Old Reliable is a name long associated with the Bayliss Boatworks family. In 2003, offshore fly-fishing legend Nick Smith set out to build 64’ Hull 5 Old Reliable. Smith, with an already impressive fishing history, set new records and achieved great milestones with Hull 5. In 2019, he set the world record for the largest number of striped marlin caught and released on fly in a single day and holds multiple other single-day records as well.
Over the years, Bayliss Boatworks was active in supporting Old Reliable with maintenance and upfits, whether state-side or abroad.
“The same concern that is displayed during the build is evident in their support of their boats in the field and nothing could be more important to a traveling boat,” says Capt. Chip Shafer. Smith was impressed by Hull 5’s dependability, but his program had grown to the point where they needed a larger platform. So, in 2019 Bayliss Boatworks was commissioned to build Hull 25, the new 72’ Old Reliable.
Old Reliable was built to be an effective and efficient offshore fly-fishing weapon. Upon comparison, you will see many similarities between Hull 5 and Hull 25, as Smith became adapted to many qualities on the original boat. With 14 years between the builds, there was also great opportunity for modernization and improvement. The same excellence and attention to detail that are engrained in Smith’s fishing practice were utilized when it came time to develop the plans for Hull 25.
“Construction on the project began in July of 2019; little did we know what was to come in March of 2020,” stated a Bayliss Boatworks press release. “Despite the global pandemic and all associated with it, our team maintained its focus and Old Reliable was delivered in August, two months ahead of schedule.”
Old Reliable’s hull and topside are coated in Imron Cloud White with a black and gold boot stripe to match the black and gold transom artwork done by Everett Nautical.
Hand selected natural teak boards make up the interior cockpit and coverboards. The toe rail, helm pod and salon door are all faux teak by Izzy Teak. The cockpit features a custom rigging station with livewell and rocket launcher. The mezzanine area is comprised of tackle storage, three custom Bayliss stainless steel refrigerators, a large ice bin and cushioned seating fabricated by C-Worthy.
Mechanically, Old Reliable is powered with two CAT C32A engines each with 1,925 MHP and top speed registered at 39.5 knots fully loaded. It is equipped with a Seakeeper 18 (aft) and a Seakeeper 9 (forward) for stability, two 25kw Northern Lights generators and two FCI 1850 gallon per day water makers. Custom Marine Electronics has installed the latest in marine electronics, including a Furuno Omni Sonar.
Old Reliable’s flybridge is a Bayliss custom starboard side peninsula layout with two custom Release Marine helm chairs. It offers console bench seating as well as port side bench seating with storage underneath. Old Reliable is also equipped with a full tower from Palm Beach Towers.
The interior of Old Reliable is designed to be accommodating and efficient with plenty of storage for extended offshore trips. The salon is comprised of one large custom L- shaped sofa on the port side and a bar area starboard side complete with a sink, a Hoshizaki cubelet icemaker and custom actuated liquor storage. The galley features a Wolf two burner cooktop, a Viking microwave, two Subzero refrigerator units, one Subzero freezer unit, three Release Marine teak barstools, Nilo River granite countertops and natural cork flooring. The U-shaped dinette and table have a teak base and feature one drawer located at each end of the dinette base. Additionally, pantry storage is located forward of the galley, including floor-to-ceiling teak cabinets port side. The starboard side features a day head complete with storage.
The lower level optimizes both guest space and storage. To port is the master stateroom with adjoining master head and to starboard are two crew staterooms with a shared head. In the companionway there is rod and tackle storage and a stacked washer and dryer. At the end of the companionway forward, there is another master stateroom with adjoining head. Both starboard crew staterooms have stacked bunks with teak bases with entrances to the shared crew head. The captain’s stateroom features a TV with separate marine electronic screens. In the master, teak cabinets line the stateroom with two full height hanging lockers and extra storage found beneath the bunk. All heads feature Nilo River granite counter tops with teak veneer cabinets and cork flooring.
Christened in early August, Old Reliable has made the journey west on a transport ship and can be seen fishing in Cabo this fall.
START DATE: July 2019 DELIVERED: August 2021 LENGTH: 72’2″
BEAM: 20’6″
POWER: Two CAT C32A 1925 MHP
GYRO: One Seakeeper 18 (aft) and one Seakeeper 9 (forward)
GENSET: Two 25kw Northern Lights
FUEL CAPACITY: Approximately 2,600 gallons; single tank aft and single tank forward
WATER CAPACITY: Approximately 400 gallons; single integral tank
WATER MAKER: Two FCI 1850 gallon per day water makers
INTERIOR LAYOUT: Four staterooms, three heads, day head, pantry, rod and tackle storage, washer/dryer
COCKPIT LAYOUT: Teak mezzanine, custom rocket-launcher
BRIDGE LAYOUT: Starboard side peninsula console, bench seat forward and on port side, two helm chairs
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