(SOMERSET, Mass.) — Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding has received an order for a rigid-bottom, soft-sided pilot boat from the Lake Pilots Association of Port Huron, Mich. The Resilient-class high-speed launch will be the pilot group’s third boat from the shipyard since 1979.
Designed by Ray Hunt Design, the jet-driven, all-aluminum launch measures 42.5 feet overall. It has a 14-foot beam, including the hybrid foam/air collar, and a shoal 2.5-foot draft. The deep-V hull features a steep 24-degree dead-rise at the transom that increases to a very fine entry forward.
A flat chine and multiple spray rails provide an efficient running surface and deflect spray away from the collar to produce a drier rise and reduce collar maintenance. The perimeter of the launch will be fitted with large foam-collar fendering system. A heavy-duty pipe guard will be installed across the transom, along with a grating platform above the launch’s waterjets.
The boat is powered by twin Cummins QSL-9 diesel engines that are fully accessible through large lift-assisted deck hatches. The engines, each rated at 450 hp at 2,100 rpm, turn a pair of HamiltonJet HJ-322 waterjets through Twin Disc gearboxes. Fuel capacity is 300 gallons. A Zipwake interceptor trim-control system will be installed on the transom. Top speed will reach over 32 knots.
An aluminum pilothouse on a flush deck, with forward-leaning front windows, will be set aft of amidships with 18-inch walk-around side decks. Access to the pilothouse will be through the aft hinged door. The pilothouse will have five Llebroc Stalker XT seats – four pilot seats and one helm seat – and a control console with instruments.
Four 12-volt Hella Turbo fans will be installed in the pilothouse to provide air circulation. A portable toilet will be installed in the forecastle. The launch will be outfitted entirely with LED lighting.
– Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding
