VESSEL REVIEW | Madison Lynne – Heavy duty catamaran harbour launch for San Francisco Bay Area

Vallejo, California-based Lind Marine, through its Moose Boats boatbuilding division, has handed over a new harbour launch to Westar Marine Services of San Francisco. Named Madison Lynne after the daughter of Westar operations manager Eric Morrow, the newbuild will be operated in the San Francisco Bay Area on duties including crew/passenger transfer and cargo transport.

The newbuild has a length of 75 feet (22.86 metres), a draught of only 3.25 feet (0.99 metres), and capacities for up to 28 passengers, including 25 seated in the main cabin, as well as 15,000 pounds (6,803 kilograms) of cargo. The carrying capacities are greater than those of earlier vessels in the Westar launch fleet.

The passenger cabin also features USB charging ports, storage space underneath the seats, a toilet, and a crew lounge with a kitchenette and a beverage station.

The propulsion system includes a Volvo Penta IPS with two D13 700hp (521kW) engines connected to podded thrusters fitted in the catamaran hulls. The propulsion arrangement allows Madison Lynne to reach a top speed of 27 knots and turn on its own length or even manoeuvre sideways without the need for separate bow thrusters.

The wheelhouse contains the primary helm station as well as joysticks for controlling both the port and starboard podded thrusters for more precise manoeuvring, such as when operating alongside other vessels during transfers. A secondary aft steering station is also available with a helm, a radio, and electronic throttles similar to those found in the wheelhouse. This allows the sole crewmember to safely manoeuvre the vessel when alongside without having to change its orientation.

The wheelhouse and the passenger cabin are each fitted with an HVAC system. The wheelhouse electronics include a GPS and radars from Furuno, an AIS from em-trak, Rose Point navigation software, ICOM radios, and displays from Green Marine Monitors.

The 1,200-gallon (4,542-litre) fuel capacity meanwhile enables the vessel to sail for up to 400 nautical miles. For its electrical supply requirements, the vessel relies on a Northern Lights 25kW generator installed in the port hull. Also installed is a Novec 1230 fire suppression system from 3M.

Madison Lynne was built in compliance to US Coast Guard Subchapter T requirements.