[2] The series was developed due to network president, James T. Aubrey, believing that Gilligan's Island, which premiered the same season, should be about a charter boat captain operating in a marina.

The Baileys of Balboa was produced by Richelieu Productions, owned by Keefe Brasselle, a friend of Aubrey.

[3] Sam Bailey is a laid-back widower who operates a charter boat, The Island Princess.

Sam lives with his son, Jim, on a tiny island he owns, which happens to be in the middle of Balboa, a yachting community.

Buck Singleton is first-mate (and entire crew) of The Island Princess, and Stanley is an annoying boy who lives nearby.