2003 Custom Carolina Layton Express Boat in Beaufort, NC 28516 US
Layton Express
2 Engines (2x Yanmar)
40 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Composite
"Carry On" is a beautiful 40-foot Custom Carolina Express built in 2003 by Layton Boatworks in Edenton. The current owner has maintained the vessel with care, keeping her in excellent condition and ready for her next adventure.
Powered by twin Yanmar 500 HP diesel engines, she delivers the performance, reliability, and ride quality that Custom Carolina boats are known for. Her spacious cockpit provides ample room for serious offshore fishing, while the helm deck air conditioning ensures comfort on warm days.
Notable features include:
Twin Yanmar 500 HP diesel engines
Large, tournament-ready cockpit
Helm deck air conditioning
Full electronics package
Radar
Autopilot
Navigation electronics
Comfortable cabin accommodations for four
Well-equipped galley
Private enclosed head
Clean, well-maintained condition
Whether you're targeting offshore gamefish or enjoying a weekend cruise, "Carry On" offers the perfect balance of fishability, comfort, and Carolina craftsmanship.
If you're looking for a midsize express sportfisher that has been well maintained and is truly turn-key, "Carry On" deserves a spot at the top of your list.
- V-Berth Forward w/ Storage Underneath
- Port Side Hangine Locker
- Port and Starboard Sides Storage Drawers
- Teak and Holly Flooring
- Port Side Bench Style Seating w/ Storage Underneath
- Starboard Side Head
- Aft Area Galley
- Teaser Reels
- Reverse Cycle Heating and Air Conditioning
- Aft Salon Area Location
- Solid Surface Countertop
- Stainless Steel Fresh Water Sink w/ Hot and Cold Water Available
- Microwave
- Under Counter Refrigerator
- Storage Compartment Under Sink
- Starboard Side Location
- Marine Head w/ Holding Tank and Overboard Discharge
- Fresh Water Sink w/ Hot and Cold Water Available
- Shower Arrangements (Sink Faucet Pull Out)
- Storage Area Under Sink
- Port Side Bench Seating w/ Storage Underneath
- Reverse Cycle Heating and Air Conditioning
- Single Helm Chair
- Bench Style Seating Forward of Console w/ Storage Underneath
- Fiberglass Hard Top
- Full Helm Deck Enclosure
- Port and Starboard Side Storage Cabinets
- Garmin 8616xsv GPS / Plotter / Sounder
- Garmin GMR 72nm Open Array Radar
- 2 Furuno FI-50 Digital / Multi-Function Displays
- Furuno GPS/WAAS Navigator
- ICOM VHF Radio
- Simrad Autopilot
- Sitex STT-110 Digital Sea Water Temp. Gauge
- ACR Remote Spotlight
- Fusion Stereo System
- Garmin GPS / Plotter / Sounder
- Icom VHF Radio
- Autopilot
- Compass
- Twin 500hp Yanmar Diesel Engines
- Single Lever Engine Controls
- Cabin Area Reverse Cycle Heating and Air Conditioning
- Helm Deck Reverse Cycle Heating and Air Conditioning
- 3 Bilge Pumps
- High Water Alarm
- Bronze Thru Hulls
- Dripless Shaft Logs
- Engine Room Fire Suppression System
- 6 Gallon Water Heater
- Trim Tabs
- Fresh Water System
- Racor Fuel Filters
- Oil Change System
- Hynautic Steering
- Westerbeke 7.6kw Diesel Generator (300 hours)
- 30amp Shore Power
- Shore Power Cord
- Charles Battery Charger
- Battery Selector Switches
- Battery Parallel Switch
- 3 8D Batteries
- 110v & 12v Electrical System
- 2 Reel Outlet Plugs Under Gunnels (1 per side)
- Underwater Lights
- Cockpit Courtesy Lighting
- Overhead Helm Deck Lighting
- Tower w/ Full Controls
- Canvas Buggy Top on Tower
- Bench Seating in Tower
- Canvas Covers for Tower Seating and Helm Station
- Fiberglass Hard Top Helm Deck
- Full Helm Deck Enclosure
- Outriggers
- Center Rigger
- Aft Spreader Lights
- Cockpit Courtesy Lighting
- Release Rocket Launcher
- 6 Rod Holders on Tower Legs (3 per side)
- Raw Water Wash Down
- Fresh Water Wash Down
- 8 Flush Mounted Rod Holders in Gunnells (4 per side)
- Transom Fish Box
- Transom Door
- Port Side Forward Cockpit Ice / Storage Box
- Starboard Side Forward Ice / Storage Box
- Port and Starboard Forward Cockpit Storage Compartments
- Teak Covering Boards
