Hornblower Guardian: High-Speed Tour & Rescue Vessel for Niagara Falls

All American Marine (AAM) proudly delivers the Hornblower Guardian, a 68-foot aluminum monohull, to Hornblower Niagara Cruises for thrilling open-deck tours of Horseshoe Falls. Built to Transport Canada regulations, this 145-passenger vessel provides wet and wild sightseeing adventures while also serving as a rescue and support vessel for Hornblower’s Niagara Falls fleet.

Innovative Tour & Rescue Vessel Design

Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group and E.Y.E. Marine Consultants, the Hornblower Guardian features:

  • Open deck with fixed seating for 143 passengers and two wheelchair spaces
  • Raised aft wheelhouse for enhanced operator visibility
  • Bow push knees and tow post to assist other Hornblower tour boats
  • Rescue platform on the starboard side for man-overboard recovery

Powerful & Efficient Propulsion System

Equipped for high-speed maneuverability in dynamic river conditions, the Hornblower Guardian is powered by:

  • Twin 700-hp Scania DI13 Tier 2 engines
  • ZF Marine 550 transmissions
  • MJP UltraJet 452 waterjets for exceptional thrust and control

These high-performance propulsion systems allow the vessel to navigate swiftly and safely, delivering an exciting, up-close experience of Niagara Falls.

Enhancing Niagara Falls Sightseeing Experiences

As part of Hornblower’s Niagara Cruises, the Hornblower Guardian operates alongside Hornblower’s two other Niagara tour boats, offering:

  • Breathtaking views of Horseshoe Falls from an open-deck vantage point
  • Fast, smooth rides with unmatched maneuverability
  • Safe and stable operation in the powerful currents of the lower Niagara River

Supporting Hornblower’s World-Class Fleet

Delivered in December 2013, the Hornblower Guardian underwent trial operations and crew training on Lake Ontario and the Niagara River before officially joining Hornblower’s renowned tour operations.

Built at AAM’s Bellingham, WA facility, the Hornblower Guardian combines high-speed tour operations with essential rescue capabilities, ensuring unparalleled passenger experiences and safety at one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.

Specificatons
Length 68′
Beam 15.5′
Draft ~7.5′
Passengers 144 + 8 Crew
Engines 2x Scania DI 13 077M
Rating 700 HP @ 2300 RPM
Propulsion MJP Ultrajets 452
Fuel 1320 Gallons
Speed 35 knots Cruise / 42.5 knots Top
Features Adjustable Aluminum Hydrofoil
Classification USCG Subchapter T