catamaran commercial

1065 Island Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 USA tel:727-934-6055   -   fax: 727-937-0650

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Pedigree Cats

Pedigree Cats specialize in building 100% custom , luxurious multihulls; power catamarans, sail catamarans and trimarans, with many amenities included as standard features.  Pedigree Cats is the custom builder in the United States, using a USA-skilled labor force with proven composite building materials.  We offer a variety of different catamaran models ranging from 60′ to 150′ and top designers for our customers to work with in designing their ultimate catamaran.    We have been building custom composite multihulls since 1975.

Catamarans are created by the clients, working with designers and concept artist to get exactly what YOU want!

Our custom yachts are constructed under ABYC standards with EC compliant components and hardware.  The catamaran hulls are constructed using Airex foam core, E-glass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, vinylester or epoxy resins. Pedigree Cats Catamarans are custom builders of your catamaran and, with factory direct sales, you can expect great savings.

Next to Launch:   Available for Completion!

Frequently asked questions.

If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact us! 

[email protected] (360) 942-2810

CAT OR TRI?

Taken from The Design File, Tony Grainger Yacht Design. 

“CATS have become more popular for cruising mainly because of the accommodation space and privacy they provide and because for a given length they are faster and cheaper to build than a trimaran.  TRIS, on the other hand, provide good performance through a wider range of conditions than catamarans, and can also be effective for cruising by utilizing flare above the waterline in the main hull, and by fitting aft cabins where additional privacy is required in the accommodation layout. Apart from the accommodation, the trimaran provides a more forgiving motion in a sea way and better resistance to pitching if the hull shapes are well designed, and the wide beam allows it to carry more sail in fresh conditions. Against these advantages is the fact that a cat will require less berthing space and is likely to be more maneuverable in close quarters if twin diesels are fitted. Also, the cat will have a more steady motion than a tri while sailing downwind.”

I built my first multihull in the 70’s and it was a Trimaran, foam cored, TriStar design, a great multihull.  Now I am building a cat for my wife and I, mainly because of the room, very wide main salon and stateroom and big aft deck and flybridge.  The Tri was maybe a bit more sea kindly than the cat will be, but besides not having to build a third hull, she will be a bit faster as well as maybe a bit more economical.

Can I have what I want ?

But you must stay in the boundaries of the designer structural requirements i.e.. mast placement, weight to be carried and where. All the multihulls we have built over the last 42 years, have been what the clients have wanted, inside and out. Once they find the size they think will work, we find the basic design and designer for their dream platform to create it.

The final look is up to you, either with your drawing or pictures or work with one of several concept artists we know to help. Same with the interior, your interior designer, pictures or cut out from magazine of things you would like or we can line you up with someone to help. You work directly with these people, pay them directly to go as far as you want or need to, the do not work for Pedigree.

How long does it take to build your dream?

Based on our first price estimate, a basic 60′ power or sail typically takes about 24 months. This would be a very nice Cat, but not a lot of fancy, expensive items on board (gold faucets etc.) Engines, hydraulic steering, electric heads, windlass, gen.set, etc., very nice, but not a lot of goodies. The second price we show is with almost everything clients really want onboard, Watermaker, A/C, Shore boat, TV (s), fancy wood decor and custom items and electronics. This, of course, also adds more time to construct, maybe 6 months, You can also have us build to a certain stage and you take her home and finish the build or stretch out the time to build to fit your schedule or investments. If you add 6 months to each of these times, it would be for a 75′-85′ and 6 months to that and you would be in the 100′ range.

Taking her home from here or maybe cruise the San Juan islands, inside passage to Alaska first. Clients have also taken them to Vancouver and had them shipped to Florida or hire a crew to deliver them to where they want.

Why does Pedigree Catamarans, Inc. post our prices online?

We have been building multihulls since 1975 and we know how many hours each boat should take to build, even custom boats since we do not build production boats.  Other companies may not have built or built enough boats to determine the cost.  Granted boat costs vary directly with the customer’s requirements, however the hull build should not vary much.

Also, we do not have “salesmen.”   We are a owner/operated business that talks directly with each customer based on our 42 years of boating and cruising experience.  We believe that you want a cat of your own, not what a production builder thinks everyone should have.

