Blount Boats Delivers New Casco Bay Ferry

Blount Boats & Shipyard, located in Warren, RI, recently completed the 110-foot passenger ferry WABANAKI contracted by the State of Maine Department of Transportation for the Casco Bay Island Transit District. The design specifications were developed by Rolls-Royce for the 399 passenger US Coast Guard Sub-Chapter K vessel that will operate year round ferry service to six islands in Casco Bay, Portland, Maine.

The vessel is equipped with (2) electronically controlled Caterpillar C-18 Tier II diesel engines that meet the latest EPA standards, complete with (2) Twin Disc MGX-516 Marine Gears and ZF Mathers engine controls and shaft brake systems. Additional features include a 50HP Wesmar Electric Bow Thruster System, (6) Mathers control stations, a 400,000 BTU Burnham Boiler, a Jastram Electro-Hydraulic Steering System with controls for six stations and a 2000 pound capacity passenger/light freight elevator to meet latest ADA regulations. Other features include (2) ADA compliant bathrooms, recycled lumber seating throughout the vessel, vintage style rounded stern and functioning stack.

Blount Boats is pleased to announce that the Wabanaki, hull #335 will mark the eighth vessel built for the Casco Bay Island Transit District. Over the last 57 years, the Blount shipyard has built a total of seven vessels for Casco Bay: AUCOCISCO II (1953), EMITA II (1953), ABENAKI (1963), ISLAND HOLIDAY (1967), ISLAND ADVENTURE (1968), ISLAND ROMANCE (1973), and MACHIGONNE (1987).