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.