Dare County Schools

Discuss Plans
Bayliss staff members Scott Fenwick and Nancy Brown talk with First Flight High School students Joshua Joyner and Austin Futrell, here with drafting/design teacher Pete Rudolph over a set of plans during the students' tour of the custom boat building facility.

First Flight High School Drafting 1 and Architectural Drafting students, with instructor Pete Rudolph and Career Development Coordinator Jennie Rook, recently toured local custom boat builders working at Bayliss Boatworks in Wanchese, owned by John Bayliss.

Scott Fenwick gave the students an entertaining and informative tour of the facility. "He explained how the large sports fishing boats are designed and built using modern drafting techniques, and led the students through the phases of design, hull construction, fitting out, and interior finishing operations," noted Rudolph.

Marine Architecture and the design process involved in the construction of the larger boats provide exciting opportunities for local students, who have a natural love for the ocean and the boating lifestyle. Many of the boats are cutting edge designs, with the use of computer, sonar, and infra red technology. Black out windows and state of the art big screens in all rooms are not uncommon.

This trip gave students an opportunity to see the "real world" application of traditional drafting skills combined with Computer Aided Drawing applications, and the value of technical planning that go into a successful boat design. The class was particularly fascinated by a newly constructed vessel, “Uno Mas,” that is in its final phase of completion and getting ready to take its maiden voyage to the Bikini Islands.

"Many of the students have a keen interest in boats and experienced a practical taste of the exciting skills and knowledge they can put to work as they complete their studies," observed Rudolph. 

Rudolph, Rook and the students wish to thank John Bayliss, Scott Fenwick, Nancy Brown and the other members of the Bayliss team for giving their time and support once again, to encourage local high school students. Rudolph remarked, "Everyone was dreaming a little bigger and broader after the tour!"