Texas Pilots Order Vessel from Gladding-Hearn

Sabine  Pilots in Port Arthur, Texas has ordered a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The pilots’ first launch, built by the Mass.-based shipyard, is scheduled for delivery in late 2015.

With a deep-V hull designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the all-aluminum Chesapeake class pilot boat measures 53.6 feet overall, with a 17.8-foot beam and a 4.8-foot draft. The launch will be powered by twin Caterpillar C-18s diesels, each rated at 715 Bhp at 2100 rpm. Loaded top speed will reach 28 knots. The engines will turn 5-blade NiBrAl propellers via Twin Disc MGX-5135A Quick Shift gear boxes. A Humphree Interceptor trim tab system, with automatic trim control, will be installed at the transom. The vessel will be equipped with a 12kW Alaska Diesel genset.

The boat will include wide side decks, side and rear doors, and boarding platforms on the roof and bow. At the transom are throttle and steering controls and a winch-operated, hinged rescue basket, level with the rescue access.

The wheelhouse will be cooled by two 16,000 Btu air conditioners. A third, 12,000 Btu unit will be installed in the forecastle. Interior accommodations include eight Llebroc seats, head, small galley, and two settee berths forward.