I would be very leery of a company who wants large deposits up front and can’t provide basic prices to a customer.  What we are hearing now from people that have paid a large deposit up front, only find the builder wants more and more and exceeded their guess of the cost and time line.  Then the worst, they want more money or they will sell the cat to someone else, holding it for ransom from the highest bidder,  Our clients chose to pay as we build and the cat is 100% theirs from the start and definitely no large deposit up front. 

How much does a custom catamaran cost?

The cost of a custom Pedigree catamaran, constructed with foam core, composite construction is very close to that of a production built yacht.  The advantage is, you will have exactly what you want and the disadvantage is, it will take a little while to build.

Charter cats are generally a lot less expensive. They do not need the big ticket luxury items, such as water makers, A/C, big gen. sets, fancy interiors, etc.

When we have an opening to start a new project, you can have just the hulls built and finish the catamaran yourself at a considerable savings at your home port.  If you wish, we can provide you with a cat at what ever stage you like. For example, we can fit the engines and aide in completion and when you are ready to launch, we can arrange that as well.

Most of our catamarans are fully loaded and ready for cruising.  We have listed the average cost clients have spent on our amenities and pricing page. For a list of some of amenities included in a Pedigree Cat and the average prices, click on the “Amenities & Pricing” button available from most pages on our site.

Over the last 20 years, the clients have chosen to pay as we build and they have approved to have done as well as what we purchase for them, engines etc.. 

All and all, we can provide just about anything you and your budget can imagine. Our goal is to get you out there to enjoy the fun with  the exact Catamaran you have always wanted.

I think we are about the only builder that shows you the price you might spend on you dream, it’s up to you and what you want and need.

Why do Production Cats depreciate so much more than a quality custom built cat?

Several reasons. One might be, that every cat produced is probably from the same mold and in most cases, several years old and not updated or no improvements incorporated over any previously produced. Thus no real reason to get a new one if you can get the same one used for a lot less. The owners must lower their asking price far enough below the new ones that it will make it desirable. The price on the same new cat, next year, must be in line pricewise, in the marketing field to be sold, thus last years model must be substantially lower.

The production cats do not provide the clients with what they expected in a catamaran. Lacking in performance, require a lot of power to move them at a reasonably expected speed, to narrow to give the stability and the room onboard they were led to believe they would have. Deeper draft than expected, very heavy solid fiberglass construction, noisy, sinkable, sweat and hard to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. Most are imported and can not be used for charter in US waters.

One of our custom built multihulls came up for sale, built in 1980 and sold for $60,000 more than it cost the owners to have it built back then.

Even today, we have people trying to buy the clients cat we are constructing from the client and at a substantial amount more than they have into their dream. Problem is, this is their dream and it is not up for sale.

O.K. - I am interested in a Catamaran. What do I do next?

Step 1 – What type and length do I need?

Step 2 –  What is included and how much is it going to cost?

Step 3 – Contact Us

Read the details >>>

Let us build your custom dream yacht!

Gary habersetzer started building multihulls in 1975 in washington..

In the late 70’s, the first Airex foam core Trimaran in the USA, a TriStar 42′ “Amenity” was built by Gary.  The designer, Ed Horstman was as excited as he was to build a composite Multihull and ended up writing an instruction manual based on Airex information in conjunction with ABS standards.  At that time, there was no one in the USA that was building composite Multihulls.

Bloomfield 86’ Custom Catamaran

This is a great place to start if you ever wanted a custom catamaran…saving over 2 years of construction time.

Now, about the custom catamaran…..This cat is 86′ long and 42′ wide and with keels and can be beached or set on a spit at low tide to do clean up or repaint bottoms. She is a custom composite catamaran built with Airex foam core, tri- and bi-axial fabric and Vinylester resin, carbon fiber and epoxy resin, Kevlar where needed for beaching.

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Handcrafted. Custom. Catamarans.

NEW MODEL - The perfect family boat is here. Doesn’t matter if you like pulling up to sandbar parties, cruising around a lake, or nosing up on an island, the Harpoon will provide everyone with a fun time on the water.

