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January, 2006 • MarineNews 27 By Larry Pearson The growth of the passenger vessel industry seems closely linked to Ameri- cans love affair with eating out in style. "Most of our passenger vessels go to cities that have large populations of peo- ple who enjoy not only eating out, but a unique experience as well," said Dan Nel- son, VP of sales for Skipperliner, a major builder of these vessels located in Lacrosse, Wisc. Vessels built in 2005 include several Subchapter K vessels, two of which form the main body of this report. Subchapter K vessels are allowed to carry more pas- sengers than the 149-passenger Suchapter T vessels: sometimes a lot more. To carry the extra passengers, the Coast Guard requires the vessels to carry considerably more structural fire protection and more lifesaving gear. California Spirit A prime example of a large "K" vessel is the California Spirit, capable of carry- ing 600 passengers or 450 seated at tables in two large dining rooms for meal ser- vice. The 160- x 37-ft. vessel was built for San Diego Harbor Excursions, San Diego, Calif. "The lines and outward appearance is that of a private mega yacht," said Andy Lebet, partner in the naval architecture firm of DeJong & Lebet, Jacksonville, Fla. The California Spirit was built by Keith Marine, Palatka. The shipbuilder has built megayachts as well as a series of Sir Win- ston "K" vessels. Captain Winston Knauss The California Spirit features a deluxe interior package to carry out the mega yacht look. "We used the maximum amount of wood trims and veneers along with a leather-like wall covering and a coffered ceiling to create a very warm- rich toned look," Lebet added. The wood finish and other combustibles meant the architects had to submit a detailed fire load calculation to the Coast Guard to get this vessel approved. In addition to an opulent interior, the boat is "clear span" with no interior stan- chions over its 37-ft. beam, again adding to the luxurious and open look of the inte- rior spaces. The vessel makes considerable use of hull spaces. A 900 square ft. galley con- nects to a 500 sq. ft. storeroom that includes an 8 x 10-ft. cooler and the same size walk-in freezer as well as space for PASSENGER VESSEL ANNUAL Luxury Dinner Boats Fuel Passenger Vessel Growth Ovation will give Infinity Yacht Charters a larger capacity vessel for charters of 150 plus people. (Photo: Skipperliner) JANUARY MN2006 4(25-32).qxd 1/4/2006 8:08 PM Page 27
