The following is text of a news release from Vigor:
(SEATTLE) — The Port of Los Angeles recently awarded Vigor the contract to build two 56-foot pilot boats. This smaller Camarc design currently used throughout Europe, Australia and South America delivers the same performance as larger boats in the U.S. mid-sized market.
The boat features a twin chine heavy weather hull form for excellent seakeeping. The design accommodates multiple heavy fender systems, facilitating safer pilot transfers in challenging weather. An articulated rescue davit provides man-overboard recovery. The overall design also maximizes the available horsepower and performance from a Tier 3 (non-catalyst) level engine.
“Vigor is excited to be able to offer these pilot boats to the dedicated professionals of the L.A. port pilots,” said Art Parker, Vigor sales manager. “Camarc has optimized this design to incorporate the significant seakeeping and safety of the larger pilot boats. The American mid-sized market has needed a world-class pilot boat at an acceptable acquisition and maintenance cost. This is without a doubt a proven breakthrough design.”
Vigor expects to complete construction of the boats by late summer of 2020.
Principal characteristics
All-aluminum construction
Accommodates two crew/eight pilots
Designer: Camarc Design
Maximum speed: 27 knots
Cruise speed: 24 knots
Length, overall: 55 feet 4 inches
Beam, overall: 16 feet 5 inches
Fender system: heavy weather integrated Popsafe fender
Design displacement: 61,000 pounds
Fuel oil capacity: 660 gallons
Freshwater capacity: 66 gallons
Engines: twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT
Engine rating: 803 hp @ 2,100 rpm
Emission compliance: EPA Tier 3, meets current CARB commercial harbor craft emission requirements (non-catalyst)
Transmission: ZF 665A-1
Propellers: five-blade fixed pitched nibral
Genset: Northern Lights M844DW3, 16 kW, 120/240 VAC, 60 Hz
Furuno navigation/electronics system