- Engine Oil and Filter Changed Sept. 2025
- Generator Oil and Filter Changed Sept. 2025
- Props Tuned Sept. 2025
- Heat Exchangers Tested and Cleaned Sept. 2025
- New Batteries Sept. 2025
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/5/26 | Price decreased | $395,000(-1.2%) |
| 3/5/26 | Price decreased | $399,900(-3.6%) |
| 2/21/26 | Initial price | $415,000 |
Overview from around the web 2003 Custom Carolina Layton Express
Customers praise the 2003 Custom Carolina Layton Express for its exceptional craftsmanship and sturdy build quality, highlighting its reliability in various sea conditions
Many appreciate the spacious and well-designed cockpit, making it ideal for both fishing and leisure cruising. The boat’s powerful engine performance and smooth handling receive frequent commendations, providing confidence and comfort on the water. Additionally, users often mention the elegant interior layout, which combines functionality with classic Carolina style, creating a welcoming atmosphere for extended trips. Overall, owners value the Custom Carolina Layton Express 2003 for its blend of performance, durability, and timeless design.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2003 Custom Carolina Layton Express is a well-regarded sportfishing boat known for its craftsmanship and performance. Here are some of the key pros and cons:
Pros
Solid Construction: Built with high-quality materials and attention to detail, ensuring durability and longevity.
Classic Carolina Style: Features the traditional Carolina hull design, which offers excellent stability and a comfortable ride in various sea conditions.
Spacious Deck Layout: Provides ample room for fishing activities, with well-thought-out ergonomics for anglers.
Powerful Performance: Equipped with reliable engines that deliver strong performance and good fuel efficiency for its size.
Custom Features: As a custom build, it often includes personalized touches and upgrades tailored to the owner’s preferences.
Versatility: Suitable for both serious fishing and comfortable cruising.
Cons
Maintenance Requirements: Being a custom and older model, it may require more frequent maintenance and upkeep to preserve its condition.
Fuel Consumption: While efficient for its class, the powerful engines may still consume more fuel compared to newer, more modern designs.
Technology: Lacks some of the latest electronics and amenities found in newer boats, which might necessitate upgrades.
Limited Cabin Space: The express design offers less interior living space compared to larger yachts or cabin cruisers, which could be a consideration for extended trips.
Made For
The 2003 Custom Carolina Layton Express is ideal for avid anglers and boating enthusiasts seeking a versatile and reliable sportfishing vessel. Designed to handle offshore conditions with ease, it’s perfect for those who value a combination of performance, durability, and classic Carolina craftsmanship. Whether you're planning deep-sea fishing trips or leisurely coastal cruises, this boat offers the functionality and comfort to meet the needs of serious fishermen and family adventurers alike.
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2003 Custom Carolina Layton Express | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $395,000 | $395,000 | $429,900 | $324,500 | $324,500 | $259,000 |
| Beaufort | Beaufort | Wanchese | Wrightsville Beach | Wilmington | Southport |
| 40' | 40' | 45' | 37' | 37' | 45' |
| 4' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Yanmar | Yanmar | IVECO / FPT | Yamaha | YAMAHA | Caterpillar |
| 500 hp | 500 hp | 770 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 660 hp |
| 122 | 122 | 18 | 101 | 95 | 131 |
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Meet the Broker

Address
Boat Location
Contact Bluewater Yacht Sales, LLC- Beaufort Office about 2003 Custom Carolina Layton Express
1401 Sensation Weigh, Beaufort, NC, 28516










































































