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-Style Contruction: The Cold-Molded Process

Captain Bobby Sullivan checks the level and width of the stem for his charter boat Marlin Fever. Captain Sullivan demonstrates the plank-on-frame techniques he learned from his grandfather, Allen Hayman.
The stem and keel are laid out and the stations have been measured and erected. In plank-on-frame construction,the boat is built from the keel up.
The frames are in place and the flare has been shaped. The curved battens attached to the sides of the hull provide support for the frames.
Captain Sullivan is reinforcing the S-frames and checking his measurements. At this stage the boat is almost ready for planking.
The hull has been planked with juniper boards from the sheer line to the chine.
Fiberglass has been added for extra strength and waterproofing and the hull has been faired.
The boat is ready to be launched. Her flared bow, deep-Vee hull, S-frame, and exaggerated spray rails are evident.
Sleek and stylish, the Marlin Fever heads offshore.

Photographs of the Marlin Fever built by Bobby Sullivan