2007 Rick Gillikan 50' _{(15.24 m)} 50 Express

The Gillikin boat building legacy began after WWII when a demand for large trawler fishing party boats increased in the 1950s leading brothers James and Vance Gillikin to found Gillikin Brothers Boat Works in Harkers Island, North Carolina in 1956. They went on to build 78 Gillikin Party Fishing Boats from the mid 1950s to 1980s, changing the business name to Gillikin Boat Works in 1959, Harkers Island Boat Works in 1968, and East Bay Boat Works in 1973, among others, and transitioned to custom private vessels when demand for the Fishing Party Boats waned. Considered to be the finest Party Boats built, many were later converted to yachts. Hand built in the Harkers Island Carolina tradition with juniper planks with ¼” plywood and fiberglass on outside, and typical Carolina flared bow, Gillikin’s sturdy, reliable, and efficient vessels were recognizable for their exceptional construction, beautiful lines, and signature fine varnish work.

Vance Gilligan’s sons, Ricky and James split the business after Vance retired with Ricky continuing the East Bay Boat Works focusing on the sportfish market, and brother James, operating Gillikin Custom Boats, branching into center consoles, in the early 2000s. After Ricky passed away in 2004, James continued to build custom sportfish boats in the legendary Gillikin family Harkers Island boat-building traditions with excellent ride and seakeeping abilities, along with the renowned Carolina flare and beautiful lines.

The 2007 Ricky Gillikin 50 Express is the final Ricky Gillikin boat to be completed.  With twin 700hp CAT engines’ extremely efficient fuel burn at trolling, cruise, and WOT speeds, and beautiful old growth teak throughout, the 50 Express exhibits the hallmarks of the Gillikin style and durable construction, capable of taking on the North Carolina Outer Banks seas. She is a well-equipped offshore fishing platform with tower, outriggers, rocket launcher rod holders, fighting chair, built-in transom Escardo Marine tuna tubes, and much more.