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150 passengers typically are sized for 300- 400 passengers since tighter U.S. Coast

Guard regulations apply even if the vessel is sized for one passenger over the 149-pas- senger limit. The regulations for Subchapter

K vessels mostly address structural fire pro- tection, flammability of interior materials and other passenger safety issues. For some time now Skipperliner of Lacrosse, Wis. has been building vessels in this size range for a number of clients. In early 2004, Skipper- liner delivered the 148-ft. long by 32-ft. wide, Majestic, 400-passenger vessel to

Pacific Avalon Yacht Charters of San Diego,

Ca.

The vessel began service in May of 2004.

Pacific Avalon has a fleet of four vessels, all built by Skipperliner. The Majestic is the largest vessel in their fleet and the largest passenger vessel built by Skipperliner. All of the vessels work exclusively in the char- ter business with weddings being their largest individual market.

The $4.5 million yacht has a 400-passen- ger capacity with 300 passengers allowed on any one deck, a positive feature when that many people may be on one deck for a wedding ceremony or other event. The

Majestic has three passenger decks with pri- mary restroom facilities in the hull. "The boat has a 10-ft. deep hull, so we could effectively use this space for restrooms, freeing up space on the upper decks for pas- senger events," said Todd Jordan, director of marketing for Skipperliner.

Seating for 250 passengers is available on the main deck in rounds of 10. The second deck is a lounge with leather couches, a dance floor, bar and other amenities. The third deck is open but canopied aft with the pilothouse forward and a Bride's changing room. Private space for the bride and her attendants has become a welcome amenity on vessels that are marketed to the bridal market.

A pair of Caterpillar 3406E engines pro- ducing 600 hp each supplies power for the boat. Two John Deere 6081 engines power two 150 kW generators and a PTO off one of the main engines powers a 150 hp bow thruster by Wesmar.

Both of these vessels continue the trend of building vessels with upscale interiors intended to appeal to charter groups such as weddings and corporate events. Several more such yachts are being built in 2005 including one for New Orleans Steamboat that will go out for bid this spring.

High Speed Passenger Ferries

Two shipyards building vessels by Incat

Designs of Sydney, Australia have built over 50 high-speed passenger ferries in the past few years. A very unique high-speed ferry was built in 2004 by Gulf Craft, Pat- 18 • MarineNews • January, 2005

Passenger Vessel Annual

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