1994 DAYTONA Custom Carolina Express

The 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express is a 39-foot custom Carolina-style sportfishing yacht built by Daytona Boatworks. Designed and built by Bob Sherbert, this cold-molded express sportfisherman combines a traditional fishing-oriented layout with the open cockpit and relatively simple operation expected from an express-style boat. The vessel has a 39-foot length, a 14-foot beam, and is powered by twin diesel inboard engines.

The currently listed example, PART OF IT, has been updated over the years and is equipped with twin Cummins QSC engines rated at 500 hp each. The listing reports a cruising speed of about 25 knots with combined fuel consumption of approximately 30 gallons per hour. Recent work includes Cummins engine service, new Hooker pumps, a new Release Marine rocket launcher, Starlink equipment, an aft-deck shade, and ceramic coating on the topsides.

Is the 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express for Sale?

Yes. The 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express referenced here is currently listed for sale as PART OF IT in Destin, Florida. The latest listings show the asking price at approximately $275,000, although other broker listings have displayed $299,000, so buyers should confirm the current asking price directly with the listing broker.

The boat is listed as a used power yacht and sportfishing boat, with a 39-foot overall length, 14-foot beam, one cabin and one head. Its current equipment package includes Garmin navigation and sonar equipment, Simrad autopilot, Icom VHF radios, engine monitoring displays, a fighting-style rocket launcher, and a flybridge/tower helm station.

1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express Price

The current advertised price for this 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express is around $275,000, based on the latest YachtWorld listing. Other online broker listings still show an asking price of $299,000, illustrating that the advertised price has changed during the current sales period. Buyers should therefore treat the listing price as subject to change rather than as a fixed market value.

For a 1994 custom-built sportfisherman, price should be assessed together with the hull condition, construction history, engine condition, equipment upgrades, and maintenance records. This example has twin 500 hp Cummins QSC engines, a Phasor diesel generator, updated fishing equipment and navigation electronics, but a professional survey is still important because the vessel uses cold-molded wood construction and is more than 30 years old.

Performance and Propulsion

The 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express is powered by twin Cummins QSC diesel inboard engines, each producing 500 hp, for a combined rated output of 1,000 hp. The engines are paired with ZF 285A marine reversing gears. Current listing information reports approximately 1,772 hours on each main engine, with engine service completed less than 100 hours before the latest listing update.

The boat is reported to cruise at approximately 25 knots, consuming around 30 gallons per hour combined at that speed. It carries approximately 480 gallons of diesel fuel, providing a useful fuel capacity for offshore fishing and coastal cruising. Actual range and fuel economy will depend on sea conditions, loading, hull condition, propeller condition and operating RPM, so a sea trial should be used to verify the boat's real-world performance.

Exterior Design and Construction

The 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express has a 39-foot overall length and 14-foot beam, with a cold-molded hull built for offshore sportfishing. The express configuration provides a large working cockpit and keeps the helm and fishing areas closely connected, making the boat practical for anglers who spend much of their time operating from the aft deck. The boat also features a tower with a secondary helm and navigation equipment.

The current example has received several exterior and fishing-related updates. Recent work includes a new Release Marine rocket launcher, new Hooker pumps and sea-chest equipment, a new aft-deck shade, Starlink antenna and ceramic coating on the topsides. The cockpit also provides direct access to the engine room through a centerline hatch, while the fishing setup is designed around offshore sportfishing rather than purely recreational cruising.

Interior and Accommodation

The interior of the 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express is compact but designed to provide the basic accommodation needed for offshore fishing trips. The forward main cabin has two single berths arranged in a high-low configuration, with cedar-lined hanging lockers and storage beneath the berths. This layout prioritizes practical sleeping and storage space rather than the large living areas found on modern cruising yachts.

Aft of the sleeping area is a galley and dinette-style settee, along with an enclosed head. The galley includes a Corian countertop, stainless-steel sink, wood cabinetry, microwave and refrigerator/freezer. The head has a vanity, stainless-steel sink, electric toilet and separate standing shower, giving the boat the essential facilities for extended fishing trips and overnight stays.

What to Check Before Buying a 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express

Before purchasing a 1994 Daytona Custom Carolina Express, buyers should pay particular attention to the condition of the cold-molded wood hull. A professional marine survey should examine the hull structure, stringers, bulkheads, deck, transom, moisture levels and areas around through-hull fittings. Because the boat is more than three decades old, the inspection should also look for previous repairs, water intrusion and any deterioration that may not be visible during a normal walkthrough.

The twin Cummins QSC engines should be inspected individually, including engine hours, service records, cooling systems, exhaust components, transmissions, batteries and electronic engine reports. The generator, electrical systems, bilge pumps, fuel system, navigation electronics and fishing equipment should also be tested. A proper sea trial should verify acceleration, cruising RPM, fuel consumption, steering, vibration and engine temperatures before the buyer finalizes an offer. The listing itself recommends that buyers use their own surveyors to independently verify the vessel's details and condition.