Boat test for the 2004 Hampton 680 Pilothouse with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, videos, engine test reviews, and ratings for the 2004 Hampton 680 Pilothouse.

The galley area has wide-open spaces and expansive Corian countertops and features GE appliances—refrigerator/freezer, convection/microwave oven, trash compactor, dishwasher, and electric cooktop—and enough drawer and cabinet space to stow provisions for an extended cruise. Just forward of the galley is a six-person dining area with a beautifully finished wooden table.

The Hampton designers also did a bang-up job in the pilothouse. After adjusting the pedestal seat to my 5’9” height, I immediately noticed excellent views ahead. To either side I noted aircraft-style doors, also standard, as well as wide windows for added visibility. But the most impressive design element is the helm console itself. A beautifully crafted cherry cabinet easily houses every piece of flush-mounted electronics you could ever want or require for your cruising needs. It was so comfortable I did not want to leave, but I still had the living accommodations to check out.

The Hampton 680 has a three-stateroom—forepeak with island queen, port guest quarters with upper and lower berths, and master with king berth aft and amidships—three-head layout below, typified by extraordinary wood and joiner work. The forepeak and master have en suite heads while the guest quarters utilizes the day head. And while I was poking around in the ample closet and stowage space in each, I felt the boat begin to spin around.

Coming topside, I watched Roberts put her stern-to on one engine, with a touch or two from the standard Sidepower 15-hp bow thruster and optional stern thruster, right between two other boats and without the assistance of any of the TowBoat tenders standing by in the lively wind. As for the engine problem we’d had, Caterpillar technicians were on the boat later and determined that an electrical harness had malfunctioned. It was promptly fixed. Roberts reported no problems on the trip back to Fort Lauderdale. The latest information has this Hampton 680 island-hopping with its new owners on an extended Bahamian vacation.

I found the Hampton 680 to be a well-equipped, roomy cruising vessel that displayed its mettle well in less-than-favorable conditions. In my mind that makes any trip not only enjoyable but also a lot safer.

With the Hampton 680 in her slip and our lines secured, it was the Bard’s words that came to mind as I headed up the dock: All’s well that ends well.

Hampton Yachts International
(949) 673-6300

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