2002 Carolina Classic 28

The Carolina Classic 28 is widely regarded as one of the finest diesel-powered express sportfishing boats ever produced in her class. Her deep-V hull with 24 degrees of deadrise provides a soft, confident ride in challenging offshore conditions while maintaining excellent stability at trolling speeds.

This 2002 example has benefited from extensive mechanical upgrades and preventative maintenance, making her an exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking a turnkey diesel sportfisher. Twin Cummins 4BTA 3.9M diesel engines are paired with Twin Disc transmissions and supported by a Westerbeke 5kW generator.

A standout feature of this vessel is the professionally integrated Marlin Tower (Command Tower), providing exceptional 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 the elevated sightlines typically found on much larger sportfishing yachts.

The vessel is further equipped with outriggers, creating an ideal trolling platform for targeting pelagic species. Combined with the spacious cockpit, livewell, fish boxes, rod storage, and numerous rod holders, this Carolina Classic is purpose-built for offshore fishing adventures.

Recent improvements 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 serving 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 generator. New Rule 2000 bilge pumps provide enhanced 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 with an estimated replacement value of approximately $4,500, as well as a substantial inventory of spare filters, seals, gaskets, impeller kits, and maintenance supplies.

An additional benefit 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 advantage for Caribbean-based boaters.

Full details

Accommodation

The Carolina Classic 28 features a highly functional express sportfishing layout designed to maximize both offshore capability and overnight comfort. The elevated helm deck provides excellent visibility from the primary steering station while maintaining easy access to the expansive fishing cockpit below.

Above, the vessel is equipped with a Marlin Tower (Command Tower), offering a second helm position with exceptional visibility for tournament fishing, spotting bait schools, navigating shallow water, and tracking offshore gamefish. The tower dramatically enhances fishability and is a highly desirable feature rarely found on vessels of this size.

The cockpit is configured 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 provides comfortable accommodations for up to four adults. 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 equally suited 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 History

Some 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.

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.

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com

Listing data via Yachtr.com MLS, as published by the broker.

Listed by BVI Yacht Sales; specs and price as published by the broker — on the market here since August 2026. Confirm details with the broker directly.