Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, has completed construction of the last of three new sightseeing vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Yachts, Inc., in New York City. A staple of harbor cruises on the lower Hudson and East Rivers, Circle Line Sightseeing’s three new vessels are the first in more than 60 years, according to Costas Markou, director of marine operations. The company’s fleet of eight steel, 165-foot sightseeing boats consists of converted LCIs (Landing Craft Infantries) and Coast Guard cutters, built between 1930 and 1943.
Like its two sisterships, the new 600-passenger all-steel vessel, designed by Dejong and Lebet, N.A., in Jacksonville, Fla., measures 165 feet in length. The M/V Brooklyn has a 34-foot beam and a 22.6-foot air-draft, enabling the boat to pass under the low bridges on the Harlem River. With a top speed of 15 knots, the vessel is powered by twin Cummins KTA38-M1 diesels, delivering a total of 2200 hp and connected to ZF W3350 gear boxes, spinning 60-inch, 5-bladed bronze Rolls Royce propellers. For dockside maneuvering, the vessel is equipped with a 125 hp Wesmar V2-20 bow thruster, powered by an electric motor. Two 137 kW Cummins/Newage generators supply the ship’s service power. Additional features include port and starboard wing stations, in addition to the center console, in the pilothouse. Passenger seating is inside the main cabin and upper cabin. Heating and air-conditioning is supplied by a 210,000 Btu diesel-fired boiler and six 10-ton water-cooled chillers.
Specifications:
Length 165 ft
Beam 34 ft
Depth 12 ft
Draft 8 ft (fully loaded)
Keel laid March 2007
Launched June 2009
Delivered July 2009
Excursion/dinner passenger capacity 600