The Vessel - Pontchartrain Express 1


(Information provided by Geo Shipyard, Inc.)


The fast ferry Pontchartrain Express 1 was built by Geo Shipyard, Inc., New Iberia, LA, and designed by Viking Fast Craft Solutions, LLC. This 24.6 m x 7.3 m (81' x 24.') Catamaran vessel will service passengers on Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. She is a US Coast Guard Sub Chapter T inspected vessel certified for 149 passengers. The seating on this vessel is abundant, in the main deck cabin aft (rear) section there are 44 comfortable reclining seats built by Arduous, Inc. In the forward section, 53 cushioned bench type settee seats built by Sterlings Upholstery, Inc., with tables in between. There is a padded bench on the stern (back end) for 9 people. On the front deck there is padded stadium seating for 21 people, great for Tours and enjoying the view. On the upper deck aft (rear) there are 57 padded bench seats. Vessel is also handicapped accessible.

There is a lounge just behind the pilothouse on the upper deck for 15 passengers, and also equipped with a small bar and a private rest room. We intend to use this area for our Executive Level/Preferred seating. In the main cabin forward there is a large bar for refreshments, it is here that we intend to have the Mandeville based coffee shop & caterer offer refreshments, lights snacks and newspapers. Also in this area are two restrooms, one Handicapped, three plasma screen monitors, free wireless internet and a first-rate stereo/PA system. Walls are covered by fabric, and the floor with carpeting.

The Pontchartrain Express 1 hull form is a hydrofoil-supported catamaran utilizing the HYSUCAT technology. The hydrofoil-supported catamaran (HYSUCAT) is a hybrid of a planning catamaran and hydrofoil systems. The catamaran offering high initial stability and large deck areas, while the hydrofoils provide reduced resistance resulting in lower propulsion power requirements and dampened motion. There is a main foil/wing near the middle and a foil/wing aft, called the CARE ride control system. These foils/wings help achieve the most effective speed and fuel consumption for various weight configurations during the ride. The hydrofoils also lift the hull higher when planing (plane-ing) which greatly reduced the height and energy content of the wake. In addition, the foils/wings work as stabilizers when the Lake is choppy.

The noise levels on the ferry are very comfortable over the full range of cruising speeds and top speed. Viking FCS with its associates performed an advanced noise and vibration analysis using a computer model of the hull and propulsion system. This analysis also utilized data measured on past foil supported catamaran vessels, and defined the most effective noise treatment options to keep noise levels comfortable. It can be noted that noise level predictions were not exceeded during trials.

Pontchartrain Express 1 - Specifications

Overall Length: 81' 0"
Overall Breadth: 24' 2"
Fuel Capacity: 1500 gallons
Fresh Water Capacity: 400 gallons
Sewage Capacity: 400 gallons
Passengers: 149
Main Engine Power: 2 x 1400 HP Caterpillar C32
Maximum Speed: 33 knots or 38 mph
Gross Tonnage: 86 tons
Draft: 4' 6"
Cruising Speed 29.5 knots or 34 mph