Amaroo Cruises receives new catamaran whale-watching vessel
Australia's New South Wales-based Amaroo Cruises has received its new catamaran vessel, which has been specifically designed for whale-watching.
Australia’s New South Wales-based Amaroo Cruises has received its new catamaran vessel, which has been specifically designed for whale-watching.
The 24m-long vessel, Amaroo 2000, has been built by Aluminium Marine in Queensland and designed by Australia-based Incat Crowther.
Incat Crowther has designed the vessel to help balance a low draft hull for lake operation with strong ocean-going seakeeping, whilst keeping air draft to a minimum. It is the third vessel designed by the company for Amaroo Cruises.
In addition, the vessel features a fully loaded navigational draft of 0.85m, wide hulls, an isolated deck house, optimised propulsion and structure, and a kiosk located aft in the cabin.
"Its design provides the captain with increased visibility and offers more space on the main deck for whale-watching passengers."
Amaroo 2000, which meets the latest NSCV regulations for access, has the capacity to accommodate 101 passengers inside, with additional spaces for up to five wheelchairs. The uppder deck of the vessel has seats for 70 passengers.
The vessel is equipped with a foldable bimini cover for use during transit under the bridge at high tide. Its design provides the captain with increased visibility and offers more space on the main deck for whale-watching passengers.
The carrier is fitted with two Yanmar 6HYM-WET main engines that help it achieve a maximum speed in excess of 27k and a service speed of 25k during sea trials.
Image: Amaroo Cruises’ new catamaran whale-watching vessel. Photo: courtesy of INCAT CROWTHER PTY. LTD.