The New All American Marine Cat takes watchers to view California’s whales by Mark Clevenger

The 22.7 meter Teknicraft designed catamaran ‘Condor Express’ braved the often demanding winter coastal waters between Bellingham, Washington, and its home port of Santa Barbara early in March to begin service in the scenic waters off that California city. The vessel, another of the Teknicraft Design catamarans built by All American Marine, is the first jet-powered catamaran to operate out of Santa Barbara.

A picturesque city on the Pacific, Santa Barbara is also home to commercial fishing boats and tour boat operators like Captain Fred Benko. He will use ‘Condor Express’ primarily for whale watching. Blue whales and humpback whales cruise the California coast in summer, while grey whales pass on their way to and from Baja California in the winter.
Benko, a one-time fishing boat captain, has operated Condor Cruises since 1973. A family man with three children, Benko is something of a rarity among the hard- bitten skippers along the coast. He has an MBA from George Washington University of Washington, DC.

He was all seaman as he took ‘Condor Express’ out on Bellingham Bay last month.

An uncommonly bright if chilly day greeted ‘Condor Express’ as Captain Benko guided the jaunty catamaran to smoothly split the waters of Bellingham Bay. Despite the short chop throwing sparkles back at a misty sun, ‘Condor Express’ ran smoothly, setting up twin flat wakes. One of the superlatives observers are using about the Teknicraft design is the low wake wash the design produces.

 
Condor Express Specifications
 

‘Condor Express’ will be used primarily for whale watching and dinner cruises, with occasional weddings, funerals, and educational excursions. The vessel offers a full galley and an audiovisual system that not only will display videos but footage recorded by divers below the boat.

“This boat will cut our travel time to the Channel Islands from three hours to one,” Benko said. “We will be able to make the run from Santa Barbara to the vicinity of the Channel Islands twice a day now instead of the one day our current 10 knot boat gives us.” The boat will carry three crew members and 149 passengers at a cruising speed of 28 knots.

Benko pointed out that the vessel had made 43.7 knots during trials the week before, with a load aboard simulating the 152 persons the boat will carry.

‘Condor Express’ is powered by four 14 liter Series 60 Detroit Diesel “D-DEK” engines developing 552kW at 2,300rpm. Jet drives involve Hamilton 362 water jets. The auxiliary generator is a 20kW Nor Pro from Isuzu. ZF Mathers provided engine controls.

‘Condor Express’ has a draft of one meter. It has a fuel capacity of 7,600 liters and a potable water capacity of 570 liters. The vessel is built of AA5083-H31 aluminum alloy.

Teknicraft has been working with All American Marine for several years, with one of the most notable collaborations resulting in ‘Chilkat Express’ (WBW October 2001).

All American and Teknicraft Joined forces in the US when the Bellingham yard sought a partner in developing a line of commercial boats. All American has now built a number of Teknicraft designs. Structural design of ‘Condor Express’ was in accordance with Special Service Craft Rules of Lloyd’s Register. Design was approved by the USCG in accordance with provisions of 46CFR, Subchapter T.

Keys to the efficient and seaworthy operation of the Teknicraft catamarans lie in a complex of design elements. Hulls consist of a combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical sponson shapes. A symmetrical bow section ensures directional stability in short swells and following seas according to company literature. The asymmetrical midsections and aft sections ensure “softness” of ride. General midships geometry reduces vertical acceleration forces.

Hydrodynamic lift is produced by a hydrofoil affixed amidships between hulls. Foils are also placed inside hulls at the s~ern. Ride for passengers and crew is smoothed by longitudinal chines on the inside of the tunnel and one outside to add strength and to create a “cushion” for the boat. There is a wedged shaped wave piercer at the bow. Hydrodynamic shape allows the vessel to bank when turning.

All American Marine is now building an 18.6 meter catamaran that will be used as a research boat at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and in the Santa Barbara Channel. It will have secondary duties in education and emergency response duties, as well.

For further information contact: All American Marine, 201 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA. PH: +13606477602, FAX: +13606477607, e-mail: sales@allamericanmarine.com