OnBoard Magazine - Summer 2015

pointed out the matching wood grains, adding, “You just don’t see that attention to detail and highly skilled execution very often. The boat as a whole came together so well, there’s really nothing like it. All the time and care that went into her shows up.” Despite downsizing, there were many things the Barbers weren’t willing to give up, including a two stateroom layout. In the 43’ footprint, that left little choice—from early on in the process it was clear they would go with pod propulsion. In addition to it’s modern technical merits, doing so freed up a considerable amount of engine room space to allow for an aft bunk room. CUSTOM CREATIVITY Now that Barber and crew are transitioning to more family fishing and day trips, it’s some of the simple things that stand out. “I have young grand kids now, so we included a pocket gate [above the companionway steps] that will help keep them safe from a tumble.” Among the more luxurious interior amenities is the elaborately carved wooden sink in the head. “People are afraid to use it the first time. They’ve never seen anything like it,” Barber says of the Sapele wood fixture finished in layers of epoxy and Alexseal Clear Gloss polyurethane topcoat. In addition to this being the second pod- based custom boat to come out of Jarrett Bay, it’s also the second recent hull that features an interior helm station in the cabin. With “hardtop express” designs becoming more popular throughout the industry, the builder attributes this to mid-Atlantic and northeast fishermen looking for more versatility to comfortably house themselves and guests during long rides through a full spectrum of weather conditions. Barber’s extra challenge in regards to the hardtop was asking the design team to achieve comfortable standing headroom for his above average frame. On Gregarious , the interior station acts as the primary bridge with a full suite of electronics, complemented by an open air helm above in the tower. Interestingly, a third helm station is masterfully stashed away in a small compartment that folds out of the port-side mezzanine. From here Capt. Pete can watch the fish finder and back down on a fish from the cockpit—a feature and style of fishing they became very accustomed to in their larger sportifsh. In addition to the efficiency of the Cummins power package, Nickerson says of her performance, “The boat handles like a dream... like a big jet ski. I thought the pods would have some learning curve, but it’s easy and such a cool system. You can put it wherever you want it on the dock... we love it.” Since her completion in the Summer of 2014, Gregarious has enjoyed some “She looks so clean and simple, yet so much sophistication is hidden beneath.” The teak cockpit sole has a secret too—lifting on hydraulics to reveal the aft portion of engine room Gregarious ’ third helm station pops out of the mezzanine like a James Bond gadget A sink fit for a king, hand-carved out of African Sapele awaits any guests who visit Gregarious’ head JARRETT BAY 43’ HTX Length: 43’ Beam: 14’ 6” Draft: 3’ 10” Fuel: 620 gal. Power: Twin Cummins QSC8.3 @ 600 hp each with Zeus Pods 12 BLUEWATER