1990 Sunny Briggs 50

The 1990 Sunny Briggs 50 is a 50-foot Carolina-style sportfisherman built in Wanchese, North Carolina, combining a cold-molded hull with a wide 17-foot-9-inch beam. The design reflects the traditional Carolina boatbuilding approach, where a sharp entry and substantial beam work together to deliver confident sea-keeping and a spacious cockpit. With twin Detroit Diesel 8V92TI engines, a newer generator, and updated electronics, this convertible is positioned as a practical offshore fishing and cruising platform rather than a showboat.
 

The boat is suited to an experienced sportfishing owner who wants a genuine Carolina hull without paying new-build money. Its two-stateroom, two-head layout works for owner-operators or small crews, while the large cockpit supports tournament fishing, day charters, and extended island trips. The combination of cold-molded construction, diesel power, and recent mechanical updates gives it appeal for buyers who value fishing function and sea-keeping over modern production-boat finish.
 

Is the 1990 Sunny Briggs 50 for Sale?

Yes, this 1990 Sunny Briggs 50 is currently offered for sale through its listing broker. The boat is located in Islamorada, Florida, and is being marketed to buyers searching for a proven offshore sportfisherman. Because the vessel is a one-off or low-volume Carolina build rather than a mass-produced model, availability on the brokerage market is limited, and comparable examples do not appear frequently.
 

For buyers, availability is less important than the condition of the specific boat. Engine hours, overhaul documentation, generator history, electronics, hull condition, and maintenance records should all be reviewed before proceeding. A cold-molded hull can hold value well when properly maintained, but it can also present significant repair costs if water intrusion or structural issues have been neglected.
 

1990 Sunny Briggs 50 Price
 

The asking price for this 1990 Sunny Briggs 50 should be confirmed directly with the listing broker, as pricing for custom and low-volume sportfishermen varies widely with condition and equipment. Comparable Carolina-built convertibles of this size and era often trade in a range influenced by engine hours since overhaul, generator condition, electronics age, and overall cosmetic and structural upkeep. Asking prices are subject to change and should not be treated as confirmed transaction values.
 

The purchase price is only part of the budget for a 30-plus-year-old diesel sportfisherman. Buyers should also account for a professional survey, haul-out, engine and drivetrain inspection, insurance, dockage, fuel, generator servicing, electronics replacement, air-conditioning, and fishing-system repairs. The Detroit Diesel 8V92TI engines are thirsty at 25-plus knots, so fuel and regular maintenance should be factored into the total cost of ownership.
 

Performance and Propulsion
 

This Sunny Briggs 50 is powered by twin Detroit Diesel 8V92TI engines with reported overhaul hours around 510. The 8V92 is a well-known two-stroke diesel that produces strong torque and has a long history in sportfishing and commercial applications. A newer Northern Lights generator with roughly 910 hours is also installed, reducing near-term risk on the auxiliary power side.
 

The cold-molded hull and wide beam are intended to provide stable sea-keeping in offshore conditions, while the engines give the boat the power to cruise and fish at competitive speeds. Detroit Diesel 8V92s are thirsty at 25-plus knots, so actual speed and fuel consumption depend on load, sea conditions, propeller condition, and hull maintenance. A sea trial and engine inspection should be used to verify the performance and mechanical condition of the individual boat.
 

Exterior Design and Construction
 

The 1990 Sunny Briggs 50 has a cold-molded hull built in Wanchese, North Carolina, a region known for Carolina-style sportfishermen. The 17-foot-9-inch beam provides exceptional stability and a spacious cockpit, while the convertible profile includes a flybridge, wide side decks, and a large aft cockpit designed for serious fishing. Exterior features include a transom live well and fish box for offshore angling.
 

The flybridge offers an elevated helm position with seating and space for navigation equipment, and the cockpit is set up as a working fishing area. Buyers should inspect the cold-molded hull, deck structure, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, and steering system. The cockpit's live well, fish box, rod holders, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested, along with any signs of water intrusion or previous structural repairs.
 

Interior and Accommodation
 

The 1990 Sunny Briggs 50 offers a two-stateroom, two-head layout. The master stateroom is forward with a queen berth and a private head, while a guest stateroom and a second head accommodate additional crew or guests. A large galley is positioned down, providing practical cooking and storage space for extended trips.
 

The interior is designed for owner-operators or small crews rather than large charter groups, with a layout that balances fishing function and overnight comfort. Individual boats may have different upholstery, appliances, flooring, entertainment systems, and interior finishes depending on subsequent refits. Buyers should inspect the galley equipment, refrigeration, air-conditioning, plumbing, bilge systems, and all accommodation spaces for condition and evidence of regular maintenance.
 

What to Check Before Buying a 1990 Sunny Briggs 50
 

Before making an offer, a complete marine survey, haul-out inspection, and professional sea trial are strongly recommended. The survey should cover the cold-molded hull and deck, stringers, bulkheads, running gear, shafts, propellers, rudders, through-hulls, fuel tanks, steering system, electrical equipment, generators, air-conditioning, plumbing, and bilge systems. The cockpit's live well, fish box, rod holders, outriggers, and other fishing equipment should also be tested.
 

The twin Detroit Diesel 8V92TI engines should be inspected individually, including engine hours, overhaul records, diagnostic reports, cooling systems, turbochargers, exhaust components, transmissions, shafts, and propellers. Buyers should also review generator history and test navigation electronics, autopilot, VHF radios, refrigeration, pumps, air-conditioning, and other onboard systems. For a 1990 yacht, documented maintenance and evidence of regular mechanical care are particularly important when determining the condition of the boat.