Lake Express

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Image:LakeExpress.jpg

Lake Express is a high-speed auto and passenger ferry that is in service on a route across Lake Michigan. Lake Express links the cities of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Muskegon, Michigan during an operational season that begins in late spring (the 2006 season begins on April 29) and carrying on into the fall (the 2005 season ended on November 1). The ship travels at a top speed of 40 miles-per-hour (34 knots) and makes the 68 nautical mile trip 3 times daily from each side of the lake during the peak of its operational schedule. Lake Express is able to cross the lake in 2.5 hours. It was constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, and began service on June 1, 2004. It was the first high-speed catamaran-style auto/passenger ferry built in the United States. It was also the first high-speed ferry to see service on the Great Lakes, beating out the Spirit of Ontario I, which was beset by a series of last-minute delays, by one month. <p>

Specifications
Overall Length 192 Feet
Overall Width 57 Feet
Hull Depth 8 Feet
Number of Passengers 248
Number of Vehicles 46 passenger vehicles / 12 motorcycles
Weight 148 Tons
Main Engines 4 Diesel Engines
Horsepower 12,000 HP
Water Jets 4 Kamewa
Speed 40 Miles Per Hour/34 Knots
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External links

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