1988). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982 tips the scales at 41 000 lbs — 12 200 lbs less than the Hatteras Yachts 38 1988 at 28 800 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 650 hp, the Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982 has a 165-hp advantage over the Hatteras Yachts 38 1988's 485-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Hatteras Yachts 38 1988 carries 475 gallons versus 65 gallons in the Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Hatteras Yachts 38 1988 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Hatteras Yachts Convertible 1982 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 46,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Hatteras Yachts 38 1988 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.