44m Bad Company sportfisher nears end of comprehensive mechanical refit

The 43.8 metre Trinity-built Bad Company, the largest sportfisher in the world, is approaching the end of a full-scale mechanical refit at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Centre in South Florida.

The yacht arrived at the refit yard at the end of 2021, and has been undergoing a number of major modifications in preparation to rejoin the Bad Company fishing fleet, as well as a 25 year class survey.

The yacht received extensive mechanical work, with the addition of new generators, Seakeeper gyrostabilisers and an overhaul of the yacht’s plumbing and piping system.

To make these changes, the refit team cut “holes the size of Volkswagens” into the yacht’s hull, according to Dan Nedwidek, captain director of operations for the Bad Company fleet.

Elsewhere, the changes have concerned general upkeep and maintenance. The yacht received new teak decking, revarnished interiors and a fresh coat of custom “Bad Company grey” paint on the exterior.

The interior also received attention, with many of the soft goods replaced and upgraded to ensure Bad Company maintains a modern look and feel.

Alongside cosmetic changes, the yacht received some additional amenities including new air conditioning units and a new ice-maker.

Bad Company is expected to be redelivered in the coming weeks, following which she will remain in South Florida and the Bahamas, where her owner will use her for game fishing. Built with an aluminium hull and superstructure, the yacht was originally delivered in 1998 with exteriors by Sharp Design and interiors by Marlena Gershowitz and Dee Robinson.

She follows in the footsteps of the 45 metre Damen yacht Bad Company Support, which completed a refit at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Centre in June. She is now undertaking a marlin fishing tour beginning in Portugal and continuing down Africa’s west coast.

Owned by passionate sportfisherman Anthony Hsieh, the Bad Company fishing fleet comprises ten yachts dedicated to fishing expeditions which includes the brand new in-build Damen YS 501.

According to Nedwidek, Hsieh’s goal is to have well-equipped fishing vessels across the globe. A 28 metre motor yacht is currently based in Cabo San Lucas, and makes frequent trips to Costa Rica and other Central American destinations.  Meanwhile, the in-build Damen will be based in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean.