The new research vessel, delivered to Old Dominion University's Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, is expected to commence a growing trend in research boat design -- toward smaller, faster and more versatile vessels — equipped to study a variety of sea characteristics. Designed by Roger Long Marine Architecture of Portland, Maine, the all-aluminum vessel has a modified V-hull that measures only 55 ft. with a 17-ft. beam. Its five ft. draft allows the vessel to work in shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay and along the Virginia coastline, up to 100 miles. The vessel's design firm and Gladding Hearn teamed to construct a similar size vessel for the University of New Hampshire in 1992…