The Carolina Classic 28 is highly esteemed as one of the best diesel-powered express sportfishing boats in her class. Featuring a deep-V hull with 24 degrees of deadrise, she offers a smooth, confident ride in tough offshore conditions while ensuring excellent stability at trolling speeds.This 2002 model has undergone extensive mechanical upgrades and preventative maintenance, presenting an exceptional opportunity for buyers looking for a turnkey diesel sportfisher. It is powered by twin Cummins 4BTA 3.9M diesel engines, coupled with Twin Disc transmissions, and supported by a Westerbeke 5kW generator.A notable feature of this vessel is the professionally integrated Marlin Tower (Command Tower), which provides outstanding visibility for locating bait, spotting fish, navigating shallow waters, and enhancing overall offshore fishing performance. The tower station complements the primary helm and offers serious anglers elevated sightlines typically found on larger sportfishing yachts.The vessel is equipped with outriggers, making it an ideal trolling platform for targeting pelagic species. Coupled with a spacious cockpit, livewell, fish boxes, rod storage, and numerous rod holders, this Carolina Classic is designed for offshore fishing adventures.Recent upgrades include brand-new engine mounts, replacement shaft packing, new Duramax non-metallic cutlass bearings, upgraded 105-amp alternators, new Racor fuel filters and supply lines, and new Groco bronze raw-water strainers and scoop pickups for the engines, generator, air conditioning system, and washdown pumps. Freshwater flushing provisions have also been installed for both main engines.An integrated oil-changing system simplifies routine maintenance for both engines and the generator. New Rule 2000 bilge pumps enhance safety and reliability, while an upgraded electrical system includes a dedicated 4D house battery bank, automatic charging relay, and battery parallel capability for emergency charging and starting.Included with the vessel are two brand-new, never-installed Cummins aftercooler housings, a discontinued component valued at approximately $4,500, along with a substantial inventory of spare filters, seals, gaskets, impeller kits, and maintenance supplies.An additional advantage for prospective owners is the vessel's current slip at Salt River Marina. Subject to marina approval, the slip is transferable and qualifies for named-storm insurance coverage, a valuable benefit for Caribbean-based boaters. Additional Information AccommodationThe Carolina Classic 28 features a practical express sportfishing layout designed to maximize both offshore capability and overnight comfort. The elevated helm deck offers excellent visibility from the primary steering station while providing easy access to the expansive fishing cockpit below.Above, the vessel is equipped with a Marlin Tower (Command Tower), providing a second helm position with exceptional visibility for tournament fishing, spotting bait schools, navigating shallow water, and tracking offshore gamefish. The tower significantly enhances fishability and is a highly sought-after feature rarely found on vessels of this size.The cockpit is designed for serious anglers with a 20-gallon livewell, removable fish boxes, cockpit rod storage, gunnel rod holders, freshwater and raw-water washdowns, and an impressive array of rod holders throughout the vessel. Outriggers complete the offshore fishing package, allowing for an effective multi-line trolling spread.Below deck, the air-conditioned cabin accommodates up to four adults comfortably. A forward V-berth serves as the primary sleeping area, while the convertible dinette/settee offers additional overnight accommodations. An enclosed head compartment with marine toilet and sink provides privacy and convenience for extended trips.The result is a versatile platform suitable for offshore fishing tournaments, island hopping, weekend cruising, or extended days on the water.Interior Comforts and Amenities
Cruise Air 9,000 BTU air conditioning
Convertible dinette
Forward V-berth
Enclosed marine head
Freshwater system
55-gallon freshwater capacity
Shore power capability
Generator-supported cabin systems
Storage lockers throughout cabin
Electronics and Navigation
Garmin ECHOmap chartplotter
Furuno FCV-582L fishfinder/sonar
ICOM VHF marine radio
Raymarine Pathfinder SL72 radar
Richie 6-inch compass
Navigation lighting
Engine instrumentation
Depth sounder functions
Electrical Systems
12-volt DC electrical system
120-volt AC shore power system
Marinco 30-amp shore power inlet
Westerbeke 5kW diesel generator
C-Charger 5000 Series 20-amp battery charger
Dedicated 4D house battery bank
Starting battery bank
Automatic Charging Relay (ACR)
Manual battery-parallel emergency starting switch
Twin upgraded 105-amp engine alternators
AC and DC distribution panels
Cruise Air air-conditioning power supply
New Rule 2000 automatic bilge pumps
Navigation and cockpit lighting
Engine instrumentation and monitoring systems
Deck and Hull Equipment
Deep-V planing hull
24-degree transom deadrise
Lewmar windlass
Bow pulpit
Stainless deck hardware
Cockpit coaming bolsters
Self-bailing cockpit
Raw-water washdown
Cockpit fish boxes
Cockpit rod storage
20-gallon livewell
Outriggers
17 rod holders
Gunnel rod holders
Swim platform
Boarding ladder
Mechanical Equipment
