AAM Launches 78' Catamaran Tour Boat

Shipbuilder All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) launched the first of two 78-foot aluminum catamarans for Seattle-based customer Great Western Attractions (GWA), who will operate the passenger excursion vessels in Puget Sound. The second vessel is on track to be launched in June.

Designed by Teknicraft in Auckland New Zealand, these identical Subchapter T certified vessels were constructed at AAM’s 57,000 square foot facility on Bellingham Bay, Wash.

The 149-passenger catamarans are powered by Twin Caterpillar C18 Engines rated at 803 bhp at 2,100 rpm, driving Veem NiBrAL propellers, and are constructed to USCG Subchapter “T” standards, designed as a passenger vessel for use on “Lakes Bays and Sounds."

According to the builder, the 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 canoelike appearance.

AAM’s Business Development Manager, Ron Wille, said, “All American Marine is proud to build such unique vessels for an iconic Seattle company and to support expansion of GWA’s tourism operations. Our mission is to provide our operators with the best custom vessel for their application, and we are excited to help design and build GWA’s first two vessels.”

Kyle Griffith, Vice President of Great Western Attractions, said, “All American builds the highest quality vessels and offers the best value overall value in the country. When we visited their state of the art facility and saw the rapid progress and the quality of work on our first boat, we decided to go ahead and build two vessels.”