VESSEL REVIEW | Triumph VII – Oregon inland waterway operator expands pilotage fleet

Anchorage Launch Services, an Oregon-based operator providing launch, line, pilotage, and cargo services to vessels on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, has taken delivery of a welded-aluminium pilot boat from Metal Shark Boats of Jeanerette, Louisiana.

The 47- by 12-foot (14.3- by 3.65-metre) Triumph VII combines a proven hull form with a modern, crew-friendly, and mission-optimised arrangement. While large enough to safely operate offshore in heavy seas, the boat was designed to be equally capable inshore, with nimble handling and a comfortable ride. Thanks to its wide beam, pronounced reverse chines, and ample heft, the vessel is highly stable while underway, at rest, and during pilot transfer manoeuvres.

Built in a bespoke crewboat/pilot boat configuration, Triumph VII features flat, non-skid decks that run from bow to stern to facilitate quick and secure crew and passenger movement around the vessel. A rugged fendering system absorbs impacts, a bow push knee adds utility, and an integrated swim platform with dive ladder and removable aft-deck davit aid in dive and rescue operations. Safety rails and grab handles are carefully placed throughout the craft, and a rooftop boarding platform has been configured to suit the client's requirements.

To meet the client's performance requirements, Metal Shark equipped the boat with twin 705hp (525kW) Cummins QSM11 diesel inboard engines mated to Hamilton HJ-364 waterjets via Twin Disc gears. This combination delivers a cruising speed of around 30 knots and a top speed approaching 40 knots. A 500-gallon (1,892-litre) fuel capacity allows for a cruise speed range in excess of 300 nautical miles. Electrical power for the onboard systems is supplied by a 9kW Kohler diesel generator.

Large quick-acting hatches provide easy access to the bilges and storage spaces. Pilots exit the cabin through the centreline aft door and walk around the cabin, the all-flush deck, to the foredeck, always with easy access to the recessed handrails. Oversized port and starboard side walkways provide easy access forward and aft.

The pilothouse provides excellent visibility. The use of a reverse-raked, "pillarless" windscreen significantly reduces blind spots compared to conventional pilothouse designs that generally feature smaller framed windows. A panoramic skylight array provides an unobstructed upwards view for the coxswain while operating alongside ships during crew or supply transfers.

The helm arrangement meanwhile places the coxswain in an elevated shock-mitigating helm seat, front and centre, with all instruments and controls within easy reach. A full electronics suite includes multiple Furuno multifunction displays with integrated GPS, radar, depth sounder, a Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging system, and ICOM VHF radios.

The spacious climate-controlled cabin has been appointed with high-backed seating for eight, accommodating a two-person crew plus six passengers. The below deck crew accommodations include an enclosed head compartment with freshwater sink, a mess, and a galley with a compact refrigerator and a microwave. Acoustic insulation and flooring are installed throughout the vessel to reduce noise and vibration. A stabilising system from Humphree is also fitted.

Click here for more news, features, and vessel reviews as part of this month's focus on marine pilotage operations.