Building a Benchmark in Sportfishing
Originally featured by ZF Marine as part of their Profiles from the Helm series.
Forty years after founding Jarrett Bay Boatworks, Randy Ramsey’s story is still unfolding. Cruise along as we share Randy’s unassuming startup days to how he helped shape the modern sportfishing industry. This series traces the evolution of his business, his perspective on leadership, and the enduring partnership with ZF that has supported him all along the way.
Tucked along the waterfront in Beaufort, North Carolina, Randy Ramsey’s Jarrett Bay Boatworks has grown from a small, modest startup into one of the most respected custom sportfishing boatbuilders in the world. Established in 1986 (and currently celebrating its 40th anniversary), Randy ensured the company earned its reputation the same way it began, through hands-on craftsmanship, a relentless work ethic, and a commitment to doing right by every customer who walked through the door.
From Humble Build to High-Performance Standard
What started as a one-boat solution to improve charter performance evolved into a full-service operation known for building high-performance, highly customized vessels that reflect both the demands of serious anglers and the personalities of their owners. Today, with more than 100 custom sportfishing boats delivered, Jarrett Bay has become synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and on-the-water results, its boats regularly competing in and winning major sportfishing tournaments.
As Randy advanced the boats’ size, capability, and complexity, he enlisted ZF propulsion systems to be a key part of that evolution, delivering the performance, reliability, and precision that help define Jarrett Bay’s name on the water.
A photo of the Jarrett Bay Boatworks crew that crafted hull 08 Valinda
A prime example of this is the acclaimed custom sportfish, Jaruco. Built to upend all other sportfish yachts, Jaruco used record-breaking R&D and engineering resources to result in arguably the best performing sportfish yacht at the time of its delivery in 2017. Equipped with ZF 3070 V-Drives with titanium shafts, the boat was also constructed of various composite layers. This resulted in several proprietary lamination matrices that removed 40,000 pounds compared to similar builds, putting it at the pinnacle of superyacht performance and refinement.
While not all of Jarrett Bay’s boats become as renowned as Jaruco, their core features remain the same.
“We want our boats to perform as fast as they’ll go and in as difficult of sea conditions as they can, but also as efficiently as they can.”
Randy Ramsey
Built on Principles, Proven on Water
Among many similarities in principles that Randy and ZF share, one is that of welcoming challenges, whether it’s building a boat or building character. Even in his early days, Randy challenged himself and his crew to grow everyday. “Don’t cover up mistakes – fix them” was a part of the company playbook. He explained to his team, “Our reputation and our boats are more important to us than saving a few dollars. We stay very true to our principles, ensuring we build a boat that people can feel good about, that will be safe and of extremely high quality.”
Furthermore, when a commissioning buyer describes something they want, Randy helps inform the buyer’s desires while challenging his team to achieve them.
The importance of serving the customer with dedication and transparency has also always been a guiding pillar of Randy’s work ethic, and one of the reasons he’s chosen ZF as a partner.
“It comes down to customer service. You have worldwide support, so no matter where our boats are, we’re not concerned. We don’t have a lot of problems, and when we do, we have complete confidence they’ll get resolved. We have complete confidence in the manufacturing and in the people [of ZF]. Just like ZF, we both are committed to the customer and resolving whatever issue there may be.”
Randy Ramsey
He compares the growth of Jarrett Bay’s first boat and today’s boats like the difference between the Wright Brothers’ work and the first space shuttle. However, unlike the Wright Brothers’ first airplane, the first boats Jarrett Bay made are still operational.
Shaping a Sportfishing Stronghold
It is worth noting that as Randy developed his company, his pioneering work had a parallel role in developing the Outer Banks into the sportfishing and custom boat-building hotspot it is today.
That influence is perhaps most evident at Safe Harbor Jarrett Bay, at the company’s headquarters in Beaufort. A 175-acre marine industrial park, it’s a purpose-built hub designed to support every facet of the marine industry, from boatbuilding and refit to service, manufacturing, and beyond. For a time, ZF operated within the park as well, supporting marine propulsion systems through on-site service, technical expertise, and direct engagement with builders and operators.
Home to other respected boatbuilding shops, charter operations, and a thriving tournament scene, the Outer Banks area has earned its place as a cornerstone of the sportfishing world, just like Randy and Jarrett Bay Boatworks.
Jarrett Bay Marine Park
More From This Series
The Wake a Living Legend Leaves
Ramsey’s influence extends well beyond Jarret Bay Boatworks, with his mastery and philanthropy touching countless others near and far. Discover what’s on the horizon for this legend.
Where It All Began: The Grit Behind Randy Ramsey’s Rise
Sportfishing icon and founder of Jarrett Bay Boatworks, Ramsey shares his early days in charter boats and the unlikely start of his inventive custom yacht business.
