Kvichak to Build Pilot Boat, Fire Vessels
Camarc, Ltd. and Kvichak Marine Industries have teamed up once again to design and build an all-aluminum 72-ft. pilot boat. The new boat, scheduled for a Summer 2002 delivery, is for the Sabine Pilots Association of Groves, Texas and will operate year-round in the waters of Sabine Pass. Power is provided by twin Detroit Diesel 16V2000 engines rated for 1,285 bhp each at 2,100 rpm, and Hamilton HM651 waterjets were chosen as the propulsors. This combination is designed to allow excellent maneuverability, a top speed of 28 knots, and a cruising speed of 26 knots. The patented "Popsafe" fendering system will be used to protect the vessel hull while boat and pilot transfers are made.
The Big One: L.A. Fireboat 2
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has accepted its new fireboat, L.A. Fireboat 2, which is the largest in the U.S. according to its length of 105 ft. (32 m) and a fire-fighting capacity of more than 10,300 cu. m. /hr. Built to replace the 75-year-old Ralph J. Scott, it was designed by Robert Allan Ltd. And constructed in 18 months by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. The basic principle of this ship was developed by Voith Schiffstechnik, Germany and it is based on the Voith Water Tractor. During fire fighting the pumps are running with 70 percent of the main engine power and the remaining 30% are sufficient for the vessel to maintain an exact position. The vessel has a unique hull form developed by Robert Allan Ltd.
Kvichak Delivers L.A. Fireboat
The Port of Los Angeles recently welcomed the arrival of Fireboat #1, the first of three 39 ft. boats constructed by Kvichak Marine Industries and designed by Jensen Maritime Consultants. Stationed at Terminal Island, California, Fireboat #1 is the first vessel to kick-off the replacement program of the Port's aging fireboat fleet. Later this year, the deliveries of Fireboat #3 & Fireboat #5 will complete the phase-out of the two remaining 35-year old boats. With a 39 ft. 3 in. overall length and a beam of 13 ft. 6in., the all-aluminum fireboat powered by twin Caterpillar 3126B engines driving 24" propellers through Twin Disc MG-5075A gears, reaches a top-end speed of ~29 knots while fully loaded.
