Article

Gladding-Hearn Delivers New Launch to Virginia Pilots


by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 15 June 2020 183 -

The Virginia Pilot Association has taken delivery of a Chesapeake Class MK II launch from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, its ninth pilot boat built by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard since 1983.

Since the Chesapeake Class pilot boat was introduced by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 2003, 22 boats have been delivered to 11 pilot associations throughout the United States.

The Virginia pilots’ MK II launch incorporates the performance benefits of Volvo Penta’s IPS 3-pod system and Humphree interceptors. “The combination of the Volvo Penta IPS system and the Humphree interceptors produces lower sound levels and improved comfort and higher speed, while burning about 25 percent less fuel,” explained Peter Duclos, the shipyard’s president.

With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the new all-aluminum launch measures 55.10’ overall, with a 17.2’ beam and a 4.11’ draft. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D13-700, EPA Tier 3 certified diesel engines, each producing 700 Bhp at 2250 rpm, the vessel’s top speed is over 33 knots. The interior sound level is 68 dBA at 28 knots.

Each engine is connected to an IPS-3 propulsion pod, fitted with dual forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers and integrated exhaust system, and Volvo Penta’s integrated EVC electronic steering and control system. A Humphree interceptor trim control system, with its Automatic Trim Optimization, Automatic List Control, and Coordinated Turn Control functions are installed at the transom.

The vessel’s wheelhouse is well aft of amidships on a flush deck to improve comfort and provide for a larger foredeck. The aft deck has a large engine removal hatch made possible by the compact Volvo Penta IPS system. The wheelhouse is outfitted with five NorSap shock-mitigating reclining seats, a 12kW Alaska Diesel generator for electricity and a 16,000 Btu reverse-cycle HVAC unit. A second 16,000 Btu HVAC unit is installed in the forecastle, along with a settee berth, enclosed head, small galley and lockers.

Outside of the wheelhouse are heated side-decks and handrails to prevent ice accumulation. Ladders on the sides of the wheelhouse lead to hinged boarding platforms on the roof. A control station is located at the transom, along with a winch-operated rotating davit system over a recessed platform for pilot rescue operations.

For more information, contact Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, 168 Walker St., Somerset, MA 02725.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Article Gladding-Hearn Delivers High-Speed Launch to St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots

published on 21 August 2020

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation delivered a Chesapeake class pilot boat to the Seaway Pilots Inc. in Cape Vincent, NY. The Seaway pilots navigate ships in and out of the ports and harbors of the St. Lawrence Seaway between St. Regis, NY and Port Weller on Lake Ontario.

0

Article Improve comfort, safety and maneuvering with Humphree.

published on 24 September 2020

By using Humphree's trim and stabilization system, you will reduce resistance, fuel consumption and environmental impact. It also means that the best possible performance and stability is achieved.

Humphree USA reports that it has won numerous orders this year for its automatic stabilization technology in the North American pilot boat segment, with nine new boats either delivered or under construction for eight different pilot associations.

0

Video New pilot boat for Southwest Alaska Pilots Association

published on 8 April 2020

Southwest Alaska Pilots Association’s new Gladding and Hearn built, C Raymond Hunt designed pilot boat disembarks Capt. Ron Ward at Bligh Reef Pilot Station in Prince William Sound, Alaska March 2020

0

Video Watching the Columbia River Bar Pilots in Astoria, OR

published on 21 February 2022

Watching Bar Pilots navigate the Columbia River in Astoria, OR and learning some history about the old pilot boat “Peacock”. Beautiful sunny day on the river with Sea lions, Gulls, ducks and more. Learn why it’s absolutely necessary for the bar pilots to help the ships get through one of the most treacherous parts of the Columbia.

0

Video Old Dutch Pilot Boat, NorthSea Trials, Old Marine Engine 750HP@300RPM

published on 29 August 2020

WWW.LOODSBOOT.EU Newly revised Smit-MAN marine diesel aboard the Dutch Pilot Boat "Castor" taken to sea for trials. De oude loodsboot Castor van Rotterdam naar Delfzijl om daar het EemsDollard havenfestival 2008 bij te wonen. De eerste keer dat de onlangs gereviseerde hoofdmotor draaide! WWW.LOODSBOOT.EU

0

Video Montrose Port Authority Pilot Boat Arrival

published on 29 December 2022

Montrose Port Authority's new pilot boat was welcomed by water cannons as it arrived at its new home at the port of Montrose on Thursday 22nd December, making its journey from Ireland where the boat was constructed.
Read more about the pilot boat arrival on the Montrose Port Authority website: https://montroseport.co.uk/2022/12/23/pilot-boat-new/

0

Video HURON SPIRIT / PILOT BOAT - Downbound Photo Op - Port Huron, Michigan 7-10-2025

published on 16 July 2025

HURON SPIRIT / PILOT BOAT - Downbound Passenger & Guests Photo Op Touch and Go Along Side Dirk S. Van En Kevort / Michigan Trader On The St. Clair River At Port Huron, Michigan.
HURON SPIRIT / PILOT BOAT - Downbound Demonstrating A Touch And Go Along Side The Dirk S. Van Enkevort / Michigan Trader For A Photo Op With Special Guest Onboard on the St. Clair River At Port Huron South of the Blue Water Bridges.

0

Opinion AIMPA has published "Providing Peek into Marine Pilots' World" - Issue II

published on 21 September 2020

The PDF of the second issue is available for download here

0

Article A review of the ship’s pivot point: Science, Maths and Observation’ Where is the centre of a ship’s rotation?

by Tim Cummins, Harbour Pilot, Portsmouth International Port - published on 17 July 2020

This my attempt to do just that. This is a summary of all scientific papers and articles that I could find about the ship’s pivot point. I have added links to any videos associated with the publications and have also included any useful diagrams or equations that the authors published to help explain their research.

0