Pybus Point Lodge: ACI Built Us The Ultimate Alaska Fishing Vessels
Guest blog post by Pybus Point Lodge
Pybus Point Lodge is proud to announce the official launching of two brand new, catamaran style, fishing and touring boats fromACI Boats.This is the second time we’ve had the pleasure of working with ACI and once again, they exceeded our expectations. Since we run a premium fishing and adventure lodge, we don’t just have to worry about our boats being safe and functional–we also have to make sure that our boats have the style and comfort that our guests expect. ACI Boats has succeeded on all accounts. These boats look just as good as they perform.
Pybus Point Lodge on Working With ACI
When we first discussed adding two new catamaran boats to our fleet, we knew we couldn’t settle for anything but the best. We’d worked with them in the past when they designed and built another catamaran for us, Chilkat. From the moment it arrived at our dock Chilkat was one of our favorite boats, and became our go-to vessel for larger groups that want to fish and sightsee and for transporting cargo to Juneau and back. After meeting with ACI CEO Cory Armstrong to discuss what we had in mind for our two new boats, we knew that he and his staff were the right crew for the job. ACI Boats kindly accepted our request to partner up again and we worked together to build these amazing boats. Throughout the whole process, ACI showed us how much they valued our input and they collaborated with us every step of the way. From brainstorming designs, to overcoming COVID related supply chain setbacks, to the actual construction of the vessels, ACI stayed in constant communication to ensure that every detail of these boats was perfectly engineered to cater to our guests’ needs as they traverse the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Because of the constant, constructive back and forth between us and ACI, we view these boats as a testament to what our companies can accomplish when they work together. Thanks to ACI Boats, we have what we feel are the ultimate Alaska touring vessels!
Specs and Features
Length and Beam: 42’x14’
TopSpeed: 53 MPH at 6100 RPM
Propulsion:Twin Mercury Marine v12 600 HP Verado outboards
Capacity: 12 plus captain and Crew
Navigation: Garmin with 2 flush mounted Garmin multi-function touch screens
What Pybus Says About Fanshaw and Windfall:
These boats are absolutely stunning, there isn’t a better designed guide boat in all of Alaska. The interiors are every bit as stylish as they are comfortable. Each boat has multiple shock suspension chairs, comfy bench seats, and futuristically designed helms with state of the art tech. The cabin walls are nearly entirely made out of industrial strength glass which gives passengers nearly 360º of visibility– which is the perfect cabin for us since we do both fishing charters and wildlife tours.
The decks of these boats were clearly designed with both guides and guests in mind. The aft helm has everything our captains need to stay on top of the fish while being attentive to their guests. The deck has so much room that they never feel crowded, even with groups of 7-12 people. A lot of our clients are family or corporate groups with a large number of people. We used to have to split these groups up among a few of our other boats, but not anymore! Windfall and Fanshaw have everything we need for our larger groups to have a great fishing experience.
Captain Ryan Otis had the pleasure of guiding fisherman and sightseers out of Fanshaw this past summer. When asked about his experience on the boat he had this to say:
“I love the perfect combination of comfort and performance. Having a boat that is equally as comfortable as it is capable has been a game changer. Being able to crash through heavy seas in comfort has opened the door to many more fishing and sightseeing opportunities. The outer deck of the ACI is all business giving us a stable, open, and fully outfitted space for fishing with all your favorite people. Meanwhile inside the cab you have fully appointed comfort; you have tables for lunchtime or card games and two rows of full shock suspension captains chairs for those who like to watch for wildlife.”
Do Yourself A Favor
If you need any type of fishing vessel, do yourself a favor and ask ACI Boats to build it for you. Working with them was an absolute pleasure from beginning to end. They were always responsive, always collaborative, and never cut a single corner. The designers and craftsmen who work at ACI are passionate about their work and it shows in every inch of their boats.
Thanks to ACI BoatsPybus Point Lodgehas two beautiful new boats that we’ll proudly use to guide fishing trips and wildlife toursfor years to come! Learn more about the launch, and see video of the boats here.