New Passenger Vessel for Sea Island Resort in Coastal Georgia

SEA ISLAND EXPLORER, a 71’ yacht style passenger vessel, was recently delivered to the Sea Island Resort located on the southeastern Georgia coast. Sea Island is a well-known luxury resort destination and is home to a PGA TOUR event each year, the RSM Classic.  The vessel has a beam of 21’ and a limited draft of 4’-6” to navigate the shallow creeks and rivers around Georgia’s Barrier Islands.  The vessel was designed by DeJong & Lebet, Inc., Naval Architects, Jacksonville, FL and was built by J&M Metal Works in Green Cove Springs, FL.

The vessel styling was designed by DeJong & Lebet to resemble a classic yacht from the 1930’s.  She is US Coast Guard certificated under Subchapter T for 49 passengers plus 11 crew and measures less than 100 gross tons.  The vessel features include a main deck enclosed salon with a bar, aft fantail semi-enclosed lounge, and open 2nd deck with a canopy aft of the pilothouse.  Below decks features a bride’s room/passenger area with 2 heads and a galley.  A 3rd head is located in the main deck salon.

The main passenger salon, pilothouse and below decks passenger area on SEA ISLAND EXPLORER have a beautiful mahogany finish.  The aft main deck features a NuTeak synthetic wood covering.  The vessel is fully heated and air-conditioned with a system furnished by Dometic.

The vessel is constructed of welded steel with an aluminum pilothouse.

The vessel is powered by a pair of John Deere 6068 diesel engines developing 265 HP each.  The engines are coupled to ZF gear boxes driving 32” HS Marine stainless steel propellers.  Engines and gears are electronically controlled using ZF controls.  Also featured is a 40 HP electric bow thruster furnished by IMTRA.  The power steering system was furnished by Jastram.

Electrical power is provided by (2) Kohler 53 kW gensets which are also driven by John Deere engines.  The main switchboard was furnished by IEM Marine.  The vessel has underwater lights around the transom furnished by Underwater Lights USA.

SEA ISLAND EXPLORER carries 1,200 gallons of fuel, 1,000 gallons of water, and 535 gallons of waste water.

About Sea Island

Since 1928, Sea Island has been known as an exceptional destination appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt hospitality.  With four Forbes Five-Star experiences -- The Cloister at Sea Island, The Lodge at Sea Island, The Spa at Sea Island, and the Georgian Room restaurant – Sea Island entices families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those simply wanting to refresh. It is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for ten consecutive years.  As the only U.S. resort to host a G-8 Summit of world leaders, Sea Island provides exceptional settings and service for conferences and executive retreats.

Located on the southeastern coast of Georgia, Sea Island features five miles of private beach, a Beach Club, tennis center, Yacht Club, Shooting School, and children’s programs, as well as three championship golf courses, including Seaside and Plantation, home of the PGA TOUR’s RSM Classic.  Located on St. Simons Island, The Inn at Sea Island offers casual accommodations with access to many Sea Island amenities.  Broadfield, a Sea Island Sporting Club and Lodge, offers seasonal hunting and fishing opportunities.

Enhancements now underway at The Lodge include six new cottages with 14 sleeping rooms, an oceanfront pool, and pool house, opening in November 2018, and a recently opened 18-hole putting course.  Early 2019 brings an all-new, 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center.

22 August 2018