After nearly a year’s hiatus to concentrate on its popular line of 25- and 28-foot center-consoles, Carolina Classic Boats is finally beginning production of its newest model, a 35-foot offshore center-console that company president Mac Privott describes as “Carolina right to the bone.” The company introduced the first 35 at the 1997 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, but was unable to produce the model because of limited facilities. With a new boatbuilding yard and demand for the larger boat growing, Privott expects to be in full-scale production on the 35 by the end of the year. “She’s got a real good bottom,” Privott says, when asked what really stands out about this 35. “Her deep vee in the forefoot gives her a nice, soft ride, and she’s got lots of flare. You can almost stand on the bow in a rainstorm and keep dry.”
The deep-vee center-console can accommodate a variety of power options that will deliver speeds in excess of 30 knots. Because of its oversize engine compartment and wide beam, a Carolina Classic 35 owner can choose virtually any twin-diesel engine package up to 450 hp. Standard equipment on the boat is a pair of 6-cylinder Cummins 450-hp diesels that push the boat to top speeds of about 32 knots and a cruise speed of 30. With her 435 gallons of fuel, the boat can realize a range of 350 to 400 miles at cruise speed. The engine compartment is accessed with a single hydraulically operated deck hatch. But even with the hatch closed and two 450-hp diesels in place, Privott says the compartment is roomy enough for a grown man to sit down on the outboard side of both engines. The compartment is easy to maintain, thanks to its gel-coated surface and a tunnel that channels bilge water underneath the engines and all ship’s systems.
Constructed to withstand rough offshore conditions, the Carolina Classic is “a liner boat,” Privott says. The cuddy, helm and all cabinetry are glassed in solid to the stringers and hull, forming a one-piece boat that takes pounding with no rattles and no creaking. Privott says the hull seems oblivious to weight alterations, running the same at full load or light load, with two passengers or 10. In the cockpit, two in-deck fish boxes pump overboard via a mascerator pump. Across the back of the helm deck, anglers find plenty of bait-prep space with a fresh-water sink, tackle storage cabinets and insulated ice box. A livewell is optional.
Forward is the full-sized cabin with 6’8″ of head room. Features include owners’ double berth, settee/bunks, secure rod storage, and galley with stove, microwave, sink, refrigerator, Corian countertops and table. There is also a full walk-in head with shower.
For more information, contact: Carolina Classic Boats PO Box 968 Edenton, NC 27932 252-482-3699
Specifications
LOA
34’9″
BEAM
13’6″
DRAFT
3’0″
WEIGHT
22,500 pounds (dry)
FUEL
435 gallons
WATER
55 gallons
POWER
450-hp Cummins
BASE PRICE
$273,400
