PAST PERFORMANCE
KAYAK EXPRESS
CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE PASSENGER VESSEL
OWNER
LOCATION
HULL
LENGTH
DEPTH(MOLDED)
DURATION
Pictured Rocks Kayaking
Munising, MI - For operation along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Aluminum
64'
19'
December 2018 - June 2019
The 64’ by 19’ vessel was constructed of aluminium at Moran Iron Works’ headquarters in Onaway, Michigan. The purpose of the Kayak Express is to escort 72 passengers and 36 kayaks around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for guided kayak tours. This vessel features a custom-designed kayak launch system that is tailored to meet the specific needs of offshore kayak launching.
“Fabrication officially began with the laying of the deck plate on December 6, 2018,” said Lee Fayssoux, former project manager at MIW. “This is a very exciting project for us. It is a real privilege to have an ‘Pure Michigan' vessel in our shop. This vessel will not only be capable of carrying passengers, but will also be capable of deploying and retrieving guests in kayaks. It’s a revolutionary way of experiencing the beauty that Northern Michigan, particularly Pictured Rocks, has to offer. This vision was recognized by our customer, and acted on with development from MIW and our partner architect DLBA. We are ecstatic that they chose MIW for this build, and ecstatic that this vessel will serve tourists who visit the waters of Pictured Rocks.”
The Kayak Express was successfully launched in mid-June and now is at its home port in Munising, Michigan.
STANFORD H. SMITH
CONSTRUCTION OF A RESEARCH VESSEL
OWNER
LOCATION
HULL
LENGTH
DEPTH(MOLDED)
DRAFT
DEADWEIGHT TONNAGE
SPEED
MAIN PROPULSION
DURATION
US Fish & Wildlife Service
New Franken, WI - For operation in Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior
Aluminum
56'9"
6'1"
4'6" Max
63,582 lbs
20 knots
Twin John Deere 6135 SFM85, 500 BHP@1900 RPM
August 2016 - November 2017
Moran Iron Works was awarded the contract to build a 56’9” research vessel by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in August, 2016. Initial project planning began in November, 2016 with subsequent detailing and engineering work proceeding through January, 2017.
With the keel laid in late-January, hull work began in February. MIW staff, using plasma cutting and forming equipment, precision-cut and formed all aluminum plate and structural members used in the hull construction before preparing and welding the hull. Fabrication continued through Spring and Summer, 2017, With components and equipment being installed throughout the build process. In all, over a dozen specialized navigation and research systems are included in the vessel with the entire electrical system measuring over two miles in length. The boat is powered by twin John Deere 500 HP diesel engines and is designed to reach a speed of 20 knots.
