THE LEGEND OF THE BEAST
Michael Duffy, aka “Mad Dog”
Creator of The BEAST
Michael Duffy, better known as Mad Dog, is the Senior Port Captain at Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and the driving force behind The BEAST Speedboat.
For over two decades, he has helped shape one of New York City's most exhilarating attractions.
“I wanted something loud, fast, and unforgettable.”
— Mad Dog
THE IDEA THAT STARTED IT ALL
Back in 1995, Mad Dog rode a dolphin-watch speedboat at the Jersey Shore. The experience was exhilarating, and he immediately knew something like it could work in New York City.
Two years later, Circle Line's President Paul Picardi asked him about Ocean Rocket speedboats.
Mad Dog pitched an idea:
A high-speed NYC thrill ride with rock music, sharp turns, and roller coaster-style maneuvers.
The BEAST was born.
Building The BEAST
At first, Mad Dog spent the summer traveling to Tuckahoe, NY to study the construction of the boat and understand every detail.
Once the vessel was built, operations began: crafting music mixes, maintaining the boat, and preparing the ride for high-speed thrills.
During the off-season, Mad Dog worked in the shipyard ensuring The BEAST was always ready for another summer of adrenaline.
The Evolution of The BEAST
1998: The First BEAST
The original BEAST launched in spring 1998 from the South Street Seaport. Painted bright yellow with orange tiger stripes, teeth, and an eyeball inspired by WWII fighter jets, it quickly became an NYC icon.
1999: The Second BEAST
A second BEAST debuted in red the following year. It operated from the Seaport while the original yellow BEAST moved to 42nd Street.
2007: A New Chapter
The original yellow BEAST was retired. The red BEAST continued operating at 42nd Street and later received a half-red, half-yellow paint job that created the illusion of two different boats.
2011: The Third BEAST
The current BEAST launched in 2011 with its bold green design. Built from aluminum with jet drives and twin 16-cylinder MTU diesel engines, it became faster and more powerful than ever.
Iconic Moments
The BEAST is more than just a boat ride. It has become an iconic part of New York City's skyline. With unforgettable thrills and its signature green colors, the BEAST continues to create lasting memories for visitors from around the world.
Keep an eye out for new events and surprises as we continue pushing the limits of adventure on the Hudson River.
BEAST Christening (2011)
On June 7, 2011, the BEAST was officially christened at Pier 83 in New York City. Actress Kelly Rutherford and Elvis Duran from The Morning Show attended the launch. The event marked the beginning of what would become one of the Hudson River’s most exciting thrill rides.
Jimmy Fallon & Queer Eye’s Fab Five Ride The BEAST (2019)
In 2019, Jimmy Fallon and the Fab Five from Queer Eye took a ride on NYC’s jet-powered speedboat, The BEAST. The high-speed adventure featured screaming laughs and sharp turns. Jimmy even instructed the captain to add donuts and extra twists.
Brat Boat (2024)
On August 2, 2024, The BEAST transformed into the “Brat Boat” to celebrate Charli XCX’s birthday. Guests enjoyed a thrilling 30-minute cruise past iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty while blasting hits from Charli’s album Brat. The event fully embraced the unapologetically bratty energy.
Water Skiing off The BEAST