The following is an excerpt from the recently released book, Carolina Flare, Outer Banks Building and Sportfishing Heritage, by Neal, John and Jim Conoley, a father/sons writing team from North Carolina. The trio did an excellent job of interviewing, researching and uncovering old photographs and stories from the earliest days of Carolina-style boatbuilding. It makes for a fascinating and entertaining read that's sure to thrill anyone interested in offshore boats. You'll find more excerpts in the September issue of Marlin magazine, and you can purchase the book online or find out more at www.carolinaflare.com.

See also:
Characteristics of the Carolina-Style Sportfishing Boat
Carolina-Syle Contruction: The Plank-on-Frame Process

The cold-molded boatbuilding technique is demonstrated at the shop of Captain Sunny Briggs. Cold-molded boats are constructed from the keel down, or "upside-down." The jigs and stations have been set up and battens have been added.
The keel has been laid and the jigs are connected and reinforced.
The flared bow, S-frames and deep-Vee are evident as the first layer of premium plywood is added. The hull will receive at least three layers and the sides will get at least two layers, each glued diagonally to provide extra strength.
The hull has received two layers of fiberglass for added strength and waterproofing.
The hull and sides have received two layers of compound to seal the plywood and workers are sanding the boat.
Workers remove the hull from the building and flip her over so interior, deck and superstructure work can begin.
The engines, deck and cabin have been installed and work continues on the interior.
The Ann Warrick has been completed and she heads offshore for a day of fishing.

Photographs of the Ann Warrick built by Sunny Briggs