(GUSTAVUS, Alaska) — Armstrong Marine USA of Port Angeles, Wash., recently delivered Serac, a 45-by-16-foot semi-displacement catamaran, to the National Park Service (NPS) for use in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. NPS selected Armstrong Marine’s proposal to build the Jutson Marine design in a competitive solicitation process last year. The vessel will be utilized for crew/cargo transfer and pilot operations in the park.
The shaft and wheel propulsion system is comprised of twin John Deere 200-hp diesel engines, Glendinning controls, ZF85A marine gears, nibral propellers, and Optimus EPS steering. The boat’s 300-gallon fuel capacity and a Furuno electronics package with autopilot provide critical range and navigation capabilities.
Exterior customizations include a walk-through transom to twin swim platforms, welded aluminum tow post, Rigid LED flood lights, and courtesy lights under the gunwales. The bow deck features 10 recessed cargo tie-downs along with a Kinematics anchor winch. Rubber fendering protects the hull when working alongside other vessels.
In the raised pilothouse, upper, lower and look-up windows ensure superior visibility. Two Bentley Mariner shock-mitigating seats at the helm and a four-person bench seat/berth combo accommodate captain and crew. The heated main cabin provides bench seating for 12 passengers, a dinette that converts to double berth, and a head with hot water.
Handrails throughout allow for safe and secure personnel transfers. A removable davit with Lifesling 3 and hoisting tackle can be quickly deployed in the event of a man-overboard emergency.
NPS’ contract with Armstrong Marine also included a heavy-duty trailer for Serac, supplied by HOSTAR Marine Transport Systems.
– Armstrong Marine USA (Maddie Hunt photo)
