New Catamaran for Bar Harbor Whale Watch

A newly built multi-functional 30m catamaran passenger vessel, Coastal Explorer, has been delivered for a whale watching excursion operator in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Built by Gulf Craft in Franklin, La., the vessel closely follows two predecessors delivered in 2018, Acadia Explorer and Schoodic Explorer and brings the operator’s number of Incat-Crowther-designed  vessels to five total.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co will use the USCG Subchapter T certified vessel for whale watching excursions, nature cruises and light house tours in the Acadia National Park and surrounding areas as well for providing tender services to cruise ships which frequent Bar Harbor during the spring and summer months.

The Coastal Explorer features three boarding areas on each side of the vessel to facilitate efficient loading and unloading and a pair of stairs leading to the upper deck enhances passenger flow.

The ADA-compliant main deck cabin has seating for 114 passengers in a climate controlled interior. In addition the forward doors provide access to the exterior foredeck seating for 16 passengers. The comfort of passengers is addressed with ergonomic seating fitted with tables, a large kiosk serving various snacks and refreshments and five televisions for entertainment. The aft end of the accommodations includes two heads, one of which is ADA compliant.

The upper deck provides a spacious and open view of the environment with seating for 75 total passengers, with 36 under cover. Entertainment is provided by a large screen television centered to seating. The large pilot house is equipped with wing stations and the latest electronics for safe navigation.

The roof above the pilot house is fitted with a station for a naturalist who is tasked with disseminating information to passengers about landmarks and wildlife which are within viewing distance.

While the initial two 2018-built vessels in this series had twin Caterpillar C32 main engines, propulsion for the Coastal Explorer is provided by four EPA Tier 3 Cummins QSK19 rated at 800hp at 2,100rpms driving four Hamilton HM461 waterjets with a service speed of 28 knots at a modest engine load. Active ride control for passenger comfort is provided by a compliment of Humphree interceptors. Electrical power is provided by a pair of Caterpillar C4.4 generating sets.

Specifications- Incat Crowther 30

Principal Dimensions
Length Overall 98’ 4” / 30.0m
Length Waterline 88’ 6” / 27.0m
Beam Overall 28’ 0” / 8.53m
Draft (hull) 4’ 3” / 1.2m
Depth 9’ 10” / 3.0m
Construction Marine grade aluminium

Capacities 
Fuel Oil 2 400 gallons / 9 100 liters
Fresh Water 200 gallons / 757 liters
Sullage 200 gallons / 757 liters
Passengers 150
Crew 4

Propulsion and Performance 
Speed (Service) 28 knots
Speed (Max) 31 knots
Main Engines 4 x Caterpillar C32 ACERT
Power 4 x 800hp @ 2100rpm
Propulsion 4 x Hamilton HM461 Waterjets
Generators 2 x Caterpillar C4.4 75ekW

Regulatory 
Flag USA
Class / Survey Subchapter T