WDW Transport: Watercraft, Speed and Specifications

[tjcouch]

This post is somewhat of a duplicate of many other posts, which I have been reading with great interest. However, I'd like to start a compendium of info about the specifics of the WDW vessels that are used to mass-transport guests. Which is to say: the Resort Launches, Ferry Boats, Motor Cruisers, "Friendship" Canal Boats, and the Sassagoula Steamboat Company boats. I'd love to read vessel specifics, max speed based on GPS readings whilst riding, etc., and such. I'll share what I know below; some may be fact, hear-tell, and conjecture.

 

[tjcouch]

The Friendships - which service the Studios, Epcot resorts, and Epcot itself are diesel-powered, and have a unique propulsion system, where the thrust is directed wherever the captain turns the wheel. I.E. to slow or reverse, the captain turns the wheel 180 degrees and thereby directs the thrust towards the bow to slow. The diesel engine does not actually drive the propeller, but powers a hydraulic pump, which in turn powers a hydraulic motor attached to the prop. After an unfortunate collision with the Boardwalk due to a hydraulic line failure, the Friendships have been outfitted with battery powered electric mini-thrusters that can stop the boat in case of a primary engine failure. There is a second diesel engine on board that powers the air conditioning, and other house-electrics. Max speed: unknown. Can someone clock it and report back?

 

[tjcouch]

Resort Launches, servicing the Magic Kingdom, Polynesian Resort, and the Grand Floridian. (At times the Contemporary Resort?)
Diesel powered, straight propeller shaft with traditional rudder, crew of 1, open air. Max speed: unknown, someone please clock it.
Rumor: the hull is basically a Morgan sailboat hull that was adapted for use by Disney. Morgan is a well-known sailboat builder based out of Pinellas County, FL.