Port Angeles, Wash.-based Boatbuilder Brix Marine is currently constructing a 32-foot by 12-foot catamaran for the Qathen Xwegus Management Corp. (QXMC).
QXMC is the business arm of the Klahoose First Nation, located on Cortes Island, BC, Canada. The corporation, whose activities include industries such as forestry, aquaculture, tourism, and retail, will operate the twelve-passenger vessel as a water taxi. Completion is slated for Fall 2021.
The vessel’s power and propulsion are twin Volvo Penta D4 270hp engines with Aquamatic DPI outdrives. The 3212-CTC model vessel’s full walk around configuration, combined with two side boarding doors port and starboard, allows for safe passenger access from stem to stern. The design also includes a heated cabin, exterior-accessed head and 12 individual passenger seats.
QXMC CEO Bruno Pereira commented that when he first started with the corporation in May 2019, he quickly realized that all of its companies spent significant amounts on water-taxis every year.
“There was no doubt in my mind that we needed to contemplate running our own operation,” he said. “After a thorough due diligence, taking into consideration the future expansion of our own companies, we decided to give this project a go.”
“Claiming ownership of our own water taxi operation will allow us to keep all of our budgets internal, and will also empower us to build more flexibility, control and capacity for future generations,” he added.
“After several months of research and an RFP process, we finally chose Brix Marine to build our vessel,” Pereira added. “The quality of their work and the professionalism of their team … ultimately made our decision an easy one.”
Brix Marine, formerly known as Armstrong Marine USA, designs and builds welded aluminum catamarans, monohulls, and Naiad RHIBs.