Gladding-Hearn delivers first pilot boat in new class

Written by Marine Log Staff
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Twin Volvo Penta diesels five the new pilot boat class a 30 knot top speed

The Association of Maryland Pilots has taken delivery of a new class of pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, in Somerset, Mass.

Called the Baltimore Class after the pilots’ base of operations at the Port of Baltimore, it features the Ray Hunt Design deep V hull and has a length overall of 48.5 feet, beam of 15.6 feet, and draft of 4 feet.

VOLVO PENTA POWERED

The all-aluminum boat is powered by twin Volvo Penta D13, EPA Tier 3-compliant diesel engines, each delivering 600 hp at 1,900 rpm and giving the vessel a top speed of 30 knots. The engines turn 5-bladed Bruntons NiBrAl propellers via ZF400-A gear boxes. The launch is equipped with a 6 kW Northern Lights genset.

A Humphree interceptor trim-tab control system, with automatic trim optimization, is installed at the transom.

The wheelhouse, flush-mounted to the deck amidship, features a center-line helm station, five Norsap shock-mitigating reclining seats, a bag rack, refrigerator and a 16,000 Btu reverse-cycle HVAC unit. A second 12,000 Btu HVAC unit is installed in the unfinished forecastle, which includes a Porta-Potty, tool box and storage for safety gear.

Outside of the wheelhouse are heated, wide side decks and hand rails, side and rear doors, and boarding platforms on the roof. A Harken safety rail has been installed on the sides and around the front of the wheelhouse.

A control station is at the transom, along with a powered rescue system, for pilot rescue operations.

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