Albemarle 45 Carolinian Preview
Mariners have long called the coastal waters of North Carolina the graveyard of the Atlantic, and for good reason; nearly 2,000 boats have wrecked there over the years. Since 1979, Albemarle Boats has built quintessential Carolina boats, with big bow flares to direct spray outward and provide lift as they slash through the worst of what these local waters can dish out. For nearly its first four decades, Albemarle built inboard sportfishing boats at its Edenton, North Carolina, plant, only jumping onto the outboard bandwagon in 2018. Since then, they have made up for lost time with innovative designs culminating in the new Albemarle 45 Carolinian Fisharound Express.
A Departure From the Norm
Seen from the bow quarter, the Albemarle 45 Carolinian channels the traditional sportfisher look. Its proud bow stands out, and its swooping shearline drops to put anglers close to the action. Stretching 49 feet overall with a beam of 13 feet 6 inches, she’s a serious boat that weighs 28,000 pounds.
Other than the outboards, the other departure from the classic sportfishing design is the trio of bow seats. That threesome begins at the back of the foredeck with a chaise lounge that features contoured hot-tub seating. Toward the bow is a forward-facing lounge seat with curved sides for passenger containment. There’s also a rear-facing bench seat at the bow, which turns the front part of the boat into a small social area.
Underneath the seat bottom of the forwardmost seat is a 20-gallon livewell, which isn’t the only nod to angling up here. Anglers still have plenty of room to fish up front, with wide walkways that make the transition from the cockpit safe.
Albemarle 45 Carolinian Fishing Cockpit
With 98 square feet of unencumbered fishing space, the fishing cockpit is all business. Centered on the transom is a 70-gallon livewell whose two lids feature friction hinges. A tuna-size, in-deck 130-gallon macerated fishbox resides to port. The lazarette on our boat provided good access to the optional Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, water-maker, and bilge.
A raised mezzanine seat gives anglers watching the trolling spread a height advantage for spotting weeds on the lures or the dark shape of a fish ready to strike. Under the seat is a cooler, and to port is another access tunnel for the 9 kW diesel generator and other systems.
Engine Options
Albemarle designed the 45 Carolinian to accommodate triple V12 Mercury Verado 600 hp outboards. That power package pushes it to a top speed in the mid-50s. These are the heaviest outboards on the market at 1,313 pounds (30-inch shaft). They feature large counter-rotating propellers and a two-speed transmission to provide plenty of power, mechanical advantage, and grip. That means they get the boat on plane quickly and run efficiently at all speeds. Because only the lower units pivot, they can be mounted close together to save transom space, and they feature a 45-degree pivot arc in either direction, rather than the standard 30 degrees, for more precise control at slow speeds.
The optional engine package is quad V10 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards. Those have a single prop and a combined 200 hp less than triple 600s. Their main advantage is that they weigh only 723 pounds but have the same 150-amp alternator as the 600. As such, this configuration has greater charging power. Another advantage is that they are shorter, making it easier to fight a fish close to the engines.
Rigging tubes are routed under the generous walkway behind the transom, keeping it clear of obstructions. A transom door would make entering the cockpit easier, though.
Albemarle 45 Carolinian Cabin
Sleeping aboard many fishing boats resembles camping in a fiberglass tent. Not here. I found the cabin on the Albemarle 45 Carolinian to be downright plush. Black walnut cabinetry and a synthetic teak-and-holly floor create a nautical vibe.
A dining group at the bow transforms into an island bed. The amidships berth has surprising headroom, and guests can sit without bumping their heads.
A large head compartment features a shower behind a door. The basic galley features a microwave, a refrigerator, a freezer, and a single-burner stove.
Helm
Albemarle raised the helm station 18 inches above the main deck, which provides the three-abreast crew a great view. Instead of a glass windshield, they are protected by a four-sided acrylic and polycarbonate enclosure.
The dash on our evaluation boat was equipped with a pair of standard 24-inch Garmin multifunction screens, and the Joystick Piloting for Outboards system is also included. In front of the helm is a triple-wide bench seat that has an unencumbered forward view.
The Bottom Line
The Albemarle 45 Carolinian is a premium boat with a corresponding MSRP of $1,685,000. The standard feature list is as long as a CVS drug store receipt, and buyers need to add very few options. Many will choose the tuna tower with full controls that sits high above the hardtop for a bird’s-eye view. Other noteworthy options include the classy Release Marine Teak Ladderback helm seats, a water-maker, and a Spot Zero washdown system that eliminates the need to wipe down with a chamois.
Specifications:
- Hull length: 45 feet
- Beam: 13 feet, 6 inches
- Dry weight: 28,000 pounds with engines
- Fuel capacity: 500 gallons
- Water capacity: 100 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 1,800
- Top speed: ~55 mph
- MSRP: $1,685,000
Albemarle Boats For Sale
Alan Jones
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