2012 Custom Carolina 34

Come see this amazing trailer ready Sport Fisherman!

This boat sold for $450,000 (@ $630,000 today) new in 2012 and is one of the most unique boats in the market. A 34' Volvo IPS powered sport fisherman with a provenance that includes Fountain, Eastport, Jarrett Bay and even components for Hatteras! New pods, meticulous maintenance from a knowledgeable owner, this boat is unique in almost every way. She's priced for a quick sale, don't miss this opportunity for something truly special at an amazing price.

From Florida Sport Fishing magazine:

"While Brooks Boatworks may not be a household name, you should know that this Carolina based company has deep-roots within the boat building industry. Roger Brooks was in charge of research and development for Fountain Powerboats until he decided to venture out on his own. Since, Brooks has constructed the Eastport 32 and Jarrett Bay 32, as well as various custom components for Hatteras, Tiara, Impulse and Blackwell. If you're looking for a high-end express then you may have just found your chariot."

Brooks 34 Express (IPS Edition)

The boat described in Florida Sport Fishing is the Brooks 34 Express (sometimes referenced as the 33 in earlier IPS prototypes). It was designed to bridge the gap between a hardcore tournament fisherman and a luxury express cruiser.

1. Advanced Construction

Unlike many traditional Carolina builders who used cold-molded wood, Brooks utilized high-tech composite methods:

• Resin Infusion: The hull was built using a vacuum-infusion process for a perfect resin-to-glass ratio, making it incredibly light yet strong.

  
  

  
  

• Coring: It features Core-Cell and Divinycell foam coring throughout the hull sides and decks.

• Kevlar Option: Many of these hulls were reinforced with a layer of Kevlar in the bottom for extreme impact resistance.

• Running Surface: The hull was designed by world-renowned naval architect Ward Setzler, known for wide chines and a deep-entry bow that creates a famously dry, soft ride.

  
  

  
  

2. The Twin Volvo D-4 IPS 350 Setup

The inclusion of Volvo Penta IPS 350 pods was revolutionary for a boat of this size in the early 2010s.

• Performance: The IPS 350 (260 hp each) provided the 34 Express with incredible fuel efficiency and a "joystick" maneuverability that was unheard of in custom 34-footers at the time.

• Efficiency: It typically cruised in the 28-32 knot range while burning significantly less fuel than comparable inboard or outboard setups.

• Layout Benefit: Because the IPS engines are mounted further aft, it opened up a massive amount of storage and cabin space below deck that traditional shaft-drive boats couldn't match.

Rarity and Current Status

Because Roger Brooks prioritized quality and contract work for other builders, Brooks-branded production was extremely limited. These were often built "one-at-a-time" to specific owner requirements.

In recent years (as of 2026), Brooks Boatworks has largely returned to its roots in high-end tooling and mold-making for the larger yachting industry. Finding a Brooks 34 Express on the brokerage market is rare; they are typically held by owners who appreciate the "hidden" pedigree of a boat built by the man who helped design the industry's benchmarks.