Sabine Pilots take delivery of new launch

MAY 3, 2016 — The Port Arthur, TX, based Sabine Pilots have taken delivery of their first boat to be built by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, Somerset, MA.

With a deep-V hull designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, the all-aluminum Chesapeake class pilot boat measures 53.6 feet overall, with a 17.8-foot beam and a 4.8-foot draft.

Power is provided by twin Caterpillar C-18 diesels, each rated at 715 bhp at 2,100 rpm and turning 5-bladed NiBrAl propellers via Twin Disc MGX-5135A Quick Shift gearboxes to give the boat a loaded top speed of 28 knots. The vessel is equipped with a 12kW Alaska Diesel genset.

A Humphree Interceptor trim tab system, with automatic trim control, is installed at the transom.

The boat includes wide side decks, side and rear doors, and boarding platforms on the roof and bow. At the transom are throttle and steering controls and a winch-operated, hinged rescue basket, level with the rescue access.

The wheelhouse is cooled by two 16,000 Btu air conditioners. A third, 12,000 Btu, unit is in the forecastle.
Interior accommodations include eight Llebroc seats, head, small galley, and two settee berths forward.