Ferries Lead the Way
There are several quick conclusions you can draw about passenger boat construction in the new millennium. First it is a smaller market than 10 years ago with far fewer boats being built today than a decade ago. Secondly almost all of these vessels are built on the east or west coast. There are virtually no passenger boats being built in the south. Third, the number one vessel type being built is the ferryboat and more specifically the all-passenger ferry that shuttles people at 25 knots or better. In the years between 1987 and 1993 shipyards all over the country were building 600-passenger excursion-dinner boats in great numbers as sightseeing and dining vessels on America’s great rivers, lakes and bays became increasingly popular.
LMC Takes Delivery of New Vessel
Lead Mead Cruises (LMC) of Boulder City, Nev., operates a fleet of four vessels - a number that will increase to five in spring 2001 when LMC takes delivery of a 57 x 17-ft. catamaran currently under construction at Kvichak Marine. The catamaran is designed by Morrelli & Melvin and will cruise 65 miles up Lake Mead and the Colorado River to the edge of the Grand Canyon. "We really wanted a catamaran to operate on this run," said Rob Fair of LMC. Powered by twin Caterpillar 3196-TA diesel engines, rated for 660 bhp @ 2,300 rpm, and fitted to ZF 350A marine gears, the catamaran will cruise at 27 knots and top out at 32 knots. Transmissions will be fitted to 28-in., stainless steel, five-bladed propellers. Seating on the main and aft decks accommodates 68 passengers.
AMH Government Services Books Record Year
American Marine Holdings, Inc (AMH) Government Services experienced a record year in sales during 2004, according to Mike Collins, President. AMH, the parent company of Donzi Marine and Pro-Line Boats, formed the Government Services Group in 2003. Mr. Collins stated, ”I am extremely proud of the team we have assembled. John Hotz has been instrumental in our success and was just appointed Vice President of the group”. The past year marked a flurry of activity for the Government Services division, along with many new additions to the team. Mike Page, former United States Navy Lieutenant with the Special Boat Teams, and formally with Boston Whaler and Night Vision Technologies joined the group and now heads up International and Military sales.