NEW MODEL - This shallow draft Bay Boat will get you everywhere you want to go. With an in-class leading amount of deck space, there is more than enough room to carry duck decoys, beach bags, and comfortably enjoy the water with your whole crew.

22SF Catamaran

A popular model throughout the Southeast, these smooth-riding catamarans are equally capable of taking the family for a joy ride or cutting through some chop in the ICW.

25SF Catamaran

Available with single or twin motors, the 25SF can make getting offshore a breeze. A spacious boat that is easy to maneuver and capable of going anywhere on the water.

29SF Catamaran

This catamaran can be customized for any boater. If you prefer a sunset cruise in the river, or you want to spend all day bringing in Wahoo, this cat can be customized for whatever you desire.

32SF Catamaran

Used by fishermen and fire departments in the Southeast, our 32’ catamaran gives you plenty of space for all your charter guests.

35SF Catamaran

Our largest boat gives you the size and range for any type of fishing, anywhere you want to go. Customize this with an upper station and a huge coffin box.

Aluminum Hulls

At twice the strength of fiberglass, our lifetime guaranteed aluminum hulls will provide you with a supremely maneuverable boat that can travel faster and with less draft, all while providing a safe boating experience.

Catamaran Design

Catamaran hulls provide a softer, more stable ride with exceptional efficiency all while providing optimal deck space due to wider beams. The lower center of gravity will give you a ride with the least impact.

2 Decades of Experience

A track record of over two decades of building custom aluminum boats ensures that you will be getting the boat you deserve. Boats built by artisans dedicated to delivering the perfect vessel for you.

Built by Artisans

The Cape Fear Cats team of artisans is invested in seeing your boat all the way through from design to delivery. Our in-house welders, fabricators, riggers, and painters are able to build your boat 100% on site.

We craft all of our 100% aluminum boats to your specific design. Our commercial strength hulls will provide you a top of the line boating and fishing experience.

• OUR MISSION
• UNIQUE DESIGN
• FUEL EFFICIENT
• CONSTRUCTION
• ALL VESSELS
• PASSENGER VESSELS
• HYBRID VESSELS
• OTHER VESSELS

• Jobs & Careers
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THE ALL AMERICAN DIFFERENCE

Whether it’s a high speed catamaran passenger ferry, a monohull cruise boat, or a government research vessel, we know each of our operator’s needs are unique.

This is why we do not conform their objectives to fit existing designs. We work on every detail of the mission of each vessel prior to production, to ensure the most operator-friendly, fuel-efficient, and best performing vessel in its class. All American Marine is at the forefront of aluminum vessel design and manufacturing. Our team is committed to guiding you through each step of the process, and we deliver great value on a vessel that is truly unique to its specific application.

Government Contracts:

Duns #: 86-731-6010 cage#: 3fpe7.

Innovation is at our core whether it’s building North America’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial vessel or fuel-efficient & long-range survey vessels.  Our experience building the most technologically advanced vessels in the business serves our operators first and foremost.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution on the water, and that’s why each of our vessels is truly unique to our operator’s mission. Our holistic design/build approach serves our operators in the short and long term in a vessels overall value.

Recognized for our craftsmanship and high quality, our  history of repeat customers knows that once a vessel is delivered, we stand by that vessel for years to come. You call? We answer. We stand by the quality of our vessel’s long-term performance and quality.

(360) 647-7602

Work and patrol.

Whether it’s for the LA Port Police or the Texas Game Wardens, AAM has built the toughest and most innovative vessels required for their class.

Research and Survey

From university research & survey to offshore wind support vessels, see how AAM is building the most advanced boats for all of our operators’ needs.

Pilot Boats

This unique catamaran design incorporates Teknicraft’s hydrofoil supported hull with industry leading maneuverability.

Hybrid Vessels

It’s happening on our roads and we know we won’t be able to rely on fossil fuels forever, that’s why AAM is on the leading edge of the decarbonization trend.

Passenger Ferries

From high-speed catamarans with hydrofoil technology to hybrid electric monohulls, we’re building the future of transportation.

Dinner Cruise Vessels

AAM is excited about this growing sector, and we look forward to customizing more vessels for this unique application.

