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Three Jewels Atlantic Marine, Inc., Ft. Georges Island, Fla., delivered The Diamond Lady and The Emerald Lady, two 201-foot sternwheel ca- sino/dinner vessels for Steamboat Development Corporation of Dav- enport, Iowa. The vessels, built at a cost of $8 million apiece, have an authentic 1890's design specially developed by John W. Gilbert, owner of Boston-based John W. Gil- bert Associates, Inc. Interior Design International of Seattle, Wash., complements Mr. Gilbert's 1890's theme with its dis- tinctive Victorian period interiors design. Gilded Philippine ma- hogany, Aubusson-style carpet, carved Victorian glass panels, sconces, crystal chandeliers, marble/ avonite counter tops, and embossed ceiling panels make the two sisters some of the most elegant inland pas- senger vessels afloat. Powering each vessel are three Caterpillar 3412 main diesel en- gines, rated at 671 horsepower each, two of which drive screw propellers and a third, the functional rear paddlewheel. The riverboat can operate by using the paddlewheel alone, the paddlewheel and screw propellers together, or the screw propellers alone. The top speed is about 9-1/2 knots. The Diamond Lady and The Em- erald Lady are berthed in Iowa and cruise the Mississippi River with calls at Keokuk, Fort Madison, and Burlington. Each carries a maxi- mum of 1,200 passengers. The third of the three-vessel con- tract for Steamboat Development, the Golden Lady, will be slightly larger than her sisters at 227 feet and is expected to be delivered shortly. DIAMOND LADY/EMERALD LADY Equipment List Main engines (2) Caterpillar Reduction gears Twin Disc Generators Caterpillar Generator engines Caterpilla Propellers Michigan Wheel Engine monitoring equipment Murphy Steering system Control General Coatings International Paint Keel coolers Fernstrum Air compressors Quincy Thrusters Schottel Capstans McElroy VHF radios Standard Radar Furuno Compass Ritchie Searchlights Carlisle & Finch Doors Deansteel Mfg. New Life As Gambling Boat Steiner Shipyard is converting a 190-foot oilfield supply boat to a gambling vessel with two other in- vestors. Steiner has stripped her down to her main deck and added a modern three-deck steel superstruc- ture. Called the Mirage, she can accommodate 450 passengers plus gaming equipment, lounges, bars and food preparation and serving areas. The main deck and the sec- ond deck are totally enclosed with stern walk around areas while the third deck has an enclosed area for- ward with an open sun deck aft. A pair of 1,125-hp Caterpillar D- 399 diesel engines are used for pro- pulsion, while two other engines are used to generate 430 kw of electric- ity. A fifth Caterpillar engine drives a bow thruster, giving the boat ex- cellent maneuverability. Steiner believes this vessel has several advantages for a prospec- tive gaming operator. "First the owner can put a large casino onboard," said Mr. Steiner, "and have room for food service, bars, a dance floor and the other amenities passengers are looking for. "Secondly, our vessel offers the flexibility to be used dockside and can cruise offshore. Plus it can be delivered in four months, while new boats this size will take nine months to a year to build." Two Vessels In One Florida naval architects DeJong & Lebet, together with the Connelly Group, developed the articulated power unit/passenger barge concept in 1984. This development culmi- nated in the Pittsburgh-based din- ner/excursion boat Majestic and was used in the construction of the Belle of St. Louis. The goal of the power (continued) A Jewel Of A Design The Emerald Lady... Designed by John W. Gilbert & Associates and patterned after the most successful sternwheelers of the late 1800's, the "Hudson" and the "Queen City," " The Emerald Lady," twin sister of "The Diamond Lady," offers the grandeur of the original 19th Century Steamboats with rich Victorian interiors on four decks of casinos, gift shops, passenger lounge, main dining room and upper dining areas and children's arcade. Coast Guard approved for 1000 people, "The Emerald Lady" will call on the Ports of Keokuk, Fort Madison and Burlington, Iowa. For over 25 years, John W. Gilbert & Associates has been known for excellence and innovation in design of all types of riverboats and coastal vessels. JOHN W. GILBERT & ASSOCIATES, INC. Naval Architects & Marine Engineers for over 25 years 66 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 (617)523-8370 (617)523-2178 fax August, 1991 Circle 304 on Reader Service Card 45
