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The latest Bayliss is now part of a two-boat program that will pursue the world’s best fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the Pacific. When it came time to acquire a second boat, the owners turned to Bayliss, the builder responsible for maintaining their first vessel. The result is a tournament contender that is sure to attract attention on the fishing circuit and inspire oddsmakers to double down on the Max Bet.
Cockpit/Mezzanine
During a visit to Wanchese, I had the opportunity to meet John Bayliss and Captain Austin Robins, who gave me a sneak peek at the new build.
The cockpit is thoughtfully designed to maximize efficiency and accessibility, which are critical factors for competitive fishing. Key features include a centerline transom fishbox, a beautifully crafted teak floor, and coverboards that pay homage to the boat’s Carolina heritage. Central to light tackle fishing, a Release Marine 10 rod rocket launcher, acts as the centerpiece of the cockpit, providing both functionality and a touch of elegance.
Supporting the primary goal of fishing, the mezzanine area is equipped with an array of practical amenities. This space includes chilled bait and drink storage, ice dumps, and compartments designed to keep the cockpit organized and clean. An electric grill integrated into the mezzanine allows the crew to prepare fresh catches right on board. In addition, L-shaped doors beneath the gunwale provide easy access to essential features like shore power, washdowns, and fire suppression release systems.
The large lazarette hatch allows for quick access to the Optimus steering system, rudders, and storage for mops, flying gaffs and pitch bait tubes. The meticulous design and craftsmanship of the cockpit and mezzanine reflect Bayliss’s commitment to quality and performance, making the Max Bet a standout in any fishing tournament.
Bridge/Tower
Moving up to the bridge, the Max Bet is outfitted with a pair of Release Marine Trillion Helm chairs positioned aft of the portside peninsula helm. This setup not only provides comfort for the captain and crew, but also ensures optimal visibility while navigating. The helm itself boasts three Garmin 24” displays, integrated with a full suite of Garmin components and a Furuno Omni system. The farthest port display is cleverly designed to rotate toward the center for better visibility from the helm, a feature created by the Bayliss team to enhance usability.
A drop-down box conceals an additional Garmin display along with a Simrad auto-pilot display and a Garmin repeater mounted overhead, allowing for seamless operation and monitoring of the boat’s systems. For added functionality, a slide hatch reveals Miya Epoch teaser reels, ensuring the crew is well-equipped for any fishing scenario.
The helm pod, finished in faux teak, houses a Release Marine steering wheel and the MTU multi-function gauge. To the left of the pod are two storage boxes that contain the Omni remote, a pair of Standard Quantum VHF radios, an Optimus LED control, and the Twin Disc gear control system. These integrated elements ensure that everything the captain needs is within easy reach.
The Max Bet is also outfitted with a pair of 42-foot triple spreader hydraulic outriggers and a custom Palm Beach tower. A starboard bench with a reversible ladder back offers comfortable seating and ample storage space, while additional L-shaped seating forward of the console doubles as a freezer. The bridge is equipped with rod storage throughout, ensuring that all fishing gear is readily accessible and meticulously organized.
Interior Accommodations
Stepping inside reveals a warm and inviting salon that features luxurious horizontal teak veneer with decorative bookmark accents. The layout includes a large sofa and a U-shaped dinette to starboard, along with an L-shaped sofa opposite, complemented by a custom teak coffee table. This arrangement provides ample seating for the entire crew to relax and enjoy their time aboard, whether they are discussing the day’s catch or simply unwinding after a long day of fishing.
The galley, situated to port, is designed with customized storage solutions for all kitchen essentials, making it easy to prepare meals on board. It features top-of-the-line appliances, including a pair of Sub-Zero units and a Miele quick convection/microwave oven, along with generous cabinet space to keep everything organized nearby. A Miele cooktop is cleverly hidden under a slide away section of the countertop.
As you descend the companionway steps, the captain’s quarters are located to port. The thoughtfully designed space perfectly balances comfort with functionality, offering a full bed and a pullman berth tucked away on the outside wall. The ensuite head features exquisite silver-patterned whisper wall coverings that are accented by black and white granite countertops.
Just forward of the captain’s quarters, a stunning custom rod locker features a glass door that displays the rods and reels. This “cockpit jewelry” not only serves a practical purpose, but adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design as well. To starboard, the spacious day head is equipped with a full shower, providing convenience for guests and enhancing the overall comfort of the vessel. Forward of the day head is an additional bunk guest stateroom offering a cozy space for friends or family.
Engine Room
Descending into the engine room via a center hatch reveals a landing with a crash door forward. Behind the steps you will find the Omni sonar transducer and the Seakeeper 18. On the aft bulkhead are a pair of Northern Lights 25KW generators, each accompanied by innovative drawer storage underneath. These drawers are vented to circulate warm engine room air, an intelligent solution for drying shoes and gloves.
The heart of the vessel lies in its majestic white MTU engines, which are accessible from all sides, allowing for easy maintenance. A forward shelf, complete with hatches, contains crucial components for pumps, the watermaker, and the chiller system, all of which are designed for optimal efficiency. The proprietary Bayliss heat exchanger system cools the pumps with fresh water, enhancing their longevity and performance, ensuring that the vessel runs smoothly during every journey.
Performance
Performance was put to the test on a day with Northeast winds ranging from 20 to 25 knots, offering the perfect conditions to evaluate the boat’s capabilities on the water. Leaving Oregon Inlet on a slack tide showed us a few large rollers which the Max Bet traversed at over 34 knots.
As we ran in the ocean, Bayliss showed off the sea keeping abilities at various speeds. At a comfortable cruising speed of 1650 rpm, the vessel effortlessly glided through the water at a smooth 31 knots. Increasing the throttle to 1850 rpm, the Max Bet picked up speed to 34 knots. For being first to the fishing grounds, a high cruise at 2150 rpm propelled the vessel to an impressive 41.5 knots.
Keep your eyes open for Max Bet as she will debut in Costa Rica on the tournament circuit in January 2025.
Bayliss Boatworks 64 Specs
- LOA: 64’ 9”
- Beam: 18’ 4”
- Draft: 5’5”
- Displ.: 105,000
- Fuel: 1,800 gal.
- Water: 300 gal.
- Power: MTU 12V2000M96X 2000hp
- Gears/Ratio:Twin Disc MGX-6599a 2:1
- Propellers: 35” Veems
- Paint: Axalta Imron Bayliss Custom Gray/Cloud White
- Climate Control: Dometic
- Heads: 3
- Staterooms: 3