STATE-OF-THE-ART Facility

Approximately 85 miles North of Seattle, All American Marine’s production facility is located along the Northern shore side of Bellingham Bay in Bellingham, Washington. In early 2017, AAM moved into the brand new, purpose-built 57,000 square foot boat construction facility located on Squalicum Harbor, allowing for multiple vessels of varying sizes to be in construction simultaneously with staggered production schedules.

TESTIMONIALS

The vessel is definitely a game-changer for the Texas Game Wardens. Our key mission is to make sure the Texas maritime border is safe. The fact of the matter is, there’s not an off the shelf vessel available that meets the daily needs of law enforcement, particularly for long-range vessels. Each step of the way All American listened to us, understood our mission, and in conjunction with Teknicraft, designed and built a vessel that has all the versatility we need to be successful on the water.

We are very pleased with the team All American Marine has put together to deliver this unique vessel and are eager for our guests to experience San Francisco Bay from the silent decks of the Enhydra [this fall]. We see the propulsion configuration on the Enhydra as phase one in our move toward the full electrification of our fleet. Stay tuned for phase two.

Working with the All American Marine team from start to finish went beyond expectations, and their commitment to detail and excellent project management throughout the process was the difference maker.

A successful partnership is one that accomplished the goals of all parties and concludes with superior results. King country citizens will be the beneficiaries of these quality vessels for years to come. Thank you to AAK, Teknicraft and King County.

“We chose All American Marine based on their experience and skillset in building such highly customized research vessels, vessels that are in service throughout North America. This new best-in-class vessel will provide an unmatched platform for our continued focus on performing to the most stringent offshore survey specifications in the world, whether that is for nautical charting or for subsea exploration to support offshore wind development.”

“All American builds the highest quality vessels and offers the best value overall value in the country. When we visited their state-of-the-art facility and saw the rapid progress and the quality of work on our first boat, we decided to go ahead and build two vessels.”

“All American Marine worked with us to refine our goals, build a second, proven vessel that met those goals, and then delivered. In fact, despite building two boats during the midst of a global pandemic, they delivered both boats on time and on budget. This new vessel, with its capacity, comfort, and speed is revolutionizing the fleet for Major Marine Tours. Our customers truly enjoy the spacious and accessible deck spaces when viewing whales and glaciers, particularly the stadium bow viewing area.”

KEEP IN TOUCH

To stay in the know about what AAM is up to, whether it’s current builds and new projects, upcoming launches, or industry news, don’t forget to follow our blog , check us out on Facebook and Instagram (@allamericanmarineinc), or shoot us a note and say hello!

PRESS RELEASE: All American Marine Signs Contract with Los Angeles Port Police to Construct a Next-Generation 65’ Patrol Vessel

All American Marine (AAM) is thrilled to announce a signed contract to construct a state-of-the-art 65-foot catamaran for the Los Angeles Port Police. Teknicraft Design in Auckland, New Zealand, designed this cutting-edge dive and patrol vessel, which represents a significant leap forward in maritime law enforcement capabilities for the LA Port Police. The new vessel, measuring 65’ x 24’, is an aluminum catamaran is specifically designed to enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the LA Port Police and will add operational flexibility to their existing fleet. It will employ the latest hull design improvements from Teknicraft Design, providing improvements More

PRESS RELEASE: All American Marine Delivers Hydrofoil-Assisted Tour Vessel to Phillips Glaciers

All American Marine (AAM) is delighted to announce the successful delivery of the Chugach Express to Phillips Cruises and Tours, marking a significant milestone in our partnership. This high-speed and long-range eco-tour vessel will operate daily in Prince William Sound and will be based out of Whittier, Alaska.  Developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design in Auckland, New Zealand, the Chugach Express boasts an 84.5’ x 30.7’ semi-displacement aluminum catamaran hull, representing cutting-edge maritime engineering. Constructed to US Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter T classification standards, the vessel features a fuel capacity of 1200 gallons, facilitating fuel-efficient operations. Its design More

All American Marine to Build Research Vessel for Cal Poly Humboldt

All American Marine (AAM), together with the California Polytechnical Institute at Humboldt (Cal Poly), is proud to announce the contract to build an innovative research vessel for their marine sciences program. The vessel is a 78’ x 26.7’ semi-displacement aluminum catamaran that was developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design in Auckland, New Zealand.  It will incorporate the proven design elements of several successful, recently delivered vessels, R/V Shackleford for Geodynamics, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s R/V Imua. Both of which have proven highly successful in their near-coastal research environments. The vessel will be inspected to US Coast Guard More

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Commercial Boats

Commercial catamaran boats.

