Armstrong Marine delivers Glacier Bay catamaran

Serac will operate in Glacier Bay National Park [Photograph: Maddie Hunt Photography]

The Armstrong Marine USA shipyard in Port Angeles, Wash., recently delivered the 45-foot, 8-inch by 16-foot semi-displacement catamaran, Serac, to the National Park Service (NPS) for use in the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

The NPS selected Armstrong Marine’s proposal to build the Jutson Marine design vessel in a competitive solicitation process last year. The vessel will be utilized for crew/cargo transfer and pilot operations in the park.

The shaft and wheel propulsion system is comprised of twin John Deere 200 hp diesel engines, Glendinning controls, ZF85A marine gears, NibraL propellers, and Optimus EPS steering.

A 300-gallon fuel capacity and a Furuno electronics package with autopilot provide critical range and navigation capabilities.

Exterior customizations include a walk-through transom to twin swim platforms, welded aluminum tow post, Rigid LED flood lights, and courtesy lights under the gunwales. The spacious bow deck features 10 recessed cargo tie-downs along with a Kinematics anchor winch. Rubber fendering protects the hull when working alongside other vessels.

In the raised pilothouse, upper, lower, and look-up windows provide excellent visibility. Two Bentley Mariner shock-mitigating seats at the helm and a four-person bench seat/berth combo accommodate captain and crew. The heated main cabin provides bench seating for 12 passengers, a dinette that converts to double berth, and head with hot water.

Thoughtfully placed handrails throughout allow for safe and secure personnel transfers. A removable davit with Lifesling 3 and hoisting tackle can be quickly deployed in the event of a man overboard emergency.

The NPS contract with Armstrong Marine also included a heavy-duty trailer for the vessel, supplied by Hostar Marine Transport Systems.