(PORT ANGELES, Wash.) — Brix Marine (formerly Armstrong Marine USA) is currently constructing a 32-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, British Columbia. The corporation, whose activities include industries such as forestry, aquaculture, tourism and retail, will operate the 12-passenger vessel as a water taxi. Completion is slated for fall 2021.
Propulsion will be provided by twin Volvo Penta D4 270-hp engines with Aquamatic DPI outdrives. The 3212-CTC model vessel’s full walk-around configuration, combined with two side boarding doors port and starboard, allow for safe passenger access from stem to stern. Heated cabin, exterior-accessed head, and 12 individual passenger seats ensure comfort.
“When I first started at QXMC in May 2019, I quickly realized that all of our companies spent significant amounts on water taxis every year,” said Bruno Pereira, CEO of QXMC. “There was no doubt in my mind that we needed to contemplate running our own operation. 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.”
Pereira added that QXMC chose the Brix Marine design “after several months of research and an RFP process. The quality of their work and the professionalism of their team (our main contact was Capt. Charlie Crane) are second to none and ultimately made our decision an easy one.”
– BRIX Marine
