St. Augustine Trawlers Delivers DeJong & Lebet-Designed Excursion/Diving/Cruise Ship

The M/V Conch Republic was recently delivered by St. Augustine Trawlers, Inc. to her owner, Caribbean Travel Services. She is the latest of many passenger vessels designed by DeJong & Lebet, Inc., naval architects, of Jacksonville, Fla.

The Conch Republic is certified for 500 passengers in ocean service by the U.S. Coast Guard, under Subchapter T. In addition, she carries an ABS International Loadline.

The vessel has several novel features, including a 4- by 8-foot underwater viewing well, port and starboard water-level dive platforms with freshwater showers, and special bottom construction forward for beaching the vessel. She is equipped with a forward boarding ramp for beach loading and unloading, and a stern capstan for pulling off the beach.

The Conch Republic features three passenger decks, all equipped with complete bars. The main deck features a complete galley and dance floor. The pilothouse is located on the third deck. A variety of seating accommodations on the vessel, including fixed booths, portable tables and chairs, bar stools, and benches, allow a seat for all 500 passengers. The main and second decks are equipped with roll down curtains in case of inclement weather.

The Conch Republic is powered by twin Caterpillar 3406TA diesels, developing 350 hp each at 1,800 rpm. Each engine drives a 42-inchdiameter four-bladed propeller, furnished by Columbian Bronze. Electrical power is provided by two Caterpillar 3304 generators, developing 55 kw. All the engines were furnished by Ring Power, Jacksonville, Fla. Engine exhausts are water cooled and discharge through the hull side at the waterline.

The Conch Republic hull design, by DeJong & Lebet, Inc., is a modified catamaran. The outboard hulls are connected by a partially submerged center-hull, combining the stability and efficiency of a catamaran with the seakeeping and below decks accessibility of a mono-hull.

The principal characteristics of the Conch Republic are as follows: length overall 104 feet 6 inches; beam 30 feet; depth 9 feet 6 inches; draft 5 feet; tonnage 93 gross tons; speed 11 knots; fuel oil 6,400 gallons; potable water 2,600 gallons; and holding tank 3,000 gallons.

Other stories from December 1986 issue

Content

Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.