VESSEL REVIEW | Eagle – Alaskan wilderness tour company acquires whale-watching catamaran

Juneau, Alaska-based Allen Marine Tours has expanded its fleet of sightseeing vessels with the recent acquisition of a newbuild whale-watching boat.

The custom-built, high tunnel catamaran vessel Eagle will be operated out of Sitka. The all-aluminium boat measures 48 by 18 feet (14.6 by 5.4 metres) and is durable enough to withstand choppy seas and other sailing conditions in the Alaskan wilderness. An extended T-transom with a webbed nylon gate ensures safe and comfortable access to the open seas while a spacious deck provides unobstructed views and ample space for guests to move around easily. Four Suzuki 350hp (260kW) outboard engines allow for smooth, safe sailings even when in the midst of marine life.

The vessel has a host of amenities. The interior is carefully designed for both comfort and functionality, featuring Freedman Glitz seats with armrests and lifejacket storage underneath for up to 49 passengers. The main cabin encompasses a full-beam, walk-through design and provides ample legroom, ensuring passengers can effortlessly access different vantage points even as the vessel is underway. A heating system keeps the cabin comfortable enough during extended trips.

Large windows in the main cabin provide passengers with unobstructed views of the surroundings while exterior viewing space is available in both the fore and upper decks.

A raised, closed pilothouse protects the crew from the elements while being high enough to allow the coxswain to see directly ahead even while passengers are viewing wildlife from the foredeck.

For greater safety, the vessel is fitted with watertight bulkheads, watertight hinged hull access hatches, and an extensive bilge system equipped with float switches and high-water alarms. The navigation and communication electronics include a Garmin GPSMAP 8612xsv MFD/sonar, a Class B AIS transponder, and audio equipment.

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