Gladding-Hearn Delivers Incat-Designed Ferry

Hy-Line Cruises, a division of Hyannis Harbor Tours, Hyannis, Mass., has taken delivery of a new 300 passenger, high-speed catamaran from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, the Duclos Corporation. This is the third Incat-designed fast ferry built by the shipyard for the Cape Cod tourism company, and the twenty-seventh high-speed catamaran built by Gladding-Hearn. The M/VV Grey Lady replaces the smaller Grey Lady II and provides year-round passenger service between Hyannis and Nantucket Island. The new, all-aluminum ferry is 144 ft. (43.7 m) long, 35 ft. (10.6 m) at the beam and draws 6.5 feet (2 m). It is powered by four Cummins KTA50M2 diesel engines, each delivering 1800 Bhp at 1900 rpm. The vessel is propelled by four Hamilton HM651 water jets through Reinjtes WVS730D gearboxes. The ferry’s top speed is over 36 knots when full loaded at a deadweight of 40 tons, said Peter Duclos, president of the Shipyard. “The boat’s top speed gives the operator about a five knot margin on the schedule. With all four engines running at the continuous horsepower rating, the vessel will comfortable keep the schedule at a speed of 31 knots. In the event of a failure of one of the propulsion systems, the boat will still keep the schedule, but will require full power from the remaining three engines. This kind of margin and redundancy is just prudent business for a ferry that operates in excess of 5,000 hours per year.” In order to improve passenger comfort, the vessel is equipped with a Vosper/MDI active, motion-control and autopilot system. A motion sensor acuates a computer in the wheelhouse to adjust the two trim tabs, reducing the motion of the vessel by as much as 60 percent, Duclos explained. “By keeping the unwanted motion and steering to a minimum the system can also minimized the speed loss in rough seas.” Interior accommodations include Beurteaux seating, a cocktail bar, heating and air conditioning and four heads. The main cabin features simulated teak decking and lighted, glass privacy dividers with etched images of indigenous fauna. The boat can carry up to four tons of luggage, in a separate luggage room through a dedicated loading gate.