The following is text of a news release from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding:
(SOMERSET, Mass.) — Delta Launch Services, the operating company for the Associated Branch pilots on the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi, has taken delivery of a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp. This is the sixth St. John’s-class launch built for the Delta pilots by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard.
The new launch, Sea Pilot, a sister ship to Assistant delivered in 2018, measures of 52.6 feet overall, with a beam of 16.11 feet and a draft of 4.8 feet. The all-aluminum pilot boat features the Ray Hunt Design’s deep-V hull. It is powered by twin Caterpillar C-18 EPA Tier 3 diesel engines, each delivering 671 hp at 2,100 rpm, with a top speed of over 24 knots. Twin Disc MG5136A gears turn five-blade Bruntons bronze propellers. The launch is equipped with a 12-kW Northern Lights genset.
The wheelhouse, with a small trunk, is flush-mounted to the deck amidships. Aft of its helm station are six Llebroc pilot seats. The forecastle is equipped with enclosed marine head, settee and three berths. The wheelhouse and forecastle are heated and cooled by three reverse-cycle air-conditioning units, totaling 40,000 BTUs.
Outside of the wheelhouse are wide side decks, a rear and side doors, and hinged boarding platforms on the roof. At the transom is a winch-operated, rotating davit over a recessed platform for rescue operations.
The new launch is Coast Guard Subchapter T certified to carry 12 passengers for hire.
