The Association of Maryland Pilots recently took delivery of a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding.
The Ray Hunt-designed newbuild is the fourth in a series to be delivered to the same customer. It has a length of 52.6 feet (16 metres), a beam of 16.8 feet (5.12 metres), and two Volvo Penta D16 engines, each with an output of 641 hp (477 kW) at 1,800 rpm.
The EPA Tier III-certified engines drive a pair of Brunton nibral propellers via ZF 500-1-A gearboxes to deliver a maximum speed of over 26 knots.
The transom has been fitted with a secondary control station, a hydraulically-powered rescue system from J-Basket and a Humphree interceptor with automatic trim optimisation function. The onboard electronics as well as the lights, which are all LED, draw power from a Northern Lights 16hp (12kW) generator set.
The wheelhouse features heated windows, NorSap shock-mitigating seats, and a baggage rack. Accommodations in the forecastle include a toilet, a settee that converts into a bunk, a rack for immersion suits, and lockers for assorted gear.
The boat's HVAC system includes two 16,000btu AC units and two heaters. The side decks and handrails are also heated for added safety during winter operations.
Pilot transfers to ships is done via two boarding platforms mounted on the roof of the wheelhouse. Access to these platforms is via an aft ladder.
