Chadwick Boats 38 Express

Reel Flare is a very rare, custom-built Carolina express sportfisher from Jamie Chadwick Boatworks in Harkers Island, North Carolina. Purpose-built for serious offshore fishing, she combines the unmistakable lines of a Carolina boat with excellent performance, a recently replaced and beautifully finished teak cockpit and comfortable accommodation for weekends away.

Jamie Chadwick is a third-generation boatbuilder from one of North Carolina's most respected boatbuilding communities. His boats were individually commissioned and built in relatively small numbers, with each one shaped around the requirements of its original owner. Reel Flare is not a production sports cruiser with some fishing equipment added to it; she is a genuine custom sportfisher designed and built from the beginning to work offshore.

Her profile says it all. The pronounced Carolina bow flare provides additional buoyancy forward and helps throw spray away from the boat, while the fine entry below the waterline allows her to cut cleanly into a head sea. The sweeping sheer, low express profile and tumblehome through the aft quarters give Reel Flare a shape that is both purposeful and exceptionally good-looking. It is a style rarely seen in Australia and one that continues to turn heads wherever she goes.

Powered by twin 480 hp Cummins turbo-diesel engines through conventional shaft drives, Reel Flare cruises comfortably at approximately 25 - 27 knots and is capable of reaching around 36 knots. The electronic Cummins installation provides strong mid-range performance, straightforward operation and the reliability required for travelling well offshore. A 6 kVA Onan diesel generator supports the boat's domestic systems, while her Australian 240V/50Hz electrical conversion allows her to connect normally to local shore power.

The express configuration places the skipper close to the cockpit and gives excellent visibility across the bow, aft deck and surrounding water. The lower helm is protected beneath the substantial hardtop and enclosed by new isinglass clears, creating a comfortable command position in changing conditions. A custom timber helm pod, stainless steering wheel and dedicated helm chair are complemented by an extensive Furuno electronics package, including multifunction navigation displays, radar, sounder, autopilot and VHF communications.
For spotting fish, working a spread or manoeuvring on a fish, the Palm Beach tower provides a second fully equipped control station with excellent visibility over the bow, cockpit and wake. Tower access is by a substantial integrated ladder, and the upper station includes engine controls, joystick steering, instrumentation and its own navigation display. It is a proper working tower rather than a decorative addition and makes Reel Flare particularly well suited to game fishing along the Australian coast.

The cockpit is the heart of the boat. It is large, open and arranged so anglers can move freely around the Release Marine fighting chair. Wide teak-covered coamings, a teak cockpit sole, Rupp outriggers, rod holders, rocket launchers, fish boxes, a plumbed live-bait tank and deck wash system provide the essential equipment for serious offshore fishing. Direct-draining scuppers allow the cockpit to clear water quickly, while the open connection between the helm deck and cockpit keeps the skipper involved with the action.

The raised helm deck provides excellent protection without separating guests from the outdoors. Forward-facing seating beside the helm and a generous lounge to port create a relaxed area for family and friends while underway. The white upholstery, varnished timber details and recently renewed teak give the deck a clean, classic appearance, while speakers and overhead lighting allow the area to transition easily from a working fishing platform to an entertaining space at the end of the day.

Below deck, Reel Flare is surprisingly comfortable for such a focused sportfisher. The interior is finished with warm timber joinery and includes a forward double berth, an additional single berth to port and accommodation for up to three. The compact galley is fitted with refrigeration, a small freezer, microwave, sink and storage, allowing the boat to comfortably support overnight trips and extended weekends away.

A separate enclosed bathroom includes an electric Tecma toilet, shower, vanity, sink and storage. Air conditioning services the accommodation, with hot water and entertainment systems adding the practical comforts needed for family cruising.

Reel Flare has recently benefited from a substantial presentation and maintenance program, including a full hull repaint, new teak decking, antifouling and servicing of the engines and generator. The result is a boat that presents beautifully while retaining the character and craftsmanship that make a custom Carolina sportfisher so desirable.

With approximately 1,520 litres of fuel, 200 litres of fresh water and an efficient twin-diesel shaft-drive installation, Reel Flare has been designed to travel quickly and confidently to the fishing grounds. Her combination of speed, offshore ability, tower visibility, serious cockpit equipment and comfortable accommodation makes her equally suitable as a dedicated game boat, capable coastal cruiser or family weekender.

For someone who appreciates custom construction and wants something with genuine offshore pedigree, Reel Flare represents an opportunity that would be extremely difficult and considerably more expensive to reproduce today.

KEY FEATURES

o Custom-built by Jamie Chadwick Boatworks, Harkers Island, North Carolina
o Genuine Carolina express sportfisher
o Approximately 11.58 metres overall
o Approximately 3.50-metre beam
o Approximately 1.20-metre draft
o Twin 480 hp Cummins turbo-diesel engines
o Conventional shaft-drive propulsion
o Approximately 27-knot cruising speed
o Approximately 36-knot maximum speed
o Approximately 1,520-litre fuel capacity
o Approximately 200-litre fresh-water capacity
o 6 kVA Onan diesel generator
o Australian 240V/50Hz electrical system
o Palm Beach tuna tower with full controls
o Lower and upper helm stations
o Furuno navigation and fish-finding electronics
o Radar, autopilot, sounder and dual VHF radios
o Multiple transducers
o Rupp outriggers
o Release Marine fighting chair
o Plumbed live-bait tank
o Fish boxes, rod holders and rocket launchers
o Self-draining cockpit and deck wash
o Teak cockpit, helm deck and covering boards
o Full helm-deck clears
o Air-conditioned accommodation
o Forward double berth and additional single berth
o Enclosed bathroom with shower and electric Tecma toilet
o Galley with refrigeration, freezer and microwave
o Underwater lighting
o Fusion stereo system with speakers throughout
o Stainless Lewmar Delta anchor and electric windlass
o Recent full hull repaint
o New teak decking
o Recent antifouling
o Recent engine and generator servicing