| Freeland, Wash.-based Nichols Brothers Boat Builders have been tapped to construct two high-speed passenger catamaran ferries bound for California waters. Golden Gate Transit Authority of the San Francisco Bay Area will utilize one ferry in the Sausalito-San Francisco run, while the other will be operated by a private company between Long Beach and Catalina Island. The 144 foot- by 40-foot design of catamarans has become increasingly popular due to speed and carrying capacity, which includes being able to travel at 37 knots when loaded with 350 passengers. The Nichols shipyard reports that nearly half its business stems from the catamarans, partly replacing the dearth of fishing boat newbuilds.
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