The Galveston-Texas City Pilots have ordered a fourth launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. Delivery is scheduled for late 2022.
With a length overall of 73.2’, beam of 23.3’ and draft of 5.9’, the all-aluminum, high-speed pilot boat features the Ray Hunt Design deep-V hull. It will be powered by three Volvo Penta D13, EPA Tier 3 marine diesel engines, each delivering 800 Bhp at 2,300 rpm, and integral to the engines’ triple IPS-Pod 1050 system. Top speed will be over 30 knots. The vessel will burn 25% less fuel than the pilots’ existing 70-foot pilot boats at the same speed, said shipyard officials.
Humphree interceptors, with Active Ride Control, Coordinated Turn and Automatic Trim Optimization, will be installed at the transom.