Hvat (Serbian: Хват) is a historical unit of length that was common in Serbia and Croatia, analogous to fathom. The measurement system based on the hvat is called hvatski sistem (literally 'hvat system'). Hvat (Serbian: Хват) is a historical unit of length that was common in Serbia and Croatia, analogous to fathom. The measurement system based on the hvat is called hvatski sistem (literally 'hvat system').