AmeraCat is not only an offshore fishing catamaran boat builder, we also offer commercial catamaran boats. AmeraCat is an exceptional platform for many types of government, law enforcement, and commercial use. AmeraCat is presently in service with SeaTow Eastern Connecticut, St. Lucie county Sheriff’s Office, Fort Pierce Police Department, Dixie County Sheriff’s office, Sanibel Island Police Department and Ft. Pierce Harbors Pilot’s Association meeting and exceeding their expectations for tactical operation requirements everyday on the water. They also dominate other commercial vessels in emergency situations, whether it is high speed maneuvers or close quarter docking their commercial catamaran boat is the best. Now available with Impact Armor (a protective collar) for rough sea boarding and docking. Ameracat is always updating their product to best serve their clients needs. If you or your company is in need of a commercial catamaran boat, Ameracat is the one to call. You can use our boat builder online, call us anytime, or fill out our contact us form.

Police Boat In Action

If you would like more information about our commercial power catamaran boats, please use the form below to get a call from one of the owners. We look forward to designing your custom commercial catamaran boat and we are confident that we can handle anything that you throw at us. Call us today for any questions about your commercial catamaran boat needs.

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Specifications:.

• Aprox. Dry Hull Weight- 2860 lbs
• LOA- 25′ 5”
• Beam- 8′ 6"
• Max HP- 350hp
• Fuel Gallons- 85 gallons
• Hull Draft- 15'
• STD Livewell Capacity: 45 Gal
• STD Fishbox Capacity: 200 Quarts
• Freeboard AFT:
• Freeboard Bow:
• Trailering Height: 
• Aprox. Dry Hull Weight-3340 lbs
• LOA- 27′ 2”
• Max HP- 600hp
• Fuel Gallons- 150/160 gallons
• Hull Draft- 14'
• STD Livewell Capacity: 50 Gal
• STD Fishbox Capacity: Approx. 300 Quarts
• Aprox. Dry Hull Weight- 4850 lbs
• LOA- 31′ 0”
• Beam- 9′ 10"
• Max HP- 800hp
• Fuel Gallons- 265 gallons
• STD Livewell Capacity: 60 Gal
• STD Fishbox Capacity: Approx 400 Quarts

Caught on an AmeraCat!

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Built for a lifetime

Aluminum boats built with every detail engineered, designed, and executed with dedication. ACI Boats builds welded aluminum catamarans and monohulls for recreational and commercial use. Our boats are built to last a lifetime.  

We are founded on generations of boat building experience. ACI Boats is owned and operated by Cory Armstrong, and backed by a team of skilled craftsmen and women. When choosing a boat builder, quality and trust is everything– ACI boats delivers with a safe, and comfortable vessel that you can rely on.

Pybus Point Lodge is proud to announce the official launching of two brand new, catamaran style, fishing and touring boats from ACI Boats. This is the second time we’ve had the pleasure of working with ACI and once again, they exceeded our expectations. Since we run a premium fishing and adventure lodge, we don’t just have to worry about our boats being safe and functional–we also have to make sure that our boats have the style and comfort that our guests expect.

ACI Boats is thrilled to announce the official award of a $3 million dollar contract with American Samoa’s Departmant of Commerce for four “Super Alia” commercial fishing vessels. All four boats will be manufactured at ACI Boats’ facility in Port Townsend, WA. The vessels themselves will be 38’x14’ semi-displacement catamarans, designed by ACI Boats and Coastwise Marine Design. The first of the four vessels, to be completed in Fall/Winter 2022, will be used as a training platform for boat owners, captains, and deckhands. The following three boats, will be completed over the course of 18 months and will then be available for lease by the American Samoa Dept. of Commerce, intended to support the growth and safety of the local fishing fleet.

