Blount Marine Corporation Commercial Passenger Vessel Dinner Cruise Charter

Both Detroit 12V71 main engines were rebuilt by the Detroit dealer in 2012. All three Detroit 6V71 generator power plants were rebuilt in 2015 including the electrical system components. No hour meters are on the engines but an accurate ships log records all use of engines and generators. The vessel is lightly used being only operated within the harbor for a few hours per charter. Approximately 1,200 hours of use is estimated for the main engines. Less than 1,000 hours of use is estimated for the generators since major refit. Only one generator is typically used at 60 percent capacity for charters.

Hydraulic steering includes primary, backup, and manual systems;
New wiring and 600 amp electrical breaker panel;
Automatic battery charger;

110 volt battery, 36 batteries charged by: engine, shore power, generator

During the 1980s, Blount Marine Corporation built three-deck dinner boats which were placed in operation in major U.S. harbors. These vessels are certified to carry 400 to 600 lunch or dinner passengers for harbor tours.

This boat spent 20 years in fresh water on the Great Lakes as a dinner cruise vessel. She moved to New York and then to Florida where major upgrades were made to convert the vessel for use as a casino. This included three generators to provide 600 KVA electrical capability and upgraded air conditioning systems. The current owners purchased the vessel there and moved her through the Panama Canal to the West Coast and her current location.

Under the current ownership the boat has been through three major refits. In 2010 in Mexico, the entire bottom was re-plated from the keel to the waterline. All frames were inspected and repaired as needed. Two new shafts, propellers, and bearings were installed. The boat was then moved to Canada for service in charter.

Transport Canada (TC) required a haul out inspection in Nanaimo. TC sounded all the plating, all the framing. Pressure tested all the lines and hoses. They went through the entire vessel, and essentially re-designed the boat (to meet Canadian passenger charter vessel use requirements). In Nanaimo both shafts and propellers were replaced again to satisfy TC. The boat went through a third refit to meet the Transport Canada “Over 34 Meters” vessel designation and the vessel was delegated to Class. To meet this requirement an Omega test for steel hardness is required annually.

This boat is certified by Transport Canada to carry 385 passengers and 15 crew in Sheltered Waters. The vessel is busy in operation as a dinner charter vessel and constantly maintained and upgraded. As a US Coast Guard inspected vessel the boat has been certified for 600 passengers in Near Coastal Waters. Blount Marine Corporation is a US manufacturer and the boat thus conforms to the Jones Act for legal charter in US waters.

This is a fully upgraded vessel with exceptional capability for charter operation. The boat features a three deck layout, with a pilothouse aloft and spacious engine room below decks. Plumbing, wiring, insulation, and all key systems have been replaced or upgraded.

Enter the vessel main deck from a gangway ladder or the aft outside deck. The engine room is accessed via a ladder at the aft end of the interior. The interior space is fully open to the maximum beam on this deck. The space can be configured for a variety of charter requirements and provides for expanded seating for dinner cruises. A large bar is forward in this space and includes systems for two beverage service lines and all new cash register systems. A stairway from this deck leads to restrooms on the lower level. The boat is fully configured for day charter operation only and does not have separate crew quarters or overnight accommodations.

Forward on the main deck in the bow area is a full-beam lounge. This can be configured for seating or service as needed. All the way forward is a large walk-in space for life jacket storage. Aft of the lounge is a stairway to the lower deck galley.

The galley on the vessel is remarkable. It is a 900 square foot commercial kitchen with the capability to serve 1,000 meals. Over $100K was recently spent in kitchen equipment alone. It includes a full walk-in refrigerator, six burner electric range, large grill, convection oven, commercial grade equipment including dishwasher, several prep areas, and expansive storage. There is a 500 lbs. capacity ice maker aboard. This galley is often used to prepare meals for the other boats in the charter fleet.

From the center of the main deck a stairway leads to the upper deck. This is also an open area that can be set to accommodate a variety of dining requirements. Doors open to access the outside aft deck, covered side decks, and the open foredeck. A new bar is located on this upper deck and restrooms are forward of the bar area. On the open foredeck is a hydraulic anchor windlass.

From the upper deck exterior stairways forward and aft lead to the upper promenade deck. This space is fully open and provides exceptional views underway. The space can be set up for a variety of requirements and is often set up as a dance deck for wedding and corporate events. Forward on this open deck is an outside bar, a steel framework for a canvas canopy, and exterior stereo speakers for music playback. A 220 amp service has been installed to accommodate the demands of DJs and performing musicians.

All the way forward on the promenade deck is the pilothouse. This is fully equipped for inshore or offshore navigation and conforms to requirements for charter vessel operation with new panels for alarms and electrical systems. Besides having twin engine propulsion the boat includes a 200 HP hydraulic bow thruster to provide for precise maneuvering when docking.

6 burner Electric cooker/stove