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The new Bayliss 64 Tarheel isn’t just another custom build—it’s a working proving ground. Designed as the second demo vessel for Bayliss Boatworks, she serves as a hands-on platform for the team, current owners and future clients. A day aboard Tarheel with Capt. John Bayliss makes the philosophy clear: This isn’t about showcasing what’s already been achieved, but about pushing what comes next. Here, excellence isn’t finalized at delivery; it’s developed offshore, one detail at a time.
Cockpit and Bridge
The cockpit is unapologetically tournament-driven, laid out for efficiency with every system within reach. A Release Marine 10-rod rocket launcher keeps pitch baits and rigged rods ready, while a traditional Carolina transom fish box anchors the working space. Beneath the deck, a stainless-lined hatch doubles as a heated drying box for dredges, circulating warm engine-room air to keep gear mold-free and ready for the next bite. Lazarette access to port and starboard keeps critical systems serviceable, while the mezzanine integrates ice and refrigerated and dry storage.
Up top, the bridge centers around a clean helm with a Release Trillion chair. Twin Garmin displays pair with a Furuno MFD and Omni controls for seamless operation, while an additional screen and VHF speakers sit overhead. Teaser reels are mounted above for quick adjustments, and a portside glove box houses the autopilot and dual VHFs.
Forward seating and wraparound bench space offer comfort without sacrificing utility, with ample storage throughout. A Palm Beach-style tower and hardtop provide excellent sightlines, while Gemlux Gulfstream carbon outriggers deliver a sleek, quiet alternative to traditional rigging.
Interior and Layout
The salon balances refinement and function, finished in vertical walnut veneers with clean, modern lines. Rather than a traditional dinette, the layout favors a starboard sofa and a portside U-shaped lounge around a custom table, maximizing seating and storage for extended trips.
The galley spans both sides of the salon with refrigerated and freezer drawers, cork flooring, and a concealed cooktop paired with a Wolf speed oven. Storage is thoughtfully executed throughout, from slide-out pantry cabinetry to dedicated compartments for daily provisions.
Below, the layout prioritizes crew efficiency. A portside day head and bunk stateroom sit just forward of the companionway, while additional bunk accommodations and a forward cabin replace the traditional master with practical sleeping arrangements. Storage is abundant throughout, with custom rod lockers, cedar-lined closets, and integrated compartments designed for life on the tournament circuit.
Engine Room and Performance
Accessed through the mezzanine, the engine room reflects Bayliss’ hallmark attention to detail. A Seakeeper 10 sits aft, with clear access forward through a watertight door to the twin MTU 12-cylinder engines. A proprietary freshwater-cooled system supports key components, enhancing longevity while simplifying maintenance. Redundancy is built in throughout, ensuring reliability during long tournament runs.
On the water, Tarheel delivers exactly what her design promises. She cruises comfortably in the low-30-knot range, with a high cruise between 38 and 40 knots depending on load. With a full crew and tournament gear aboard, she reaches a top-end of 44.5 knots—impressive speed for a 64-footer of this caliber.
Bayliss 64 Specs
- LOA: 64’9”
- Beam: 18’4”
- Draft: 5’6”
- Dispel.: 105,000 lb.
- Fuel: 1,800 gal.
- Water: 300 gal.
- Power: MTU 12V2000M96X 2,000 hp
- Gears/Ratio: Twin Disc MGX6599A 2:1
- Propellers: VEEMS 5-blade with splined shaft
- Paint: Axalta Imron Tarheel Blue
- Climate Control: Dometic
About the Author
Capt. Tom Southward has been fishing the waters of North Carolina and Virginia for billfish and other pelagic species since 1984 and has been a contributing writer for Marlin since 2016. He currently resides in Ocean City, Maryland, where he heads offshore as frequently as his schedule allows.
