What size custom Carolina to build?

[NCcustom]

I'm planning to start a another custom boat soon and need a little input on size. With fuel prices so high, is now the time start building single engine boats? I'm thinking 30' to 35'. What do you think?

[JPH]

Check out the Jarrett Bay 32 with a single screw QSB Cummins diesel in her.

[jbg108]

I think the little boat crew is being hurt by diesel prices but the big boat guys have the money to pay. I think building anything on spec is risky in this market.

I say either make it 2 mill plus or make it 35 feet and get better than 1 mile per gallon with speed.

[SeaNile Boater]

A 32' express with a single and your carolina flare would get my attention ! 22-28 kts would be more than acceptable for me.

[Harry Brosofsky]

Now is the time to start building boats with twin diesels and Zeus or IPS drives. Check out the Spencer 43...make one about 35-38' long and you'll have a winner. Put the fuel tanks just barely forward of the CG to bring the bow up as they empty, and put a huge in-sole kill box on the centerline of the cockpit (make it at least 6' long, 2' wide and 2' deep to swallow up a few nice YFT or schoolie BFTs). You should be able to do the mid-cabin berths like the Spencer, plus a V-berth or stacked berths up front, a small head (no need for a shower), and a very small galley (sink and microwave).

Harry