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Pacific Catalyst II was the University of Washington's first oceanographic research vessel. In 1932 Thomas G. Thompson, began a personal crusade to establish a school of oceanography at the University. With the help of a $60,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, he started both the school and the construction of Catalyst.  The Catalyst launched as the most state-of-the-art research vessel of her time. She was completed in June of 1932 and took her maiden cruise through the Inside Passage and across the Gulf of Alaska.   During WWII the Navy conscripted the vessel, mounted a machine gun on top of her pilot house and racks of depth charges on her stern. She spent the war years patrolling the Aleutian Islands for Japanese submarines.  

The catalyst was built to last, constructed of white oak, Alaskan yellow cedar, Douglas fir, teak and Australian ironwood.  After the war, the Catalyst was handsomely refit.  Over the next forty years, she was used for everything from a mail, to mining, to a floating dentist's office. As a floating marine laboratory, she won national acclaim: more importantly, she touched the lives of all who knew her and continues to do so today.   

The historic wooden vessel has been thoughtfully restored, true to her 1930’s heritage.  Her classic accommodations include cozy private staterooms, a spacious galley and a warm wood-paneled Salon.  She has also been restored to her original purpose, learning about the oceanic world. Only this time it is adventurous travelers like you, not research scientists, who benefit from her mission.

With the heartbeat rhythm of her original slow turning diesel engine chugging quietly in the background, the pace of a Catalyst cruise is relaxed and unhurried, but the original excitement of exploration and discovery remains on board.  Catalyst’s welcoming and nurturing spirit continues to bless and inspire those who find sanctuary aboard her as a lifetime of memories are created. 

Cabin 1
Location/Size: Upper deck, 10'6" x 6'2"
Bunks: Double Bunk, 49" x 6'2", Single Bunk above, 32" x 6'2"
Accommodations: Chest of drawers, bookshelf, private door to deck, opening porthole.

Cabin 2
Location/Size: Lower deck, forward starboard side, 6'10" x 7'0"
Bunks: Double Bunk, 50" x 6'7"
Accommodations: 4 drawers under bed, hanging closet, storage closet, bookshelf, two non-opening portholes.

Cabin 3
Location/Size: Lower deck, forward port side, 6'10" x 6'6"
Double Bunk: 50" x 6'6"
Accommodations: 2 drawers, storage locker, two non-opening portholes.
(This cabin is being converted to a double for the upcoming season.

Cabin 4 - Single
Location/Size: Lower deck, aft starboard side, 6'0" x 7'0", less 4' x 2'6" companionway
Bunks: Single bunk, 43" x 7'0"
Accommodations: Storage under gear hammock, one non-opening porthole.

Cabin 5 - Family sleeps up to 6 people.
Location/Size: Lower deck, Aft cabin, 13'0" x 13'0"
Bunks: Two single bunks, 36" x 6'5", Two wide bunks, 48" x 6'9".
Accommodations: Two bench seats with storage underneath, six opening portholes, four non-opening portholes.

Cabin 6
Location/Size: Behind pilot house.
Bunk: Double Bunk: 50" x 78"
Accommodations: Private entry from outside of pilot house,private head and shower, drawers and storage space, bookshelf, opening porthole and windows.