Two-Time Recipient of “Best Power Yacht 50 – 100 Feet” Refit Excellence Award
Held during the recent Refit International Exhibition and Conference, the Refit Excellence Awards ceremony was the site of Jarrett Bay’s most recent recognition – Best Power Yacht Refit between 50 and 100 feet. This was the second year in a row earning this honor after thorough review by an independent panel of judges. Jarrett Bay’s stand-out refit project this year was Reel Steel, an iconic 66′ Hines-Farley which received extensive updates from buggy top to props, anchor locker to underwater lighting and everything in between.
Selected based not only on the finished yacht but on the teamwork, problem-solving and efficiency of everyone involved in the refit, including the yard, owner, crew, designers, surveyor and management, this Jarrett Bay refit project began with an immense amount of planning and discussion with the owner. This undertaking involved a complete transformation to the yacht beyond the standard repaint and repower refit. Dozens of exterior elements were upgraded and rethought from the faux teak transom to the full black mask on the brow. The windlass and anchor set up were also completely removed and replaced by a new anchor locker and hatch, which also incorporated a fresh water wash-down hookup. The underside of the buggy top along with the tower piping was “blacked-out” for improved sight fishing and the helm was completely refreshed with a whole new electronics package covered by new lightweight acrylic hatches.
While the Jarrett Bay boatyard is where all the magic happens, a project of this scope has many hands involved from local affiliates – both at Jarrett Bay’s Marine Industrial Park and beyond. Triton Electronics, Crystal Coast Interiors, The Captain’s Shop and Wild Cat Props were just a few of the many companies that helped with the Reel Steel refit. Independent contractors for plumbing, HVAC and electrical were also brought in to lend a hand and their expertise throughout different phases of this project.
Like all Hines-Farley sportfishers, this boat was blessed with an impressive power-to-weight ratio at birth, providing 35-knot cruise and 42 knot top speeds from her pair of MTU 16V-2000 engines – so a repower was not on the books. However, a great deal of work was needed in the engine and pump rooms to upgrade and relocate systems to make space for a pair of Seakeeper gyro stabilizers. The cockpit received a full mezzanine retrofit with cushioned lounge complete with overhead air conditioning, while also retaining her hidden chilled storage and freezer compartments along with additional storage space for tackle. A new fighting chair, refreshed teak and upgraded underwater lighting at the transom rounded out the work in the cockpit.
The interior saw a full update to the galley with new appliances and countertops added. Every television was removed from the boat and replaced with a wall-mount flat screen and the salon TV enjoys a hidden powered lift unit. The front V-berth was converted to a triple bunk set up and storage and closet space was reconfigured and updated. All of the hardware throughout the interior was upgraded to polished chrome while the woods and brightwork were refinished brilliantly as only the skilled Jarrett Bay craftsmen can.
The scope of the Reel Steel refit was such a massive undertaking that the complete project was split into two sessions allowing the owner, crew and team to enjoy a season of fishing between the two phases. “We are so humbled to be recognized again with such a great honor as a Refit Excellence Award,” Jarrett Bay President Randy Ramsey stated. “The unique ability of our refit team to be able to glean knowledge and expertise from our new construction team for a project of this magnitude is invaluable. I am so grateful for our incredible team and yard affiliates who work together and pull off such beautiful results!”
Photo Credit: Jared Turner
