Buddy Davis has come full circle. From small-shop custom boat builder to large production boat company and back to small custom shop, Buddy Davis has been there-done that. At each step along the way he garnered more knowledge, allowing him to now blend many of the economies of production building with the personal attention and fine finish of a truly custom-built yacht.

Recently splashed at his original yard in Wanchese, North Carolina, Davis' latest vessel, the 52-foot My Buddy, is destined for San Juan, Puerto Rico. The third in the 52 series, My Buddy comes powered with twin MAN V-12 turbo diesels churning out 1,085 hp each. At wide-open throttle, My Buddy turns an honest 38 knots while a cruising speed of 26 knots renders a range of 475 nautical miles on 1,000 gallons of fuel. Currently, optional power includes V-10 MANs at 809 hp, Caterpillar 3408 TAs at 800 hp and 8V92TA Detroits at 735 hp each.

As befits a boat with the Davis moniker, My Buddy handles with fingertip control-literally. The new Vickers/Hynautic steering system affords a scant two turns lock to lock, and a single fingertip is all the prodding it needs. Of course, both close-quarters and fish-fighting handling are more simply realized with Panish or Mathers MicroCommander single-lever controls. Traditionalists may unintentionally gun the engines until they get used to the single levers, but once that's accomplished, they'll never want it any other way.

Construction
Some people claim the new Davis 52 is just the old 47 with 5 feet tacked on the stern. Nothing could be further from the truth. The 52 is lighter, has much more advanced construction materials and methods, and consequently, provides better performance figures than the 47 ever did. Just one example of Davis' innovation aboard My Buddy: 3-inch stainless-steel shafts run through primary and secondary recessed struts for less drag and better fuel economy.

With a solid fiberglass bottom, Divinycell topsides, and Baltek and Divinycell coring from the rails up, the Buddy Davis 52 keeps weight low and strength high. Buddy Davis also recently changed over to Awlgrip 2000 paint on all exterior surfaces and the engine room. "It's harder to apply, but the end result is extraordinary," says Davis.

The ambience of a Buddy Davis 52 speaks classic sportfisherman. Buddy Davis still liberally applies teak on toe rails, cockpit coamings, covering boards, caprails, steering console and interior joinerwork, as well as the traditional teak cockpit sole. But tradition ends at maintenance. No longer must a crew continuously touch up varnished brightwork. Finishes today last far longer than ever before. And no manmade surface provides better non-skid properties than a teak deck.

Layout
The cockpit contains all the fishing amenities you'd expect on a world-class custom fishing machine: large freezer, solid overhang, complete bait and tackle station, insulated drink box, fresh and saltwater washdown, large fishboxes port and starboard, and engine room access.

As a custom builder, Buddy Davis naturally fits the accommodations to the owner's requirements. Hull No.4 in the 52-foot line carries a large master stateroom with full-size berth on centerline forward, two double staterooms amidships and two heads, with the galley on the main deck level.

Buddy Davis Boatworks provides another custom service-outfitting and electronics installation. Buddy Davis encourages owners to take advantage of the tower manufacturers, canvas makers and marine electronics firms in the Wanchese area, so no part of the boat is retrofitted. Rather, everything becomes virtually original equipment-an integral part of the whole.

Buddy Davis Boatworks has become a family operation. Sons Tres and Wade Davis work at the new marina project nearby, wife Barbara Davis helps in the office, and you'll always- find Buddy' springer spaniel, Nell, tagging along at his heels. Buddy's happy and his workers are more productive and creative. Buddy Davis boats have never keen built better or designed with more innovative features. Don't you love it when a plan comes together?

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