34 SEPTEMBER 2018 • FOGHORN MEMBERNEWS Passengers and crew on Acadia Explorer, the new passenger boat just commissioned by PVA Vessel member Bar Harbor Whale Watching Co, Bar Harbor, ME, will experience a smooth and stable ride, thanks to an advanced stabilization system supplied by PVA Associate member Humphree USA, Virginia Beach, VA. Acadia Explorer is a 98-ft. catamaran that carries up to 149 passengers. The boat was designed by PVA Associate member Incat Crowther and was built in Louisiana. It will be used as a passenger tender for visiting cruise ships and also for lighthouse and nature tours. “Passenger comfort is a number one priority for our new tour boat operating on the Maine coast, where strong winds and currents are often encountered,” said Matt Ketchen, vessel operations Bar Harbor Whale Watch’s New Vessel Features an Advanced Stabilization System for Smooth Ride on a Rocky Coast manager, port manager/port engineer- ing, Bar Harbor Whale Watching Co. “The Humphree interceptor system eliminates seasickness and discomfort, regardless of sea and wind conditions. The automatic tilt, list and turn control functions also improve performance and reduce fuel consumption.” Advanced technology is the key to this vessel’s smooth ride. The new catamaran is equipped with two Humphree H800 and two Humphree H1250 electric-powered interceptors. The interceptor blades adjust auto- matically to create lift that counteracts roll and pitch motions. The Humphree Active Ride Control is a highly sophis- ticated digital system that uses inputs from GPS, gyro and accelerometers to measure 3D rates of turn and accelera- tion. In addition to stabilizing for roll and pitch, Active Ride Control auto- matically optimizes the boat’s trim and list angles and adjusts the heeling angle during turns for better maneuverability and passenger comfort. Passenger ferries and excursion boats are a growing market for Bar Harbor Whale Watch’s new vessel, Acadia Explorer, is specially designed for a smooth ride on Maine’s rocky waters.