(SOMERSET, Mass.) — The Galveston-Texas City Pilots have ordered a fourth launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, with delivery scheduled for late 2022.
With a length overall of 73.2 feet, a beam of 23.3 feet and a draft of 5.9 feet, the all-aluminum, high-speed pilot boat features the Ray Hunt Design deep-V hull. It will be powered by three Volvo Penta D13 EPA Tier 3 marine diesel engines, each delivering 800 hp at 2,300 rpm, and integral to the engines’ triple IPS pod 1050 system. Top speed will be over 30 knots. The vessel will burn 25 percent less fuel than the pilots’ existing 70-foot boats at the same speed. Humphree interceptors with active ride control, coordinated turn and automatic trim optimization will be installed at the transom. A Seakeeper 30HD stabilizing gyro will be installed to reduce up to 80 percent of the vessel’s roll at all speeds.
The wheelhouse, mounted to the flush deck aft of amidships, features a center-line helm station with heated forward, side and roof windows, six Norsap shock-mitigating seats, and a settee with table. Two Phasor 21-kW generators will produce electricity.
The forecastle will include a stateroom with two berths, a head, hanging locker, and a small galley. HVAC will be supplied by six self-contained, reverse-cycle air-conditioning units, four 16,000-BTU units in the wheelhouse and two 8,000-BTU units. Interior sound levels at full power will be under 75 decibels.
Outside the wheelhouse are wide side decks and a flush main deck. On the foredeck aft of the wave break are port and starboard boarding platforms. A Harken safety rail system will be installed on the wheelhouse handrails. A control station is at the transom, along with a winch-operated J-basket rescue system and recessed stairs and platform.
— Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding
