Armstrong Marine delivers landing craft to Chenega community

OMC is named in honor of “Old Man Charley,” Charles William Selanoff, Sr., the last Chief on Chenega Island prior to a 1964 earthquake and tsunami which devastated the tribe’s village. Photo by Maddie Hunt Photography

Port Angeles, Wash., based Armstrong Marine USA has delivered the 46’ x 15’ high-tunnel catamaran OMC was recently delivered to the native Chenega community in Chinega Bay, Alaska, after successful launch and sea trials in Port Angeles Harbor.

The vessel is named in honor of “Old Man Charley,” Charles William Selanoff, Sr., the last Chief on Chenega Island prior to a 1964 earthquake and tsunami which devastated the tribe’s village.

Last fall, the Chenega Future corporation selected Armstrong Marine USA to design and build the vessel for the tribe’s use.

The vessel features seating for 15, a bunk room for four, full head with walk-in shower, and full-service galley.Angeles Harbor. Last fall, the Chenega Future corporation selected Armstrong Marine USA to design and build the vessel for the tribe’s use. OMC features seating for 15, a bunk room for 4, full head with walk-in shower, and full-service galley.

The Chenega community will utilize OMC in support of regional development projects and fishing, promoting Chenega Future’s goals of self-sufficiency and self-determination.

OMC immediately entered service upon arrival in Alaska’s Prince William Sound region in early June

As a landing craft with full bow-picker function for gillnet operations, OMC is the first of its kind. Armstrong’s design, paired with a Kinematics Marine Equipment gillnet reel and bow roller, are well-suited for the tribe’s fishing. A davit with pinch hauler, also from Kinematics, supplements the fishing package.

Quad 350hp Suzuki Outboards paired with Optimus 360 steering power the vessel. Twin 300-gallon fuel tanks provide crucial range in remote Alaskan waters, navigated with a Garmin Marine/NMEA electronics package, including a Garmin GC 10 marine camera.

OMC also provides cargo transport with 16 recessed tie-downs on the forward working deck and a hydraulic drop bow door with hinged extension. The landing craft is also outfitted with two side boarding doors, engine guards, a removable tow-post at the extended T-transom, a rooftop dinghy storage rack, Kinematics anchor winch, and Rigid Industries – LED Lighting deck lights.

Two Webasto Marine forced air diesel heaters heat the full-width walk-through cabin. Bench seating and a shock mitigating Bentley’s Manufacturing Patriot helm chair accommodate captain and crew. Six can sleep on board – four in the enclosed bunk room, plus two more at the converted dinette. The galley features a Force 10 three-burner cooktop, Norcold Inc. refrigerator, and bar sink with Scandvik faucet. A corner shower maximizes space in the head. Twelve USB ports are located at the dash, bunks, dinette, and galley.