Our Vessel
Many people feel (and rightfully so) that the vessel you sail on can make all the difference in your whale watching experience. With this important consideration in mind, 7 seas whale watch is proud to offer our passengers what we feel is finest whale watching boat in the Massachusetts... the M/V "PRIVATEER IV". The Privateer IV is the cleanest, newest, most comfortable whale watch boat in Gloucester. She is a 108 foot, aluminum hulled, fully U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel that was designed specifically for sight-seeing. We feel that she is the finest boat in the industry, and we are confident that the moment you step aboard you will agree.
KEY FEATURES INCLUDE...
- Fast cruising speed to get you to the whales quickly
- Two clean, modern restrooms
- A full-service galley
- All the latest navigational and safety equipment
- A wide beam (width) for added stability and less motion sickness
- A "Low-Profile" hull design which gets you closer to the water and the whales than on any other whale watch boat in Gloucester
- A Heated, spacious inner cabin
- Cushioned seating with large tables so families can sit together
- Wall-to-wall carpeting in the inner cabin
- Wrap-around windows for easy viewing from inside
- An open second level "sun deck" for panoramic views
The Privateer IV is the largest 149 passenger boat in the area. This means you have more space per person than on any other whale watch boat on Cape Ann. There are boats that are slightly larger, but they put at least 100 more people onboard which greatly diminishes personal space. Although our vessel was built for 300 passengers, we only carry 149 passengers per trip to insure your comfort and safety. The inner-cabin of the Privateer IV is also HEATED DURING COLD WEATHER.
Just as a clean, warm, and spacious inside cabin is important to a vessel, we believe that having the freedom to move about the outside decks is equally important to our passenger's whale watch experience. The Privateer IV has a wide, wrap-around lower deck that allows our passengers to have UNOBSTRUCTED views of the whales and other marine wildlife that we encounter. There is ample room to walk about the decks without disturbing other passengers.
The PRIVATEER IV also has a "Low-Profile" (close-to-the-water) hull design which means that you are closer to the water's surface and the whales than on any other whale watch boat in Gloucester. What difference does this make? It's simple, the closer you are to the water the more dramatic and up-close the views of the whales... this type of up-close experience is impossible on a larger vessel (if you have ever seen whales from the deck of a cruise ship you know what I mean)!
At the bow (or "front" of the boat for all you first-time sailors;) the PRIVATEER IV has a "Bow Sprint" which allows our passengers to walk out over the water for a fun and exciting view of the ocean below. As many experienced whale watchers may already know, HUMPBACK WHALES sometimes become curious about boats in the area and swim over to investigate. Dolphins also "bow-ride" in the pressure wave created as a large vessel such as the PRIVATEER IV moves through the water. At these times a walk out on the bow sprint will give you unparalleled views of these animals as they swim directly beneath you!
The PRIVATEER IV has second level which features an open "Sun-deck" for panoramic views of the ocean, whales or the sights of Gloucester Harbor. On warm, Summer days there is no better place to enjoy the fresh sea air and take in a bit of sun on your way out to the whales.
As part of our commitment to environmental education we offer our passengers a number of onboard resources including genuine whale artifacts and an extensive collection of books and other reading material pertaining to the whales and the ocean environment. Your professional naturalist is also available to answer any questions you may have throughout your whale watching tour.
We at 7 Seas are proud to share our vessel with our customers and we are confident that you will enjoy your time aboard. Compared to ANY other whale watching boat in the industry you will find that the PRIVATEER IV sets the standard for cleanliness, comfort, stability and safety. After sailing with us we are confident that you too will feel that the PRIVATEER IV is the finest boat in the business.