ACI Boats launches it’s first CatLander in it’s line of CatLander landing crafts. Built for the Jamestown Sklallam tribe in Washington State, the CatLander7500 will be used as a spill response support vessel by the tribe.

F I R S T    I N    C A T A M A R A N S

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• RecPro | Recreational
• PaxCat | Passenger
• LabCat | Survey
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move beyond ordinary with brix marine

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Safety. stability. speed., efficient. spacious. safe., stable. strong. ergonomic., first in catamarans, discover our boats.

RECREATIONAL

Walk-around or full width cabin

Join the BRIX legacy with a recreational cat built to professional standards. Be it for fishing or cruising, each custom RecPro is distinctly tailored for adventure.

TOUR, FERRY, DIVE

Customize For Diving, Whale Watching Or Luxury

BRIX Marine’s PaxCats deliver reliability and comfort for the most memorable excursions. Choose the sweetest ride on the water for up to 49 passengers and beyond.

SURVEY, RESEARCH

Workboat’s Top-10 Significant Boats Of 2019

BRIX provides the most capable boats under 50′ in the marine science industry. Outfit with equipment such as a knuckle boom crane, an A-frame, or the versatile BRIX HYPR-Arm.

OUR LATEST LAUNCHES

BRIX Marine Launches the 5217-CTC “Alaska Tales”: A New Era in Whale Watching Adventures

About Alaska Whale Watching Alaska Whale Watching offers unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences from Auke Bay, [...]

BRIX Marine Launches the 4615-HTC LandingCat: Setting Sail to Alaska

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine announces the successful launch of the 4615-HTC, which has [...]

BRIX Marine and Ashbreez Boatworks Launch “Just 1 More”: A Continued Partnership of Marine Excellence

Anchorage, Alaska – BRIX Marine and Ashbreez Boatworks proudly announce the continuation of their successful [...]

BRIX Marine Delivers the 3513-CTC “Sovereign One” to the Puyallup Tribe: Advancing Shellfish Monitoring Capabilities

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine proudly announces the successful completion and delivery of the [...]

Behind the Scenes of the BRIX 4615-HTC: Advancing Maritime Operations with Purposeful Design

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine is excited to announce the forthcoming launch of the [...]

BRIX Marine Introduces the 3011-CTC Survey Boat “Lugudi Barana”

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, a pioneer name in the maritime industry, proudly announces [...]

Move Beyond Ordinary: BRIX Marine Launches the 3814-CTC ‘Hammer Cat’ with Starboard Walkaround for Unrivaled Offshore Adventures

Port Angeles, WA – BRIX Marine, a pioneer in maritime innovation, is thrilled to introduce [...]

BRIX Marine Delivers Kamohoali’i: 4014-CTC for Haleiwa Shark Tours

PORT ANGELES, WA – BRIX Marine proudly presents Kamohoali’i, a state-of-the-art 40′ x 14′ Classic [...]

ABOUT BRIX MARINE

has earned a solid reputation for pioneering and crafting the world’s most rugged aluminum catamarans and workboats since 1991.

The company was founded in Canada and moved to Port Angeles, WA in 2001. We gained new ownership under Bryton Marine Group in 2017, which fortified the company’s focus on our Core Values and strategic plan for our future.

“Our team has developed strong momentum with our boat portfolios and customers. As we look to the future, BRIX Marine will honor the legacy we have built and move beyond to deliver exceptional custom boats,” said Perry Knudson, Managing Director.

BRIX literally means the scientific measure of sweetness in liquid. This translates well to the high-performance boats the company is known for. “BRIX is more than a sweet riding hull,” said Knudson. “Our custom projects begin with the first communication and the relationship continues after the boat is delivered. BRIX is committed to an owner-centric approach.”

BRIX Marine has another important target. “We want to be the best place to work in our community,” said Knudson. BRIX employs master level craftsmen in the disciplines required to build welded aluminum boats. The company invests in defining career paths and training employees to gain the skills needed to advance in their fields.

The BRIX team will broaden and diversify its portfolio of welded aluminum boats, known as being “first in cats.” The newly redefined custom recreational portfolio is in high demand, and BRIX Marine is bringing this same innovative approach to other key markets.

