New Westport Boat for Alaskan Excursions

Westport Shipyard delivered the 95 x 22.7 ft. fiberglass excursion boat, Tanaina, to Prince William Sound Cruises & Tours (PWSCT). The boat will be based in Whittier, Alaska, to join other firms providing excursion services on Prince William Sound. Tanaina, an Alaskan word meaning, "the people," was constructed using Westport's 8500 series adjustable hull form, featuring modified propeller tunnels. The new 28-knot vessel is powered by Caterpillar 3512B engines delivering 1,960 hp at 1,835 rpm. Engines deliver power through ZF BW460 2.529:1 marine gears. The Bird-Johnson 488 x 59 five-bladed Nibral propellers have an 18-degree skew and .89 DAR. Twin Disc power Commander engine controls are installed in the wheelhouse and wing stations. The ship's service power is provided by a Northern Lights M437 40-kW single phase generator and an M844L, 20-kW generator with wet exhaust. Ancillary equipment includes a 12-in., 25 hp dual prop Wesmar bowthruster. Tanaina is the fifth boat built for PWSCT. The others include Nautilus, a 75-ft. vessel sleeping 33, built in 1986; Glacier Spirit, an 80-ft., 16-knot vessel, built in 1984; Chugach, an 80-ft., 18-knot vessel, built in 1992; and Nunatak, a 149-passenger vessel capable of 26 knots, delivered in 1996.