Kvichak and Morelli & Melvin Team Up On Catamaran

Kvichak Marine Industries is readying its 54 ft. all-aluminum catamaran, Ocean Explorer, for a December delivery to Pacific Whale Foundation of Kihei, Hawaii. The 54 x 14 ft. vessel, which will operate year-round for the Foundation's Eco-Adventure Cruises, holds the designs of both Kvichak and Morrelli & Melvin of San Diego, Calif. Ocean Explorer's venue includes snorkeling, dolphin watching and whale watching tours of Maui's Lahaina Harbor. Propulsion power will be provided by twin Cummins 6CTA diesels, each rated for 430-bhp at 2,600-rpm driving 28-in. diameter four-blade, stainless steel propeller through a ZF down-angle marine transmission. Cruising at a speed of 23 knots, passengers will be seated in Ocean Outdoor model all-weather seats constructed by Beurteaux of Australia.