As reported by the Dare County Boat Builders website, Carson R. “Buddy” Davis Jr., who designed and built Carolina-style sportfishing boats from 28 to 78 feet, died Monday at his home in Marathon, Fla., after a lengthy illness, his wife, Barbara, said. He was 62.
A native of Manteo, N.C., Davis was the son of Carson Ralph Davis and “Nonnie” Etheridge Davis, and the sister of Anne Davis Creef.
Among his many accomplishments, Buddy Davis is credited with building more than 350 boats; bringing yacht finishes to custom-built Carolina sport fishing boats; and, with incorporating many contemporary design innovations and construction techniques into the boat building process.
Most importantly, Davis will be known for introducing the “Carolina flare” to the world. Even though he may have had a bumpy ride, Buddy Davis was instrumental in creating a legacy that will live on every time we see one of those sleek, bow-proud, flared hulls of a custom Carolina sport fishing boat. Whether at rest in a marina or knifing through a six-foot wave, we should credit Davis with helping to bring us these beautiful works of art.
Read more at http://dcbbf.org/buddy-davis/
