Lead Mead Cruises (LMC) of Boulder City, Nev., operates a fleet of four vessels - a number that will increase to five in spring 2001 when LMC
takes delivery of a 57 x 17-ft. catamaran currently under construction at Kvichak Marine. The catamaran is designed by Morrelli & Melvin and will cruise 65 miles up Lake Mead and the Colorado River to the edge of the Grand Canyon.
"We really wanted a catamaran to operate on this run," said Rob Fair of LMC. "The Lake Mead waters are often rough, due to high winds, and the catamaran design will operate more smoothly, providing our passengers with increased comfort."
Powered by twin Caterpillar 3196-TA diesel engines, rated for 660 bhp @ 2,300 rpm, and fitted to ZF 350A marine gears, the catamaran will cruise at 27 knots and top out at 32 knots. Transmissions will be fitted to 28-in., stainless steel, five-bladed propellers. Seating on the main and aft decks accommodates 68 passengers. Passengers will remain cool under an aluminum T-top with retractable fabric shades with a mist-cooling system.