Speedboat Codzilla

It’s big, red and loud. Yellow eyes and rows of sharp teeth shine above the water line.

The 70-foot speedboat Codzilla is storming around Boston Harbor and beyond in a summer-long thrill ride.

Speakers blast mostly-1980s pop music as up to 135 passengers scream and hold tight as the $1.5-million boat cuts 360-degree turns in the salt spray. 

Brawny Codzilla is operated by Boston Harbor Cruises, which also runs whale-watch boats, a high-speed ferry to Provincetown on Cape Cod and white-topped Boston sightseeing boats.

The boats dock at Long Wharf, next to the Marriott Long Wharf hotel and the New England Aquarium, a block from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Tickets are sold from a pier booth, by phone and at a web site. It’s wise to get on line at least 30 minutes before departure for a preferred seat.

With twin turbo-diesel engines, a 2,000-gallon fuel tank and 2,800 horsepower, Codzilla doesn’t play with extra-high speeds in the no-wake harbor. But in the open, beyond Fish Pier, it opens up to 40 knots and above.

Some complain at only five or so complete turns, but that’s plenty enough for others. Many kids, especially those who like roller coasters, love the speed and the turns during the 40-minute ride. But small children could be scared and miserable.

Kids must be at least 40 inches tall to ride Codzilla. Taking a baby on a loud, wet speedboat seems dumb anyway, but be aware that children three and under must have a boarding pass. It’s free but must be ordered by phone or in person.

Some people heard about Codzilla on TV’s American Idol. Before singing “Yesterday,” contestant Mike Davis told the judges he was working on Codzilla. He assists passengers and entertains them.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Davis said. “The boat does 360 spins and goes about 50 miles per hours in the water. It’s pretty awesome; pretty cool.”

Crew members – as actors – tell cornball stories to the crowd about a giant, mutant codfish, called Codzilla. The story and cheesy comedy is fun for kids and many adults. And you can always ignore the act and concentrate on the ride.

Breezes and sightseeing are best from the bow, the least-wet area. But all passengers can be splashed . The stern (the rear) is wettest and the boat supplies raingear and sells $2 waterproof bags. Codzilla is wheelchair-accessible, but on-board restrooms are not.

- by Dan Sheridan, Boston Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)