Gladding-Hearn delivers launch to Louisiana’s Associated Federal Pilots

Gh Louisiana Federal Pilots Pb Cc Bow Shot 9 2021

(SOMERSET, Mass.) — Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp., has delivered Capt. Bob Moore, a new Chesapeake-class pilot boat, to the Associated Federal Pilots in Venice, La.

With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the new all-aluminum launch measures 52.6 feet overall, with a 16.8-foot beam and a 3.1-foot draft. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D16, EPA Tier 3-certified diesel engines, each producing 641 hp at 1,800 rpm, the vessel’s top speed is 26 knots. A Humphree interceptor trim control system, with automatic trim optimization, was installed at the transom.

Gh Louisiana Federal Pilots Pb Cc Bow Shot 9 2021
Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding photo

The engines turn five-blade Bruntons nibral propellers via ZF500-1-A gearboxes. The launch is equipped with a 9-kW Northern Lights genset.

The vessel’s wheelhouse, with a small trunk, is installed amidships on a flush deck. With forward-leaning front windows and the helm station on center, the wheelhouse is outfitted with six Llebroc pilot seats, a bench seat behind them and built-in cabinetry. The forecastle includes a split upholstered settee/bunk, portable toilet, shelving and storage space for safety gear. The interior is cooled by two 16,000-BTU reverse-cycle HVAC units.

Outside of the wheelhouse are wide side decks and two raised boarding platforms on the bow. Ladders on the sides of the wheelhouse lead to hinged boarding platforms on the roof. A control station is located near the stepped transom, along with a winch-operated rotating davit system over a recessed platform for pilot rescue operations.

– Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding

By Professional Mariner Staff