All American Marine Launches Orca II
Bellingham, Wash. aluminum boat builder All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) said it launched Orca II, the second of two 78-foot aluminum catamarans for Seattle-based customer Great Western Attractions (GWA), who will operate the passenger excursion vessels in Puget Sound.
Designed by Teknicraft in Auckland New Zealand, these identical USCG Subchapter T certified vessels were constructed at AAM’s 57,000-square-foot facility on Bellingham Bay. The vessels will be a part of GWA’s multifaceted tourism experience based in downtown Seattle. The first vessel was launched in May.
The 149-passenger catamarans are powered by Twin Caterpillar C18 Engines rated at 803 bhp at 2,100 rpm, driving Veem NiBrAL propellers.
According to the builder, the new vessels combine innovative design features to enhance the passenger experience during excursions, as well as celebrating the prominent native culture that is a significant part of life in the Pacific Northwest. One specific feature is the unique design of an extended hull section on the bow and stern, creating a canoe-like appearance.
All American Marine’s Business Development Manager Ron Wille said in a statement, “All American Marine is proud to have constructed such unique vessels for an iconic Seattle company and to support expansion of Great Western Attraction’s operations. Our mission is to provide our operators with the best custom vessel for their application, and we are excited to have built their first two vessels.”