Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle recently completed stability tests and calculations for the KLONDIKE SPIRIT, an all-steel side-wheeler recently built on the Yukon River in Alaska. The vessel, which can carry up to 120 passengers, will be used to take tourists on daytrips through the scenic Yukon canyons downriver of Dawson (Yukon, Canada) when it begins operation in June, 2005.
Constructed in Eagle City, Alaska, by Nick Turner and Charlie House, the vessel offers three passenger decks, a food service galley and two staterooms for crews. Eagle City is located along the Yukon River approximately 9 miles west of the Canadian border.
The KLONDIKE SPIRIT is the first side-wheeler to be built on the Yukon in decades. Historically, side-wheelers were used to navigate rivers because their configuration made them extremely maneuverable. However, the location of the paddles along both sides of the boats made them vulnerable to damage, and their popularity faded. The KLONDIKE SPIRIT brings back a piece of nostalgia that complements Dawson's "Gold Rush" tourist theme. According to Turner; "The recommendations made by Elliott Bay Design Group enabled for U.S. Coast Guard plan approval, while preserving each detail of our design concept."
The side-wheeler is 88 ft long with 18 ft beam and a 4 ft hull depth. Maximum draft is 30 inches. The hull was fabricated by Eagle Boat Company and the Northern Lights 20 kW generator was furnished by Alaska Diesel Electric. The main engine is a 400 HP Cat 3406 that drives Denison hydraulic pumps. Hydraulic motors power each side wheel through a separate Brevini gearbox and 3:1 chain reduction drive. Paddle wheel speed is 40 RPM.
John Atwood
Main Menu
UserBox
Search
