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A longtime customer came to the table with an idea for a smaller, faster, walkaround-style sport-fisher. Bayliss turned that idea into reality with Sequentis, the latest from the venerable builder that is anything but ordinary. A collaboration among a knowledgeable owner, world-renowned live-bait experts and a builder with a team of master craftsmen, this 60-foot walkaround express that runs up to 48 knots is capable of catching anything, especially second looks.
Cockpit/Mezzanine/Walk-Around
At first glance, the cockpit looks quite ordinary, until you discover the details. This team specializes in live-bait fishing, so multiple live-bait stations are available, utilizing the 360-degree fishing platform. The oversize fighting chair plate with a Release Marine rocket launcher first caught my eye. The plate is designed with water inlets and outlets capable of providing a custom livewell station with enough water for a classic livewell and tuna tubes. A traditional Carolina centerline transom fish box pulls double duty as a pressurized livewell. In addition, the under-gunwale service lockers house livewell hookups for an on-deck livewell or plumbed pitch-bait tubes, shore power connections and freshwater spigots. Opening the lazarette hatch reveals abundant storage and a ventilated compartment to keep items dry. In addition, accessing the bilge pumps and steering system is a breeze.
The mezzanine is a fisherman’s dream with customizable compartments utilizing every inch of space. Under the port seat is a cold freshwater dispenser to refill a bottle or your favorite cup. An ice dump sits in the port step. The offset steps to the bridge house a chilled drink box and storage for cleaning supplies. Large chillers for food, drinks and bait are on the starboard side. In what can only be described as a genius and practical use of space, both seatbacks on the mezzanine are uniquely designed with forced ventilation from the engine room heat. The starboard backrest keeps kites dry after a long day fishing, while chamois are stored to port.
Walking toward the bow, teak floors make for sure footing, while under-gunwale lighting keeps the path lit in low-light conditions. A large livewell to port and tuna tubes to starboard are easily controlled with valves located in access hatches below. The centerline anchor locker provides more storage and a freshwater washdown to keep the area clean. A bench seat inset into the cabin imparts all the necessary comforts. To add to the practical use of space, a removable sun-lounge cushion can be placed into curtain tracks built into the foredeck. The forward fishing area is arranged to be clean, with all necessary items in close proximity.
Bridge Deck/Tower
Stepping up to the bridge deck, a port cabinet houses a Fusion audio suite, switches for exterior lighting and a catchall with several outlets for charging. Two drawers below provide storage for gloves and terminal tackle.
Across to starboard sits an L-shaped sofa with rod storage for smaller billfish combos. For crew members and guests desiring lunch breaks in the air conditioning, a custom teak table provides enough space for five adults. A center Release Marine Trillion helm chair flanked by two seats with Release Marine ladder backs offers clear views in all directions. Next to each side chair is a compartment with multiple charging outlets, ideal for tablets and phones.
The center helm hosts a pair of 24-inch Garmin MFDs, Furuno omni, Simrad autopilot and a pair of Standard VHFs. The height of the helm delivers ample visibility over the bow. For those desiring more visibility, a forward-facing camera viewed through a Garmin MFD allows the captain to see just in front of the bow.
The Palm Beach tower is set up for more than an observer to sight fish. An upper and lower curtain protects your body from the wind, giving the feel of a bridge helm. A suite of electronics stands at the ready. The tower boasts a pair of Garmin 19-inch MFDs, autopilot and VHFs on a matte black console. Tucked away in the hardtop above your head you will find Hooker teaser reels. The tower’s design and size allow additional crew members to join the captain without feeling cramped.
Interior Accommodations
A step-shaped custom door fabricated by Bayliss provides access to the interior of the boat, which prioritizes creature comforts and storage. The ample headroom offers an open-air feeling complemented by a warm teak veneer interior. Abundant cabinet space houses rods and reels, household supplies, tackle, lures and more, while the port sofa provides additional storage for rods, tackle and lures. Above the sofa, a horizontal cabinet door reveals even more rod storage. Forward of the sofa is a large vertical door with two slide-out racks revealing, you guessed it, more rod storage.
The starboard galley hosts a Mile cooktop and speed oven, Sub-Zero drawers, a Keurig coffee maker and a stainless sink. Cabinets above the galley are filled with CNC-cut storage racks designed specifically for dinnerware, cookware and spices found aboard. A spacious day head sits just forward of the galley, offering a large shower, a custom vanity, and storage for towels and other bathroom accoutrements. Moving forward is a full-height cedar-lined hanging locker flanked by twin beds.
Engine Room
A centerline hatch in the mezzanine gives access to the engine room. The Seakeeper is visible under the cockpit when descending the three step ladder. The area is well lit and spacious, so you can easily access all components. The Northern Lights 25 kW generator is mounted center-forward of the gleaming MTU engines. Just below, two tool drawers with foam cut patterns hold all tools in a specific place. Labeled wiring runs in chutes on the outside of each engine, with the batteries in enclosed boxes. Bayliss utilizes an in-house-designed closed loop heat exchanger to provide freshwater cooling to all pumps, eliminating corrosion and saltwater buildup. You will also find the FCI watermaker, Headhunter Aqua box pump and Dometic chilling units all easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning.
Performance
Leaving Wanchese harbor and heading to Oregon Inlet, Sequentis effortlessly low cruises at 33 knots turning 1,700 rpm. After coming under Bonner Bridge, the swells on the bar were visible even on a slack tide. As we crossed the bar at 37 knots turning 1,900 rpm, the bow rose over one of the larger swells, leading me to brace myself for the impact, which never came. After we cleared the bar, we settled into a 40-knot cruise continuing northeast. Highly maneuverable and sleek, this 60-foot express spins quickly, making easy work of releasing billfish.
Returning to the inlet, the three of us fit comfortably in the tower, with the curtains blocking the wind, allowing for conversation at a normal volume. High cruise at 80 percent load turning 2,100 rpm delivers 41 knots. Pushing the pins all the way forward to 2,450 rpm, we were racing along at 48 knots.
Sequentis will surely be turning heads with her flag-blue hull, flag-filled outriggers and distinct Bayliss lines. Be on the lookout for her live-bait fishing in South Florida each winter and Cape May during the summer.
Read Next: Bayliss Boatworks 67 Review.
Bayliss 60 Express Walkaround Specs
- LOA: 60′
- Beam: 18’6″
- Draft: 5′
- Displ: 92,500 lb.
- Fuel: 1,650 gal.
- Water: 225 gal.
- Power: MTU 12-V 2000 M96X 2,000 hp
- Gears/Ratio: ZF 3050A-2:1
- Propellers: 34″ Veem 5-Blade
- Paint: Axalta Imron Flag Blue/Cloud White
- Climate Control: Dometic
