Jet Cat Express (I)

George Schneider (August 2026) writes: Catalina Express had already successfully pioneered using high-speed boats on the Catalina Island run, so when the Incat waterjet catamarans were being used on other runs, it was a natural for them to try one out. This boat had been begun for the Put-in-Bay run in Ohio, but for some reason was available for CCE to buy during construction. Although she operated well, she was remarkably unsuccessful on this run. The route goes sideways to the waves, and her narrow beam and tall superstructure made her too lively for passenger comfort. CCE put her up for sale, but bought several new, more beamy jet-propelled catamarans for the run. This was a great opportunity for the City of Vallejo, which had recently built two large high-speed ferries to take residents to San Francisco on their daily commute.

They realized they needed a stand-by boat for peak operations and maintenance periods, so purchased this vessel. After 6 years they figured out what they needed to upgrade her to be a star performer and invested that money in her in 2001. When exhaust emission laws began to demand different engines for vessels operating in California, her age was against her, as well as the fact she was non-standard to the rest of the fleet, so she was sold out of state to Allen, a tour company in Alaska. To date it doesn't appear they've put her to use.