When All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) set out to build the second of three low-wake, high-speed passenger vessels for Kitsap Transit, they were faced with high targets for speed, efficiency and durability. Alexseal and our West Coast Sales Manager Alex Sandas stepped up to the challenge for providing a coatings system that meets or exceeds the builder’s and operators’ requirements. With new custom colors, Tangerine Orange and Teal, we also ensured the ferry would look stunning at rest or at speed.
The design of this new vessel was based on an evolution of the ultra-low-wake hull designed by Teknicraft in Auckland, New Zealand. Teknicraft’s patented hydrofoil-assisted hull design is proven to have an industry leading low-wake signature that will not degrade sensitive shorelines. Completing over 100 passages each week from port to port, with dozens of passengers on every trip, the durability of the coatings and finished surfaces was also a high priority that Alexseal fulfilled.
The 78’ Reliance is an aluminum catamaran with a composite superstructure equipped to carry 118 passengers with a registered service speed of 37 knots. Even with different grades of aluminum and aluminum alloy in the build, accompanied by advanced composites including carbon fiber, applicators had no issues applying Alexseal coatings to every inch of this vessel above the waterline.
The Reliance was launched in Bellingham, Washington on March 6, 2019, and underwent extensive sea trials and wake-wash testing. Her impressive paint scheme which includes a custom color Tangerine Orange pilot house and custom color Teal wave graphic over the Matterhorn White topcoat make her a standout in the fleet, but also aids in safety during periods of unfavorable weather including rain and dense fog.
“Reliance is not your typical ferry, it was built to be very lightweight and to fly smoothly through the wake sensitive zone,” explains Matt Mullett, CEO for All American Marine. “This vessel was strictly modeled on the proven hull design, but additional enhancements and modernizations were added without hampering performance.”
All American Marine’s new shipyard has provided an expanded capacity and production capabilities for both additional and larger vessels. In fact, the sistership to Reliance, Lady Swift is currently under construction at AAM and will launch in the summer of 2019, protected by Alexseal coatings from waterline to the hardtop. The launch of these advanced vessels and AAM’s partnership with Alexseal Yacht Coatings further exemplifies AAM’s position as a technological innovator in the marketplace.
ABOUT ALL AMERICAN MARINE:
All American Marine Inc., located on the shores of Bellingham Bay, was founded in 1987 and specializes in the construction of custom-tailored aluminum vessels. Today, the company has become a leading builder of high-speed passenger boats, hybrid vessels, dinner cruise boats, and research vessels.
