Incat Crowther announced a contract to design a 110-ft Catamaran Ferry for operation in Florida. The vessel will be built by Gladding-Hearn for Yankee Fleet. To be named Yankee Freedom III, the vessel will replace Yankee Freedom II, designed and built by the same partnership in 1999. She will operate on the company’s daily run from Key West to Dry Tortugas national Park and Fort Jefferson.
Whilst Incat Crowther has expanded into new marine sectors of late, this project demonstrates Incat Crowther’s commitment to servicing its long-term clients in North America. It also shows a welcome return to activity in the North American passenger ferry market, which has been subdued of late due to economic downturn. Yankee Freedom III will be the 37th ferry built by Gladding-Hearn to Incat Crowther’s designs.
The vessel will feature an isolated superstructure, reducing the transmission of noise and vibration to the passenger spaces, as well as offering construction efficiency. The wheelchair accessible main deck features 142 seats and 4 wheelchair spaces, all with tables. There is a large bar and shop aft, with an additional serving counter. Aft of the bar are 4 toilets, one of which is wheelchair accessible. There are some exterior seats on the aft main deck, allowing passengers to enjoy the sunset on return journeys. The main deck cabin features forward doors with direct access to the foredeck, which is optimized for aquatic wildlife viewing. The upper deck features 52 exterior seats. Inside, there are 56 seats, some with tables, and a small additional bar.
Yankee Freedom III will be powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512C engines, which are Tier 2 emissions compliant. These engines each produce 1230kw at 1800rpm. The vessel will have a service speed of 28 knots.
Specifications:
Length, o.a 109.9 ft
Length, w.l. 106.7 ft
Beam, o.a 29.8 ft
Draft (hull) 5.2 ft
Draft (prop) 6.7 ft
Depth 11.8 ft
Construction Marine grade aluminium
Capacities:
Fuel oil 2,000 gal
Fresh water 400 gal
Grey water 400 gal
Sullage 800 gal
Passengers 250
Crew 5
Propulsion & Performance:
Speed (service) 28 knots
Speed (max) 30 knots
Main Engines 2x Caterpillar 3512C EPA Tier 2
Powe 2 x 1,230 kW@ 1800 rpm
Propulsion 2x Fixed-pitch propellers
Generators 2x Caterpillar C4.4 58kW EPA Tier 2