The brightly painted Aqualink built by Kvichak Marine Industries (KMI) and designed by Incat Crowther of Australia, has been in operation by Long Beach Transit (LBT) shuttling visitors and commuters between the Long Beach downtown/waterfront area to Alamitos Bay Landing since 2001. This water taxi has lead LBT back to Kvichak to build a second boat to add to their fleet and route expansion.
Aqualink II an all-aluminum, 65-ft x 24-ft fully-enclosed catamaran is currently under construction at Kvichak Marine Industries. The 74-passenger cat is powered by twin Cummins QSM 11 diesel engines, rated for 610 HP @ 2300 RPM, and fitted to ZF 360A marine gears. The vessel will operate at a service speed of ~25 knots with a crew of two.
During travel passengers can enjoy food and beverage service at the Snack Bar Kiosk that is integrated with the main passenger cabin. Kvichak will outfit the kiosk with a refrigerator, coffee brewing system, soft drink dispenser, sink, and Corian bar top. Delivery is scheduled for May 2011.
Additional vessel features include:
Length, o.a. 64.9 ft
Beam, o.a. 24 ft
Draft 4.5 ft
Fuel capacity 700 gal
Genset Northern Lights 30 kW
Air conditioned cabin