Vessel Descriptions

Explorer

Explorer is a vessel that was conceived and built expressly for RiverQuest. It is one of the world's first green passenger vessels, and features a hybrid diesel-electric engine system that is projected to reduce emissions by a significant amount as compared to the older vessels of the fleet.

Explorer arrived in Pittsburgh on August 13, 2008. For more information on RiverQuest's new flagship, use the links below.

Press Release - August 13, 2008
Explorer Backgrounder: Hybrid Propulsion System (PDF)
Explorer Backgrounder: Green Design (PDF)
Explorer Backgrounder: Sustainability Education (PDF)

More information can be found at our News & Events page.

Discovery

The vessel Discovery is 78.7 feet in length, with a beam (width) of 17.5 feet. The vessel weighs in at 87 gross tons and draws 5.5 feet in fresh water. (This is the amount of the boat "under water" at any given time while sailing in fresh water.) The hull is made of double planked Douglas Fir and Alaskan Cedar. The boat operates with twin screws (propellers) with twin rudders, and are powered by four General Motors Detroit 671 diesel engines with a total of 650 horsepower. Discovery travels at a maximum speed of approximately 18 knots (21 mph).

Through the generous support of local private foundations and state grants, RiverQuest has been able to complete significant renovations to the fleet. Repairs and modifications have been made to make the vessels seaworthy, obtain approval by the U.S. Coast Guard to operate as a certified passenger vessel and provide a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Discovery is equipped with five interior spaces: the Main Deck Classroom, the Galley (or Fish Lab), the Crews' Quarters (or Plankton Lab), the Pilothouse and the Engine Room. The bow and stern decks are utilized as outside classrooms. The 01-Deck (topmost) of Discovery has been modified as a canopied multi-use space. Discovery is certified to accommodate 40 passengers, inclusive of crew and education staff, and all passengers.

Discovery's sister vessel, known as Voyager, was retired in early 2007, after many years of faithful service.

Scout

The RiverQuest fleet also has a 44-foot aluminum houseboat named Scout. Scout has two interior classroom spaces and two exterior spaces, one on the bow and a larger one on the second deck. This vessel is used primarily for education programming for smaller groups and to present programs on tributaries and outside the Pittsburgh pool.

U.S. Coast Guard Certified Vessels

RiverQuest's fleet operates under the guidelines of the U.S. Coast Guard and each boat is inspected annually. The boats are equipped with: navigation and boat handling equipment, life jackets and buoys, fire fighting and safety equipment, first aids kits, and communication devices. RiverQuest provides in-depth and ongoing training programs for its full- and part-time crew members. All programs and charters are conducted with a boat crew of three - a captain with a 100-ton Masters License, a senior and a junior deckhand. As required by the U.S. Coast Guard, crew members are enrolled in a random drug test program. Crew members are also certified by the American Red Cross in Adult, Child and Infant CPR, First Aid, and Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) usage.