Visualizing Performance: How Bayliss Boatworks Uses Orca3D to Refine Running Trim and Stagnation Lines

Overview 

In this Orca3D Customer Spotlight, we’re proud to highlight the ongoing design research led by Bayliss Boatworks, a premier builder of custom cold-molded sportfishing yachts based in Wanchese, North Carolina. Known for their precision craftsmanship and performance-driven hulls, Bayliss is using Orca3D not only to ensure optimal performance—but to perfect the look and feel of their boats when they’re running at speed. 

Led by Design Manager Pete Buescher, the team has been investigating how hull geometry and longitudinal center of gravity (LCG) affect running trim angle and stagnation line placement—critical details that influence both performance and aesthetics. 

Design Philosophy & Goals 

For Bayliss Boatworks, great performance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how a boat looks and feels in motion. “We care deeply about what our boats look like when they’re running—particularly the trim angle and shape/location of the stagnation line,” explains Buescher. 

With an emphasis on visual refinement, the team set out to analyze the impact of LCG and deadrise distribution on the running condition, aiming to achieve a low, far-aft, and sharp stagnation line—while still staying true to their signature hull forms. 

This study has been ongoing since 2022, as the team continues to build out a performance matrix that will inform future hull designs. 

Vessel Profile 

Bayliss Boatworks specializes in custom cold-molded sportfishing yachts with the following general specifications: 

  • Length Overall: 60 to 90 feet 
  • Beam: 18 to 23 feet 
  • Construction: Cold-molded wood, foam, and fiberglass 
  • Propulsion: Twin diesel engines driving fixed-pitch propellers 

Each vessel is designed and built from the keel up to meet the specific needs of discerning offshore anglers. 

Bayliss Boatworks general arrangement plan

Using Orca3D: Performance-Driven Visualization 

To support their ongoing stagnation line study—and their broader design workflow—Bayliss relies on several core modules within the Orca3D suite: 

Weight Estimating 

Bayliss uses Orca3D’s built-in weight tracking tools on every hull they design. This functionality allows the team to: 

  • Quantify structural and equipment weights early in the design 
  • Model variable loads and equipment placement 
  • Predict center of gravity shifts as layouts evolve 

“Orca has been very valuable to our design process, specifically the features associated with weight estimating and hydrostatics; we rely on Orca-produced weight estimates and hydrostatic analysis for every boat we design and build.” — Pete Buescher, Design Manager, Bayliss Boatworks 

Basic Hydrostatics 

Hydrostatics analysis gives the Bayliss design team fast, accurate feedback on how design changes affect trim, heel, and displacement. This is particularly useful when repositioning internal components or adjusting hull geometry. 

Marine CFD 

Bayliss has used Orca3D Marine CFD to examine how LCG and bottom shape affect running trim and stagnation line visibility. This provides a cost-effective, rapid visualization tool—especially valuable for exploring non-standard hull variations without needing to wait for on-water testing. 

Bayliss Boatworks optimization analysis using Orca3D MarineCFD

Challenges & Opportunities 

One of the key challenges in this project has been finding the time to run a large matrix of design variables. With each custom yacht being unique, the ability to study trim angle and spray line across multiple theoretical hulls is still a developing opportunity. 

While Bayliss hasn’t yet completed the full matrix, Orca3D has allowed them to explore “what-if” scenarios efficiently, giving them more confidence in how changes will manifest on the water. 

With future plans to create animations and visualizations correlating design changes to stagnation line shape and trim, the team expects to deepen their CFD capabilities over time. 

Team & Collaboration 

  • Project Lead: Pete Buescher, Design Manager 
  • Collaborators: Various members of the Bayliss design staff 
  • Orca3D Support: Bruce Hays and Larry Leibman provided initial training, troubleshooting, and best practices 

“Bruce and Larry have been very helpful, supportive, and patient in helping me explore the CFD capabilities of Orca3D.” — Pete Buescher 

Impact on Workflow 

Orca3D has significantly streamlined Bayliss’s internal design process. Key improvements include: 

  • More accurate weight estimates across all stages of design 
  • Faster prediction of trim and stability changes during layout revisions 
  • Improved ability to visualize spray line behavior prior to prototype testing 

As Bayliss continues to refine its use of CFD, the tool promises to become even more integral to their design process. 

Conclusion 

Bayliss Boatworks exemplifies what’s possible when traditional craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology. By integrating Orca3D’s weight estimating, hydrostatics, and Marine CFD tools, the team is elevating both the performance and appearance of their custom yachts—ensuring each boat not only runs well but looks stunning while doing so. 

This project is a testament to how small design details—like the trim angle and stagnation line—can make a big difference, and how Orca3D helps make those refinements possible. 

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