(SOMERSET, Mass.) — Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp., has redelivered Boston Harbor’s Outward Bound ferry after a major mid-life refit. Purpose-designed by JW Gilbert Associates and built by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 1995, the 64-foot, 140-passenger steel vessel carries visitors and supplies seasonally to Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School, which offers experiential outdoor programs for youth and adults on the island in Boston Harbor.
Along with installing a new shaft and propeller, the yard replaced the original 315-hp Detroit Diesel 8V92 engine and modified the engine bed to accommodate a new 429-hp, EPA Tier 3, Mitsubishi S6B3-MPTAW-3 diesel engine, which delivers a top speed of 11 knots. The new engine is connected to a Twin Disc MG-5114 3:1 gearbox. The shipyard replaced the vessel’s exhaust, cooling and ventilation systems to accommodate the new engine. The original Wagner steering system was replaced with a new Dometic Seastar Optimus system.
Six electric heaters replaced the original diesel-fired boiler and heaters to produce sufficient heat for seasonal operation. Many updates were made to the electrical and piping systems, including new LED lighting, bilge piping and domestic systems. The engine room was equipped with a new FireBoy GA Series fire suppression system.
The vessel’s hull was fully sandblasted, surveyed, and underwent extensive replating. Doors, windows and hatches were inspected, tested, and repaired as needed. The vessel’s exterior and interior received a new coating system.
– Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding
