An important link in the APRA chain of safety procedures.
By Bill Jennings

When the poker run goes ¨C the adrenaline flows. Half the fun of running in a poker run is the thrill of traveling fast over water along with dozens of other boats. But, no speed sport is without some risk and it is for this reason that the APRA has taken the leadership in planning for safety. The latest safety patrol boat is one such safety example that sets APRA events apart from others. The association spent considerable time locating the ideal chase boat. It had to carry a multitude of safety equipment and paramedics on an exceptionally stable platform and also be capable of handling extremely rough water. Bill Jennings and his safety crew arrived with a Glacier Bay, a catamaran with twin Evinrude 150 hp E-TEC outboards. The safety crew follows behind the poker run fleet, but they stay in contact via a Lowrance long distance VHF. With twin flashing red and blue strobe lights atop the hardtop, the APRA safety boat is hard to miss. It is nothing short of amazing that the hull design of a Glacier Bay allows it to run level and smooth, even in three-foot plus waves. Big water seems to have absolutely no effect on the ride quality of this boat. The catamaran hull design that makes this phenomenon possible is not new. Many ocean going ship designers have utilized twin deep hulls with astounding results and this technology has found its way into the pleasure boat market. The twin Glacier Bay hulls have a sharp pointed entry that cuts into waves and holds direction rather than allowing the boat to be pushed to one side. At the same time the narrowness of the twin hulls allow the boat to sink deep into the water, rather than bouncing off the surface. These twin deep and steep hulls incorporate virtually the same degree of dead-rise on the inside and outside of the tunnel, maximizing the soft entry of the hull. As the hulls ride through the water, they are buoyed to a semi-planing position by large offset strakes and a keel pad at the transom. The air that is trapped between the sponsons serves to further cushion the ride. Note that this system differs from a high-speed cat, where the compacted air in the tunnel provides a much higher percentage of lift to the hull. In order to provide definitive information as to how much smoother a Glacier Bay rides, we used a three-axis accelerometer that samples movement at a rate of 50,000 times per minute. In a comparison of our 26¡¯ Glacier Bay catamaran, with a quality 26¡¯ deep-V center console hull, the Glacier Bay achieved impact loads that were 60 percent less than the deep-V, effectively eliminating all jarring and pounding from the ride. For people who dislike rough riding boats or for a safety boat that may be caring for someone, this stable riding platform is a prime requisite. The helm on the APRA safety boat is exceptionally wide, providing ample room for the latest in electronics from Lowrance. The wide screen, moving map Lowrance GPS also provides sonar data, speed, depth, plus the ability to pull up a myriad of engine information. A stainless wheel turns hydraulic assist steering. Windshield wipers add to the all weather capabilities. The large square, self-bailing Glacier Bay cockpit with non-skid flooring, offers the perfect platform on which to build a base for rescue and assistance. Two fully qualified paramedics sit comfortably on deck chairs placed on either side of body boards, a defibrillator, and duffle bags containing medical supplies and equipment. A portside settee and large cooler are protected by a hardtop bimini. A six-drawer cabinet built into the transom stores and organizes small items, whether they may be medical supplies or fishing tackle. For easy clean up, there is a centrally located wash down tap. Extending aft from the transom and between the twin Evinrude outboard motors, is a unique stern platform that contains a locker and compartment for the drop down three-step, stainless boarding ladder. An oversized fender attached to this platform allows the driver to back against the side of a boat requesting help. The APRA safety crew can then safely walk between the high guardrails and help a person aboard who may require assistance. High deck rails also run from the cockpit forward, allowing safe access to the forward padded seat cushion and oversized fender and anchor locker. Despite the space lost to the tunnel, the Glacier Bay 2670 cabin contains a full rectangular queen size bed, an electric flush marine head, shower, vanity, sink and teak storage cabinets. Interior lights can be operated in the user¡¯s choice of white or red lighting, to avoid glare. To ensure that the cabin stays bright and airy, there are two tinted deck hatches plus two heavy-duty opening portholes. The new safety boat is rigged with twin Evinrude E-TEC 150 hp outboards. These exceptionally reliable power plants push the boat to 44.2 mph - a higher speed than engines previously used by Glacier Bay. At this speed, the Glacier Bay obviously can¡¯t keep up with the super fast poker run participants; however, because each run consists of a series of legs, ¡°safety¡± is never far behind. When it comes to economy, each Engine sips a miserly 7.3 gallons per hour while cruising at 28.5 mph. High-speed turns in the 2670 cannot be carved as sharply as with a V-bottom, because the boat does not lean into the turn, but once you become accustomed to this characteristic it becomes a non-issue. With a range of nearly 350 miles, the APRA safety boat can easily complete any poker run without the need to stop for fuel. Glacier Bay set out to bring the ride, stability and comfort of a larger boat to the trailerable boat market. While accomplishing this objective, they have also created a boat that makes a positive addition to the safety of APRA poker runs. Specifications Glacier Bay / Isle Runner 2670 Length: 26¡¯ 1¡± Beam: 8¡¯ 9¡± Draft when trimmed up: 18¡± Weight: 4,800 lbs. Max hp: Twin 150 hp Person capacity: 8 Fuel capacity: 180 US gallons Water capacity: 22 gals. Waste capacity: 15 gals. Range (with E-TEC OBs): 350 miles. Power Outboards: Evinrude, E-TECs Horsepower at the prop: 150 hp each Weight: 419 lbs. Fuel Induction: Direct fuel injection. Trim / Tilt: 75 degrees. (Clear of the water) Warranty: Three years ¨C non-declining.

Main Photo: Handing out a safety CD to spectators at the 1000 Islands Paramedics
display the equipment carried onboard. Sufficient to handle most emergencies.


Pierre Savoie, Betty and Bill Jennings with the 1000 Island paramedics in Kingston, Ontario.

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