102
March 24, 2000

An American Classic On The Columbia

"We took the existing Cummins KTA38 M2 940 HP engines and moved them outboard to an auxiliary machine compartment. We derated them to 650 HP and linked them to Schottel SRP 330 Z-drives. Then we installed new KTA38 M2 engines rated for 1350 HP at 1950 RPM on the existing foundations with new six-inch shafts and 54-inch props." That is Rodney Lay and Associates’ naval architect Matt Pitman’s short version of the extensive modifications carried out on the hull that American Classic Voyages Co. is finishing out as a cruise vessel. It had originally be designed as a casino boat.

To service the "Columbia Queen’s" interior spaces, with accommodations for 57 crew in addition to 81 passenger cabins for up to 161 guests, the boat is equipped with a full complement of gen sets. These include two Cummins KTA38-powered 750 Kw gen sets along with a Cummins KTA19-powered 275 Kw emergency gen set. The boat’s eighth engine is a six-cylinder Cummins 855 powering the bow thruster.

With construction partially started at LeeVac shipyards in Jennings, Louisiana, the 218x64-foot vessel was purchased by American Classic Voyages. The company brought the unfinished "Columbia Queen" to the Northwest where the engine room renovations and passenger space completion are being carried out at Cascade General’s Portland shipyard. The "Columbia Queen" will operate as the fourth vessel in AMCV's subsidiary company, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., the oldest U.S.-flag cruise line, with roots dating back to 1890. The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. currently offers 3-to 14-night cruises on the Mississippi River system aboard three steam powered paddlewheelers: the National Historic Landmark "Delta Queen" as well as the "Mississippi Queen" and the "American Queen", the world's largest steamboat. The addition of the "Columbia Queen" represents the company's first venture into the Pacific Northwest.

Piloting the "Columbia Queen" on the seven-night, 1000 mile vacations that originate in Portland, Oregon and travel the Columbia-Snake river system from Astoria as far east as Lewiston Idaho, will be Capt. Lou Boone. He says, "We hope to be able to make 11 knots to handle currents that the Columbia River is so well known for. Additionally, because the engines are in two separate engine rooms as is the emergency generator we have also increased the safety level of the vessel."

Sea trials for the "Columbia Queen" are scheduled for mid-May with the vessel commencing passenger service on May 27 in time for the 2000 summer and fall vacation seasons.

For more information contact:

Tom Gourgecheon
Project Manager
American Classic Voyages Portland, Oregon
Phone: 503 247-1451

Matt Pitman
Naval Architect Rodney E. Lay & Assoc
Jacksonville, Florida
Phone: 904 221-7447
Scott Graff

Cummins Northwest, Inc
Renton, WA
Phone: 1 800 274-0336

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