The first-ever kayak launching vessel, designed to take 72 passengers and 36 kayaks around the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, is in production and set to launch later this year, said its manufacturer, Moran Iron Works Inc.
Imagine launching a kayak from a specialized tour boat rather than from shore to take in one of the Upper Peninsula’s most iconic scenic wonders.
Moran and Pictured Rock Kayaking have signed a contract for a specialized passenger tour vessel and are working with naval architecture and marine engineering firm DLBA to create “a special purpose tour boat that is first of its kind in the Great Lakes Region.”
The 64-foot-by-19-foot vessel will be constructed at Moran’s headquarters in Onaway, a news release said.
When work is done, Moran said the vessel will be taking passengers and their kayaks around the Pictured Rocks for guided tours. The custom-designed kayak launch system will be tailored to allow passengers to launch their kayaks offshore once the boat is parked.
“Fabrication officially began with the laying of the deck plate on December 6, 2018,” Lee Fayssoux, project manager at Moran Iron Works, said in a statement.
“This is a very exciting project for us. It is a real privilege to have an ‘Inspired by 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. “
