Larger Crewboat from Breaux’s Bay Craft

In keeping with the trend to larger crew/supply boat, Breaux’s Bay Craft of Loreauville, La., a have developed a new 175 x 31-ft. design. The first vessel being built to the new design will be for Joel Brousard’s J&B Operations of Lockport LA. Previously that yards largest boat was 162 x 30. The new larger design will increase capacities from 17,000 gallons of fuel to nearly 25,000 gallons and rig water will increase from 40,000 to almost 50,000. Propulsion on the new crew boat will be four V-16 KTA50 M2 engines rated for 1800 hp at 1900 rpm with a heavy-duty rating. The engines will turn 50x54-inch four-blade props on 5-inch through Twin Disc MG6848 gears with 2.93:1 reduction. Design speeds for the vessel are approximately 29 knots light ship and 27 knots with 110 tons of cargo. Delivery of the new vessel, to be named M/V Ms. Caroline, is scheduled for the early spring of 2007.