American Boat And Yacht Council News

Naval Architects can predict many things with great certainty. But the sea is an unpredictable task master and there are still a number of areas where it is difficult to get a technical handle on the problem.High speed planing boat stability is one of those areas.Planing hull design is incredibly complicated and dynamic behavior is actually more difficult to predict than the dynamic behavior of airplanes. (Let me say it again: Aerospace engineering (I am one) is sandlot compared to Naval Architecture).Meanwhile thousands…

Jensen Maritime Consultants, a Crowley company, said one of its workboat designs will be used by a Pacific Northwest boat builder to fulfill a construction project for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). In support of the project, Jensen will supply a functional and regulatory design package for the 41-foot vessel, which will provide ship- and sub-assist services, as well as other port operational services at U.S. Navy port locations around the world. Jensen’s Bryan Nichols…

When the 172-year old tall ship Charles W. Morgan sets out on its historic 38th voyage on June 14, it will benefit from safety enhancements that were unheard of at the time of its construction – including a pair of Xantrex Freedom SW 24V - 3000W/75A inverter/chargers that deliver a full 6,000 watts of continuous electrical power. Built in 1841, the Charles W. Morgan is the last of an American whaling fleet that once numbered more than 2,700 vessels. Over an 80-year whaling career, it embarked on 37 voyages, most lasting three years or more. Retired in 1921, the ship was used as a set for two Hollywood films (Down to the Sea in Ships, starring a young Clara Bow, and Java Head, with Ralph Richardson and Anna Mae Wong).

The U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety Wednesday announced the release of the Propeller Guard Test Procedure report, intended for use by developers of propeller guard devices and independent third party testing entities to test propeller guard products in a consistent and repeatable manner. "The report provides the means to evaluate the boat performance characteristics and the level of protection of personnel in the water resulting from the installation of a propeller guard on a particular sterndrive or outboard-powered recreational boat," said Phil Cappel, chief, Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch.

Tomorrow, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) kicks off a third summer season of alternative biofuel testing in an effort to further advance marine engine technology and find an alternative to fuel containing more than 10% ethanol as a result of its damaging effects on marine engines. The tests are funded by the Department of Energy which released a 2011 report on engines using E15 revealing performance issues like stalling, corrosion leading to oil or fuel leaks, increased emissions and damaged valves, rubber fuel lines and gaskets. These results reinforced the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for boat engines.

Foreign Demand For U.S. Military And Commercial Vessels Is Brisk; For Now. In the heavy shadow of possible sequestration-induced federal budget cuts, some U.S. companies are busy supplying vessels to overseas customers under the Navy’s Foreign Military Sales program and through private contracts to foreign government and firms. Demand for offshore oil vessels is strong. A big chunk of overseas business now is under the U.S. FMS, transferring defense equipment, services and training to other nations. Countries approved for the FMS pay for vessels themselves and/or with U.S. government help.

Grady-White Boats President, Kris Carroll, has received an antique sextant commemorating the inaugural Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Center for Coastal Conservation in recognition of her commitment to the preservation of America's fishery resources. The Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year award was established by the Center to honor extraordinary commitment to conservation by manufacturers. An icon in marine manufacturing , Smith served on the boards of National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)…

BRP begins a program to test butanol-extended fuel in a variety of recreational marine engines for Argonne National Laboratory, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. Butanol-extended fuel will be tested as an alternative to gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a waiver allowing up to 15 percent ethanol in gasoline. According to industry test data published last October, E15 can cause significant damage to marine engines.

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) introduced a stanrdized methodology clarifying and outlining the appropriate standards for installing marine electronics equipment, the NMEA Installation Standards. The Standards have been designed primarily for after-market installation that traditionally occurs at either boat dealers or marine electronics specialty shops. Over the last 20 years, the marine electronics market has exploded with new safety devices and other equipment. However, different from than some years ago, many retail outlets lack the expertise and manpower to install such equipment properly, which is why the NMEA developed these installation standards. The primary focus for these standards is electronics for boats ranging in size from 25 to 150 ft.

Ribcraft has received National Marine Manufactures Association (NMMA) Certification for its professional grade line of recreational boats. While all boats in the United States must meet applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations, boats built by manufacturers participating in the NMMA Certified program must also meet the more comprehensive standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). Furthermore, to become NMMA Certified, a boat must pass rigorous third-party inspection to ensure they meet and adhere to all applicable standards, as well as maintain an ongoing, formal Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) program. The NMMA Certification program covers more than 30 categories of standards…

Derecktor Shipyards delivered a 30-ft. fire boat to the Branford, Connecticut Fire Department. Based upon the asymmetrical catamaran designed Bridgeport Police vessel, Nigel-Gee & Associates and Derecktor have teamed up once again to provide a neighboring town with a high-quality civil-service craft. The fire boat is equipped with a 1500 gallon per minute at 150 pounds per square inch gasoline-powered fire pump provided by Darley and the salt water is supplied either directly from the bottom intake or a 20’ suction line. In case human evacuation is needed, the medically equipped pilot house is capable of transporting two persons via stretcher and has appropriate overhead hangers for IV bottles.

Setting the scene for the premiere of the new 2003 line of Meridian Yachts, a clear, blue sky served as the backdrop at New York City's Chelsea Piers, as these new innovative, and technologically sound vessels were introduced, by Meridian's president and master of ceremonies, William J. Barrington. The vessels, which join the ranks of their elite sister companies (all governed by the Brunswick Boat Group), of Sea Ray, Hatteras, Maxum and Sealine, range in size from 34 to 58 ft. (10.3 to 17.6 m) and include the latest technological and design innovations - specifically Meridian's own unique Docking on Command (DOC) system, which allows the most novice of boaters to guide their vessel into the tightest of spaces.

Derecktor Shipyards signed a contract with the New York/New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots Association for the construction of two ¾ all aluminum ¾ fast pilot boats. The two vessels will be built according to plans by Camarc Small Craft Designs of Worthing, U.K. in Derecktor's Mamaroneck facility. Delivery is scheduled for fall 2000. The Sandy Hook Pilots serve the port of New York, the busiest commercial port in the US. They operate four boats from a stationary mother ship anchored near Ambrose Lighthouse in open waters and in a rough environment. "The Sandy Hook Pilots wanted a safe, reliable boat with superior ride comfort," said Gavin Higgins, general manager of Derecktor Shipyards.

Derecktor Shipyards signed a contract with the New York/New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots Association for the construction of two all aluminum fast pilot boats. The two vessels will be built on plans by Camarc Small Craft Designs of Worthing, UK in Derecktor's Mamaroneck, N.Y. facility. Delivery is slated for fall 2000. The Sandy Hook Pilots serve the port of New York. They operate four boats from a stationary mother ship anchored near Ambrose Lighthouse in open waters and in a rough environment. The clean and modern look of the new boats is due in part to the new fendering system which ensures great durability together with very high impact resistance. The continuous fender is cleaner than traditional tires and also safer because it avoids dangerous "hanging up".

Derecktor Shipyards signed a contract with the New York/New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots Association for the construction of two all aluminum fast pilot boats. The two vessels will be built according to plans by Camarc Small Craft Designs of Worthing, U.K. in Derecktor's Mamaroneck, N.Y. facility. Delivery is scheduled for fall 2000. The Sandy Hook Pilots serve the port of New York, the busiest commercial port in the U.S. They operate four boats from a stationary mother ship anchored near Ambrose Lighthouse in open waters and in a rough environment. "The Sandy Hook Pilots wanted a safe, reliable boat with superior ride comfort," said Gavin Higgins, general manager of Derecktor Shipyards.