The following is text of a news release from Incat Crowther:
(LAFAYETTE, La.) — Incat Crowther has announced the delivery of the multi-functional 98-foot catamaran passenger vessel, Coastal Explorer. The vessel closely follows two predecessors delivered in 2018, Acadia Explorer and Schoodic Explorer, and brings the popular operator’s number of Incat Crowther vessels to five.
Built by Gulf Craft in Franklin, La., for Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co., the U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T vessel will be used for whale-watching excursions, nature cruises and light house tours in the Acadia National Park and surrounding areas as well for providing tender services to cruise ships which frequent picturesque Bar Harbor, Maine, during the spring and summer months.
Coastal Explorer features three boarding areas on each side of the vessel to facilitate efficient loading and unloading and a pair of stairs leading to the upper deck enhances passenger flow.
The ADA-compliant main deck cabin has seating for 114 passengers in a climate-controlled interior. In addition the forward doors provide access to the exterior foredeck seating for 16 passengers. The comfort of passengers is addressed with ergonomic seating fitted with tables, a large kiosk serving various snacks and refreshments and five televisions for entertainment. The aft end of the accommodations includes two heads, one of which is ADA compliant.
The upper deck provides a spacious and open view of the environment with seating for 65 passengers, with 36 under cover. Entertainment is provided by a large screen television centered to seating. The large pilothouse is equipped with wing stations and the latest electronics for safe navigation.
The roof above the pilothouse is fitted with a station for a naturalist who is tasked with disseminating information to passengers about landmarks and wildlife which are within viewing distance.
While the initial two 2018-built vessels in this series had twin Caterpillar C32 main engines, propulsion for Coastal Explorer is provided by four EPA Tier 3 Cummins QSK19 mains rated at 800 hp @ 2,100 rpm driving four HamiltonJet HM461 waterjets with a service speed of 28 knots at a modest engine load. Active ride control for passenger comfort is provided by a compliment of Humphree interceptors. Electrical power is provided by a pair of Caterpillar C4.4 generating sets.
