Without the genius of Jack Hargrave, founder of Hargrave Yachts, the yachting world we know and love would be a vastly different landscape. His brilliant design work played a significant role in shaping the face of modern yachting, creating the iconic American Yacht look that survives to this day. From its first incarnation as the top yacht design firm in America, Hargrave Yachts has metamorphosed into the foremost builder of custom yachts in the 70′ to 135′ range with a reputation for outstanding service and impeccable quality.
Jack Hargrave started his career designing sportfishing boats for Rybovitch before leaving to open his own design shop in 1958. The direction of yachting was forever changed on the day that Willis Slade asked Hargrave to design the world’s first large fiberglass sportfishing yacht. When the resulting yacht, was launched to acclaim in 1960, it marked the beginning of Hatteras Yachts and the birth of a new industry.
Jack Hargrave had a talent for combining timeless exterior profiles with practical, functional interior arrangements, producing vessels that came to define the American style of yachts. Over the next 40+ years, he designed more than 75 powerboats for Hatteras, going on to design over 250 yachts for some of America’s premiere yacht companies, including Burger, Amels, Prairie, Atlantic, Striker, and Halmatic. His influence and skill as the foremost American naval architect and yacht designer led to his induction into the NMMA Hall of Fame in 1996, and kept his company on its pinnacle as America’s top naval design firm.
In 1997, shortly after the legendary designer passed away, a former employee named Michael Joyce returned to the firm to take over as president and CEO. Joyce was determined not to let the iconic company fade away, convinced that Hargrave, far more than just a design firm, was in fact a brand name. Joyce realized that Hargrave could no longer rely on builders for steady business, as the most successful yacht builders had formed their own in-house design and engineering departments. He conceived a plan to expand the company into a constructor of custom luxury yachts, and Hargrave Custom Yachts was born.
Hargrave Yachts produces a full line of custom-built yachts, designed entirely to the specifications of each owner. They offer a unique cost effective program that blends a custom design with a semi-production build process, giving the savings back to the client. Their attention to detail and unwaveringly high standards are paying off; more than half of their owners have built more than one yacht with them and some are now on their fourth order!
Enjoy the craftsmanship and outright luxury of Hargrave with a beautiful pre-owned Hargrave yacht of your own. While Atlantic Yacht and Ship just sold two Hargrave yachts, ‘King Baby’ and ‘To Life’, we have several other pre-owned Hargrave yachts for you to choose from, including:
‘Freedom R’, a 2005 108′ raised pilot house motoryacht designed for entertaining with a generously sized, beautifully finished country kitchen and dining area. Luxuriate in the magnificent master stateroom that spans the full beam, with his and her baths while your guests enjoy her classic and comfortable three staterooms and two identical queen berths with ensuite bath. Relax on the fun flybridge and cockpit with ample deck space, or go for a dive with equipment from the fully outfitted watersports garage!
Atlantic Yacht and Ship has been an integral leader in the yacht and ship brokerage industry since 1959. Whether you are seeking yachts for sale, or are a boat or yacht owner looking to sell or trade, we have the experience and connections to help you realize your goals. Browse our extensive listings of new and pre owned motor yachts, or call us directly at 1-888-230-0439 and we will help you find the vessel of your dreams.