Turns at cruising speed with the wheel hard over scribed quite a large arc with a relatively small amount of heel, unlike similar competitive boats that lay over dramatically. Close-quarters handling and fish-fighting maneuverability both qualified as impeccable, with inch-by-inch control.” – Dean Travis Clarke
Compared with larger vessels with the same fishing amenities, the Carolina Classic 35 consumes a diet low in liquids. At its 40-mph top speed, she drank a modest 51 gph total, turning 2,575 rpm. Cruising speed at 2,400 rpm was 35 mph burning just over 34 gph. The truly frugal can also drop cruising speed back to 25 mph at 1,850 to burn a mere 23 gph.
Carolina Classic built about a 4-inch step for the helm to improve overall visibility – historically a problem on express boats. Its sharp entry cuts into waves nicely, while the wide beam keeps it stable. The windscreen remains remarkably clear of spray.
This 35’s roll moment travels through a fairly substantial arc but with extremely gentle transitions. You’ll enjoy trolling beam-to the seas or drift fishing. With no power, you can steer it down-current.
All Carolina Classics boast serious cockpits. The 35 features a tackle module on the forward end (just aft of the L-shaped helm-deck settee) containing sink, storage drawers, refrigerator and freezer. The padded coamings that touch you slightly above the knees afford terrific security for stand-up fishing.
Those familiar with Carolina Classic will surely notice the tower design. The hardtop has a radar pod, good handholds and recessed lights.
Access the well-designed engine compartment by raising the entire helm deck up on electric rams. You’ll discover that you can work both inboard and outboard of the engines. Wiring and plumbing can be easily traced for troubleshooting.
Belowdecks, you’ll find a double berth forward to port; the starboard side of the salon includes a settee and the portside, a galley just forward of a stand-up head with shower. Lift the hinged back of the settee and hook the straps to the overhead pad eyes to create sleeping accommodations for two in single berths. Throughout the cabin, Carolina Classic provides a whopping 6 feet 4 inches of headroom.
The Carolina Classic 35 certainly offers solid creature comforts, but not in powder-puff form. Make no mistake, this boat means business – and that business is fishing.
_Specifications:
L.O.A. 34 ft. 9 in.
Beam 13 ft. 6 in.
Deadrise 18 deg.
Draft 3 ft.
Fuel 435 gal.
Max. Power (2) 500-hp diesel IB
MSRP $360,840
Notable Features:
? Cockpit coaming pads
? 5-kW diesel generator
? Tackle-center module
? Reverse-cycle air conditioning
? Hydraulic controls and steering
? Teak-and-holly cabin sole
