Bayliss Boatworks Delivers 72-Foot Old Reliable To Legendary Fly-Fishing Icon

A New Generation Of Offshore Excellence Honors Two Decades Of Proven Performance

The name Old Reliable carries profound meaning within the Bayliss Boatworks family and the offshore fly-fishing community. In 2003, legendary fly-fishing pioneer Nick Smith commissioned Hull 5, a 64-foot platform that would go on to redefine what was possible on the water. Over nearly two decades, that original vessel became synonymous with record-breaking achievement and unwavering dependability, earning its name through countless expeditions and milestone catches across some of the world’s most challenging fishing grounds. ?

Smith’s accomplishments aboard Hull 5 are nothing short of extraordinary. In 2019 alone, he set the world record for the largest number of striped marlin caught and released on fly in a single day, a testament to both his skill and the vessel’s capabilities. Beyond that singular achievement, he holds multiple other single-day records that speak to the platform’s efficiency and seaworthiness. Throughout the years, Bayliss Boatworks remained actively involved in supporting Old Reliable with meticulous maintenance and strategic upfits, whether the boat was operating stateside or venturing into international waters. By 2019, Smith’s fishing program had evolved considerably. The success of Hull 5 had created demand that outpaced the original vessel’s capacity. Rather than compromise on the principles that made Old Reliable legendary, Smith turned once again to Bayliss Boatworks with a clear vision: build a larger platform that would honor the original’s DNA while incorporating fourteen years of technological advancement and refinement. The result is Hull 25, the new 72-foot Old Reliable—a vessel that represents the pinnacle of modern offshore fly-fishing design. ?

The design philosophy behind Hull 25 demonstrates remarkable continuity with its predecessor. Many of the qualities that made the original Old Reliable so effective remain central to the new build. Smith’s intimate familiarity with Hull 5’s performance characteristics informed every decision, from hull geometry to systems integration. Yet the intervening years provided unprecedented opportunity for modernization. Advanced materials, refined propulsion systems, and cutting-edge electronics have been seamlessly integrated into a platform that maintains the proven operational principles that earned Old Reliable its reputation. The same meticulous attention to detail that defines Smith’s fishing practice permeates every aspect of Hull 25’s construction. Bayliss Boatworks applied the same rigor and craftsmanship to the build that Smith brings to his angling methodology. Every system has been optimized for reliability, efficiency, and performance in the demanding offshore environment. The vessel’s layout reflects years of practical experience, with crew accommodations, tackle storage, and deck configurations all designed around the realities of extended fly-fishing operations. ?

Hull 25 represents a significant milestone for both Smith and Bayliss Boatworks. The 72-foot Old Reliable honors the legacy established by its namesake while pushing forward into a new era of possibility. For those familiar with the original vessel’s achievements, the new platform promises even greater capability and comfort. For the broader offshore fishing community, it stands as a statement about what becomes possible when legendary expertise meets master craftsmanship and modern innovation. The delivery of the new Old Reliable marks the beginning of another chapter in a remarkable story. With a platform specifically engineered for the demands of world-class fly-fishing, Smith and his team are positioned to pursue new records and achievements. The vessel embodies the principle that true reliability comes not from compromise, but from an uncompromising commitment to excellence in every detail. ?

This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.