Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) of Wailuku, Hawaii recently welcomed the Ocean Voyager, to its fleet of excursion vessels. The all-aluminum catamaran, constructed by Kvichak Marine of Seattle, Washington, is the third catamaran constructed by Kvichak for PWF.
Constructed to USCG regulations for 149 passengers, and based on Pacific Whale Foundation's 23 years of marine research and leading high quality marine ecotours, the Ocean Voyager is a Crowther Multihulls design. This hull design offers unsurpassed stability and an ultra-smooth ride for passengers. The 64 x 28-ft. vessel operates for PWF's Eco-Adventure cruises, which include snorkeling, wild dolphin watching, and whale watching tours out of Maui's Maalaea Harbor. The combination of open deck space and three levels of cushioned, stadium-style seating offers ideal viewing of whales and dolphins without increased vessel maneuvering.
Cummins KTA19-M4 engines provide power for the catamaran. The engines are fueled by Maui Bio Fuel, or biodiesel, made with recycled cooking oil, which is environmentally friendly and has a more pleasant tailpipe aroma than conventional diesel fumes. Rated for 700 bhp @ 2100 rpm the engines are coupled to ZF IRM 350-A2 marine gears and enables the Ocean Voyager to cruise at speeds of ~23 knots and reach top speeds of ~27 knots.
During Pacific Whale Foundation's ecotours, the Ocean Voyager offers a host of comforts to its passengers including: fresh water showers, men's/women's bathrooms, food and beverage service from the main deck bar, and an easy access dive swim-on, swim-off platform for snorkeling.