Eastern Wins Casino Vessel Contract

The Big M Casino, Inc of Fort Myers, Fla., has awarded a contract to Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, Florida to construct a casino vessel. The as yet unnamed vessel will join the existing vessel, Royal Gambler, in providing offshore casino services to the Fort Myers market. The vessel was designed by John W. Gilbert and Associates, a prominent naval architect firm located in Hingham, Massachusetts. The interior design will be performed by Bauer Interiors of New Orleans, Louisiana.Bauer Interiors is one of the best-known companies in design, traffic and ergonomics of casino vessels. The vessel is 186 ft. long with a beam of 38 ft. and a molded depth of 11.5 ft., and depending on conditions, will have a loaded draft of 8 ft. She will accommodate 600 passengers plus a crew of 72. The new vessel will be powered by two Caterpillar 3508B DIT Main Engines, which produce 1,100 hp @1,800 rpm. The main engines are coupled to a pair of Twin Disc MG-5301-DC 4. reduction gears with a 6 to 1 ratio. Electric power will be supplied by two Caterpillar 3408 DITA generators, which each produce 370 kW @ 1,800 rpm Keel Coolers will be provided by R. W. Fernstrum, Steering & Engine Controls will be Kobelt, and a 200 hp bow thruster will be supplied by American Bow Thruster. The vessel is scheduled to be launched September, 2004 with Delivery scheduled for December, 2004.