“Our luxury water taxi designs are raising the standards for passenger vessels as seen with the recent launch for Liberty National Golf Club. The research vessel  Bob & Betty Beyster  we delivered in 2019 earned a Workboat Magazine award as a Significant Boat of the Year. That design is reshaping our research vessel line-up,” commented Perry Knudson. “We have a lot of exciting things on the horizon. This new identity represents who we are and where we’re going.”

Your Vision. Our Expertise.

We believe solutions exist to unique vessel demands, and we provide solutions to our clients every day, giving them the best possible opportunity to succeed on the water.

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World’s first hydrogen-powered commercial ferry to run on San Francisco Bay, and it’s free to ride

The world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry will start offering free rides on San Francisco Bay as California seeks to phase out diesel-powered vessels and reduce planet-warming carbon emissions. (AP Video/Terry Chea)

The MV Sea Change, the first commercial passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells, is seen on the water, Friday, July 12, 2024, in San Francisco. The MV Sea Change will begin offering free rides to the public along the San Francisco waterfront on Friday, July 19. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

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A person walks off the MV Sea Change, the first commercial passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells, Friday, July 12, 2024, in San Francisco. The MV Sea Change will begin offering free rides to the public along the San Francisco waterfront on Friday, July 19. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

The MV Sea Change, a hydrogen-powered ferry, is docked at the San Francisco ferry terminal Friday, July 12, 2024, in San Francisco. The zero-emission vessel will begin offering free rides to the public between the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf on July 19. (AP Photo/Terry Chea)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry will start operating on San Francisco Bay as part of plans to phase out diesel-powered vessels and reduce planet-warming carbon emissions, California officials said Friday, demonstrating the ship.

The 70-foot (21-meter) catamaran called the MV Sea Change will transport up to 75 passengers along the waterfront between Pier 41 and the downtown San Francisco ferry terminal starting July 19, officials said. The service will be free for six months while it’s being run as part of a pilot program.

“The implications for this are huge because this isn’t its last stop,” said Jim Wunderman, chair of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, which runs commuter ferries across the bay. “If we can operate this successfully, there are going to be more of these vessels in our fleet and in other folks’ fleets in the United States and we think in the world.”

Sea Change can travel about 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours before it needs to refuel. The fuel cells produce electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen in an electrochemical reaction that emits water as a byproduct.

The technology could help clean up the shipping industry, which produces nearly 3% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, officials said. That’s less than from cars, trucks, rail or aviation but still a lot — and it’s rising.

Frank Wolak, president and CEO of the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, said the ferry is meaningful because it’s hard to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vessels.

“The real value of this is when you multiply out by the number of ferries operating around the world,” he said. “There’s great potential here. This is how you can start chipping away at the carbon intensity of your ports.”

Backers also hope hydrogen fuel cells could eventually power container ships.

The International Maritime Organization, which regulates commercial shipping, wants to halve its greenhouse gas releases by midcentury.

As fossil fuel emissions continue warming Earth’s atmosphere, the Biden administration is turning to hydrogen as an energy source for vehicles, manufacturing and generating electricity. It has been offering $8 billion to entice the nation’s industries, engineers and planners to figure out how to produce and deliver clean hydrogen.

Environmental groups say hydrogen presents its own pollution and climate risks.

For now, the hydrogen that is produced globally each year, mainly for refineries and fertilizer manufacturing, is made using natural gas. That process warms the planet rather than saving it. Indeed, a new study by researchers from Cornell and Stanford universities found that most hydrogen production emits carbon dioxide, which means that hydrogen-fueled transportation cannot yet be considered clean energy.

Yet proponents of hydrogen-powered transportation say that in the long run, hydrogen production is destined to become more environmentally safe. They envision a growing use of electricity from wind and solar energy, which can separate hydrogen and oxygen in water. As such renewable forms of energy gain broader use, hydrogen production should become a cleaner and less expensive process.

The Sea Change project was financed and managed by the investment firm SWITCH Maritime. The vessel was constructed at Bay Ship and Yacht in Alameda, California, and All-American Marine in Bellingham, Washington.

Associated Press journalist Jennifer McDermott contributed to this report from Providence, Rhode Island.