Gear problem halts Aquasino

LYNN – The Aquasino gambling boat?s owners are seeking out East Coast drydock firms to repair the boat?s broken gear shaft so that the Marine Boulevard-based vessel can resume its schedule, which is temporarily suspended.Marketing Manager Jason Walsh said owners hope to have the 225-foot Aquasino drydocked as early as Wednesday for a repair, he said, which will take about six hours.Ship engineers detected the shaft problem last Wednesday and an underwater dive team confirmed it. Walsh said the mechanical problem has cropped up at the end of a successful summer sailing season that saw upwards of 300 people board the ship at Marine Boulevard twice daily and sail into federal waters to gamble.?It?s basically decimating our business,” Walsh said.Owned by harbor entrepreneur James Walsh, the Aquasino has four decks featuring 250 slot machines, roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold ?Em and other gaming tables. Walsh said Aquasino recently introduced onboard sports betting.He said anyone who bought tickets and reserved sailing dates has had their money refunded and received complimentary coupons. Walsh urged people interested in sailing on Aquasino to call 855-200-2933 for updated information on the boat repairs.?We update the phone line by the minute and urge people to call it,” Wash said.A message on the phone line Monday informed callers “while not serious, this malfunction will require a couple of days to repair.” The gambling boat?s website tells readers, “Aquasino has suspended trips for maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.”Walsh said plans call for sailing the gambling boat after repairs into the winter with a “slightly modified schedule.”Aquasino?s current sailing schedule is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices are $13 and an additional $20 for the buffet.Walsh said the repair work idles – for now – 130 ship employees, and suspends food, liquor and other vendor purchases.