The Houston Pilots have taken delivery of their second high-speed launch, Juan Seguin, built by Breaux’s Bay Craft, Loreauville, La.
The vessel arrived in Galveston, Texas, on February 26 following its maiden voyage with Capt. Steve Nelson Jr. at the helm. The delivery completes the twin-boat series that earned the boatbuilder top honors at the 2025 International WorkBoat Show, where sistership San Jacinto and Juan Seguin were named Boat of the Year.
The 80'×21' launches are powered by three MAN D2862 LE438 EPA Tier 4 engines, each rated at 1,200 hp. The engines are paired with Twin Disc MGX 5204 SC gears and HamiltonJet HTX47 waterjets.
Capt. Billy Kern, third executive officer for the Houston Pilots, previously told WorkBoat the group selected MAN engines to maintain continuity with its station boats and streamline maintenance. Operating three engines at lower load has resulted in improved speed and reduced fuel burn compared to the group’s older vessels.
With an inverted deep-V hull designed by ECS Marine, San Jacinto has demonstrated a 32.5-knot cruise speed at 1,950 rpm and a top speed of 37.5 knots. The contract required 30 knots at approximately 80% load. Fuel burn is approximately 43 gph per engine, with a total fuel capacity of 2,200 gals.
The boats are among the first EPA Tier 4 pilot launches in the U.S. and the first to use a triple-MAN configuration in this class.
The launches were designed around pilot safety and operational efficiency. Forward and overhead boarding stations provide stable transfer platforms, and a SeaLift rescue system is mounted at the stern.
To improve comfort while idling offshore, the vessels are fitted with a Seakeeper 40 gyro stabilizer. “A lot of times, the boat’s moving slow or waiting for a pilot,” Kern said earlier. “That Seakeeper just keeps the boat so stable.”
The HamiltonJet AVX control system incorporates a docking-mode interface that allows operators to maneuver using a mouse-style controller. A NorSap 1700 captain’s chair with integrated joystick controls enables the helmsman to manage steering and bucket control without leaving the seat. Nine NorSap 1600 reclining seats are installed in the cabin, with berths for four.
The main engines are equipped with water-cooled exhaust systems and Soundown-built SCR units mounted overhead. Three 145-gal. stainless steel DEF tanks support emissions control. Fire suppression includes a fixed CO₂ system with dual 100-lb. bottles, automatic engine shutdown, and vent closures.
Ship’s power is supplied by two Northern Lights M944T3FG 38-kW generators. HVAC consists of dual four-ton Dometic variable-speed chillers with titanium coils and five air-handling units. Electronics installed by Rio Marine include Delta19 displays, Furuno radar and AIS, dual SAILOR VHFs, FLIR thermal/visible cameras, and a satellite compass.
In announcing the delivery, Breaux’s Bay Craft described the project as “Born on the Bayou Teche in Loreauville, Louisiana — the second of the Cajun Twins.” The builder thanked the Houston Pilots and the boat committee for entrusting the yard with the fleet expansion.
