Gladding-Hearn delivers launch to Seaway Pilots

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From Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding:

(SOMERSET, Mass.) — Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding has delivered a Chesapeake-class pilot boat to the Seaway Pilots Inc. in Cape Vincent, N.Y. The Seaway pilots navigate ships in and out of the ports and harbors of the St. Lawrence Seaway between St. Regis, N.Y., and Port Weller on Lake Ontario.
     
With a length overall of 53.6 feet, a beam of 17.8 feet and a draft of 4.8 feet, the all-aluminum Seaway Pilot V features the Ray Hunt Design's deep-V hull. It is powered by twin Volvo Penta D16, EPA Tier 3-compliant diesel engines, each delivering 641 hp at 1,800 rpm and a top speed of 23 knots. A Humphree interceptor trim-tab control system, with automatic trim optimization, is installed at the transom. Diesel capacity is 800 gallons, which shipyard officials said will provide a range of at least 300 miles at an economical speed of about 20 knots.
    
The engines turn five-blade nibral propellers via ZF500-1-A gear boxes. The launch is  equipped with a 12-kW Northern Lights EPA Tier 3-compliant genset.
     
The wheelhouse, flush-mounted to the deck amidships, features a center-line helm station, heated forward, side and roof windows, five Llebroc seats and a settee. It is heated by a 32,000-BTU reverse-cycle air-conditioning system. The decks, handrails and cabin are heated by a 100,000-BTU diesel fire hydronic heating system, augmented by main engine waste heat.

Outside of the wheelhouse are wide side decks, side and rear doors, and boarding platforms on the roof. At the transom are throttle and steering controls, and a winch-operated fixed davit over a recessed platform for rescue operations.

By Professional Mariner Staff