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Mann Custom Boats

For Paul Mann, a true "Carolina" boat is built from a North Carolina design, using Carolina timber and is flawlessly constructed by a North Carolina builder, and that's exactly what he does. "I choose to stick to the Carolina tradition," Mann says, "and we've developed a real strong base of people who want it."

Mann began his career running charter boats. In 1988 he built his first boat, the Madd Hatter, a 52-foot custom sport-fisher that he ran for seven years. During the off-season, he worked with local boatbuilders such as Omie Tillett and Sunny Briggs. In 1992, Mann established Mann Custom Boats and has since completed 30 boats, with four hulls currently under construction.

Mann does not use an outside designer; he does it all himself. "I'm the sole designer of all hulls, cabins, interiors and mechanicals on all the Paul Mann custom boats to date," he says. "The designs come from time on the water and understanding how you want the boat to run in all sea conditions."

Although he prefers the traditional frame-and-plank construction method for building his hulls, Mann turns to composites for his decks and bulkheads. The company uses tri-cell cored materials and vacuum-bagging technology to construct strong, lightweight parts. The interiors feature rich woodwork and custom layouts. Since Mann is a custom builder, the client can alter the design to meet his wants and needs, whether that means installing space-age audio-visual packages or commercial-grade appliances in the galley.

At a Glance: •  Sharp window cut in salon windows •  Hefty, beamy look •  Rich woodwork throughout

But the typical client is more interested in raising fish than a falling soufflé, and Mann boats have a long list of tournament wins to their credit.

"Everybody wants speed," Mann says. "We build a wider, bigger boat that I think looks better and feels more comfortable on the ocean. Our first priority is not speed, it's comfort and economy." With that said, all Mann boats cruise in the low 30-knot range. The 65, for example, tops out at 42 knots with twin 1,650 hp diesels and cruises at 35 knots, turning 1,900 rpm.

"The company aims to consistently deliver each and every yacht on time, within budget, with superb quality and workmanship that is second to none," Mann says.
For more information, contact Mann Custom Boats of Manns Harbor, North Carolina, at 252-473-1716, or visit www.paulmanncustomboats.com.

 

Next: Maverick Sportfishing Yachts