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Harlem Rocket
Welcome To

Harlem Rocket

The Harlem Rocket, New York City’s newest, most dynamic attraction on the Hudson River, is located in the World-Renowned Harlem community. Enjoy our 90-passenger sightseeing boat departing from the award-winning West Harlem Piers at West 125th Street, with up to eight tours per day, six days a week. Our professional crew and tour guides are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, safety and hospitality.

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About us

Explore the Boat

The Harlem Rocket is a US-built 90-passenger with some of the most advanced systems in the harbor, including advanced radar, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality cameras and communication equipment, which with our highly trained crew utilizes to provide the highest levels of safety possible. The Harlem Rocket will have all required US Coast Guard certifications.

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The Harlem Rocket

SPECIFICATIONS:
LENGTH: 57 ft.
BEAM: 16 ft.
DRAFT: 6 ft.
WEIGHTS: 36 GRT/26 NRT
BUILDER: Yank Marine
YEAR BUILT: 1993
CLASSIFICATION: Passenger – USCG Sub-Chapter ‘T’
Max. # Pax: 90
Max. # Crew: 3
MAIN ENGINES: 2 x TURBOCHARGED DETROIT DIESEL 8V-92-TA – 685 HP each @ 1800 RPM
GEAR BOXES: 2 x TWIN DISC
SERVICE SPEED: 25 Knots
FUEL CAPACITY: 600 Gallons
FRESH WATER CAPACITY: 30 Gallons
BLACK WATER CAPACITY: 30 Gallons

DESCRIPTION:
Originally built by Yank Marine, in Tuckahoe, New Jersey, and extensively modernized in 2024 by Derecktor Shipyards of Mamaroneck, New York, the Harlem Rocket is the most advanced sightseeing boat in New York harbor, equipped with advanced navigational equipment including cutting-edge radar, high-resolution augmented-reality cameras and multifunction displays from US marine electronics giant Raymarine, providing all the tools for maximizing safety and ease of operations. It is also equipped with energy-saving LED lighting and an amazing audio system with surround-sound speakers. The boat utilizes an outstanding 60-foot hull (tried & tested by the United States Coast Guard), with a sharply pointed bow and a square transom with dive platform. It has twin US-built Detroit Diesel engines, powering twin propeller shafts and twin bronze propellers, and has twin rudders providing control and maneuverability.

The HARLEM ROCKET is the first family-friendly attraction to launch at the award-winning West Harlem Piers. Launched by Paradise Express Ferry, New York’s first minority-owned and certified maritime operations firm, it is the spark for new opportunities for youth enrichment, workforce development, tourism and an activated working waterfront on the Hudson River. Join us as we launch this new experiential brand, focusing on the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Upper Manhattan communities, which will serve as the model for scaling the operation to other key waterfront cities in the United States with similarly dynamic and growing demographics

EQUIPMENT:
MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAYS: 1-Raymarine 16” Axiom Pro 16-S and 1 Raymarine 12”Axio Pro 12 RVX
RADAR: Raymarine Cyclone 48” Open Array 55-watt radar
FLIR: FLIR M300C Stabilized pan/tilt/zoom marine camera with low-light capability
SONAR: Raymarine RV200 RealVIsion 3D Sonar Transducer
GPS/AR: Raymarine AR200 Augmented Reality Sensor w/GPS
AIS: Raymarine AIS700 Transceiver
VHF: Raymarine Ray73 VHF Radio w/Loud Hailer
Wi-Fi: Raymarine YachtSense Link Mobile Route

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In the News

History Launched in Our Harbor at Derecktor Shipyard

History Launched in Our Harbor at Derecktor Shipyard

Derecktor Shipyard in Mamaroneck launched the Hazel N. Dukes on May 6, 2025, marking Harlem’s reconnection with its waterfront. This vessel, part of the Harlem Rocket initiative, aims to educate …

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FAQ

We are here to help you

  • Can I take my kids on the boat?

    Children must be at least 8 years of age and 40″ (102cm) in height to ride the Harlem Rocket. Children must be able to sit in their own seats without assistance.

  • Will I get wet?

    There are times when wind, speed and direction will affect water and sea spray which may enter the boat, and may also depend on where you sit.

  • What happens if it rains?

    The Harlem Rocket only operates in good weather. We will not operate tours in rainy conditions. Please check weather forecasts beforehand. Guests that are affected by inclement weather will be given the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

  • Can I bring food on the boat?

    We’re sorry! No outside food or beverages are permitted on the boat.

  • Is smoking permitted on the boat?

    There is no smoking, vaping or electronic cigarettes permitted on the boat.

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