b'VESSEL:Penelope, Moses GrandyBUILDER:Smoky Mountain Boat WorksOPERATOR:Harbor Towns Inc.TYPE:Passenger ferryTwo years ago, Smoky Mountain Jet Boat Works of Bryson City, N.C., was approached by Harbor Towns Inc. who were trying to connect passengers on boats between towns on the Albemarle Sound. The vessels would have to double as tour boats, be able to navigate through sometimes choppy waters, maneuver in tight spots, and have a four-foot draft. The companies, both PVA members, agreed on a HYSUCATa hydrofoil-assisted asymmet-rical catamaran with performance parameters that the boat have a service speed of 28 knots, carry 32 passengers, and handle with ease the short fetch very common in the sound. Powered by twin Cummins diesels with Hamilton Jet propulsors, the boats would draw under three feet but perform in a chop much better than contemporaries twice their size. The hydrofoil reduces the fuel burn at top speed by 30 to 40 percent.The Albemarle Class boats posed regulatory challenges to both the manufacturer and the U.S. Coast Guard Sector NC who, while vastly experienced, had not qualified a passenger HYSUCAT before. The novel design had never been built in North Carolina shipyards and required a new look from the licensing bodies. The first two ferries, Penelope and Moses Grandy, were named in honor of historical figures from the rich history of the region. The 45 x 15 vessels are powered by twin Cummins QSM 11 at 610 HP each driven by the new Hamilton HTX30s waterjets.39 DECEMBER 2023'