All American Marine, Bellingham, Wash., recently launched the North Star, an 84.5' hydrofoil-assisted aluminum catamaran for Phillips Cruises & Tours. The vessel will operate from Whittier, Alaska, offering glacier and wildlife tours in Prince William Sound.
The high-speed tour boat is the second vessel All American Marine has built for the operator, following the Chugach Express, which Phillips has operated for three Alaska seasons.
Designed by Teknicraft Design, the North Star features a semi-displacement hull, wave-piercing bow and dynamic hydrofoil system. The vessel is certified under Coast Guard Subchapter T for up to 150 passengers.
Propulsion consists of four Scania DI16 082M engines rated at 800 hp each, driving four MJP 350X waterjets. The arrangement matches that aboard the Chugach Express.
One change from the sistership is increased fuel capacity. The North Star carries 1,600 gals., compared with 1,200 gals. aboard the Chugach Express, providing additional operating range.
According to All American Marine, operating experience with the first vessel demonstrated that the hull could accommodate the additional fuel weight without compromising speed, efficiency or ride quality. The increase did not require a hull redesign.
AAM said the hull and hydrofoil system are designed to reduce vessel accelerations underway and provide motion damping at rest. For Phillips, those characteristics are intended to help maintain passenger comfort and tour schedules in Prince William Sound’s changing sea conditions.
WorkBoat has reached out to All American Marine for additional specifications and an updated photo of the North Star.