Twin Cummins 4BTA 3.9M diesel engines
Twin Disc MG 5011A transmissions
Westerbeke 5kW diesel generator
Oil changing system for engines and generator
Brand-new engine mounts
New shaft packing
New Duramax non-metallic shaft bearings
New Racor fuel filters and supply lines
New Groco bronze raw-water strainers
New Groco bronze scoop pickups
Freshwater engine flushing system
Freshwater washdown
Raw-water washdown
Upgraded 105-amp alternators
New Rule 2000 bilge pumps
Hydraulic steering
Stainless steel shafts
Bronze propellers
Spare Cummins aftercooler housings included
Assorted maintenance spares included
Safety Equipment
Fire extinguishers
Flares
(4) PFDs
Throwable flotation device
Engine Info
Twin Cummins 4BTA 250 HP diesel engines (~3,000 hours)
Twin Disc MG5011A gearboxes
1-1/2" shafts
17" x 21" 4-blade Hytorq NIBRAL propellers
Tankage
Fuel: 209 gallons
Fresh Water: 55 gallons
Holding: 15 gallons
Owner's Comments and Boat HistorySome boats tell you a lot about their owners. This Carolina Classic is one of them.Built in 2002, this Carolina Classic 28 comes from an era when Carolina Classic was producing some of the most respected offshore fishing boats on the water. The combination of a solid fiberglass Deep-V hull, Cummins diesel power, and straightforward construction earned these boats a reputation that remains strong today. Ask Carolina Classic owners what they think of them, and the answer is usually the same: they don't want to sell them.The boat spent much of its life in Florida before finding its way to the Virgin Islands in 2023. Prior to that move, it was reportedly lift-kept and lightly used, helping preserve a platform already known for its durability and offshore pedigree.In early 2023, the boat was transported to St. Croix aboard Dockwise Yacht Transport, beginning a new chapter in Caribbean waters. Rather than focusing on cosmetic upgrades, ownership concentrated on what matters most in an offshore fishing boat: reliability, serviceability, and mechanical integrity.Over the following years, numerous maintenance projects and upgrades were completed throughout the vessel. Engine mounts were replaced. Shaft packing and shaft bearings were renewed. Fuel system components were upgraded. Charging systems were improved. New Groco strainers and raw-water pickups were installed. Freshwater engine flushing was added. Bilge pumps were replaced. Battery capacity was increased. These are the types of upgrades that may not be immediately visible but make a significant difference to long-term ownership and dependability.The result is a boat that feels less like a project and more like a vessel that has been thoughtfully maintained by an owner who understood the value of preventative care. Included in the sale are two brand-new Cummins aftercooler housings, a discontinued and increasingly difficult-to-source component for the legendary 4BTA engines, along with an assortment of filters, impellers, gaskets, seals, and maintenance supplies.What makes this Carolina Classic especially appealing is that it remains true to its original purpose. The Marlin Tower provides the elevated visibility serious anglers appreciate offshore. Outriggers, a spacious cockpit, livewell, fish boxes, rod storage, and diesel efficiency make it every bit the capable fishing platform it was designed to be more than twenty years ago.Like any vessel of this age, there are a few remaining projects and cosmetic items that a new owner may choose to address over time. However, the primary story here is not what remains to be done, but rather the substantial work that has already been completed.Today, the boat is being offered because life circumstances have changed and the time available for offshore fishing, island hopping, and weekends on the water has become increasingly limited. This creates an opportunity for the next owner to acquire a classic Carolina Classic that has already benefited from significant mechanical attention and thoughtful stewardship.Adding further value is a transferable slip at Salt River Marina, subject to marina approval. Located within one of St. Croix's recognized hurricane-hole facilities, it offers a valuable home-port option that can be difficult to secure in the Caribbean.At its core, this is exactly what a Carolina Classic should be: an honest, diesel-powered offshore fishing boat with a proven pedigree, sensible upgrades, and plenty of life ahead of it. The next chapter belongs to someone looking for a boat built to fish, built to travel, and built to be enjoyed.She is a true all-around performer. Serious enough to fish offshore, comfortable enough to spend several nights aboard, and capable of handling conditions that would make many other 28-footers turn around.One of the first things people notice is how substantial she feels underway. The hull carries enough weight and presence in the water that she rides more like a 32- or 34-foot vessel when conditions become challenging. The ability to fully enclose the cockpit is an added advantage that owners will appreciate when the weather is less than ideal.The cabin is not extravagant, but it is comfortable, practical, and functional. For one or two people, there is ample space for long weekends, overnight fishing trips, or cruising throughout the islands without sacrificing comfort.Disclaimer The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.