In late August, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp. delivered a new Chesapeake-class pilot boat — Capt. Bob Moore — to the Associated Federal Pilots, Venice, La.
With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the new all-aluminum 52.6'x16.8' launch is powered by twin Volvo Penta D-16, EPA Tier 3 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 its automatic trim optimization, was installed at the transom.
The marine engines turn 5-bladed Bruntons nibral propellers via ZF 500-1-A gear boxes. The launch is equipped with a 9kW Northern Lights genset.
With a 3.10' draft, the new 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.
Volvo Penta dual-lever slim-line combined function electronic controls are positioned at the right side of the helm in the wheelhouse and at the aft-deck control station. In addition, a Kobelt steering system is installed at the helm in the wheelhouse and at the aft deck control station. Each station is fitted with an electronic helm unit and SS destroyer-type wheel.
The forecastle includes a split upholstered settee/bunk, porta-potty, 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.
The electronics suite includes two Furuno TZ14 MFD 14" multifunction display radar; DRS12AX UHD digital radar, XN12A/4 4' open array radar scanner; two 4800 VHF radios; two GP330B GPS/WAAS sensor; FA-170 AIS system; DFF1 Navnet depth sounder; LH5000 loud hailer; and a Richie 4.5" compass.
The boat carries a two-person crew and 690 gals. of fuel.
