1995 Custom Carolina 54' Bodacious

1995 Lewis Brothers 54 Flybridge Sportfish

The Lewis Family boatbuilders were recently honored with North Carolina’s Heritage Award for keeping the 19^th and 20^th century Harkers Island, North Carolina custom boatbuilding tradition of hand-built plank on frame construction ongoing for over 60 years and four generations, with knowledge and skills passed down from Burgess Lewis to his son Jamie, then to Jamie’s sons James and Houston, and a grandson. Lewis Brothers custom hand-crafted Carolina sportfish boats are truly a part of Harkers Island boatbuilding history!

But it was Brady Lewis (no relation) with a North Carolina banks commercial fishing heritage that dates back to the 19^th century, who innovated the bow flare. Hulls were based on flat-bottomed wooden “sharpies” that were modified for outboard powered offshore fishing and masterfully handcrafted by generations of fishermen. Brady Lewis modified the hull to flare at the bow to deflect spray when speeding through chop. His innovation was immediately copied by other builders and became a trademark for Harkers Island construction, now known as the “Carolina flare.” Brady Lewis also rounded the transom to avoid snagging seine nets on the square corners. And legend tells, he and son, Makeley are responsible for the fish box in cockpit to keep the catch from going overboard!

BODACIOUS, a 54ft flybridge sportfish boat is constructed in the traditional plank on frame method and encased in fiberglass using the West epoxy system for the renowned Carolina ride and features the wide Carolina flare bow and broken sheer. This custom Lewis 54 was built rugged and efficient for serious offshore fishing. BODACIOUS is a seaworthy boat, capable of efficiently taking on a range of sea conditions.

The new in 2021, Swedish Scania twin 900hp diesels are a powerful design with strength-optimized cylinder block, a common rail injector system that minimizes exhaust emissions, good fuel economy, and a high torque. The Scania Engine Management System (EMS) ensures control of all engine performance aspects.

1995 Lewis Brothers 54 Flybridge Sportfish

Lewis Brothers custom hand-crafted Carolina sportfish boats are truly a part of Harkers Island boatbuilding history. Jamie Lewis and sons were honored with North Carolina’s Heritage Award for their continuation of the 19^th and 20^th century Harkers Island time-honored backyard boatbuilders’ traditions that have informed and influenced countless sportfish builders to this day.

BODACIOUS, a Lewis 54ft flybridge sportfish boat, is constructed in the time-honored plank on frame method and encased in fiberglass using the West epoxy system and features the traditional wide Carolina flared bow and broken sheer. The recently updated Lewis 54 features an immense cockpit with split lid transom fishbox, center bait rigging station with rocket launcher rod holders, cabinets against the forward bulkhead with a large BBQ grill, storage, tackle center, in-deck ice dump, Rupp outriggers and more. Teak coaming boards and trim add a touch of class. A Simrad GPS, sounder, radar display screen is mounted under the bridge overhang. An athwartship ladder leads up to flybridge with hardtop and Eisenglass 3-sided spray enclosure. Bridge is a typical sportfish arrangement with peninsula helm console from portside that features a teak helm pod with single lever controls, two huge Simrad screens displaying navigation electronics, communications, and more along with two helm seats. Guest seating is forward of console and a bench seat is on starboard side.

The spacious interior open floorplan features a huge L-shaped upholstered couch on port and aft sides, that abuts the open galley forward on portside. Flooring is a beautiful easy-care faux teak laminate. Efficient galley features undercounter refrigerator and freezer drawers, stainless-steel sink, electric cooktop, Corian countertops, and satin-finished storage cabinetry for longer offshore fishing trips. A settee with matching upholstery is on starboard side, along with the entertainment center, and flatscreen TV mounted on the starboard forward bulkhead. Accommodations for 4 are comfortable and have built-in rod storage along sides and overhead. Head has an enclosed shower stall.

BODACIOUS is powered by 2021 Scania twin 900hp diesels with a strong Swedish common rail design, low exhaust emissions, good fuel economy, and a high torque for a reliable and efficient cruise to the fishing grounds and back. The Lewis Brothers 54 with its superior Carolina ride, was built rugged and efficient for serious offshore fishing. BODACIOUS is a time-proven seaworthy boat, capable of efficiently taking on a range of sea conditions.