Jarrett Bay Boatworks

After the charter season came to an end in 1985, captains Randy Ramsey and Jim Luxton needed a new boat to compete with the rest of the fleet out of Harkers Island, North Carolina. Without enough money to purchase a boat of their liking, they decided to try their hand at building one. They built the first Jarrett Bay in an old tin shed. The Sensation, a 53-footer, took shape with a knifelike entry and the company's signature flare.

"We overcame a lot of hurdles," says Ramsey, president of Jarrett Bay. "We went to the best builders in the state, and they opened their doors, showing us how they did things." Ramsey is quick to give thanks to legendary builders such as Omie Tillett, Irving Forbes, Warren O'Neal and Myron "Ace" Harris for mentoring them along the way.
 
The final product yielded an efficient hull capable of weathering heavy seas and providing a stable fishing platform. Twenty-one years later, Jarrett Bay is known as one of North Carolina's premier builders, with 55 custom sport-fishing yachts to its credit.
 
Today, Jarrett Bay Boatworks encompasses a 175-acre marine industrial center in Beaufort, which Ramsey calls a "one-stop shop" for all your boating needs. Gary Davis serves as the company's chief boatbuilder and designer. The company builds boats from 28 to 90 feet.
 
Jarrett Bay uses cold-molding technology for its custom boats, but the materials today blow away those used in the beginning. "Our philosophy is to build a stylish, stable boat with the highest-quality materials and craftsmanship throughout," Ramsey says. 
 

At a Glance: •  Exaggerated bow flare •  175-acre boatyard •  Tumblehome aft

Jarrett Bay must meet the demands of its clients, and that typically means building fast boats. "There's really no such thing as too much horsepower these days," Ramsey says. The company built a 70-footer in conjunction with MTU Detroit Diesel engines that averaged a top-end speed of 49.6 knots with twin 16-valve, 2,400 hp common-rail engines.
 
 "We incorporate different materials and designs to best suit the customer's needs, whether that be redundant systems for long-term travel, the cruising speed or efficiency of the boat, or best use of space for accommodations," Ramsey says.
 
Quality work takes time. From starting plans to completion takes two to three years, and the yard is currently working at max capacity.
 For more information, contact Jarrett Bay Boatworks of Beaufort, North Carolina, at 252-728-2690, or visit www.jarrettbay.com.

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