Gladding-Hearn Delivers New Pilot Boat to Bermuda

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, has delivered a Chesapeake Class pilot boat to the Bermuda Government, Department of Marine and Port Services. It follows delivery of a 61’ pilot/rescue vessel to the port services in 2011.

The new all-aluminum launch is certified to Lloyd’s Register class and replaces a 10-knot steel pilot boat built by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard in 1980. With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the new boat measures 52.11’ overall, with a 15.10’ beam and a 4.8’ draft. Powered by twin Caterpillar C-18 diesel engines, each producing 670 Bhp at 2100 rpm, its top speed is 24 knots.

The engines turn a pair of 5-blade Bruntons NiBrAl propellers via ZF-500-1A gear boxes. The launch is equipped with a 9 kW Northern Lights genset.

With oversized fendering, thicker hull plating and conservatively-rated machinery, the new launch was intentionally overbuilt to be heavier than the typical target displacement to improve seakeeping, longevity and reduce maintenance, explained Peter Duclos, the shipyard’s co-president. The mechanical systems, with keel cooling and dry exhaust for the main engines and generator, copper nickel piping for fire, and HVAC seawater piping, also contribute to the vessel’s longevity and low maintenance, he added.

The vessel’s wheelhouse is set aft of amidship on a flush deck. With forward-leaning front windows, the wheelhouse, with a center helm, is outfitted with four Norsap shock-mitigating reclining seats, a baggage rack, settee and cabinetry. The forecastle includes an enclosed head and a split settee/berth with storage below for safety gear. The vessel’s interior is cooled by two 16,000 Btu reverse-cycle Webasto air conditioning units.

Outside, a ladder on the back of the wheelhouse provides access to the roof. A Harken TR-31 safety rail track system has been installed on the wheelhouse handrail. A boarding ladder and a set of recessed steps at the transom assist in pilot rescue operations.