Bay Weld Boats, Homer, Alaska, has delivered the 56'x18' overnight charter vessel Samantha Jules to Tundra Adventure Charters for operations in Prince William Sound.
Delivered in April, the aluminum monohull was designed in house. The vessel is privately owned and leased back to the charter company for adventure charters throughout Alaska. The vessel was designed and constructed as a U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T inspected passenger vessel with a Coastwise endorsement for multi-day charter operations, including fishing, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and expedition travel.
Built from 5086, 5052, and 6061 aluminum, the hull features 1/4" bottom plating and 3/16" side plating.
Propulsion is provided by twin Volvo Penta D13 diesel engines rated at 800 hp each, coupled to Volvo IPS 1050 drives for a combined output of 1,600 hp. The propulsion package includes Volvo IPS joystick controls, assisted docking, and dynamic positioning capabilities. A Sleipner SEP170 proportional bow thruster is integrated into the control system, while Volvo's autopilot and vessel management systems provide navigation and steering functions.
Designed for extended charter operations, Samantha Jules carries approximately 1,500 gals. of fuel and 800 gals. of fresh water. The vessel is certificated to carry up to 22 passengers and operates with a crew of three. Accommodations include multiple private staterooms, forward V-berth cabins, dedicated crew quarters, and a main salon with convertible dinettes, providing sleeping accommodations for approximately 17 passengers and crew combined.
The interior includes a full-service galley equipped with residential-style appliances, multiple enclosed heads with shower facilities, custom cabinetry, and large windows throughout passenger spaces.
Ship's service power is supplied by a marine diesel generator with shore power and inverter support. Heating is provided through a diesel-fired hydronic system with zoned climate controls, supplemented by forced-air heating in the pilothouse and crew spaces.
Navigation electronics center on a Garmin integrated bridge system that includes radar, sonar, AIS, and VHF communications, through multiple networked displays. A Garmin Surround View camera system monitors camera’s throughout the vessel, and also provides a live birds-eye view for docking and maneuvering in tight quarters. Volvo propulsion, engine data, and autopilot are integrated into the helm interface.
Bay Weld's general manager and lead designer Brad Conley noted the boatbuilder conducts all engineering oversight in-house.
Deck equipment includes a hydraulic anchor winch and capstan, along with a Steelhead E1500 hydraulic crane featuring a 12' reach for handling tenders and equipment. The vessel is also outfitted with kayak-launching systems, fishing gear storage, rod holders, and walkaround side decks to support passenger movement and expedition activities.
For nearshore exploration, Samantha Jules carries a 17' Highfield rigid hull inflatable boat with a 10-passenger capacity, powered by a 100-hp Yamaha outboard.
"The mission of this boat is to take clientele out and experience the ruggedness of Alaska, but to experience it from a comfortable, safe home base. And that's what the Samantha Jules is," said Bay Weld owner Eric Engrebretsen.
Bay Weld said the Samantha Jules reflects a growing trend among Alaska charter operators toward larger, longer-range vessels capable of supporting multi-day passenger experiences while maintaining the durability and low-maintenance characteristics associated with aluminum construction.
